The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1939-09-02
Veteran anne
Died
Last Wednesday
Bishops Of
Church Attend
Funeral Rites

WASHINGTON ANP) Solemn
dignity marked the funeral rites
for John r. Hawkins, financial Sec
rotary of the AME church, who
died here at his residence Wednes-
day morning after a prolonged III
ness. Services were held IN the
Metropolitan AME church Saturday
before a throng which filled the
church building 10 overflow with
hundreds in the street.
A profusion OF floral offerings
covered the entire front OF the
church pulpit. their senders being
from all walks OF life: civil, pro-
fessional, religious and laymen who
knew and honored DR.. Hawkins for
his services to the church and hui
manity.
With Bishop M. II. Davis serving
as master of ceremonies at the fun
eral, those participating In the
impressive funeral services in
cluded Bishops ]. A. Gregg. II. c.
Ransom, 4. j. Howard, III. Y.
Tookes, ID. II. Simms, w. A. Foun-
tain. S. l.. Green and q. G.. Young.
Each had a special part in the ser
vices and paid tribute to DR.. Haw-
kins work and life.
Serving as pail bearers were the
general officers and members or
the financial board OF the church
DR.. Hawkins had served so faith
fully and we'll. They included Rev.
r.. A. Adams, G.. I. 'Stimson. V. NJ.
Townsend. Ia l.. Berry, G. A. Sing
Teton. $. S. Morris, j. +. Wander
horst. j. II. Coasey, ]. O. Haithcox,
william II. Griffin. /. G. Glass. A.
]. Polk, II. c. Walker, A. J. G.
Richardson. j. B. Foxhall. c. w.
Abingdon, G. r. Curry, J. G. Rob-
inson, +. A. Selby, j. II. Wilson,
J. II. Clayborn. l.. II. Hemingway.
r. S. jenkins, and DR.. J. L. Ran
som
Interment was In the Lincoln
cemetery, with the MCGUIRE estab-
lishment handling all arrange
ments for the funeral.
Born OF poor parents in War
renton. n. c., Or. Hawkins was
was the oldest Of IA children. He
received his early education in
warrenton and his high school
training there. He was graduated
later from Hampton Normal and
Industrial Institute: was a student
nj the YMCA College In Boston,
Mass. for four years and was grad
uated from the law school OF How
ard University in 1915.
Was Educator
He taught school In Warrenton,
n. c. from 1878. TO 1880 and was
supervisor OF the graded schools
there for two years. Between 1882
and 1884 he was employed as a
railway mail clerk and from 1887
to 1890 was business manager and
instructor OF Kittrell College In
North Carolina. being elevated to
president OF the college from 1890
TO 1896.
All the while DIT. Hawkins, be-
came commissioner Of education OF
the AME church in 1896 and serv-
ed in this connection until 1912.
when he was made financial secre-
tary.
The testimony OF the Bishops OF
the church concerning the financial
administration OF the connection 8
funds by DR.. Hawkins Is TO the eff
feet that the church enjoyed It's
most successful period Of prosperi-
" during his regime.
Trustee Of Howard
After taking over the work OF
I guiding the AME church In its
financial career. Or. Hawkins re-
tanned his interest in education
He became trustee OF kittrell
College and wilberforce and OF
Howard University. serving the
latter until his death.
A prominent figure In the Re
nubllcan Party. DR.. Hawkins wa.
chairman or the coiored voters
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