Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1922-09-16
(CharlcS StcwariD .,s

Rev. Elias Camp Morris, d. D.. OF
Helena, Arkansas. the race lost one Of
its strongest advocates, and Il sane
and safe leader. He was the recognlz
ell leader Of the Negro BaptiSts of the
world and was considered authority
on matters pertaining to tire race on
denomination.
Twenty.eight years ago he WIS
elected president Of the National Bap-
ist Convention, one OF the largest re
ligious organizations in the world,
and was elected each year since, AM.
thus rendering 2S consecutive years
at the head OF that great convention,
and perhaps would have been in the
convention at the time Of his death,
had the meeting not been postpone,
OH account of tho strike.
Under HIS leadership tho National
Baptist Publishing Board was organic
ed, and publishing house establish
ed, located in Nashville, Tennessee
This plant was brought into life at
the National Baptist convention held
in st. Louis, Sept ember 1896, by the
election Of a Secretary-+ltpcently II
was noccBsury to make some changes.
I'd DR.. A. Nj. Townsend, is now Secre
Of the Sunday School Publishing
Il and DR.. Morris assisted in Sc
the new location, and lived to
U'Ced the now plant now under
lr' ION to cost $780, 900. 1t was
Sire that this plant be erected
rncN, controlled and directed by
N,ynal Baptist Convention. Al
he has gone the work will be
- II and Completed.
'Nnre have been many improve
mcnts made in the operation Of the
National Baptist Convention and tho
several Boards, he has insisted that
the Secretaries give their entire time
to the work Of the Boards of which
they arc Secretaries.
The establishment OF the National
Baptist Voice, was another accomplish
ment under his administration. The
Voice is the official organ Of the Nat
ional Baptist Convention, and has Il
wide circulation throughout the ooun
try.
The Homo and Foreign Mission
Worl, would perhaps shine out ;as the
greatest missionary achievement un-
der his administration rs president
Of tho National Baptist Convention.
For the past thirty years, the WOnve,
ton has owned a number Of mission
stations in Africa and South America
carrying out the foreign mission polr
cy Of the Convention. For the pas.
twenty years the Home Mission Work
in the South has been carried Oh joint
ly between the Home. Mission Board
of the National Baptist Convention.
and the Home Mission Board Of the
Southern Baptist Convention. DR.. MO-
Tis was largely instrumental in max
ing the joint arrangements with the
Baptists Of the South. He was fore
most in making arrangements with
the Southern Baptists Convention for
means TO establish a National Baptis,
Theological Seminary for Negro
Preachers throughout the world. He
did not live to see the plan consum-
ated, hut work has already begun on
this enterprise and will be carried to
early completion.
DR.. Morris was n recognized leader
in his state. and had the love and con
fidence Of the people OF Arkansas. He
was brave, he was honest, he was true
and never failed to speak out for his
people, and was uncompromising in
manhood rights. On all occasions he
condemned the "Jim Grow" law. ami
declared that it was a step backwards
in civilization. lie believed in tire
future of his people. He won his place
in their hearts by the service he renl
cred.
DR.. Morris was born in Murray
County. Georgia, May 7, 1855 he waH
trained in the public schools Of Ala
bama. and Roger Williams Universi.
ty, but most OF his training was III
the practical school Of experience for
he was indeed a practical man. The
State University, Louisville, Ky. Dr.
W. J. Simmons, President conferred
on him the Degree Of Doctor OF Divin
ity. in 1892. and in 1902, he received
tire Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy,
from the A. and M. College, Normas.
Ala, w. II. Council, president.
In the year 1876 he was ordained
to the Baptist Ministry, and the same
year was called to the passionate Of the
Centennial Baptist church, and waA |
the pastor at the time Of his death. :
having served 43 years without a
break, and may it be said that this
was the only church he pastored dur
ing his entire ministry. !
He was elected president Of the Ar }
kansas Baptist State Convention in
1883 and has been Mt tho head Of tn. :
Baptists OF Arkansas ever since, fill
ing It with honor, distinction and bril-