The Afro-American Courier

Afro-American Courier MOTTO:—"LET DOWN YOUR BUCKET WHERE YOU ARE" YAZOO CITY, MISS., OCTOBER 1, 1927. President continues until he is re-elected at the proper time in the proper way. His employment is entirely distinct from his duties as President, and may be terminated at any time. With Reference to Payment of Organizer. Yazoo City, Miss., Aug. 16, 1927.—T. J. Huddleston, City. Dear Sir: You advise me that you, as Custodian of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters, have with the consent and approval of the Executive Board paid to Albert Banks, your President, around thirteen hundred and forty-four dollars during the past thirteen months for services rendered by him in organizing new lodges and increasing membership in your order. You further advise me that for some months the services of Albert Banks have not been remunerative, and that a continuation of this practice is detrimental to the financial interests of your Order. As stated above, the organization has no authority to pay the President any salary as such. What has been paid to him was for services not required of him as President, and such pay may be discontinued at any time. So far as receiving pay, he occupies the same position as any other organizer. He cannot charge or receive any compensation merely because he happens to be President. With best wishes for your continued success, I am, Yours very truly, T. H. CAMPBELL, Attorney. You ask me if there will be any legal liability upon the Order should you discontinue paying said Banks. BIG RALLY FOR FINANCIAL SECRETARIES. In answering your inquiry we must look to the constitution and by-laws of your order. When this is done you will not find any provision therein that authorizes the payment of any sum to the President of your organization. The position is Honorary. $250.00 In Gold Will Be Given Away. Each Financial Secretary can win a prize. Any Financial Secretary who writes 10 members, ages ranging from 40 years down, carrying $500 policies in time to pay November assessment, will receive $2.50 in gold. Must send 50c with each application. Members so written must pay November assesment. The Financial Secretary who leads all others in the race by the first of December will receive $10.00 in gold. All who expect to take part in this contest must send their names and addresses to this office right away. The salary that has been paid to Albert Banks was not because he happened to be President, but because he was acting in the capacity of an employee, whose services are paid for just as any other employee. You have the same right to discontinue paying him as you have any other employee, and if in the opinion of you and your executive committee you feel that the services rendered by Banks are not commensurate with the amount you are paying him, in my opinion you are not only authorized but it is your duty to the Order you represent to cease paying him and employ some other organizer who can get proper results. His employment his nothing to do with his office as President. He is elected President of the Order as a whole through its membership. His term of office as This test is to determine my best Financial Secretaries who love the order, and are willing to help build it up. Remeber that if you do not send in your name, you are not in the race. This image contains a blank space with no visible text or content. VOL. 2. LEGAL OPINION NO. 5. AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER Over Forty New Lodges in 60 Days----100 by Christmas. The Afro-American Sons & Daughters are making a desperate effort to reach their goal in the State of Mississippi before entering other States. The growth of the order has no parallel in history-over 40 new lodges in 60 days. Our quota for November will add 40 more to the number, then we will reach our goal of 100 new lodges by the 25th of December. Let everybody get busy and we will put it over in time for Santa Claus to make our gifts. Below is a list of the lodges that have been organized since Grand Lodge meeting: Pelehatchie 32, Pelehatchie. E. W. Barnes, organizer; Erie Perkin, F. S. Forest Lodge, Forest. E. W. Barnes, organizer; Viola Ware, F. S. Mt. Calvary, Jackson, Miss. T. J. Huddleston, organizer; B. C. Whitfield, F. S. Busy Bee, Tutwiler. Organizer, C. B. Clarke. Greenville No. 5. M. B. Benson, organizer. Blooming Rose. C. B. Clark, organizer; Josey Winfield, F. S. St. Elmo Lodge, Minter City. T. J. Huddleston, organizer; Ed Pitman, F. S. Beulah Land. T. J. Huddleston, organizer; Julia Hunter, F. S. Pilgrim Rest, Itta Bena. T. J. Huddleston, organizer. Clay Lodge. T. J. Huddleston, organizer; Fannie Hunley, F. S. St. Andrews, Tippo. T. J. Huddleston, organizer for F. S. Wilson. Evoka. T. J. Huddleston organizer for Brother Grear. Mt. Herman, Tchula. T. J. Huddleston, organizer; Green Ross, F. S. St. Peter, Pickens. Elijah Sutherland, organizer. Silver City, No.2. T. J. Huddleston, organizer for F. S. Wilson. Sister Minnie B. Wright, who has been on the sick list for some time, has practically recovered, and will soon be on the field again. When she is out, business for the Afro's takes place. Minor Lodge, Thornton. T. J. Huddleston, organizer; Ed Minor, F. S. Mt. Hull Lodge, Rolling Fork. T. J. Hud- PAGE TWO NO PARALLEL IN HISTORY. OCTOBER 1, 1927. AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER phia. These lodges should make this occasion a big one. The space will not allow account of all the visits the Custodian made in the month of October, but you may be sure that I am giving my full time, and have written up more than 400 members during this month. Mrs. Celia B. Clarke, 104 4th Street, Clarksdale, Miss., is the Juvenile Mother of the State. Lodges should invite her and co-operate with her in building up a Juvenile number, and be sure to take an offering for her to help defray her expenses. Brother A. J. Owens, at Bentonia, has almost doubled his membership in the last 30 days. Sister H. S. Sellers, of Clarksdale, Miss., gave the Custodian a grand reception while he was there visiting her lodge. Over 30 new members were added. Sister Leonia Roberts, of Bentonia, is all smiles, because the Custodian made her lodge a visit and doubled her number. Sister Roberts came by the office yesterday and left a nice report. Mr. John Knew, deputy of Inverness, Miss., is demonstrating willingness to work, and his ability and worth to the organization. He has organized two big numbers, and wrote several applications for other members. Go to it, John. The Afro's are saying, hurrah for you! Sister Maggie Helm's lodge was much pleased to receive a visit from the Custodian, accompanied by a part of the office force. The occasion was a funeral of Sister Rosa Davis; 32 members were added. Rev. Jackson Grear, of Yazoo City, never gets tired working for the Afro's. He makes the days like them come. Mound Bayou gladly received the Custodian on the 2nd Sunday in October on their regular service day. This beautiful brick church is pastored by Rev. W. E. Bradford, who gave the Custodian a warm introduction. 41 chartered members were written, and evidence fair for 100 more. Rev. F. S. Wilson, of Yazoo City, is some organizer. Having put in several lodges already, says he will put in four new ones for November. The news of the Afro's have been heard in Sallis, Miss. A new organization of course. Rolling Fork is rebuilt again. Sister Blanche Reed, and Rev. Phillips, the beloved pastor, and Geo. Reed were instrumental in the re-organization. The law provides that we will build our Hospital in 1928. It will take all of the available service collected as a Hospital Tax, and then we will need more money. All lodges are hereby notified that there will be no operations paid for by the Afro-American Sons & Daughters from Nov. 15th until June 15th, 1928. You will govern yourself accordingly. Prof. Chas. Wilson is receiving a wonderful reception by the lodges of hte State, and the applications sent in for by him for new members proves that he is worthy of all honors shown him by the lodges. CUSTODIAN. Prof. Jno. A. Jackson, the new Grand Lecturer, made several addresses to new lodges set up by the Custodian. His talks are always logical and convincing. The Executive Committee of the Yazoo Chamber of Commerce, at a special meeting this week, unanimously passed resolutions endorsing the Hospital, and pledging support in providing the site, and in assisting the movement in every possible way. The Custodian will visit Clarksdale again in November, also Meridian, DeKalb, Philadel- ```markdown ``` --- OCTOBER 1. 1927 THE CUSTODIAN'S VISITS. PAGE THREE NOTICE—OUR HOSPITAL. CUSTODIAN. ENDORSE HOSPITAL. x AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER ee — Published Monthly by, and Official @ zan of AFRO-AMERICAN SONS AND DAUGHTERS Subscription Price, 25 Cents Per Year, Rat i a A monthly magazine devoted to the promotion of educa- tion and to the general uplift of humanity. We welcome communications from any of our readers. P. O. Box 392. L. D. Phone 168. Revi Ble TPwite oie c. i685 5 oeoes ce uGitor Rev. J. A. Marshall ........... Associate Editor T. J. Huddleston.......Custodian and Manager Entered at the Postoffice in Yazoo City, Miss., as second-class matter under the Act of Congress. YAZOO CITY, MISS., OCTOBER 1, 1927. As the newly-elected Editor of our paper, I wish to say to the members of our Order that it shall be my aim to render a whole-hearted ser- vice to the Order as I may be competent. The policy of the paper is, first, to keep the Lodges informed as to the progréss of the Order along numerical and financial lines; second, to awaken race consciousness, along the line of mutual co- operation; third, to put ourselves on record be- fore the civilized world, as a worth-while people. We shall see to it that the columns of this paper shall not be devoted to the spread of political propaganda in our interest nor against our in- terest. In other words, we shall see to it that its doctrine must “ring true,’ to the objects for which our Order stands, and for which it was launched. \ After two years and a half of unprecedent- ed success and growth in Fraternalism in the State, by the Afro-American Sons and Daugh- ters, the unbeliever. as well as the skeptic as to Ps aig hes eae ( iss >. } ' >) | Set ROG b ania 4 the omy Ani ee aA athe a Ss st Aa a canted AS ba ae MI a ae “ i es OME he ¥ # ti PAGE FOUR AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER. EDITORIAL OUR PLAFORM. DIGGING IN. years and a half of | growth in Frater Afro-American Sons OCTOBER 1, 1927. racial faith and co-operation, must confess that a new faith in Fraternal Societies is born in the State among our once discouraged people. No sooner than this fact is clearly established, the new faith must be reduced to well-established and well-defined civilized principles. These prin- ciples also should be so clarified, that it will be- come easy for team-work, like all other good and beneficent systems. For instance, christianity, which has employed the well-known plan in all ages of: Evangelism, enlistment and training for its propagation. Hence, this plan is a good plan to be used in the growth of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters. EVANGELISM. Evangelism cannot be made successful, un- less you can employ real Evangelists. By this it is meant that they are not chosen out of any sense or favoritism, but because they possess the qualifications necessary for this pioneer work. For, like heavy artillery in modern warfare, they must shell the woods, terrorize the enemy, demolish forts, and break down every “conceiv- able opposition, for the aggressive workers who must soon follow. Therefore, it can be seen that an Evangelist must possess an indominable will, a fiery spirit, yet loving soul and a personality beynod the average worker. Thousands hang on to the words which fall. from his lips; he sways his audiences and moves them to action, and peo- ple call him a prophet of hope. Fortunate for the beloved Order, we have the Evangelists, the Orators, the Organizers. Their voices are heard almost: around the State, telling of the good news of a new-born Afro- American Sons and Daughters. To the delight of every race-loving Negro in the State, they are. reaping a wonderful harvest in adding new mem- bers to our already swollen list since the Grand Lodge at Lexington, Miss. But the purpose of this article is not to lay too much stress at this time upon this movement of the Order called Evangelism, but upon that movement called training. The thousands of Afro-Americans must be trained or taught. First, we must be taught that our Order does not exist wholly for financial gain for the policy- holders. For if that were true, the founder of the Order would not have employed its bewitche wR il ee ee ee AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER PRAISE FROM HIGH SOURCE. ing name, which seems to conjure all of us into thinking of that fealty which exists among brothers and sisters of the same family. Hence, we cannot overlook the loving cords of Fraternalism as they run through the whole system of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters. Again, note the triple declaration to which the Order is dedicated, and when we fully understand its doctrine, we must agree that this is one great and grand effort to awaken every member of the Negro family to consciousness of social, moral and financial uplift. Rev. L. G. Jordan, D. D., who for more than twenty-five (25) years was Corresponding Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board of The National Baptist Convention, Corporated, with office at Philadelphia, attended the General Baptist Convention at Jackson, Miss., Sept. 20-25, 1927. While there, he took membership with The Afro-American Sons and Daughters. Dr. Jordan has been around the civilized earth as well as Africa, and is known throughout the country as a globe trotter. He says that the founder of this organization is a man of vision, and knows the power of a social dollar for Negro people. THIS CAN BE DONE ONLY IN THE LODGE ROOM. Too much functioning of the Order on the outside will finally destroy at least one-half of the very purpose for which it was organized; and hence, be nothing more nor less than just one more Insurance Company added to our credit. This is not the end set out to be reached by the founder, but as we have just said, we are aiming at race co-operation, race brotherhood, and race consciousness, as well. While attending the funeral of Dr. A. D. Snodgrass, Alcorn College, the Editor met several students sent there or helped by The Afro-American Sons and Daughters, who feel very grateful to the Order and Custodian for helping them on the road of progress. The Order will ever live in the hearts of these grateful young people. The great harvest of Evangelism has given us more than 16,000 members. The question confronts us, what shall we do with them? Shall we just collect from them, or shall we make them safe for the Order by teaching them the social, and moral beauty of the Order? To my way of thinking, this indeed is a vital question, and should be answered by every Lodge in the jurisdiction. If this is properly done, we are preparing to hold what we have. Over yonder in France on Flanders battlefield, the method of digging in was a very vital one, and the science of it all was to hold what you get. Hence, let us hold what we get by digging in, or teaching them. The General Baptist State Convention, presided over by the sainted Dr. P. E. Frisby, broke all records in its session in Jackson. First, because of the disastrous flood, which covered the most fertile fields of the Convention, more than three months; second, because of a change in time of meeting. Taking these reasonable handicaps into consideration, it must be conceded that comparing previous years with this, the Convention broke all records. The Custodian was very much pleased with the financial showing of the Convention, which read fourteen thousand six hundred seventy-three dollars and twenty-nine cents ($14,673.29). This is mentioned because the Custodian finances the General Baptist State Convention through our grand old Order. Let us note that although the financial feature of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Pythias, and many other societies in the State, has long since passed away; but these great and noble societies must forever live from a fraternal point of view, because of the years of teaching and training employed by them, or "digging in." Miss Carrie Huddleston, daughter of Prof. T. J. Huddleston, has been elected on the faculty of Natchez College, Natchez, Miss. We hope for her a pleasant year's work in a strange field. --- OCTOBER 1. 1927 DIGGING IN, OR TRAINING. PAGE FIVE HOW THE ORDER HELPS. BROKE ALL RECORDS. AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER make special study of this kind of work. I need only to mention one of these known as the InterRacial Commission. For we must know each other better that our labors may contribute to the general welfare of our country. Let every Afro-American Son and Daughter so regard the fact that he or she constitutes a unit of force, and that by his conduct and a loyal citizen of the country, he or she may reflect the best that is in them to be known. For you must be known. Remember, dear members, that we serve our God best as we know Him best. Hence, we are able to serve our country and each other best. The Editor stands for a better racial understanding and comity. The following members have died since the last meeting of the Grand Lodge: Jim Drain, L. T. Miller Lodge. Julia Moore, Berry Lodge, Greenwood. E. C. Roberson, Arcola Lodge. P. H. Wright, Greenville Lodge. Rosa Schaffer, Antioch, Benton, Miss. Rosa Davis, Pleasant Grove, Benton, Miss. All lodges in their first meeting in November must elect a Juvenile Mother, who shall proceed at once to write at least 12 children that shall constitute her fmaily. The Mother elected must be a Christian and fond of children. All financial secretaries shall co-operate with the Juvenile Mother in building up her number. The Juveniles shall meet a month at the home of the Juvenile Mother and proceed to elect their officers and carry out their meeting according to the Juvenile rituals. Applications for the Juvenile Mother must be sent in to the office at once. It is the duty of the Juvenile Mother to collect from her family and send same to the Custodian with her report. The fall should leave us at least three thousand (3,000) stronger in membership, since cotton is king. --- The month is slipping away, as usual; when one gets behind in his plans, it seems to slip away at a greater speed. The orators, led by our Custodian, set out to make one thousand (1,000) members for this month. How does the checking show? We have heard from the Custodian's checking, which shows one hundred (100) members per week. Good! King Cotton is back on the throne. As he blesses us as such, let us see to it that we are worthy of his charity. Be careful! Go slow! THE DAY OF ACQUAINTANCESHIP. Never before in the history of this old world has its people been awakened more than now to get acquainted with each other, institutions, and races. In other words, this is the day of investigation, and it must be had, no matter what the cost may be, the time and sacrifice it may require. In the interest and advancement of science, for instance, the scientist places upon his laboratory table the simple Irish potato, and plods along in his investigation until it opens to him its vast storehouse of many different kinds of food good for mankind. In recent years, old civilizations have been made to talk to us in unmistakable language as to their customs and methods, yea religions—for we must know. By our rigid test of investigation, the rocks, mountains, deserts, and plains, have ceased to be silent. Everything is living, everything possesses a degree of intelligence to at least give an answer. "What dost thou hear?" So vital is this subject, that the American people are trying to know more of each other. Whenever a stranger comes to town, every thoughtful citizen wants to know him. They must know him, for it does not seem good that a human being shall take up his abode among us with all of his human powers—and they are many—and everybody ignorant of him, or as to how he will employ his human powers. Not only is this true in the case of individuals, but with races. In many of the leading cities of our country, in order to promote a better understanding, especially among white people and colored, there are organizations that PAGE SIX A GOOD SHOWING. Niney Roberson, Durant. Perry Vales, Yazoo No. 6. OCTOBER 1. 1927 DECEASED MEMBERS. Lodge. JUVENILE MOTHERS. --- AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER. Mr. Elijah Sutherland, Pickens, Miss., has made possible the largest Fraternal Organization in the State. His lodge officers co-operate with him; not a single complaint is heard. His October report was $384.30. Aside from looking after his big organization; he sends in new lodges now and then. NEW GRAND LECTURER IS APPOINTED. Prof. J. A. Jackson, Assistant Principle of Yazoo City High School, No. 2, has been appointed Grand Lecturer for the Afro-American Sons and Daughters. He is well qualified, having received his B. S. degree from Alcorn A. and M. College. In this issue of the courier is his first itinerary. Lodges should receive him gladly; give him a good hearing and pay $3.00 and expenses to the next place. Our beloved Order is growing so fast that I will be appointing a number of Lecturers to reach all of the lodges. Some of our lodges have never had a visit. OCTOBER 1, 1927. ELIJAH SUTHERLAND Educational Tax that has been received by the following lodges up to Oct. 27, 1927. Belen, Woodyard Co., Shaw No. 1, Inverness Star, Greenville No. 3, Holly Knowe, Minter City, Antioch (Benton), Marshall, Ebenezer, Mt. Ollie, Mr. Zion (Howard), Moorhead, Mt. Pisgah, Day Break, Inverness No. 2, Shady Grove (Inverness), Pleasant Green (Sharon), Coahoma, Pleasant Grove (Benton), Farrell, Love Feast, Enez, Willie Huddleston, Klondike, Camden, New Hope (Blaine), Evergreen (Isola), Andrew Chapel, Freedonia, Greenwood No. 2, Poplar Spring, Prince of Falcon, Mignon, Kosciusko, Flying Eagle, Lampley, Sabino, Union Paradise (Vaughan), Echo, Bobo, St. John (Clarksdale), Chestnut Ridge, Shed (Clarksdale), Three Oaks, Nichol, Keirn, Spring Ridge (Goodman), Travelers' Rest, Richey, Louise No. 1 (paid $2.50), Clipper, Kindling Altar, Durant No. 1, Bentonia, Louise No. 3 (paid $4.35), Tralake, Louise No. 2, Ogden and St. Paul, Pickens No. 93. For Prof. Jno. A. Jackson, G. L. Travelers' Rest, Satartia, Nov. 7. New Bethel, Vaughan, Nov. 8. Mt. Salem, Yazoo City, Nov. 9. Mt. Hart, Lexington, Nov. 10. Mt. Zion, Howard, Nov. 11. Mt. Zion, Vaughan, Nov. 14. Triune, Yazoo City, Nov. 15. Silver City, Silver City, Nov. 16. Lexington No. 1, Lexington, Nov. 17. Lily of the Valley, Yazoo City, Nov. 18. Concord, Anding, Nov. 21. St. James, Yazoo City, Nov. 22. Holly Green, Yazoo City, Nov. 23. Pleasant Gift, Canton, Nov. 25. New Foundation, Craig, Nov. 28. Union Paradise, Vaughan, Nov. 29. True Light, Valley, Nov. 30. There is constant complaint about members not meeting the order; this is a violation to the contract. Your policy and also the constitution say that the members shall maintain and regular membership in the local lodge. PAGE SEVEN EDUCATIONAL TAX. ITINERARY AFRO-AMERICAN COURIER was with us. Paper read by Sister B. A. Tate, subject, "Be An Afro." Remarks by Hon. President, Rev. C. W. Ford. Song by the congregation, "If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again." The Custodian's letter was read by Sister M. A. Towns. Response by our Financial Secretary, Brother H. Roberts, after which an able sermon was preached by our Rev. W. F. Thompson. His text was the 2nd verse of the 38th chapter of Genesis. Officers were installed by Rev. W. F. Thompson, and the 4th degree was given. Refreshments were also served, then we had a few remarks by Brother Newell. I am enjoying the Grand Old Order of the A. A. S. & D. Yours truly, L. J. DRAIN, Darling, Miss. Oct. 25, 1927.—Dear Editor: Please allow me space to speak a word for Lea Chapel Lodge No 119. We are still moving on, and by the help of the good Lord we want to do more for the lodge in the future than we have in the past. I became a member of the Afro's in 1926, and have been in seven months. Have been to the Hospital and had an operation. I have done everything the Afro's say, and I don't want to be anything but an Afro I was treated so nice by Drs. Fulli-love and Miller I did not want to leave. MARY WEBSTER. Hoping the Lord will bless us to go forward and not backward. I am. Oct. 12, 1927.—Dear Editor: Please allow me space in the paper to say that Lodge No. 321 is getting along fine. With God to help, we want to go over the top by holding to the right path. I am, All members having two policies must send the old policies back to this office, and hereafter, all applications for new member policies must be accompanied by the old policy before consideration will be given by this office. --- LETTERS FROM THE FIELD. The most wonderful and honorable Grand Lecturer of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters, being a little pressed for time at the hour that he was present with us, gave us a nice talk. I cannot mention the joy he brought to our hearts while trying to give sight to the blind and an uplifted understanding to the ignorant. Yours truly. L. J. DRAIN, Darling, Miss. Tippo, Miss., Oct. 23, 1927. Please allow me space in your paper to say a word about St. Andrews Lodge. We are only three months old, but our membership 36, and are still growing. We ask all true members of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters to let us have your prayers. Yours for the cause, MARY WEBSTER. Inverness, Miss., Oct. 13, 1927.—Dear Editor: Please allow me space in your paper to speak a few words in regard to Inverness Lodge No. 2. We are still pressing onward and send in a few applications now and then. We are working hard to go over the top; we are reading our paper and find so many good things that were spoken of in the Grand Lodge. Fraternally, MORRIS SAMS, President, CHARITY WILLIAMS, F. S., GERTRUDE MOORE, Recording Secy. Oct. 25, 1927.—Dear Editor: Please allow me space in your paper to say a few words for Boyle Lodge No. 207. We, the Afro-American Sons and Daughters, had a grand celebration, and I feel that we are progressing fine and traveling to the hill of success. We rendered a short program as follows: The house was called to order by our President, Rev. C. W. Ford, with a song, "My Soul, Be On Thy Guard." Scripture lesson read, 23rd Psalms. First on program, a welcome address by Matilda Bradley. Response, by Rev. Jeff visitor from the Shaw Lodge No.143 OCTOBER 1. 1927. Yours, SISTER ERUSHA E. WILSON, President. DORETHA SMITH Phillips, Miss. JESSE ROBERTS, F. S. Yours very truly, CLAY COMMOND, Secy., Cruger, Miss., Route 1, Box 6.