The Denver star., 1916-05-27

from various parts Of the state and
some from other sections OF the coun-
try.
Like many OF the institutions oper-
ated by the race, it had its origin
among the fathers Many OF them.
being themselves deprived OF an educa-
ton. desired to have their sons and
daughters take their places among the
thinkers The growth and influence of
this institution have been marvellous.
It stands among the great institutions
of the country.
The school was started in the lee
ture room OF the Bethel Baptist 1nsti-
tutional church. with Revs. N. w.
Gilbert, ID. D.: J. r. Brown. D. D., and
Miss Sarah A. Blocker as teachers.
When DR.. Gilbert left DIR. Brown was
made president and remained at the
head OF the school for two years. 1t
site was purchased on which to erect q
larger building. In the meantime =
brilliant young man. Professor Nathan
lei W. Collier OF Augusta. Ga. was
called into the work as one Of the pro
fessors. and when DIR. Brown resigned
he was made president. In this posi-
ton he has labored successfully for a
number Of years.
Under the administration Of Profes-
sor Collier fine building for boys has
been erected and the student body In
creased to over 500. This number
would he larger II there was room to
accommodate them. Money has been
raised looking forward to the erection
OF another building. yet the Institution
feels to some extent that 1t will be
necessary to have even more room.
and to that end the officers are plan
ming.
The participants on the program at
the recent exercises were Revs. c.
Brewer, ]. r. Davis. w. D. Vann.
Charles II. Anderson and Miss ]. A,
Junius. The speakers were Charles
Stewart, A. NJ. d. D., OF Chicago. and
the Rev. DR.. 8. b. Rogers, secretary
Of the board Of missions for the white
Baptist convention Of the state. DR..
]. Il. Ford pastor OF the church where
the school was started some years ago.
also took an active part. The flrst ad-
dress was delivered by DR.. Stewart,
who said some helpful things to the
people. In referring to the late Mr..
LeBourveau he said: "God has always
provided friends for us among the
white people of this country, and he
will continue to do so II we will be
friends to ourselves and take advan-
taRe Of every possible opportunity to
help ourselves.
"Our fathers had faith in you young
people They believed that with proper
training they would make good and
would make the world know that they
lived.
This gathering tells Of racial pride,
Of what we are doing for ourselves.
and am glad to see that our friends
come in to look on us. We are going
to continue to make the world sit up
and take notice. Your work tells"
The Rev. DIR. Rogers delivered 4
strong. practical address. He congrat-
ulated the race upon Its progress and
then told OF some of the faults which
stood In the way Of racial progress.
He spoke OF the lack OF racial ideals.
the spirit Of cooperation In order to
rise to higher things in life. You do
not hold up your great men as ideals"
he said. "and this will always stand u
the way Of your progress"
Special mention was made of Mlao
Snrah a. Blocker. who Is the o0lH
teacher that was with the organizatioQ
Of tho sshOol. She has devoted I'D
life to the work and 10 In charge Of ~
girla.