By Rev. T.H. Jones, D.D.
The Lincolnton district Conference for 1922 was held with the Doggett Grove A.M.E. Zion church near Forest City, N.C., September 20-23.
The sessions were presided over by the congenial presiding elder Rev. S.W. Hamilton, B.D., who presided with grace and impartiality. The organization was affected.
Rev. Dr. H.B. Bennett arrived early the second day and associated Rev. Hamilton until the close of the meeting. His main speech of several talks was prolific with thought and timely suggestions. He also preached a powerful sermon.
Other visitors were Dr. S.D. Watkins, Rev. Dr. Sansom and the Rev. E.L. Steward. Each of them addressed the conference and rendered valuable assistance contributing to the success of the conference.
The opening sermon was preached by Rev. G.W. Rose. The annual sermon by Rev. C.V. Ramseur, subject “Companionship.” The welcome address followed: Brother D.S. Simmons on behalf of the Sunday School and Bro. W.S. McEntyre for the church. These were befittingly responded to by Rev. Collins Lee and the writer.
On Thursday at noon, the Rev. J.M. Reinhardt charmed the convention with a great gospel sermon. At the evening service the same day, the Rev. R.T. Hunter electrified his audience with a well thought out message which will linger long and helpfully on the minds of his hearers.
The reports of the pastors were quite encouraging along most lines and point to round reports at conference on all lines save one, and a concerted determination to go to the top on that—the Ter-Centenary.
Some special features of the conference:--The presiding elder’s report. To say the least, it was a gem. Tho short, it touched upon the vital needs of the district giving words of commendation to the deserving pastors. He desired that the day would early come when the officials of the churches would assume the responsibility to raise all of the finance and set the pastors free to look after the ecclesiastical work of the church less hampered. He urged that the time was ripe for a great material awakening of the district for better, larger and finer churches and parsonage buildings.
Rev. R.T. Hunter’s lecture Thursday morning on “Pastoral Theology” was instructive and full of helpful suggestions. The writer delivered a well received lecture Friday morning on “Classifications of sermons and how to prepare them.” The Rev. L.L. Boyd preached the closing sermon Friday night from the subject, “Jesus, the Maker of Men.”
Rev. Collins Lee offered resolutions of thanks, following reports of various committees. The committee on pastors’ salary recommended an increase of from 10 to 20 per cent for the next year. The report was adopted.
The district missionary workers were given a conspicuous place on the evening of the last day’s program. Mrs. Emma Hamilton, president of the Women’s department, reported that they had raised $174.70 to date. Mrs. Sallie Thompson, secretary of the Young Women’s department, reported that $115.27 had been raised. Mrs. Vina Hill, superintendent of the Buds’ report showed raised $102.50. Total amount sent in to date from the three departments: $280.97.
The district is made up of a fine class of men whose ideals are the highest. The possess the mind that was in Christ Jesus. Therefore, harmony prevails. Others not yet mentioned who among the leaders of the district are the following: Revs. J.J. Nicholson, H.A. Keaton, W.A. Wheeler, J.E. Lindsay, L.C. Thomas and W.M. Witherspoon.
The Rev. R.M. Harrison, the splendid pastor of the congregation whose guests we were, is to be congratulated for the fine manner in which he and his flock cared for us. The lavish entertainment and the sweet renditions of the senior and junior choirs of the church will linger long in the memory of a thankful delegation.
The next session is to be held with the Wright’s Chapel congregation, Lowell, North Carolina.
From page 5 of The Star of Zion, Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 5, 1922
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