HomeMy WebLinkAboutOur Texas Letter - Rev. Dr. PyleOur Texas Letter. By Rev. Dr. Pyle.
Mr. Editor: The year '85 breathed its last breath upon me at your post
in my new charge, Bryan, the county seat of Brazos Co. The hour of 10
o'clock p.m., December 31st, found me in Allen Chapel (the very spot
where Bishop Ward was when he requested me, some years ago, to °meet
him in New Orleans New Years' where a large audience had assembled
for watch night services. The moments passed interestingly, when at
11:55 the bell gave notice that the old year was marching outward; upon
the arrival of the new visitor, '86, many renewed their covenants with
their Master, promising to live more discreet than before. Since then we
have had continued inclement weather, insomuch that worshippers
throughout the State have been prevented attending services. On the 7th
day of January the first regular cold weather paid us a snorting visit.
You can imagine how we acted, for up to that date the weather had been
warm, every one in summer clothing, birds singing, noisy frogs and
biting mosquitoes, all seemed to act with the troublesome fleas as if
daring winter to come; but °Mr. Norther," (for that is what winter
winds are named down here) stepped down upon us with both feet and
declared himself king of the °hard water" regions. The sight was
really amusing to those accustomed to cold weather, to see those who an
hour before were leisurely and gaily promenading & nor could they be
induced to move more briskly though they were sent after a doctor & now
running & flying, so to speak & hands turned one sided as if hiding
their faces from the fierceness of the cold and angry storm, which
lasted several days, growing colder each day.
I can say but little about my charge in this letter as I must first see
the train run a little before I can tell much about what the trip will
be or how much good luck, is to be anticipated. I have only to say that
°the Bishop's good bye judgment" fixes me here for one year and that
so far I am pleased & surprisingly so. This is quite unexpected, as
Bryan has borne such a hard name. I find, however, that the parishioners
seemingly are well pleased with the change and I presume that this will
be a year of general success in this place. Several have died since my
coming, several married. I find quite a dilapidated edifice, needing
repairs and painting badly, one hundred and ten members. No Sunday
School, with a small debt overhanging us, which we hope to remove before
conference and present a different appearance in the build externally
and internally. This formerly was a live spot, but, unfortunately for
Bryan, some of her feathers have been plucked from her wings, leaving
her helpless for some time. They seem very anxious to resume their
former dignity. This encourages me greatly. Presiding Elder L.G. Davis
has announced his quarter here the 6th and 7th of February. After that
time I hope I shall be able to write more elaborately and explicitly.
According to the weather and the changes the brethren have had they are
doing pretty well all over the State in their churches. Rev. K.W.
Williams, whom the Bishop in one of this wonderful revelations has
surnamed °King's Highway," paid us a flying visit quite recently,
but on account of continued rain, the good dominion passed on unheard,
reserving, I hope, his little chat for a more convenient season. I have
partially agreed with the trustees to collect for them what I can to aid
them in liquidation and repairs, and intend, therefore, leaving this
place early in March with such intention; meanwhile I await special
calls. I feel, however, that I am going to brethren whose ears and
hearts are open to such constant appeals and whose hospitable peoples
are ever respondent. I shall not have time the first trip to visit (now
don't laugh!) Devil's Bend, Hell's Half Acre, Lick Skillett, Opossum
Trot nor Scratch Ankle, I may, however call at some of the larger places
adjacent. Members here think they will not be far behind in the Dollar
Money struggle nor yet in assisting Paul Quinn College in her struggles
to educate which institution, let me add, claims our watchful care and
sacrificing aid. This College truly needs assistance, in common with
others of the connection.
Bryan, Texas.
The Christian Recorder (Philadelphia, PA), 28 January 1886
Personal
Capt. J.J. Adams, a white gentleman of Bryan, Texas, had prepared a
gold medal to be presented to the pupil who made the most improvement in
the school taught by Prof. J.N. Johnson. It was gained by a child of
seven summers named Henry Mims. The Professor received a present of a
gold pen and holder.
The Christian Recorder (Philadelphia, PA), 15 June 1882
[If I recall correctly, J.J. Adams is an ancestor of Kenny Mallard.]
Rooms Presiding Elder Bryan District,
A.M.E. Church, Bryan, Texas, July 14, 1884.
Dear Bro. & Sisters: You are hereby notified that on the 28th day of
August, 1884, the Sunday School Convention and Educational Bureau will
convene at A.M.E. Church, Bryan, Texas, at 12 o'clock m. Subjects for
consideration are: 1. How can we improve our Sunday schools? Bible
prize. 2. Has the American Negro made any progress morally,
industrially and intellectually since his enfranchisement? Bible prize.
3. Is attendant circuses, theatres, minstrels, visiting grog shops by
professed Christians, promotive of spiritual good? Milton Poems Prize. 4
. Define the relations that exist between Sunday schools and churches?
Prize. 5. A prize will be given to the scholar sending the most Sunday
school missionary money. Each representative will come prepared to pay
annual dues of 50 cents. M embers of the Convention to consist of all
preachers, superintends, teachers, schools of Sunday and day schools and
all other persons interested in the cause of God and humanity without
regard to ecclesiastical proclivities. Rally the forces and make full
proof of our faith by works. Committee on Divine Service, Essays,
Education, Waco College, Temperance, Sunday school, Finance, &c. E ach
delegate must be present at first day's roll call. By order. J. Harvey
Jones, A.M., Presiding Elder.
The Christian Recorder (Philadelphia, PA), 7 August 1884
The Christian Recorder was an African American Methodist Church
newspaper, and carried news from congregations around the country.
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