The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-03-14
THE PHILLIPS 86TH BIRTHDAY
ANNIVERSARY.
Keokuk, Ia. March 4. 1910.

ANNIvERSARY.
s.. Keokuk, Ia, March 4, 1919.
Despite the very Indictment weather a
large crowd Of the doctor g friends as
sembled at Pilgrim s Rest Baptist
church, corner of Exchange and 14th
sts., to pay homage to him Tuesday
evening, March 4. Every number on
this splendid program responded. The
musical side was cared for by the Peo-
ple g Institute Band, of which Dr. Phil
lips is an honorary member, and vocal
solos by Mrs. NJ. E. Moore, who pleased
the audience with "Love's Old Sweet
Song,'' and Mrs. Daisy Ware Triplett,
who has graced every occasion on which
she has appeared for years. A short
sketch of the life of the guest of honor
was given by Mrs. Selby johnson, who
told Of his having been a slave, sold on
the auction block twice and three times
in the woods, Civil war veteran, a stu
dent in Canadian and Kansas schools, a
newspaper man for Is years (edited the
Western Optic at Moberly Mo-, having
established U. B. of F. lodges through
out the state of Missouri, organized and
pastored Baptist churches for over 40
years; has given the first lessons in pub
lie speaking to some of the best orators
the race has produced, among whom is
the Hon. Nelson G. Crews of Kansas
City, Mo-; possesses one Of the best Ii
braries of any member Of his race; ehas
lived in Keokuk for 81 years, and finan-
cially speaking, he doesn It care whether
school keeps or not; closing with several
stanzas Of original verse. .a
Rev. G. r. Waters, pastor of Bethel
A. M. E. church, had for his subject,
|'Men of Service Always Honored,
and brought out many points of value in
the lives Of great men even before the
settlement of this country.
Rev. J. Sterling Moore, pastor of Pill
grim Rest Baptist church, not only rem
dered the invocation, but also talked
splendidly on DR.. Phillips as lodge
man. Having known the doctor for 20
years, he was able to give very inter
esting talk on the great work the doctor
had done along the line of organization
among his people. The U. B. of F.s are
among the wealthiest lodges and temples
of the country. Phillips lodges and tenn
pies are many throughout the state OF
Missouri.
F. S. johnson, in behalf Of the Peo-
pie g Institute Band, made splendid
talk on the encouragement the doctor
had given the band from its organiza-
ton up till the present time, and OF the
many contributions unsolicited he had
given them, and present him with a
handsome gold headed cane.
Fred Fields, the manager of the band,
presented a beautiful bronze calendar
holder and paper weight combined in
behalf Of w. w. Fields and wife and
Miss Brent from Quincy, ILL.,
Alonzo Drane was master OF cere-
monies and acted his part well. He hui
morously told how one had "been put
over'' on the doctor and in behalf OF
the citizens Of Keokuk presented him
gold plate of gold coins. Also he was
requested by Mayor Loften to present
a, handsome silver headed umbrella from
the mayor, County Attorney E. w. NC
Manus. Commissioner Hickey and Judge
McNamora.
F. G. Griffey, president of the indie
pendent Lumber Co., was pulled up TO
talk and like the other speakers eulo-
pized the guest of honor for his great
work and sincerity of purpose. A mu-
tual friendship exists between them
The "Two Eds' mayor Lotion ana
Attorney McManus) as he calls them'
made the climax addresses OF the even
ing and all regretted when they sat-
down. Mayor Lotion reviewed the 30
years carefully over which the suoJect
had travelled. Attorney McManus dweit
largely on the personality, the dlV,ne
gifts and the various achievements the
doctor had made. '~ ...., i
The doctor ably responded to all OF
these speakers, thanked them heartiy
for their gifts and frankly admitted for
the first time in his life "one had been
put over'' on him. H..
The dining room below was hllea 10
its utmost and all were served to their
heart IS delight. A week after the ce'e.
bration letters, kilograms, long distance
calls and presents are still beng re-
ceived. aE#
TO CLUB WORKERS.
1,,1;ono1a Iowa.