The Colorado statesman., 1912-05-11
BY GEORGE FRANCIS KING.


Durham, N C.-Throughout this
and other states the ministers OF the
race are manifesting an appreciable
Interest in the forthcoming ministers
conference to be held July to l3, In
elusive, at the National Religious
Training school in this city. This
movement was born In the fertile
mind OF the Rev. DR.. James e. Shep-
ard, the founder of the most essential
educational and religious undertaking
ever inaugurated for the wholesome
uplift of the race.
The plans OF the conference are so
comprehensive and far-reaching that
not only ministers Of the race are
sanguine over the needed results that
will be gained from such meeting.
but leading white divines in many
sections of the country are giving i'm
petus to the effort by substantial en-
couragement. Dr. w. Y. Chapman.
pastor OF one of the richest Presby-
terian churches in the country, locat-
ed in Newark, N. j., Is an enthusias-
tic advocate of the conference He
says that the sociological problems Of
the race are largely to be solved by
the Afro-American preachers
He has visited this famous institu-
tion several times since 1t opened for
the reception of students and has
carefully studied conditions. Such a
forceful character as DR.. Chapman,
who always contends for giving the
negro every right that is guaranteed
an American citizen. will again this
year give a series of lectures at the
summer school and Chautauqua DR..
Shepard is receiving applications
from ministers In many sections OF
the country and the preachers in the
rural district who need such inspira-
ton and instruction as will be derived
from such a conference.
The progressive citizens of Durham
of both races are preparing to make
this meeting one Of national import
The institution will entertain during
the week of the conference all minis
ters without cost. Such concourse
OF divines, entirely undenominational
deliberating upon questions of vital
import to the race and nation will be
epochal in character, After a careful
investigation it has been found thai
there are 10000 Afro-Americar
preachers in this country and that
only 5000 are rightly prepared for the
noble work they should accomplish
hence the need of such conference is
apparent 1t will be potent factor ir
turning the activities of thousands o.
ola -
Beginning July 3, the summer
school and Chautauqua of this vel
known educational and religion.
Mecca will be crowded with student,
and teachers and visitors. DR.. John
son of Xenia, o., the noted Bible stu
dent and instructor, says that thi!
effort has an influence and helpful
ress analogous to the movements o
the white race. and. although as one
of Its lecturers, he was greatly bene
flied. The musical features are away
above the average. Noted singer,
and reciters are heard daily. Suct
lecturers as Prof Kelly Miller Mr.. d
Webster Davis, with his wholesome
wit and philosophy. and Professor
Douglass.
The program for the summer schoo
and Chautauqua as is now being ar
ranged will be one of the creates
sources of inspiration. educationa
and with splendid social diversions
that have ever been accorded the rae,
in the south. The splendid achieve
ments of the race along commercial
and professional lines in Durham ar,
native ideals" for the visitors. so al
who will attend the minister's confer
ence, summer school and Chautauqui
will be encouraged by such concret
evidence of racial progress