The Denver star., 1915-01-09


effort to rehabiiitate itself are quite
vital. but not of such import as to hin
der II i'll its work for the future.
Such capable and trustworthy men
as Grand Worthy Treasurer Dr. Viii
liam Smith and Grand Worthy Secre
tary Maurice Rousselie. who have
proved their ability. have the conf
dence of every Afro-American who be
lieves In native ideals" and the other
prominent people composing the pres
ent board of directors will certainly
gain the appreciation of the fraternity
and the friends of some IN every sec
tion OF the country in electiug Rev. S.
S Norris. \. B.. 3. D.. of this city as
the chief executive of the order.
The new grand worthy master was
born in Portsmouth. Va. and is well
known throughout this section of the
OLD Dominion. His mother. Mrs. Lu-
cinda Morris. was Il Sunday school
teacher for nearly fifty years in the
Emanuel y. NJ. T.. church at Ports
mouth. Va. and the Christian environ
ment OF DIR. Norris was such that he
was converted at the age of fourteen
years and became an energetic worker
as Sunday school teacher and presi-
dent of Allen {. E league. He re
ceived his elementary education in the
public schools of Norfolk county. Va:
Providence. Il. l.. and Washington.
He was licensed as II local preacher
in 1890 and joined the Virginia con-
ference of the African Methodist Epis-
copaI church in April. 1901. He was
later transferred to the Atlanta jGa.'
conference in December. 1901. and re
ceived his first appointment as pastor
of West EEd A. NJ. f. church. Atlanta.
He exhibited such tine ability ut the
West End church that he was appoint,
ed to the Thomasville church. in Full
ton county. in 1908. and the following
year he was made superintendent of
the Industrial department of Morris
Brown college. Atlanta. In June 1905.
Rev. Mr.. Morris returned to Virginia
as pastor of Tanners Greek circuit.
Norfolk county.
DR.. Norris is now serving his fourth
year as pastor of the historic Third
Street A. NJ. L. church. this city. He
has remodeled this church ut cost of
$4,000 and during his administration
has added $50 to the membership. He
is recognized in this city as a born
leader and is foremost in any move
ment making for the betterment of
conditions among our people. He has
done remarkable work as president
OF the Civic league here. In fraternal
circles his advice on important mat
tiers is most always sought. He is
member OF the grand lodge of Masons
of Virginia and chaplain of the Second
regiment uniform rank of Knights of
pythias. He was formerly member
of the board of directors of the fra
tcrnity OF which he Is now the head.
Wherever he pastors he encourages
and stimulates literary endeavors
among the people. He Is now secre
tary Of the Social Study club of Rich
mond which is n credit to the Afro
Americans of Richmond interested In
the advancement of the race.
II Is the consensus of opinion among
the bettermcnt IT both races In this
section Of Virginia that he will put the
True sefOrmerS ba ok on the right track.
His knowledge Of conducting large or
g,,nzatiOns was evidenced at the gen.
,.rnl conference OF his church when 1t
met at Kansas City. Mo-. and again ~
one of the trustees Of Kettrsll colisgoli
North Carolina. q