A BRANCH of the Methodist Episcopal Church affording opportunities for the people of color in this country, who are chiefly Methodists, to worship according to their individual convictions, has been set apart by the General Conference of the Methodist Church of the United States, and is probably under the control of that body. Since the institution of this branch, very large accessions have been made to the general membership of the, church, for the reason that these people, being naturally -impulsive and enthusiastic, readily adhere to and connect themselves with that class of worshipers. As the experience has been elsewhere, in this regard, so has it been here, even in Delaware County. With these influences and examples impelling them forward, it is but reasonable to expect that the people of color in Muncie should avail themselves of like privileges. Having signified their wishes in the premises, the opportunity was granted, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church of Muncie was the result. This society was formed some time in the year 1870, with three members, all females-Mrs. Booker, Mrs. Artist and Mrs. Frey. This class of people in Muncie are generally thriving citizens, and possessed of a fair show of enterprise in the furthering of every object calculated to improve the condition of their race. This character has manifested itself in the results of their effort, which took form in a convenient and comfortable place of worship in this city. Such a building was erected in 1872; a society with corporate powers was organized under the laws of the State, on the 24th of November 1871. To render this organization effective, the necessary Trustees and other officers were elected, as follows: William Walker, Edward Pearce, John Davis, William Hawgreens, Thomas Hawkins, and John Davis, Secretary.

The preachers on his circuit, which is composed of but two societies-the one at Muncie, and the other at Cabin Creek, in Randolph County-have been Revs. Jason Bandy, John Mac Smith, L. G. Crosby, Cassius Crosby, A. Smith, and T. Price, the last named being the present Pastor. In connection with and under the control of this society is a Sunday school of from twenty to forty members. Three local preachers now reside in Muncie-Benjamin Roberts, Ross Collins and Amos Baxter. There are at this time the names of forty-eight members enrolled on the church records. Religious services are held every Sabbath at their church. The colored people of Muncie, consisting of quite an extensive population, are generally quiet and industrious, and the children make good progress in school. White citizens seem to be favorably disposed toward them, from which the inference may be readily drawn that these people, considering their opportunities, have made rapid and whole-some improvement.

The first colored family in Muncie was that of Edward Scott. He was from Virginia, was married in Henry County, Ind, and came here in 1845. They had eight children, only three of whom are now living. He was a barber, and died in 1861. Subsequently, his widow married Henry Artist, who was also a barber, and died in 1864. Mrs. Artist still remains in Muncie, having resided in the same house for the past twenty-seven years.

Except this one, there was no other colored family in this place for five years. About 1850, Silas Shoecraft moved to Muncie, and remained till 1858; returning again in 1874, where he still resides. In later years, others came, and there are at this time forty families. They are classified as barbers, laborers, teamsters, etc. One James Ferguson keeps a restaurant. Many of them own the dwellings they occupy, and are in fair circumstances. The principal colored citizens are Silas Shoecraft and son-A. Shoecraft-barbers; Harrison Hurdle, laborer; Thomas Evans, teamster; Ross Collins, teamster; William Jones, laborer; Mack Williams, blacksmith; Benjamin Roberts, barber; William Walker, hired hand; Watson Trimble, laborer; Andrew Poindexter, teamster; Amos Baxter, laborer; Martin Carey, blacksmith; William Stokes, barber; Mrs. Artist, washerwoman; Amanda Sizemore, washerwoman; James Ferguson, keeper of restaurant; Dr. John A. Morin, barber; Isaiah Evans, barber, and John Williams, barber. Four of the barbershops in Muncie have colored proprietors. Dr. John A. Morin employs eight hands; Isaiah Evans, four hands; John Williams, five hands, Silas Shoecraft and son, six hands, and James Ferguson, restaurant-keeper; has three hands in his employ. All these establishments are well kept and well sustained. Most of these people reside in the eastern part of the city.

There is no separate colored school here, but the children attend the city schools according to their residence and advancement between thirty and forty are in school at this time. This year there are four in the high school, and last year there was a colored graduate from the high school, Miss Addie Knight. Her graduating performance was received by the sympathizing assembly with great applause. Showers of bouquets greeted the gifted speaker as she left the stage, and the good wishes of many friends accompany her in her pathway through life. (Page 157)

CHAPTER XI

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

PRELIMINARY ACTION LOOKING TO ORGANIZATION-SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS-ORGANIZATION COMPLETED-EARLY MOVERS IN THE CAUSE-ELECTION AND NAMES OF OFFICERS-BOARD OF DIRECTORS-SUBSEQUENT ACTION OF THE ASSOCIATION-ITS INFLUENCE, ETC.

The good people of Muncie, not behind the citizens of other localities similarly circumstanced in movements calculated to improve society at an early day in the history of this organization, as an auxiliary to the Christian Church, called a meeting of those favorable to the formation of such an association, which met on Tuesday evening, July 13, 1875, at the Presbyterian Church, a previous meeting having been held on Sunday evening the 11th. The purpose of this meeting was to complete such an organization, but the meeting was not so well attended as might have been desired. The attendants, however, were not discouraged, and the work went on. This meeting was called to order by Mr. A. Hamilton, and was opened by singing, "Just as I am" and prayer. Then on motion, Mr. J. T. Hensley was elected Secretary. The Chairman then read the constitution upon which the committee had agreed. Being read by sections and duly considered, it was adopted, except that portion containing restrictions as to age and the conditions as to membership. Upon further deliberations, the membership fee was fixed at $2 per year, payable quarterly in advance. Thereupon, it was, on motion, ordered that the Board of Directors for the association should consist of fifteen members and the clergy of the city.

The names of persons who were regarded as members of the association, were then read, and from their number the following were selected as Directors: J. F. Nickey, George Andrews, Edward Nutting, Andrew Slinger, D. V. Buchannan, J. T. Hensley, Jonathan Adamson, James Mock, E. L. Keys, Robert C. Nelson, Thomas Brelsford, Robert Atkins, J. C. Weller, H. Fleming and J.W. Heath. At this meeting, also, the Board was directed to meet at the Baptist Church, on Monday evening following, July 19, for the purpose of perfecting the organization and electing the necessary officers. The meeting was held and the organization perfected accordingly, by the election of officers, which gave it a character and standing among the ether religious institutions of the city. But the names of the officers then elected and those, which have been since chosen, we have not been able to ascertain, neither the subsequent proceedings distinguishing the peculiar work assigned to this auxiliary of the church. Notwithstanding this failure to obtain information, the assurance still obtains that it is moving forward in the dissemination of the important truths of Christianity.

On the 22d of January 1881, a social was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Moore, which was well attended. At this meeting the following officers for the present year were elected: President, Hugh A. Cowing; Vice President, Henry Marsh; Secretary, Edward Johnson; Treasurer, Lettie Smith; Corresponding Secretary, F. S. Tyler; Executive Secretary, A. W. Clancy. Since that time, a permanent "Home" has been secured, and the society is now in a very prosperous condition. (Page 157)

CHAPTER XII

WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

ITS ORIGIN AND EARLY OPERATIONS-ORGANIZATION AND FIRST OFFICERS -SOME OF THE FIRST PROMOTERS OF THE CAUSE-ITS INFLUENCE AND FIELD OF LABOR.

MANY indeed most, of the modern branches of the Christian Church, especially in America, conceive it to be the duty of all who enjoy the privileges of the Gospel at home to use their utmost endeavors toward the dissemination of light and truth among those abroad, who, it is assumed, have not been so highly favored as them-selves in the enjoyments of a hopeful religious faith. Acting upon this idea, societies have been formed, missionary boards established and money contributed to aid in extending abroad the area of religious education as the handmaid of Christianity. The work of Christianizing the benighted is proposed to be accomplished through the agency of missionaries or teachers, who are sent out on the mission of love, to teach, to preach and to disseminate the messages of the Gospel. Contributions, therefore, which are made for foreign missions, so called, are appropriated to this use. Usually, these societies, formed for the purpose of collecting and utilizing such contributions by directing them in channels that will insure their legitimate appropriation-are not confined to the membership of any particular branch of the church, but, extending beyond these technical boundaries, include all who are similarly inclined. In Muncie, while the society thus formed, originated, perhaps, in the Presbyterian Church, accessions, no doubt, were received from other church organizations in the city. The first effort of which any information designed to promote the objects named, assumed form and vitalized within the body of that church, no doubt, through the active instrumentality of Rev. George A Beattie, then its Pastor, in March, 1874, at which time, says the reverend gentleman, in a discourse delivered on the 28th of February, 1878, giving a review of the field of labor cultivated by him during the period of his pastorate in Muncie. A "Woman's Foreign Missionary Society" was organized, the members of which "pledged themselves to raise $50 per annum, to support one scholar in the mission school at Ningpo, China, under the care of Miss M. L. Sellers, who went out as a missionary from this church in 1872." This year, the society has raised $108 for foreign missions.

In November, 1874, a Missionary Board was organized among the children. "The names of the first officers do not appear in our copy of that sermon, but we find a statement dated April 2, 1875, which shows the result of the annual election of officers held at that time as follows: President, Mrs. G. A. Beattie; Vice Presidents, Miss Hattie Fleming, Minnie Young and Lillie Brotherton; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Mary McCulloch; Recording Secretary, Mrs. A. A. Truitt; Treasurer, Mrs. J. M. Kirby."

In February 1878, the following persons were shown to have been elected to the offices named in the society: Mrs. George A. Beattie, President; Misses Jennie Neely and Minnie Young, Vice Presidents; Mrs. A. E. Smith, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. M. A. McElwee, Recording Secretary, and Miss Lillie Brotherton, Treasurer. Since that date we have no account of the society's transactions, though it is known to maintain still an active existence, and continues to perform its allotted work.

From what has been thus shown of the progress of religious instruction, denominationally and otherwise, in the city of Muncie, it will appear that our citizens have arranged themselves on the side of right, and being armed with the panoply of truth, though promulgated from numerous pulpits, the cause of Christianity is not likely to suffer from neglect. As a truth not likely to be controverted, the influence of theme, exerted through the various avenues presented in the past, has left an impress upon the character of its citizens that must continue in the future to sustain its reputation for good order and decorum. (Page 158)