Cyclopaedia of African Methodism

Preface

O^HE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ^ is a public institution among the colored people of America that wields a greater influence than any other institution under their control. It has grown from time to time until it has made a history that is replete with solid facts. Church societies have been organized, church edifices have been built, educational plans have been formed, and many other edifying projects, under the auspices of this great Ecclesiastical body, among the colored people of America have been brought into existence and sustained for the benefit of all mankind. The organization has steadily grown from 1816 up to the present time 1882, and now extends North, South, East and West, and has a national reputation. But this is not all : advancing still under the supervision of the Almighty, it is fast gaining a cosmopolitan reputation and is being respected in iv

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common with all other great religious bodies. .Its history, therefore, succinct or in extenso, embraces such a number of interesting facts as are of importance to the reading world, and should be given to it. And so this volume, termed ^' The Cyclopedia of African Methodism," is designed to convey its readers to places where meeting houses have been built and to introduce them to clerical and lay members who have worked conspicuously in forwarding the great interests of the connection.

Within the range of this work it will be ascertained that the leading character in the establishment of the organization was the distinguished Richard Allen, who was set apart as the first Bishop. His labors and fidelity are clearly set forth^ and a brief account is given of the twelve other bishops who have succeeded him. This is an interesting part of the work within itself ; for it is the presentation of men who have been recognized as representatives amid all the circumstances of the Church.

In connection with their history, true narratives are given of those who have labored as elders, deacons and licentiates. Something will be learned of those who were and those who are eccentric, of those who have performed their duties with great earnestness, persistency and success, even to the end of their existence ; of those who now " bear the burden in

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the heat of the day," and are struggling for the mastery over the adversary of men's souls. Their intellect, learning and religion, their efficiency as pastors, their power as preachers, and their skillfulness as leaders in the Church of God are considered here according to their merit. The outlines of those who figured in the history of the Church, in its incipiency, and of those who are doing so in the present day_, as African Methodist Episcopal ministers of Christ's Gospel, are given here to be read, understood and appreciated by those who are seeking information.

And then, too, knowledge is given here of individuals, local preachers, class-leaders, stewards, trustees, choir-leaders, Sabbath School superintendents and sextons, which the world cannot gain from any source except the pages of this volume. Here the good and noble deeds of faithful men and women of this Church are disinterred from the sepulchre which, for generations, has kept them concealed from our observation. They are brought forth, the deeds of the dead and those of the living, that they may illustrate the sincerity of those who have finished their course, and of those who are yet toiling on as African Methodists in the vineyard of our LgDrd. Persons, times and places in this peculiar circle of knowledge are all given in connection with their history of African Methodism in the United

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States of x\merica, that it may be seen how great has grown the little scion from the mighty trunk of the present day.

Then reader, scan the pages well, walk with those who live, view the course of those who are no more, look at the monuments built to the glory of God's name and own that no branch of His Church is formed in vain.

J-

Baltimore. Md., June 6th, 1882.