Progress and Achievements of the Colored People: Containing the Story of the Wonderful Advancement of the Colored Americans—the Most Marvelous in the History of Nations—Their Past Accomplishments, Together With Their Present-day Opportunities and a Glimpse Into the Future for Further Developments—the Dawn of a Triumphant Era. A Handbook for Self-improvement Which Leads to Greater Success
John Stuart Mill · en
The Freedmen’s Aid Society was organized in 1866 “for the purpose of
aiding the recently emancipated slaves and their children in securing
the benefits of a good common school education, and such other
educational preparation as was necessary to provide Christian ministers,
physicians, school teachers, and industrial leaders for the race.” The
colored members of the various branches of Methodism are next to the
colored Baptists in number. The number of colored members in the
Northern Methodist Church represented by the Freedmen’s Aid Society and
the Woman’s Missionary Society is about 350,000. These members
contribute about a fourth of the total sums collected by the Freedmen’s
Aid Society for the education of colored people.
[Illustration:
GIRLS’ DORMITORY. ELIZA DEE HOME. BOYS’ DORMITORY.
SAMUEL HOUSTON COLLEGE, AUSTIN, TEXAS.
Founded in 1900 by the late President, J. S. Lovinggood. Now under the
Freedmen’s Aid Society of the M. E. Church. It has 17 teachers,
about 400 pupils, an income of $15,000, and property valued at
$100,000.
]
[Illustration:
MAIN BUILDING, WILEY COLLEGE, MARSHALL, TEXAS.
The institution was founded in 1873 by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. It has thirty teachers, four hundred
students and a property valuation of $200,000.
]
Of the many notable persons who have rendered valuable service to this
society, only two or three of those who are now in the service can be
mentioned here. Reference is made in the school sketches to the long
years given by the presidents of Meharry Medical College, Claflin
University, and Morristown Normal and Industrial College. To these
should be added the name of Bishop W. P. Thirkield, whose wisdom and
energy in the various important positions entrusted to him have
contributed greatly not only to the work of this society, but also to
the general welfare of the colored people.
The executive officers of the society at present, are two corresponding
secretaries and a school inspector. These three officers supervise the
schools and appeal to the white and colored churches for funds to
support the institutions.
[Illustration:
MORGAN COLLEGE, BALTIMORE, MD.
Owned and supported by the Methodist Episcopal Church. It has eleven
teachers and one hundred students. The total value of the college is
$100,000.
]
The purpose of the Freedmen’s Aid Society to continue its splendid work
of education is revealed in the report of the commission recently
appointed by the Society to study the schools, which among other things,
said:
[Illustration:
GEORGE R. SMITH COLLEGE, SEDALIA, MO.
]