North American Regional Voice for 1987 - Vol. 08

20 Pages·2013·3.17 MB·English

I
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE NORTH AMERICAN REGIONAL CONFERENCES OF
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
p
JANUARY, 1987
music and his chief Bible instructor. When
the success of these two young people
COVER STORY
was seen by the leaders of the Southern
Union Conference, under the leadership
of Elder V. G. Anderson, of Swedish her-
itage, the Clevelands were invited to join
the staff as union evangelists, the first
Blacks to receive such an honor.
Not only had the Lord blessed them with
personal successes in evangelism, but
they put together a program for soulwin-
ning that would help others meet with the
same success. Among their trainees were
E. C. Ward, W. S. Banfield, J. Malcolm
Phipps, G. A. Rainey, C. R. Graham, N. G.
Newton, Horace Barker, L. E. Daniels, C. E.
Dudley, and many others.
In 1952 the General Conference session
was held in San Francisco, California. The
Earl Cleveland and Celia Abneu, students
leaders of the World Church invited the
at Oakwood College.
Clevelands to Washington, D.C., where
they served for 23 years, to share their gifts share his blessings by writing books. An
DR. E. E. CLEVELAND, "MR.
with people around the world. It was article by Calvin B. Rock, Vice President of
EVANGELISM" RETIRES
interesting to see people of all nationalities the General Conference, appeared in the
After spending 45 years of preaching and cultures respond to the preaching of Review and Herald on SEPT. 4, 1986
the gospel of Jesus Christ on all continents the gospel of God's saving grace. which gives a good summary of the life of
on planet earth for the Seventh-day Ad- During his years in the Ministerial Asso- DR. E. E. Cleveland.
ventist denomination, Dr. E. E. Cleveland ciation of the General Conference, he "We have no great men among us".
and his wife, Celia, have sought to slow trained over 900 ministers around the Evangelism, p. 134. The Seventh-day
their pace. They can never be completely world, conducted full length evangelistic Adventist church is fashioned to exalt
quiet because soulwinning has been their crusades on six continents, visited and Christ, not humanity. In our movement
life. served world leaders and their people in there is no place for a cult of personality.
Cleveland, a native of Alabama, grew up 67 countries, authored eleven books and The peaks that give definition to our history
in the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the two Sabbath School quarterlies. His most are the triumphs of our global cause and
second of three sons of Mr. and Mrs. recent book, published in 1986, is entitled not the glories of our individual careers.
William Cleveland, Sr., who served as THE EXODUS. He served as the editor for Yet, it is undeniably true that some men
strong spiritual lay leaders for the work in the Ministry Magazine for 23 years. and women do make a difference. We
that area during the early days of the work An evangelist since 1942, Elder Cleve- occasionally are blessed with the ministry
among Blacks. Father Cleveland a retired land baptized over 11,000 people which of those whose careers are epochal, who
sargent in the U.S. Army, taught his sons, includes George Juko, the crown prince of make an impact upon established patterns
William, Earl, and Harold a sense of Uganda. He conducted evangelistic cru- of functioning in ways that are substantive
spiritual duty and dedication to service. All sades in Chicago, IL; New York; Detroit, MI; and enduring. They are the few whose
became ministers. William and Harold be- Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; Cincinnati labors effect the expansion of our para-
came conference presidents and Earl and Columbus, OH; Birmingham, AL; St. meters, rare leaders who have been
became a world leader in evangelism. Louis, MO; and Washington, D.C.; in the equipped by God for special service and
Earl's ministry began in 1941 after his USA. Also his dedication and ministry led who, under God, have contributed so as to
graduation from Oakwood College where him to the Bahamas, Poland, Finland, make no small difference among us. In-
he received his ministerial training. He India, the Phillipines, Uganda, Tanganyika, dividuals of recent memory such as
took unto himself a lovely bride, Celia M. Australia, and South Africa. Fordyce Detamore, H. M. S. Richards, R. A.
Abney, the daughter of one of the first Elder Cleveland was a visiting professor Anderson, Anna B. Knight, and F. L.
Black missionaries, and began his work in at Andrews University and Oakwood Col- Peterson all qualify for such description
the Carolinas. lege; founder of the Academy of Adventist —and so does E. Earl Cleveland.
The early beginnings of ministry were Ministers and of the Alabama seminar of Cleveland has made a difference. It is
slow and challenging, but under the hand the Academy; but due to health problems not precisely quantifiable (The alterations
of God these two dedicated youth finally with his wife Celia, he left the General of history never are), but his evangelistic
hit a stride in soulwinning, which placed Conference to serve as director of Church methods, practiced and taught in Korea,
their ministry in the fore of the leaders of Missions at Oakwood and from there he England, Brazil, Finland, Indonesia, Trini-
the church. From the Carolinas their min- retired in the Spring of 1986. dad, Poland, South Africa, Canada, Japan,
istries expanded to that of Conference During his lifetime he organized four Australia, India, and numerous other
wide evangelist for the South Atlantic congregations and trained hundreds of countries as well as in 35 cities of the
Conference in 1946. He was preacher of students and ministers to serve the world United States, are a contribution of stellar
the spoken word; she evangelist with field. In his retirement he still continues to proportions.
(cid:9)
Page 2 Cover Story (cid:9) January 1987/North American Regional Voice
the Outgrowth of "Last Days Revival"
Meeting in Huntsville.
Contained in this article were statements
made concerning the ministry of Dr. Oscar
Lane and Last Days Revival which appa-
rently were reprinted from the Hrambee
News, a publication of the South Central
Conference. Those statements made con-
cerning Dr. Lane were misleading and un-
true. Specifically, it is stated in the first
paragraph that Elder Patterson ". . . took,
the newly baptized people who had joined
the "Last Day's Revival" meeting and
established a completely new denomina-
tion." (Emphasis supplied). This statement
is totally false. First, Last Days Revival is
a soul-winning organization that conducts
evangelistic efforts. Second, "newly bap-
tized people" do not join "the Last Days
Revival" meetings. People who are bap-
tized during the meetings join Seventh-day
Adventist churches. Last Days Revival is
not a church.
Cathedral quartet of E. Cleveland.
In paragraph four (4) of the article, Dr.
Cleveland has made a difference in
Lane's statement to the Huntsville Times
tents, halls, auditoriums, and sanctuaries
was misquoted by first taking his statement
on every continent of the globe; in the
out of context and then rearranging the
pages of the 11 books he has written; in the
words in the statement.
two Sabbath School quarterlies he has
authored; in the many articles he has In the fifth paragraph, the rumors that the
produced for Ministry, Message, the new church in Huntsville is one of "20 such
Adventist Review, and other significant groups" which "are in the making" for
Adventist publications; in scores of work- which Dr. Lane would be "chief overseer,"
ers meetings, where he has shared his are totally untrue.
techniques with an appreciative ministry; '.1'
It is sad that such things were
in the environs of the General Conference,
published without first contacting Dr. Lane
where he served for 21 years; in the there have been and are luminaries whose
and Last Days Revival to make sure that
classrooms of Andrews University; and unique gifts and sacrificial dedication have
the information was factual. Dr. Lane may
Oakwood College, where he taught reli- permanently altered the landscapes of our
be contacted by writing to: Last Days
gion and directed a highly successful dwellings. E. Earl Cleveland is such a
Revival, Inc., P. 0. Box 311278, Atlanta,
student missionary program for the past person. We here at the General Confer-
Georgia 30331.
eight years. ence whould you to know that we recog-
Valeria R. Lane, Secretary
His retirement is an event that should nize this, and we would like you to know
Last Day Revival, Inc.
not go unnoticed by the world church. His that we have told him so."
students, friends, and spiritual children
REGIONAL VOICE ENTERS
throughout our world division would like
EIGHTH YEAR
to know that he and Celia, whose charm PUBLISHER'S PAGE
and talent have meant so much to his At the end of the Regional Union Con-
effectiveness, are formally withdrawing ference discussions, the Office of Regional
from full-time service and will now have Editors Note: Affairs was closed and the North American
much more time to enjoy each other and Informant was disbanded. The Informant
The following is in response to the arti-
their Huntsville home. was a journal that was published quarterly
cle, "A New Denomination is the
Someday, if time lasts, a more conclusive by the department to help keep the Black
Outgrowth of 'Last Days Revival' meeting
statement regarding the life and ministry of membership of the church abreast of the
in Huntsville", printed in the Oct., 1986
E. Earl Cleveland will appear in the pages progress of the work in North America.
issue of the North American Regional Voice.
of the Adventist Review, but he will not be When the Informant published its last
able to see or appreciate that. This one he issue, the leadership of the Regional Con-
DR. OSCAR R. LANE
can. Tributes of this kind are not given to ference came together and set in motion
SQUASHES RUMORS
every worker whose status changes from the North American Regional Vocie, a mon-
full-time to retiree. But then some lives are In the Oct., 1986 issue of the "Regional thly publication that was to share with
larger than tradition. Voice", there appeared an article on page Blacks denominational news that would
"There are no great men among us," but eighteen entitled, A New Denomination is have a bearing upon them, issues of the
January 1987/North American Regional Voice (cid:9) Publisher's Page (cid:9) Page 3
church, local conferences and church widows, their sick, and their orphans. With these facts in mind, Williams sug-
news from around the fields and from the Family ties were firm." gests a blueprint for good health—
institutions that have brought us to where When the slaves arrived in America, they sunshine, balanced diet, exercise, proper
we are presently, such as Oakwood Col- went through a "milling process." "To rest, etc. Maybe one of the notable
lege, Pine Forge Academy, Message create an effective slave system, White strengths of this book is that Dr. Williams
Magazine, Northeastern Academy, Shiloh America focused on destroying the positive embodies the ideas that he articulates. He
Academy, Riverside Hospital just to name self-image in Blacks, and destroying the has been married for 25 years and has
a few. Black family, White America forced in- three children, serves as one of the local
The "Voice" has experienced its strug- humane conditions on the slaves. The elders of the Jefferson Avenue Church,
gles to stay alive during these seven years Black family has not completely recovered Rochester, N.Y. His lifestyle gives great
but the Lord has blessed. Full participation because many factors and behaviors from credibility to the book.
by all of the conferences was a challenge, the slavery experience continure to-
funding for the journal was and is a big hur- day .(cid:9) ."
dle, but we have made it thus far. Some Dr. William cites, that, today half of the
felt that the paper would not be long lived black babies born in America are out of
and spoke words of discouragement, but wedlock, this being one of the demoraliz-
it still keeps moving along by grace of God. ing affects of slavery. The slave master
Today the circulation is nearing the deeply ingrained in the psyche of the black
40,000 mark and is read in all parts of the man that he was a "breeder" without
globe. The original staff is still together. responsibilities or family ties.
Elder R. C. Brown, the editor in chief, Elder Williams offers a number of creative and
L. A. Paschal, the managing editor, Miss practical ways of rebuilding the almost
Stephane Johnson, the assistant editor and shattered black family. Using principles
reporters, Dr. C. E. Dudley, advisor and and E. G. White's counsel, adapted for the
helper. The leaders of the conferences secular mind, he urges the Black man to
along with their communications directors assume "the leadership role in addressing
have been a tower of strength in keeping his family's needs, their emotional needs, E. E. Cleveland.
the flame burning during the past seven their social needs, and their spiritual
years. Dr. E. E. Cleveland has been the needs."
feature contributor from month to month. He recommends a monthly family day to "DIMINISHING RETURNS"
strengthen family ties. "At least once a
by E. E. Cleveland
THEY STOLE IT BUT YOU month a specific day should be designated
MUST RETURN IT as family day. This is a time in which all
A recent study revealed that young
family members get together to enjoy each
By Richard Williams , Ed.D. 130 pages. Blacks were better educated under
other. Family members should have at
HEMA Publishing. $8.95. segregated schools than in the presently
least one meal together . . . The time
Dr. Richard Williams has written an integrated ones. This of course, applies
around the table should be sacred to the
important book that should be read by only to those who stay in school. One of
family and very pleasant, a time in which
every Black person. The author has the fruits of integration is the precipitous
all family members get together to enjoy
examined two crucial subjects—the Black increase in the "Black drop-out" rate.
each other, affections are shared, a time
family and Black health—placed within a Black students with less than high school
of relaxation, a time of comfort."
historical and sociology framework. The diplomas are on the streets in increasing
author offers concrete, positive solutions. It is this kind of wise and uncomplicated numbers. Others have settled for "low
In the first section, dealing with the Black counsel that makes the book so valuable. skill" jobs or none at all. Crime is the
family, Dr. Williams discusses the value In the second section dealing with Black natural consequence of it all.
Africans placed on the family before the health, Williams explores the affects of Reasons for this startling disclosure are
advent of slavery and how slavery affected slavery on the Black man's health. As a not hard to find:
this value. health consultant and educator, he is cer- 1—The Black student does not trust the
"Most of the inhabitants on the sun- tainly well qualified to write on this subject. White teacher. There is at the beginning
kissed land of Africa had strong family He received a doctorate degree in health of the relationship a presumption of pre-
ties," he writes. "The family would collec- education and health administration from judice. And unless the teacher has
tively care for the appropriate needs of its the State University of New York in Buffalo. experienced intensive debriefing on racial
members. A man, woman, and child could He attended Oakwood College and is a matters, the student's presumption is cor-
find comfort in their family . . . ." graduate of Pine Forge Academy. rect. From that moment on, the power to
"Often grandparents, parents," he con- He presents a number of startling motivate is gone. 2—When "integration"
tinues, "and grandchildren all lived statistics: 1) Black infants mortality is came, Blacks were made to pay the price.
together. The grandparents received the almost twice as high as white infant mor- They were fired (first). The Black Principal
highest respect and honor from the family tality. 2) Heart disease is 20 percent higher "disappeared" and thousands of Black
members. It was through the grandparents in Black males than in white males. In teachers lost their jobs. Young Blacks lost
that the children learned family history, Black females, heart disease is 51% higher the motivational force of a "Father Figure".
folklore and proverbs. The oldest male was that in white females. 3) The percentage 3—Black teacher patience is greater with
usually the head of the family. The imme- of Blacks in the United States that die of "slow learners". In the old days, if we didn't
diate and extended families cared for their stroke is almost twice that of whites. meet the assignment within the pre-
Page 4 (cid:9) Publisher's Page (cid:9) January 1987/North American Regional Voice
scribed school time—we were kept in
school until we did the work. The average The Editor's Desk
White teacher knows little of the social fac-
tors affecting the learning process. One
such teacher boasted to me, "I treat
The month of January signals a new us in presenting articles that are trans-
everybody alike." I remind him that, such year, a new beginning. I'm sure you forming, ennobling and elevating.
a policy would prove disastrous to some made a number of resolutions. I hope We, have nothing to fear for the
White students. you keep them all. During this year, we future, except we shall forget the way
Education that does not take into con-
will present a number of cover stories the Lord has led us and His teaching in
sideration the socio-economic status of the
on Black pioneers: Dr. Lottie Isbell our past history. Therefore, in accord-
student can be most damaging. Hence the
Blake, Mother Cunningham, Elder F. L. ance with this belief, we will continue
large drop-out rate and the lack of motiva-
Peterson, Elder N. B. Smith and others. to write and research our heritage. We
tion among many who remain.
It promises to be an exceptional year know that the very life forces of the
Add to this the distinct possibility that the for the Voice. Church lies within the importance we
Black student in the White school may I hope that in the coming year, you place in the past.
indeed lose touch with his "Roots". This will watch, study and pray. Once again We, are committed to a greater
loss of orientation could have serious we affirm our Declaration of Principle. vision. For where there is no vision, the
psychological consequences, in that one people perish. We will continue to
can lose his sense of identity. In America Declaration of Principle broaden our horizons and take the
this could be tragic. path where no man has ever trodden.
Upon closer examination, the study indi- We, acknowledge that all wisdom We, the staff of the North American
cation that Blacks were better educated and knowledge comes from God. Regional Voice, will not compromise
under the segregated system does not Therefore, we pledge ourselves to when it comes to principles and
mean that Blacks were getting the best make Him the center of our editorial standards.
education! The fact is, the Black teacher work. We, wholeheartedly pledge ourselves
was making brick without straw. Facilities We, are entrusted with a sacred to maintain the highest standard of
were inadequate or non-existent. There responsibility to educate, inform and excellence.
was little concern for the educational uplift our readers, to make them sense We wish you our readers a happy
qualifications of the Black teacher at the the urgency of the times. Therefore, we and prosperous New Year. IT COMES
power level. And the ultimate insult of will continue to let the Holy Spirit lead TO PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS.
segregation is that it denied all Blacks
access to these better things. Segregation
compounded the insult by denying the
Black school equal facilities and educa-
SUNSET CALENDAR
tional aids. Why else would the University
of Iowa boast of graduating George
Washington Carver while denying access Jan. 30 Feb. 6 13 20
to a lot of other Carvers? We conclude Boston, Mass. 4:56 5:10 5:14 5:23
therefore that the Black student was bet- New York City 5:07 5:16 5:25 5:34
ter educated under segregation because Buffalo, N.Y. 5:25 5:34 5:43 5:53
of the superior quality of the education Atlanta, Ga. 6:07 6:13 6:20 6:26
received. Miami, Fla. 6:03 6:08 6:13 6:17
It is ironic that in this, the greatest Charlotte, N.C. 5:50 5:57 6:04 6:11
nation on earth, racial bais would rear its Birmingham, Ala. 5:16 5:23 5:29 5:36
ugly head at the fountain of all learning. Jackson, Miss. 5:32 5:39 5:45 5:51
Blacks and Hispanics are a growing force Memphis, Tenn. 5:26 5:34 5:41 5:47
in this nation's future. Thousands of White Louisville, Ky. 6:03 6:11 6:19 6:27
teachers experience cultural shock when Detroit, Mich. 5:45 5:54 6:03 6:12
they face today's classrooms. There is Chicago, III. 5:03 5:12 5:21 5:30
little in their past to prepare them for inter- South Bend, Indiana 5:58 6:07 6:16 6:25
cultural encounters of this nature, and the Minneapolis, Minn. 5:18 5:28 5:38 5:48
student senses this bias. What the White St. Louis, Mo. 5:20 5:28 5:36 5:44
teacher interprets as stupidity may in fact Kansas City, Mo. 5:37 5:45 5:53 6:01
be lack of alertness based on poor nutri- Denver, Co. 5:17 5:25 5:34 5:42
tion or lack of previous exposure. Little Rock, Ark. 5:36 5:43 5:50 5:56
Meanwhile intelligence tests, that never Dallas, Texas 5:58 6:04 6:11 6:17
did test intelligence, continue to bump New Orleans, La. 5:36 5:42 5:47 5:53
Blacks and Hispanics into the streets Albuquerque, N.M. 5:33 5:40 5:47 5:54
where mediocrity is the rule rather than the Oklahoma City, Okla. 5:56 6:03 6:10 6:17
exception. So, once again we are victims
of the law of "diminishing returns". Add one minute for each 13 miles west; subtract one minute for each 13 miles east.
(cid:9)
January 1987/North American Regional Voice Publisher's Page (cid:9) Page 5
J. K. HUMPHREY AND become know as the Utopia Health Four days later, the Greater New York
UTOPIA PARK Benevolent Association. Hunphrey, along conference appealed to Humphrey to
From its very unception, Black people with his congregation, set about to aquire discontinue this project, but he refused. His
have always been a part of the Adventist the Hosford Estate located in Atlantic credentials were then taken.
church. In years prior to the Civil War, Highlands, New Jersey. On it was to be A meeting was scheduled to explain the
White Seventh-day Adventists were active recreation and health-care facilities for decision to the First Harlem church. Pre-
participants in abolitionary movements. Blacks. In oreder to finance this venture, sent were Elders J. K. Humphrey; W. A.
Sadly, following the war, only fifty Black the property would have to be divided and Spicer, General Conference President; C.
Adnetist churches existed, and they were sold in lots. By November of 1929, K. Meyers, General Conference Secretary;
all located in the south. Work among north- Humphrey and his members had raised E. K. Slade, Atlantic Union President; and
ern Blacks was scanty and carried on most- $8,000.00. L. K. Dickson. As Elder Dickson recounted
ly by Black Laymen. Elder Louis K. Dickson, president of the activities that led the conference commit-
In 1902, J. H. Carroll, a former Catholic, Greater New York Conference had not yet tee to its decision, the church showed its
began holding meetings in his home in been officially notified of the plans of the support of Elder Humphrey and his plans.
New York City, inviting Baptist and First Harlem church. When inquiring about The meeting was extremely tense, and
Methodist persons. As a result, Elder J. K. an Ingathering permit from the Commis- Humphrey himself had to act quickly to pre-
Humphrey, an ordained Baptist minister sioner of Public Welfare, an employee of vent a riot.
was one of the many who joined the Adven- the conference was asked if he knew J. K. Conference officials, seeing this, rea-
tist church. The souls won during this Humphrey or of his proposed plans. The lized that action would need to be taken on
effort were formed into a church and J. K. employee could not answer and made an the entire church.
Humphrey was chosen to be the pastor. appointment for Elder Dickson to meet with On Jan, 14, 1930, the Greater New York
The company was known as the First the commissioner. After being shown pam- Executive Committee decided to drop the
Harlem Seventh-day Adventist Church. phlets distributed by Humphrey and his First Harlem church from the conference.
Humphrey's work at this church congregation Dickson was thoroughly Elder George E. Peters, secretary of the
blossomed and by 1920, it boasted a embarrassed and decided to confront Negro Department of the General Con-
membership of 600. In 1924, the Second Humphrey. On Aug. 13, a letter was sent ference, was sent to the Second Harlem
Harlem Church was formed. But even in to Humphrey asking him the details of the church to help stabilize it. The First Harlem
the midst of his successful ministry, project. This was Humphrey's reply: church became known as the United
Humphrey was troubled. He was deeply "It is true that some of us are interested Sabbath-day Adventist church.
concerned about the role of Blacks in the in this effort to help the colored people The dismissal of J. K. Humphrey drew
Adventist church. He was to preach love realize these institutions which we so sorely attention to the problems faced by Black
need. Adventists in the north. It was a "catalyst
and equality in Jesus, yet in his own church
Blacks were not treated as equals. They It is not a denominational effort, inas- that sparked demands for the regional con-
were not permitted to enter the esta- much as our people are unable to maintain ference system."3 Work among Blacks
blished educational facilities or one. I thank you very much for your expres- could no longer be thought of as being
sanitariums, even as a worker. sions of kindly interest and your desire to soley southern.
At the Spring Council of 1929 held in cooperate in this good work, but it is In 1944, Joseph Dodson and Addison
Washington, D.C., a number of Black absolutely a problem for the colored Pinkney printed a pamphlet listing
leaders proposed the idea of Black people."1 grievances, many of which were some of
conferences. They explained that these Obviously, Elder Dickson was infuriated Humphrey's original concerns. The idea of
conferences would enable the Black con- by this reply and immediately replied Black conferences was again debated. But
this time, the influence of Elder J. L.
stituency to promote the work among "I cannot think that you are ignorant or
McElhany, General Conference President,
themselves as well as handle their own unmindful of your obligations as an
finances, and employ their own workers. employee of the conference to counsel the man who had drawn up the church's
defense against Humphrey, helped to
These conferences would have equal upon such important projects as planning
resolve the issue. Later on, in that same
importance in the General Conference as for institutions for our people before such
year, the first Black conferences were
the White conferences. plans are launched in the church of which
formed. Blacks in the Atlantic Union were
The General Conference Committee you are appointed pastor.
organized into the Northeastern Con-
appointed a Negro Commission, of which I think it is obvious to you from the fore
Humphrey was a member, to study the going that your answer to my letter was ference. An attempt was made to unite the
Sabbath-day Adventist congregation with
idea. The commission was made up of 11 entirely unsatisfactory and disappointing.
White members and 5 Black members. I am, therefore, now repeating my request the conference, but was rejected by the
membership. It was felt that the con-
They were to make a recommendation to to you for an explanation of this project
ferences were not as independent as
the Fall Council. Humphrey felt the General which you are launching, as you say, in
Conference had already rejected the pro- behalf of the colored people."2 Humphrey had hoped. Another basic
reason the Sabbath-day Adventist did not
posal and failed to appear at the Fall Humphrey did not reply.
Council, sending word that he was ill. He On Oct. 27, 1929, the Atlantic Union accept the conference officials invitation
had concluded that the only way the Blacks Committee, of which Humphrey was a was, during the years they had rejected
would achieve autonomy, would be that member, voted unanimously to recom- Ellen G. White as the Spirit of Prophecy.
they take it upon themselves to do. mend that the Greater New York Con- Even though He was not a part of the
With this in mind, he began planning, ference revoke Humphrey's credentials actual realization of Black conferences,
without conference consent, what was to until he straightened out the situation. Elder J. K. Humphrey must have felt some
(cid:9)
Page 6 Publisher's Page (cid:9) January 1987/North American Regional Voice
sort of vindication on the event of their for- church. November of 1890, he was in throughout the world. Representatives from
mation. * * Nebo, Kentucky, and a local Methodist other divisions and nations are beginnging
Debbie Wilson minister allowed him to use his church. The to attend this council each year. To God
former pastor disapproved gre.atly and set be the glory!
iJoe Mesar and Tom Dybdahl, The Utopia out to destroy the reputation of Adventists
Park Affair and the Rise of Northern Black Adven- THE REVIEW AND HERALD
in the area.
tists, Adventist Heritage, Jan. 4, 1974, Volume SEEKS TO MAKE INSTITUTION
1, No. 1, p.36. Kinny's work was very lonely and certain-
2lbid. ly discouraging. Often he would see only A MODEL
3lbid., p. 53
**The writer is heavily indebted to Joe Mesar a small response to his efforts. He would Elder Harold Otis, the manager of the
and Tom Dybdahly and Adventist Heritage for not be deterred. Even in the face of seem-
Review and Herald Publishing Association
much of the material in this article.
ingly neglect from the General Conference
of Hagerstown, Maryland brought together
he was optimistic that someone would
a number of Black leaders of the church
eventually see the need for assistance,
on Dec. 9, 1986 and shared with them his
CHARLES M. KINNY, FATHER
both financially and physically, among the
plans to make the Review and Herald
OF BLACK ADVENTISM Black work.
Publishing Association a model for the
At the 1891 General Conference Ses-
Charles M. Kinny, the first ordained denomination in "race relations", Those in
sion, Kinny made an appeal outlining sug-
minister in the Seventh-day Adventist attendance for this meeting were, Herbert
gestions for successful work among the
church, was born a slave in Richmond, Doggette, deputy director for the Social
Blacks. One was that a White worker be
Virginia in 1855. At the age of 10 years, he Security Services, W. S. Banfield, director
sent to give his total attention to this work.
worked his way west to Reno, Nevada after of the Human Relations Department of the
Charles M. Kinny lived to the age of 96,
the Civil War. Here in 1878, Kinny was first General Conference, Mrs. Joyclyn
dying Aug. 3, 1951 at the Riverside
introduced to Adventism through lectures Thomas, director of the office of Placement
Sanitarium in Nashville, Tennessee. Black
by J. N. Loughborough. He accepted the for Oakwood College, S. P. Ruff,
Seventh-day Adventists will forever be
truths and was baptized. Publishing director for the South Central
indebted to him for his work as the Father
Being one of the seven charter members Conference, Delber Baker, editor of the
of Black Adventism.**
of the Reno church, he was asked to be the Message Magazine, Sandy Robinson, Cir-
Debbie Wilson
clerk, and secretary of the Nevada Tract culation director for the Message
and Missionary Society. Kinny was a Magazine, C. E. Dudley, president of the
**The writer credits Ron Graybili, Charles M.
meticulous statistician and sent quarterly South Central Conference and the officers
Kinny (founder of Black Adventism), Review and
reports to the Review and Herald. Herald, Jan. 13, 1977 for much of the informa- of the Publishing House.
Kinny did such excellent work that he tion in this article. Some of the goals and objectives that
was sent to Healdsburg College in 1883 by were set are (1) to hire at least 20 blacks
EVNG8YRS.SC
his local church and the California Con- by the end of the year 1987, to develop a
ference. Ellen G. White was living in COUNCIL ON EVANGELISM training program for Black Youth to serve
Healdsburg during this time and it is the church not just at the House but around
STILL ALIVE AND WELL
probable that he was afforded many oppor- the world, to seek qualified persons of
AFTER EIGHT YEARS
tunities to hear her speak. color to serve in any area of the organiza-
After leaving the college in 1885, the As it entered its eighth year, the Regional tion with encouragement for future growth
conference sent him to Topeka, Kansas to Council on Evangelism under the direction and advancement in all levels of the
work among the Black populace. Kinny of the conference presidents, E. E. organization. Presently the Review and
worked so vigorously canvassing and giv- Cleveland, E. C. Ward, and B. F. Reaves Herald employes eleven Blacks where as
ing Bible studies that along with stimulating remains a source of inspiration for the the Pacific Press employes none.
the curosity of the Black people, he also growth and development of the work We salute Mr. Otis for the proposal and
succeeded in provoking the wrath of a among the Regional Churches and plan.
Black Baptist minister, who immediately members across the North American N. C. WILSON SPEAKS AT
preached a sermon refuting the Sabbath, Divison. HADLEY HOSPITAL
Kinny attended and asked for an opportu- The meeting was held on Dec. 1-3 at
nity to review the sermon. He was refused Oakwood College. The preaching was Elder N. C. Wilson, the president of the
and held a meeting the following Sunday inspiring, the lectures informative, the General Conference of Seventh-day
in the park destroying the Baptist minister's fellowship exciting, the instruction impres- Adventists, spoke to the members of the
argument. sionable and the experiences in soul- community church during the worship ser-
Early in 1889, Kinny began work in St. winning challenging. Since its beginning vices in November. Wilson spoke of the
Louis, Missouri. It was here that he days, the membership of the Black church- challenges that the church faces around
experienced, for the first time, prejudice es in the division has soared to approxi- the world, but also of how the Lord is help-
among White Adventists, of which he wrote mately $50,000,000.00. The Black workers ing the work to florish and to grow inspite'
about to Elder D. T. Jones, General Con- baptize approximately one third of the new of the challenges. Elder Pedapoude, the
ference Secretary. In the spring, Kinny was members in the divison each year and the pastor of this 100-member congregation
sent to Louisville, Kentucky. On Oct. 5, annual membership increase for the told of the membership growth and of the
1889 he became the first ordained Black divison is approximately 60%. plans to erect a new church plant on the
Seventh-day Adventist minister. In The thrust for the days that lie ahead is hospital campus in the near future. Mr.
February of 1890, he organized the once again "total evangelsim" in North Albert L. Dudley is the president of the
Louisville, Kentucky Seventh-day Adventist America, Inter-America, Africa and hospital.
January 1987/North American Regional Voice (cid:9) Publisher's (cid:9) Page 7
ALLEGHENY EAST
MIF
Pastor Gaylord Brown conducts a Trium-
Joseph Powell (standing left) receives "Church of the Year Award" for the Harrisburg
phant Truth Seminar.
(cid:9) Church from Pastor Gaylord Brown.
BROWN NAMED PASTOR OF
YEAR FOR SECOND TIME
R. Gaylord Brown, pastor of the Hillside
Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
received the Pastor of the Year Award for
the second year in a row. The presentation
was made by Allegheny East President, M.
C. Van Putten at the Fall Workers Retreat
Banquet held in the Poconos.
"Pastor Gaylord", as he is affectionate-
ly called, is a graduate of Oakwood College
and the SDA Theological Seminary at
Andrews and has been serving in the
Volunteers stand with Conrad Gill, Principal after dinner displaying plaques presented by
Allegheny East Conference since
US M officers. Left to right: Melvin Seard, Raymond Baynard, Sr., Conrad Gill, Wilbur
September of 1983.
Daniels, Alvin Singleton.
He states, "I am overwhelmed to have
received such an outstanding award in
each of my first two full years in the
ministry. I credit a lot of people for having
taught me pastoral skills, but most of all
Elder E. C. Ward, pastor of the Oakwood
College Church under whom I served as
a student intern, and Elder W. C. Scales,
Jr., Associate Ministerial Secretary of the
General Conference, under whom I
served as a local elder of the Berea Tem-
ple in Baltimore."
As a gesture of appreciation to the
members and officers who assist him in the
Harrisburg church, Brown presented pla-
ques to his church clerk, Alta Farrow and
to his church treasurer, Clayton
Washington. He also presented a plaque
to his first elder, Joseph Powell, for the
entire church naming them the "Church of
the Year" for 1984 and 1985.
Volunteers and student leaders pose for picture in the lobby of Kimbrough flail, which
Louis Jackson
houses the dining room.
Communication Sec., Harrisburg, PA (cid:9)
(cid:9)
Page 8 Allegheny East (cid:9) January 1987/North American Regional Voice
Kim Barrett, President of the United Stu- the Golden Agers and joined hands in a cir-
dent Movement and a senior said in her cle around them.
remarks, "The good was made much bet- Pastor Lord's message was considered
ter because these men gave their very very timely. His texts were Isaiah 46: 4 and
best. We, the students of the Pine Forge Daniel 6:10. His theme was that if we are
Academy wish to say 'Thank you and to faithful, God will be our Guide and Protec-
God be the glory.' " tor. He reminded the audience to care for
The recognition dinner was prepared by the aging ones and not to abdicate this
Viola Thomas. responsibility to disinterested third parties.
Kim Barrett Pastor William Taliaferro with his
President PFA Student Movement family, Linda and Aubrey joined in the
Ntr: adoptee activities. He forecasts that this
annual day will remain on the church's
agenda. A Luncheon was served at the
Baltimore Jr. Academy. A panel discussion
Kim Barrett, Pine Forge Academy USM
by the Golden Agers closed out the day's
President delivers expressions of "Thank
you" on behalf of students. events.
Connie North
PINE FORGE ACADEMY PAYS Communication Sec., Liberty Heights
TRIBUTE TO VOLUNTEERS
TRUTH TRIUMPHANT IN
The Pine Forge Academy dining room
HARRISBURG
was the scene of a banquet given in
appreciation to Alvin Singleton, Melvin For the past two and one-half years,
Seard, Frederick Patterson, Wilbur Daniels Pastor R. Gaylord Brown has been
and Raymond Baynard, Sr. evangelizing the city of Harrisburg by
No, these men are not and have never using the Triumphant Truth Bible Seminar.
been students at the academy. They are This seminar, created by Pastor Brown,
a group of volunteers whose contributions, consists of 24 Bible-based, fact-filled, easy-
labor, diligence and just plain handiwork, to-understand lessons.
have transformed the Pine Forge Academy Flanked by their children and grandchil- Upon completion of the course, which
dining room into a thing of beauty with a dren, Edna and Sylvester Keith leave the includes nightly quizzes and a take-home
new facelift. auditorium of the Pine Forge Academy open-book mid-term examination, students
Church after exchanging vows on their 50th
During recognition ceremonies each was are presented their diplomas at the annual
anniversary.
honored with a plaque presented by the Triumphant Truth Bible Seminar gradua-
principal and United Student Movement tion/banquet. Trophies are also given to
LIBERTY HEIGHTS HONORS
officers. students who graduate at the top of their
GOLDEN AGERS
"Pine Forge Academy says 'Thank class, based upon their quiz and test
you' " said Principal Conrad Gill in his Recognition was given to the Golden scores.
remarks. "You came with wrenches, mops, Agers (60+ years old) during a full-day In addition to presenting diplomas and
buckets, wires and paint brushes." celebration recently at the Liberty Heights trophies and serving a vegetarian gourmet
He then told the students. "It was not Church in Baltimore, Maryland. meal, the graduation features a half-hour
beyond their dignity to roll up their During Sabbath School a reminder was concert by outstanding artists. In 1984,
sleeves . . . and make things better and given of the day's focus to "Adopt A Denise Jones, Keith Sims and Amos
more comfortable for you." Senior" by being especially attentive to Mackall of Baltimore, Maryland were
These men were impressed by God and them as well as giving them notes of featured, while Kirk and Tammy Thompson
their great deed will remain with the appreciation and admiration. A mailbox of Willow Grove gave the concert in 1985.
students and staff for a long time. was provided for this purpose at the rear Margaret Richardson, wife of Jersey City,
One student leader stated that "This is of the church. NJ, Pastor Stephen Richardson, was
an example to all on the campus of Chris- The Divine Hour Guest Speaker, Pastor featured in 1986.
tian love and generosity." Rudyard Lord of Coatesville, Pennsylvania The Triumphant Truth Bible Seminar has
The dining room renovation occurred was a delightful surprise to the Golden been used effectively by Pastor Brown as
during the summer and the students were Agers. It was under his pastorate that this well as by his local elders. In the spring of
surprised and elated over what they found recognition day was instituted some years 1984, four local elders taught the seminar
upon their return to school. ago. on a rotating basis and five persons were
The men were accompanied by their Hosts for the day were Richard Gamble baptized as a result. The seminar has also
wives who were also contributors because and Patricia Konyeaso. Gamble and been used by other church members in
of the time they had to spend alone while Arnedia Davis were responsible for their homes. This, too, has resulted in bap-
their husbands drove the 150 miles to Pine organizing an annual day to honor the tisms. Thus far, 136 non-Adventists have
Forge from the Washington, D. C. area. seniors at Liberty Heights. graduated from the seminar with over 50
Each man is a full-time professional who Following the Hymn of Meditation We are baptisms.
wanted to do something special for the Free to Love Each Other, the Sanctuary R. Louis Jackson
students of Pine Forge Academy. Choir moved out into the audience, greeted Communication Sec., Harrisburg, PA
January 1987/North American Regional Voice (cid:9) Allegheny East (cid:9) Page 9
city employee. Mr. Davis was the first
Black to reach the rank of Battallion Chief
CENTRAL STATES in the state of Nebraska. He has a list of
accomplishments too numerous to
mention.
Guests present for the Community Guest
Day included: the president of the Central
States Conference, Elder J. Paul Monk, Jr.;
Dr. Nathaniel Miller; Elder E. F. Carter;
Elder G. H. Taylor; and Elder L. B. Hampton.
Also present was Mr. Eddie Staton, director
of the Human Relations Department of the
city of Omaha, NE. Mr. Staton read a letter
of commendation from the Mayor's office
Elder J. Paul Monk, Jr., Central States Conference president, delivering the divine
worship message to the Sharon congregation. and presented it to Chief Davis. Mr. Davis
is a member of the Salem Baptist Church.
Mr. Deryl Barnett, also a guest, presented
a musical selection.
The divine worship message was given
by Elder J. Paul Monk, Jr.
All visitors were given a special gift pack
and a copy of Steps to Christ. The day
ended with a dinner, sponsored by the
hostesses of Sharon church, in tribute to
Mr. Davis.(cid:9) Gordon B. Sims, Sr.
Communications Secretary
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM AT
BETHESDA
Elder E. F. Carter, Stewardship Director
Elder Billy Wright, Youth Director for Southwest Region Conference, during one of the for the Central States Conference, pre-
seminar presentations at Sharon church.
sented an informative Stewardship pro-
gram at the Bethesda church in Omaha,
WEEK OF PRAYER AT PALACE OF COMMUNITY GUEST DAY AT
Nebraska. Elder Carter helped the con-
PEACE CHURCH SHARON CHURCH
gregation to re-discover the meaning of
On Nov 1-8, 1986, the Palace of Peace Sabbath November 8, was a high day at stewardship. He explained that it involves
church in Denver, Colorado celebrated the Sharon SDA church in Omaha, NE. our time, talents, temple and treasure, all of
their Week of Prayer. The guest speaker The church, which is under the pastorate which God will hold each man accountable.
was Pastor Harvey Williams of Reno, of Elder E. L. Slocumb, Jr., celebrated The meetings were well attended. Elder
Nevada, brother of head elder Willie Community Guest Day. Each year the Carter was ably assisted by Pastor Rodney
Williams. He is presently pastoring two church selects an outstanding member of Draggon and first elder Daniel Stewart.
churches, and has been an Adventist the community to honor. This year's W. R. Batth
minister for over 30 years. Pastor Williams honoree was Herbert L. Davis, a retired Communications Secretary
was accompanied by his wife Margie, and
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Eda Rowe of
California. Mrs. Rowe rendered the appeal
song nightly as well as music for other
areas of the service.
The week's theme was, "Receiving and
Loving the Truth", and some of the mes-
sage titles were; The Theme of the Bible,
The Power of the Gospel, Everybody that
Talks about Heaven Ain't Going There,
and Marantha.
Palace of Peace's Week of Prayer came
to a close on Sabbath, entitled "Sacrifice
Day". Members were asked to sacrifice in
the areas of money and food. As a result of
the nightly services, two individuals gave
their lives to Christ and were baptized.
Roy Morgan Pastor E. L. Slocumb presenting the Community Guest Award to Chief H. L Davis. Mrs.
B. Davis (left), and Sabbath School Supt. Fayetta Sims (right), look on.
Communications Secretary
(cid:9)
Page 10 Central States (cid:9) January 1987/North American Regional Voice