Stillman College and the Jim Crow Era News Coverage
African Americans had several educational opportunities in Tuscaloosa. Organized by the Presbyterian Church, Stillman Institute (presently Stillman College) educated African Americans to become ministers, missionaries, educators and other middle-class professionals. The transcribed newspaper articles below provide insights on the history of the school and its role in the broader African American community in Tuscaloosa, state, and region.
Document 1: Obituary of Rev. C. A. Stillman, 1895
In an article on the death of the venerable Dr. Stillman, the Birmingham News gives the following.
Sketch of His Life.
Deceased was born in Charleston, S.C., March 1819. He went through a literary training at Oglethorp College, Newman, Ga., after which he took a theological course at Columbia Presbyterian Seminary, Columbia, S.C., and was ordained a minister.
His first pastorate was at Eutaw, Ala., where he went in 1844. In 1853 he took charge of the church at Gainesville, Ala., and remained there until 1870, when he went to the chargnc [sic] at Tuscaloosa, where he spent the remaining twenty-five years of his life. These three chargns [sic] made up the ministerial life of the able and beloved divine.
This was the smallest part of Dr. Stillman’s work. His church honored his abilities as counselor and a worker with many posts of honor. In 1871 he was moderator of the Southern Presbyterian Assembly at New Orleans. He has been prominently identified with the cause of education in all its branches and has been entrusted with the most responsible position in this line.
His Chief Work.
Dr. Stillman was best known as the founder, promoter and first superintendent of the Stillman Theological Institute at Tuscaloosa for the preparation of colored students for the Presbyterian ministry. He was superintendent of this institution from is foundation in 1870 until two years ago, when he resigned the post to Rev. A. J. Phillips.
As a man Dr. Stillman was genial and jovial. As a minister of the gospel he was learned and lovable. As a church worker he was earnest, indefatigable and, by reason of great executive ability, eminently successful. He belonged to that old school of Presbyterian divines represented by Dr. John Newton Waddel, D. D., recently deceased, and Dr. B. M. Palmer, of New Orleans, about the only survivor. Dr. Stillman assisted at the obsequies of Dr. Waddel in Birmingham two weeks ago. While here he remarked that the was getting lonely, his friends had one before him and he was ready to depart. Nevertheless he kept up his vigorous labors to the last, preaching a powerful sermon only ten day ago.
Dr. Stillman was thrice married; first, to Miss Martha Hammond, of Midway, Ga., mother of Mrs. Dr. E. H. Sholl and John H. Stillman, of Birmingham; then to Miss Fannie Collins, of Shubuta, Miss.; then to Miss Elfrida Walker, of Tuscaloosa, who left three children, all living, viz: Charles Stillman, of Bessemer, Miss Anna Marrast and James Sidney, the latter a student at Tuscaloosa.
These children, two sisters, and a niece, Miss Annie Stillman (Grace Raymond), a Charleston, S.C. poetess and writer of note, survive him.
Source: “Rev. C. A. Stillman,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, January 30, 1895, 2.
Sketch of His Life.
Deceased was born in Charleston, S.C., March 1819. He went through a literary training at Oglethorp College, Newman, Ga., after which he took a theological course at Columbia Presbyterian Seminary, Columbia, S.C., and was ordained a minister.
His first pastorate was at Eutaw, Ala., where he went in 1844. In 1853 he took charge of the church at Gainesville, Ala., and remained there until 1870, when he went to the chargnc [sic] at Tuscaloosa, where he spent the remaining twenty-five years of his life. These three chargns [sic] made up the ministerial life of the able and beloved divine.
This was the smallest part of Dr. Stillman’s work. His church honored his abilities as counselor and a worker with many posts of honor. In 1871 he was moderator of the Southern Presbyterian Assembly at New Orleans. He has been prominently identified with the cause of education in all its branches and has been entrusted with the most responsible position in this line.
His Chief Work.
Dr. Stillman was best known as the founder, promoter and first superintendent of the Stillman Theological Institute at Tuscaloosa for the preparation of colored students for the Presbyterian ministry. He was superintendent of this institution from is foundation in 1870 until two years ago, when he resigned the post to Rev. A. J. Phillips.
As a man Dr. Stillman was genial and jovial. As a minister of the gospel he was learned and lovable. As a church worker he was earnest, indefatigable and, by reason of great executive ability, eminently successful. He belonged to that old school of Presbyterian divines represented by Dr. John Newton Waddel, D. D., recently deceased, and Dr. B. M. Palmer, of New Orleans, about the only survivor. Dr. Stillman assisted at the obsequies of Dr. Waddel in Birmingham two weeks ago. While here he remarked that the was getting lonely, his friends had one before him and he was ready to depart. Nevertheless he kept up his vigorous labors to the last, preaching a powerful sermon only ten day ago.
Dr. Stillman was thrice married; first, to Miss Martha Hammond, of Midway, Ga., mother of Mrs. Dr. E. H. Sholl and John H. Stillman, of Birmingham; then to Miss Fannie Collins, of Shubuta, Miss.; then to Miss Elfrida Walker, of Tuscaloosa, who left three children, all living, viz: Charles Stillman, of Bessemer, Miss Anna Marrast and James Sidney, the latter a student at Tuscaloosa.
These children, two sisters, and a niece, Miss Annie Stillman (Grace Raymond), a Charleston, S.C. poetess and writer of note, survive him.
Source: “Rev. C. A. Stillman,” Tuscaloosa Weekly Times, January 30, 1895, 2.
Document 2: Promoting Stillman Institute, 1905
Where Colored Men Are Trained for the Ministry by the Southern Presbyterian Church.
Correspondence of The Landmark.
It has always been the devout belief of many in our Southern Presbyterian Church that in the wonderful Providence of God African slavery was to be the instrument in the evangelization of the Dark Continent. Acting upon this belief, the Church, in the year 1877, when still fresh from the horrors of the civil war and the miseries of the reconstruction period, struggling with poverty and affliction, yet convinced that the colored race could best be served by its own pastors, set apart funds to establish, at Tuscaloosa, Ala., an institute for the training of colored evangelists.
It was, of course, a very small affair at first, but the greatest interest was felt in it by all classes in the Church, and it has, slowly but surely, extended its influence. In 1892, there were two professors and 25 students. In telling of its present status it would be well to mention certain facts as to the course. Quoting from the minutes of the General Assembly, we understand that “the curriculum has been made more simple and natural by the elimination of such abstruse subjects as psychology and logic, as well as the dead languages; and the strongest emphasis is now placed upon a plain English education, with special reference to the fluent reading and interpretation of the Bible. Recognizing the hand of God in so wonderfully using the graduates of this school to carry the Gospel to the African tribes, we have encouraged some special preparation on the part of those students who have signified their desire to be sent out to the Congo.”
Stillman Institute, as it has been called in honor of the man who may be called its father, now owns around its buildings, which covered some five acres, a farm of about 45 acres, and has an enrollment of 72 pupils. Rev. J. G. Snedicor is now the superintendent, succeeding Dr. H. Clay Lilly. The assistant superintendent is Rev. Wm. I. Sinott. The latter succeeds Rev. Phillips Verner, who has gone, accompanied by one of the graduates of the institute, to Africa by the government. Verner is the grandson of Prof. James Phillips. His presence on the expedition was requested on account of his experience and familiarity with conditions in Africa.
This outline sketch of the work at Stillman institute is given, Mr. Editor, not on account of any worth in itself, but because very few, even of our own Church-people, have much knowledge of the matter, and little conception of its far-reaching influence, until some unmistakable proof, such as the recent visit and lectures of Rev. W. H. Shepherd, presents itself. Said an elder of the First Presbyterian church to the writer: “Why, if Stillman had never done anything but educate that one man, all its work would be justified.”
Source: “Stillman Institute,” Statesville Record and Landmark (Statesville, NC), April 11, 1905, 4.
Correspondence of The Landmark.
It has always been the devout belief of many in our Southern Presbyterian Church that in the wonderful Providence of God African slavery was to be the instrument in the evangelization of the Dark Continent. Acting upon this belief, the Church, in the year 1877, when still fresh from the horrors of the civil war and the miseries of the reconstruction period, struggling with poverty and affliction, yet convinced that the colored race could best be served by its own pastors, set apart funds to establish, at Tuscaloosa, Ala., an institute for the training of colored evangelists.
It was, of course, a very small affair at first, but the greatest interest was felt in it by all classes in the Church, and it has, slowly but surely, extended its influence. In 1892, there were two professors and 25 students. In telling of its present status it would be well to mention certain facts as to the course. Quoting from the minutes of the General Assembly, we understand that “the curriculum has been made more simple and natural by the elimination of such abstruse subjects as psychology and logic, as well as the dead languages; and the strongest emphasis is now placed upon a plain English education, with special reference to the fluent reading and interpretation of the Bible. Recognizing the hand of God in so wonderfully using the graduates of this school to carry the Gospel to the African tribes, we have encouraged some special preparation on the part of those students who have signified their desire to be sent out to the Congo.”
Stillman Institute, as it has been called in honor of the man who may be called its father, now owns around its buildings, which covered some five acres, a farm of about 45 acres, and has an enrollment of 72 pupils. Rev. J. G. Snedicor is now the superintendent, succeeding Dr. H. Clay Lilly. The assistant superintendent is Rev. Wm. I. Sinott. The latter succeeds Rev. Phillips Verner, who has gone, accompanied by one of the graduates of the institute, to Africa by the government. Verner is the grandson of Prof. James Phillips. His presence on the expedition was requested on account of his experience and familiarity with conditions in Africa.
This outline sketch of the work at Stillman institute is given, Mr. Editor, not on account of any worth in itself, but because very few, even of our own Church-people, have much knowledge of the matter, and little conception of its far-reaching influence, until some unmistakable proof, such as the recent visit and lectures of Rev. W. H. Shepherd, presents itself. Said an elder of the First Presbyterian church to the writer: “Why, if Stillman had never done anything but educate that one man, all its work would be justified.”
Source: “Stillman Institute,” Statesville Record and Landmark (Statesville, NC), April 11, 1905, 4.
Document 3: Arrival of President Davis, 1911
Prof. J. H. Davis and two daughters have arrived from Farmville, Va., to reside in Tuscaloosa. Mr. Davis is the new president of Stillman Institute, who succeeds Rev. W. E. Hutchinson. Mrs. Davis and the rest of the family will not come down until later.
Source: “Personals,” The Tuscaloosa News, September 7, 1911, 3.
Source: “Personals,” The Tuscaloosa News, September 7, 1911, 3.
Document 4: Melissa D. Wyman's Visit of Stillman Institute, 1912
Stillman Institute, just beyond the city on the west, is an exceedingly interesting place and particularly just now as a recent visit revealed the great advance and activity which is being carried on in an industrial way.
The beautiful old antebellum residence with its Corinthian columns is in itself an object to delight the eye, but the farm in connection with the school is an important and valuable part of the property.
There are now more than forty-eight acres of land, including the buildings and grounds and the students of the school have worked on the farm and produced splendid results, raising all sorts of vegetables for the market and for their own use. This is the first year that the farm has been self-supporting.
A magnificent crop of ribbon cane and sorghum is about ready to be harvested. There are six acres in Georgia cane and two or three of Louisiana cane, some of which is ready to be cut. The tall waving stalks are beautiful to see, most of them nine and ten feet high, and the Louisiana cane with its thick and green foliage, make a wonderful picture. The grinding into syrup will begin soon.
Rev. J. H. Davis has had charge of the institute as president for a year and he has been ably assisted by Prof. McLeod of Mississippi. Under their scientific direction all sorts of farm products have been raised. Ten acres of peas will soon be ready to be baled besides the corn and fodder which has already been gathered.
A canning outfit has been the means of putting up eight hundred cans of tomatoes and a smaller number of okra, beans and corns. Beehives supply honey and way which find a ready market, and the live stock consists of pigs, cows and horses. A young orchard of two hundred and fifty trees have been set out and a vineyard of young grape vines, which will soon come into bearing.
Stillman Institute is the property of the Presbyterian church and is used as a training school for negro men who wish to become ministers of the gospel, and the industrial feature is a fitting addition which is improving highly successful and educational.
Source: Melissa D. Wyman, “A Visit to Stillman Institute,” The Tuscaloosa News, September 1, 1912, 5.
The beautiful old antebellum residence with its Corinthian columns is in itself an object to delight the eye, but the farm in connection with the school is an important and valuable part of the property.
There are now more than forty-eight acres of land, including the buildings and grounds and the students of the school have worked on the farm and produced splendid results, raising all sorts of vegetables for the market and for their own use. This is the first year that the farm has been self-supporting.
A magnificent crop of ribbon cane and sorghum is about ready to be harvested. There are six acres in Georgia cane and two or three of Louisiana cane, some of which is ready to be cut. The tall waving stalks are beautiful to see, most of them nine and ten feet high, and the Louisiana cane with its thick and green foliage, make a wonderful picture. The grinding into syrup will begin soon.
Rev. J. H. Davis has had charge of the institute as president for a year and he has been ably assisted by Prof. McLeod of Mississippi. Under their scientific direction all sorts of farm products have been raised. Ten acres of peas will soon be ready to be baled besides the corn and fodder which has already been gathered.
A canning outfit has been the means of putting up eight hundred cans of tomatoes and a smaller number of okra, beans and corns. Beehives supply honey and way which find a ready market, and the live stock consists of pigs, cows and horses. A young orchard of two hundred and fifty trees have been set out and a vineyard of young grape vines, which will soon come into bearing.
Stillman Institute is the property of the Presbyterian church and is used as a training school for negro men who wish to become ministers of the gospel, and the industrial feature is a fitting addition which is improving highly successful and educational.
Source: Melissa D. Wyman, “A Visit to Stillman Institute,” The Tuscaloosa News, September 1, 1912, 5.
Document 5: Stillman Institute and Its Tourism Appeal, 1914
In the west end Tuscaloosa, about one mile from the business center of town, is located Stillman Institute, a school whose principal aim is the careful and sensible training of earnest young colored men for usefulness in the Gospel ministry among their own people. Its building equipment consists of four main buildings, Stillman Hall, Siston Hall, Wilson Hall and Little Hall.
When you glance at this group of buildings, set on top of a hill in a grove of beautiful oaks, your eye rests for a long time on the large colonial mansion. The six massive columns, supporting its imposing roof give the building an exceedingly grand appearance. When drawing nearer you notice that they are fluid columns with bronze moulded [sic] Corinthian capitals. These are the only correctly proportioned ones in town; and the capitals, with their carved, Acanthus leaves drooping as if from a basket, were imported from Corinth, Greece.
These capitals were bought by Mrs. Perkins, the original owner of the home, about one hundred years ago. Later the mansion passed into the hands of Mr. Cochrane, son-in-law of Mrs. Perkins, and while owned by the Cochranes hospitality reigned supreme.
The doors were opened wide to the southern soldiers during the Civil War. When Forest passed through Tuscaloosa, he and many of the most important officers under him, were invited to a reception at this home, but many privates came also. On the occasion the will filled up pantries were emptied for the first time in history.
This luxurious life came to an end for as most other southern gentlemen and women, Mrs. Cochrane lost her property and slaves during the war, and was forced to sell her home. After the hardships of the war Mr. Cochrane let secluded life and did not leave his room. He lived there day by day with a faithful servant at his side to see that every wish was granted. Here he died after living this shut in life for a few years.
The place consisting of the home and twenty acres was then bought by the Presbyterian executive committee of home missions in 1897 for only five thousand dollars, and the Tuscaloosa Theological seminary for colored ministers was moved to these grounds. Later the name was changed to Stillman Institute in honor of its founder, Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D.
Twenty acres have been added to the first twenty and other buildings have been built on the campus. Here the very interesting and yearly increasing school thrives, and scores of eyes are daily raised to gaze admiringly on the beautiful columns, which have characterized the place from its beginning.
Source: “Stillman Institute,” Tuscaloosa News, March 15, 1914, 5.
When you glance at this group of buildings, set on top of a hill in a grove of beautiful oaks, your eye rests for a long time on the large colonial mansion. The six massive columns, supporting its imposing roof give the building an exceedingly grand appearance. When drawing nearer you notice that they are fluid columns with bronze moulded [sic] Corinthian capitals. These are the only correctly proportioned ones in town; and the capitals, with their carved, Acanthus leaves drooping as if from a basket, were imported from Corinth, Greece.
These capitals were bought by Mrs. Perkins, the original owner of the home, about one hundred years ago. Later the mansion passed into the hands of Mr. Cochrane, son-in-law of Mrs. Perkins, and while owned by the Cochranes hospitality reigned supreme.
The doors were opened wide to the southern soldiers during the Civil War. When Forest passed through Tuscaloosa, he and many of the most important officers under him, were invited to a reception at this home, but many privates came also. On the occasion the will filled up pantries were emptied for the first time in history.
This luxurious life came to an end for as most other southern gentlemen and women, Mrs. Cochrane lost her property and slaves during the war, and was forced to sell her home. After the hardships of the war Mr. Cochrane let secluded life and did not leave his room. He lived there day by day with a faithful servant at his side to see that every wish was granted. Here he died after living this shut in life for a few years.
The place consisting of the home and twenty acres was then bought by the Presbyterian executive committee of home missions in 1897 for only five thousand dollars, and the Tuscaloosa Theological seminary for colored ministers was moved to these grounds. Later the name was changed to Stillman Institute in honor of its founder, Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D.
Twenty acres have been added to the first twenty and other buildings have been built on the campus. Here the very interesting and yearly increasing school thrives, and scores of eyes are daily raised to gaze admiringly on the beautiful columns, which have characterized the place from its beginning.
Source: “Stillman Institute,” Tuscaloosa News, March 15, 1914, 5.
Document 6: African American Women's Conference, 1916
Sweet and clear the song poured forth on the crisp autumn air, just as the sun was sinking below the horizon, casting its rosy glow over the stately trees and classic columns of Stillman Institute.
About one hundred women gathered on the lawn at the opening vesper service on Saturday afternoon, led by Mrs. H. W. Sydenstricker, president of the Mississippi Synodical. Close attention had been given to the beautiful truths so aptly expressed by the leader, and the longing inspired in the hearts of the listeners voiced itself in the words of the beautiful song of their own race.
One hundred and fifty-five women were enrolled in this, the first conference for negro women in the Southern Presbyterian Church. Although the morning sessions were held at the institute, which is about one mile from town, the average attendance was more than one hundred. These delegates came from sixteen towns in six different States, and were, for the most part, an intelligent and educated body of possible leaders among their own people.
Thirty-one of these delegates housed in the dormitory at Stillman Institute, which those in charge had generously placed at the disposal of the conference. Indeed the success of the conference was due largely to the assistance given by Rev. W. E. Hutchison, dean of Stillman Institute, and his family, Mr. N. W. Kuykendall and wife, Dr. C. M. Boyd, pastor of our own church at Tuscaloosa, and Mrs. Washington Moody, president of the Missionary Society, and her helpers. The women of Salem Presbyterian church (colored) were also untiring in their efforts to prepare for the comfort of the delegates.
Every morning promptly at ten o’clock, the auditorium of Stillman was filed to overflowing with earnest, enquiring women with note books and pencils, eagerly jotting down the rich things which the lessons afforded them.
The morning program was largely educational and constructive, while the evening programs, given at Salem Presbyterian church in Tuscaloosa, were inspirational.
The first number on the morning program each day was “Bible Study, conducted by Mrs. W. C. Winsborough. The subjects chosen were lessons from the lives of some women of the Bible. Simple blackboard outlines were eagerly copied by all of the delegates, who gave the closest possible attention to the teaching of God’s word.
Mrs. John Little, so well known in connection with Dr. Little’s work among the negroes in Louisville, gave a series of most helpful and informing talks on the relation of the Christian Home to the School, the Church and the Community. The last two days were devoted to the topic, “Moral Instruction in the Home.” The effect of these address will necessarily be far-reaching and lasting.
“Practical Home Making and Its Problems” was discussed by Mrs. Hattie Huckabee, of Birmingham, a worker who is employed by the State to go about her own people, teaching them better ways of living. She dealt each day with the practical questions of home making, such as the “Care of the Kitchen,” “Canning and Pickling,” “Sanitation,” “Income and Expenditure,” “Diseases Common to the Negro,” and the “Care of Babies.” The speaker was thoroughly conversant with the needs of her people and her talks were pointed, helpful and practical.
The last fifteen minutes of the morning session was devoted to conference on “The Organization and Agencies of the Southern Presbyterian Church.”
In addition to the above program, Mrs. J. E. West, of Uniontown, gave a talk on the work of her Bible class of colored women, while Mrs. Rhett Goode, of Mobile, brought an inspiring message from the colored church of her city. Greetings were also given by Mrs. J. F. Witherspoon, president of North Alabama Presbyterial, and Mrs. J. D. Norwood, president of Tuscaloosa Presbyterial.
The vesper services at five o’clock each afternoon were well attended. These were led by Mrs. Sydenstricker, Mrs. Moody and Mrs. Kuykendaall, the remaining afternoons were in the hands of Mrs. W. H. Sheppard, the wife of our pioneer missionary to Africa, and the delegates themselves.
The night sessions were held in town in order that the resident delegates might more easily attend.
The opening sermon was preached by Rev. W. E. Hutchison, who gave a most inspiring message from the text, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”
Messages from Africa were given by Missionaries DeYampert and Rochester, recently from the field.
Mr. James L. Sibley, commissioner of rural education for Alabama, and an eder in the Presbyterian church at Montgomery, gave us a most excellent address on “What the State Has Done and Plans to Do For the Negro,” while another of our Presbyterian elders, Dr. W. E. Hinds, State entomologist of Alabama, gave a most instructive illustrated lecture on “Flies, Mosquitos and Household Pests.”
Thursday night was “Woman’s Night,” missionary messages being heard from Mrs. Sheppard, Mrs. DeYampter and Maria Fearing, all from Africa.
The closing message which came to us from Rev. J. A. Bryan, of Birmingham, was an evangelistic appeal to power, to which many responded with the promise to lead a better Christian life.
At all of the night meetings the music was an especial feature, the first thirty minutes of each session being devoted entirely to music. The colored Baptist church very kindly furnished their leader, Professor Barnes, and a choir of fifty voices to render the songs of their own race, which they did in a most inspiring way.
The feeling of personal responsibility for better lives seemed to be especially voiced in the song they sang with great fervor and earnestness:
“It’s me, it’s me, O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s not my sister, its me, O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord,
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s me, its me, O Lord,
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s not my brother, it’s me, O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s me, it’s me O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.”
A feature of the closing night was the presentation of a beautiful gold broach to Mrs. Winsborough from the conference as an expression of their appreciation. Gifts were also given to the organist and the choir leader.
At the close of the last morning session all delegates were asked to respond to the question, “What has this conference meant to me?” If any one present doubted that the expenditure of time, effort and money had been worth while, those doubts must have been dissipated by the testimony of these speakers. Their gratitude for the help given them, their delight in the opportunity afforded them for conference, the inspiration received by them from the lessons, all combined to compel the conviction that no people are more responsive to every effort made in their behalf than the colored people of our Church.
Source: “The Conference of Negro Women At Stillman Institute, Tuscaloosa, Ala, September 16-23, 1916,” The Presbyterian of the South (Atlanta, GA), October 11, 1916, 9.
About one hundred women gathered on the lawn at the opening vesper service on Saturday afternoon, led by Mrs. H. W. Sydenstricker, president of the Mississippi Synodical. Close attention had been given to the beautiful truths so aptly expressed by the leader, and the longing inspired in the hearts of the listeners voiced itself in the words of the beautiful song of their own race.
One hundred and fifty-five women were enrolled in this, the first conference for negro women in the Southern Presbyterian Church. Although the morning sessions were held at the institute, which is about one mile from town, the average attendance was more than one hundred. These delegates came from sixteen towns in six different States, and were, for the most part, an intelligent and educated body of possible leaders among their own people.
Thirty-one of these delegates housed in the dormitory at Stillman Institute, which those in charge had generously placed at the disposal of the conference. Indeed the success of the conference was due largely to the assistance given by Rev. W. E. Hutchison, dean of Stillman Institute, and his family, Mr. N. W. Kuykendall and wife, Dr. C. M. Boyd, pastor of our own church at Tuscaloosa, and Mrs. Washington Moody, president of the Missionary Society, and her helpers. The women of Salem Presbyterian church (colored) were also untiring in their efforts to prepare for the comfort of the delegates.
Every morning promptly at ten o’clock, the auditorium of Stillman was filed to overflowing with earnest, enquiring women with note books and pencils, eagerly jotting down the rich things which the lessons afforded them.
The morning program was largely educational and constructive, while the evening programs, given at Salem Presbyterian church in Tuscaloosa, were inspirational.
The first number on the morning program each day was “Bible Study, conducted by Mrs. W. C. Winsborough. The subjects chosen were lessons from the lives of some women of the Bible. Simple blackboard outlines were eagerly copied by all of the delegates, who gave the closest possible attention to the teaching of God’s word.
Mrs. John Little, so well known in connection with Dr. Little’s work among the negroes in Louisville, gave a series of most helpful and informing talks on the relation of the Christian Home to the School, the Church and the Community. The last two days were devoted to the topic, “Moral Instruction in the Home.” The effect of these address will necessarily be far-reaching and lasting.
“Practical Home Making and Its Problems” was discussed by Mrs. Hattie Huckabee, of Birmingham, a worker who is employed by the State to go about her own people, teaching them better ways of living. She dealt each day with the practical questions of home making, such as the “Care of the Kitchen,” “Canning and Pickling,” “Sanitation,” “Income and Expenditure,” “Diseases Common to the Negro,” and the “Care of Babies.” The speaker was thoroughly conversant with the needs of her people and her talks were pointed, helpful and practical.
The last fifteen minutes of the morning session was devoted to conference on “The Organization and Agencies of the Southern Presbyterian Church.”
In addition to the above program, Mrs. J. E. West, of Uniontown, gave a talk on the work of her Bible class of colored women, while Mrs. Rhett Goode, of Mobile, brought an inspiring message from the colored church of her city. Greetings were also given by Mrs. J. F. Witherspoon, president of North Alabama Presbyterial, and Mrs. J. D. Norwood, president of Tuscaloosa Presbyterial.
The vesper services at five o’clock each afternoon were well attended. These were led by Mrs. Sydenstricker, Mrs. Moody and Mrs. Kuykendaall, the remaining afternoons were in the hands of Mrs. W. H. Sheppard, the wife of our pioneer missionary to Africa, and the delegates themselves.
The night sessions were held in town in order that the resident delegates might more easily attend.
The opening sermon was preached by Rev. W. E. Hutchison, who gave a most inspiring message from the text, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”
Messages from Africa were given by Missionaries DeYampert and Rochester, recently from the field.
Mr. James L. Sibley, commissioner of rural education for Alabama, and an eder in the Presbyterian church at Montgomery, gave us a most excellent address on “What the State Has Done and Plans to Do For the Negro,” while another of our Presbyterian elders, Dr. W. E. Hinds, State entomologist of Alabama, gave a most instructive illustrated lecture on “Flies, Mosquitos and Household Pests.”
Thursday night was “Woman’s Night,” missionary messages being heard from Mrs. Sheppard, Mrs. DeYampter and Maria Fearing, all from Africa.
The closing message which came to us from Rev. J. A. Bryan, of Birmingham, was an evangelistic appeal to power, to which many responded with the promise to lead a better Christian life.
At all of the night meetings the music was an especial feature, the first thirty minutes of each session being devoted entirely to music. The colored Baptist church very kindly furnished their leader, Professor Barnes, and a choir of fifty voices to render the songs of their own race, which they did in a most inspiring way.
The feeling of personal responsibility for better lives seemed to be especially voiced in the song they sang with great fervor and earnestness:
“It’s me, it’s me, O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s not my sister, its me, O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord,
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s me, its me, O Lord,
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s not my brother, it’s me, O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.
It’s me, it’s me O Lord!
Standing in the need of prayer.”
A feature of the closing night was the presentation of a beautiful gold broach to Mrs. Winsborough from the conference as an expression of their appreciation. Gifts were also given to the organist and the choir leader.
At the close of the last morning session all delegates were asked to respond to the question, “What has this conference meant to me?” If any one present doubted that the expenditure of time, effort and money had been worth while, those doubts must have been dissipated by the testimony of these speakers. Their gratitude for the help given them, their delight in the opportunity afforded them for conference, the inspiration received by them from the lessons, all combined to compel the conviction that no people are more responsive to every effort made in their behalf than the colored people of our Church.
Source: “The Conference of Negro Women At Stillman Institute, Tuscaloosa, Ala, September 16-23, 1916,” The Presbyterian of the South (Atlanta, GA), October 11, 1916, 9.
Document 7: Rev. Hutchison's Annual Report, 1917
The prospects are good for a large enrollment this fall at Stillman Institute, Tuscaloosa, Ala. The session opened October 2nd.
By aid of small appropriations from the General Education Board and the Slater Fund, a shop for manual training arts is to be erected at once, and regular classes are to be begun, which will take in all students of the academic department.
Mr. G. C. McLeod, who for five years efficiently managed the farm and taught in the academic department, has undertaken work with the Young Men’s Christian Association in the army camp at Jackson, Miss. In his place has come Mr. L. M. McRae, graduate of the Auburn Polytechnic Institute, splendidly equipped for the work, and not less so because he is a Presbyterian deacon. He will have charge of the Agriculture and the Industrial Department.
Without lessening in any degrees the emphasis on ministerial training, which always has been the great thing at Stillman, henceforward more attention is to be given to normal, agricultural and industrial training. Colored preachers should be all-round practical men. And there are those the school might train for good work in the public schools where strong Christian character will count almost as vitally as in the regular ministry. The aim is broad and thorough training for Christian life and leadership. To carry out the plans for the development of these wider aims, there will be needed the active help of all in our great Church who are interested in the welfare and uplift of the colored people.
Source: Rev. William E. Hutchison, “Stillman Institute,” The Presbyterian of the South (Atlanta, GA), October 3, 1917, 12.
By aid of small appropriations from the General Education Board and the Slater Fund, a shop for manual training arts is to be erected at once, and regular classes are to be begun, which will take in all students of the academic department.
Mr. G. C. McLeod, who for five years efficiently managed the farm and taught in the academic department, has undertaken work with the Young Men’s Christian Association in the army camp at Jackson, Miss. In his place has come Mr. L. M. McRae, graduate of the Auburn Polytechnic Institute, splendidly equipped for the work, and not less so because he is a Presbyterian deacon. He will have charge of the Agriculture and the Industrial Department.
Without lessening in any degrees the emphasis on ministerial training, which always has been the great thing at Stillman, henceforward more attention is to be given to normal, agricultural and industrial training. Colored preachers should be all-round practical men. And there are those the school might train for good work in the public schools where strong Christian character will count almost as vitally as in the regular ministry. The aim is broad and thorough training for Christian life and leadership. To carry out the plans for the development of these wider aims, there will be needed the active help of all in our great Church who are interested in the welfare and uplift of the colored people.
Source: Rev. William E. Hutchison, “Stillman Institute,” The Presbyterian of the South (Atlanta, GA), October 3, 1917, 12.
Document 8: Birthright's Bequest to Stillman College's Endowment, 1917
A case of local interest is that of Stillman institute of his city, which is believed to have been willed property in the value of $25,000 by Charles Birthright, a negro barber at Kenneth, Mo., died, leaving a will bequeathing all of his property to his wife during her life, and at her death the property to go in fee simple to the “Tuscaloosa Institute for the Education of Colored Ministers in the Presbyterian Church.”
The wife died last fall and it has developed that the property is worth about $25,000.
At the time of making the will, the present Stillman Institute was known as the Tuscaloosa Institute, the name having been changed and the Institution incorporated under the name of the “Stillman Institute,” after the death of the founder, Dr. Chas. A. Stillman, in 1895, in commemoration of Dr. Stillman’s work in its behalf.
Some interested parties have raised the question as to whether the Stillman Institute is the same as the Tuscaloosa Institute, and the question is set down for hearing in the circuit court at Kenneth, Mo., on Tuesday, the sixth day of this month.
Dr. Wm. E. Hutchinson and Col. C. B. Verner will go from here to Missouri to look after the interests of the Stillman Institute.
Source: “Stillman Inst. Has Unique Legal Mixup,” Tuscaloosa News, August 2, 1917, 1.
The wife died last fall and it has developed that the property is worth about $25,000.
At the time of making the will, the present Stillman Institute was known as the Tuscaloosa Institute, the name having been changed and the Institution incorporated under the name of the “Stillman Institute,” after the death of the founder, Dr. Chas. A. Stillman, in 1895, in commemoration of Dr. Stillman’s work in its behalf.
Some interested parties have raised the question as to whether the Stillman Institute is the same as the Tuscaloosa Institute, and the question is set down for hearing in the circuit court at Kenneth, Mo., on Tuesday, the sixth day of this month.
Dr. Wm. E. Hutchinson and Col. C. B. Verner will go from here to Missouri to look after the interests of the Stillman Institute.
Source: “Stillman Inst. Has Unique Legal Mixup,” Tuscaloosa News, August 2, 1917, 1.
Document 9: African American Women's Conference, 1919
The fourth annual Conference for Colored Women was held at Stillman Institute, Tuskaloosa, Ala., September 20-27th, and showed by its increased attendance, deepening interest and widening scope what a valuable asset it has become in our Home Mission work in the South.
Stillman Institute, with its dormitories, spacious class-rooms and wide campus removed from the noise and distractions of the busy city yet within access of all of the city benefits, affords an ideal place for this conference, while the faculty of Stillman and the Presbyterians of Tuskaloosa, both white and colored, rendered generous aid.
On the first day of the conference, Saturday, the delegates gathered and matriculated at the institute, and prepared for work. That evening at 8:30 a “Get Aquainted” meeting was held at Salem church in town.
Sunday morning the delegates attended Sunday school at Salem, of which Rev. Matt Harper, a Stillman trained man, is pastor, and some of the white leaders took part as teachers.
Rev. Paul Moore, of the Stillman faculty, preached aptly appropriate sermon from the text: “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain,” at the 11 o’clock service.
A vesper service of song, led by Professor B. H. Barnes, of Tuscaloosa, was held under the great old oaks on the institute campus at 5 o’clock. The Sabbath exercises closed with a very earnest address by Dr. Imes, dean of the Bible Department at Tuskegee Institute, the speaker being introduced by Rev. Dr. R. K. Timmons, president of Stillman Institute.
On Monday at 9 A.M. the conference started in fro a week of really hard work. Every morning Mrs. Winsborough opened the exercises with a practical talk on the Bible, how to study it, how to apply it when learned, together with practical lessons in church work, opening up new ways of applying Christian influence and help, and throwing such a strong clear light down into many avenues that seemed blocked by the great obstacles and difficulties, that even the timid and inexperienced could see her way straight through.
Mrs. Margaret Bright, of Tuskegee, followed with lessons on nursing from her own varied and strenuous experience as a trained nurse in many exacting circumstances, lessons so clear, earnest and impressive that it was hard to bring them to a close, for her audience developed an Oliver Twist appetite for more and more.
After a short recess “Woman’s Work” was discussed, led by Mrs. D. D. Little, of Columbia, Tenn., through which woman was viewed as the “peacemaker,” the home-maker, and last and supremely, the church member.
Work in the rural communities became a live topic under Mrs. Wells Henderson, supervisor under the Jeannes Fund, her talks overflowing with wit, humor, sympathetic understanding of both races, and shrewd, sound, practical sense. Mrs. W. E. Hinds, of the State College at Auburn, Ala., made the “Homes of the Bible” as vivid and interesting as a series of “movies” could have been done with the enjoyable addition of spiritual lessons of faith, love, duty and all those great Christian qualities which must support a true home.
After lunch, under the direction of Mrs. Maria Waterfield, housekeeper for Stillman Institute, the delegates divided into two classes for instruction in sewing, the beginners being under Mrs. W. H. Shepherd of the Louisville Mission, and the advanced class with Miss Gramig, another of the Louisville workers.
The busy day closed with a long playground demonstration out on the beautiful campus, where little children joined in with the delegates in merry games under the direction of Tuskegee’s trained worker, Mrs. Roberts.
This gives just the bare outline of the week’s sessions, which were richly interspersed with unexpected talks by visitors, both white and colored. A magnetic sympathy ran through the audience, making them “quick of the understanding,” ready of response and appreciation.
The evening exercises were held at Salem church, each one beginning with those unique negro songs of the South sung by Professor Barnes and his trained choir. The speakers for the evenings were Dr. Imes, of Tuskegee; Dr. R. H. McCaslin, of Montgomery; Rev. John Little, of Louisville; Mrs. W. A. Ross, of the Southern Presbyterian Mission to Mexico; Mrs. J. W. Bruce, of Birmingham, and Rev. H. H. Proctor, of Atlanta, Ga. It is need not be said that Mrs. Winsborough’s tactful business efficiency and her winning charm ran through everything and kept all in harmony and adjustment without friction or delay. Thursday evening a missionary pageant was given at Stillman Institute, a notable success, and all accomplished just in the few days since these colored women had met together.
The women of Salem church filled their duties as hostesses with fine spirit, and much of the success of the conference is due to them. On Monday the Women’s Missionary Society of this church carried all delegates to Stillman Institute free, and on Wednesday afternoon a delightful automobile ride was given the delegates, followed by a reception at the home of Dr. George Weaver, a colored physician of Tuskaloosa.
The Woman’s Auxiliary of the First church held an elegant reception for the white workers of the conference at the home of Mrs. A. A. Kirk, president of the First church Auxiliary, and the hospitality, refreshments and graceful eloquence of the speakers at this delightful occasion left nothing to be added.
All who had a part in this conference felt that it was a notable gathering, but perhaps the best part of it has not been and cannot be told in a report, for though we rejoice that there were seventy-four delegates present, from fifty-five churches, representing seven denominations in eleven States, we rejoice still more in the interchange of sympathy and experience the standing face to face on new viewpoints, as with the mutual help and advice we traced out the ways by which we might help our fellowmen of all races and conditions find their way into the kingdom of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Source: “Conference for Colored Women,” The Presbyterian of the South (Atlanta, GA), October 3, 1919, 10.
Stillman Institute, with its dormitories, spacious class-rooms and wide campus removed from the noise and distractions of the busy city yet within access of all of the city benefits, affords an ideal place for this conference, while the faculty of Stillman and the Presbyterians of Tuskaloosa, both white and colored, rendered generous aid.
On the first day of the conference, Saturday, the delegates gathered and matriculated at the institute, and prepared for work. That evening at 8:30 a “Get Aquainted” meeting was held at Salem church in town.
Sunday morning the delegates attended Sunday school at Salem, of which Rev. Matt Harper, a Stillman trained man, is pastor, and some of the white leaders took part as teachers.
Rev. Paul Moore, of the Stillman faculty, preached aptly appropriate sermon from the text: “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain,” at the 11 o’clock service.
A vesper service of song, led by Professor B. H. Barnes, of Tuscaloosa, was held under the great old oaks on the institute campus at 5 o’clock. The Sabbath exercises closed with a very earnest address by Dr. Imes, dean of the Bible Department at Tuskegee Institute, the speaker being introduced by Rev. Dr. R. K. Timmons, president of Stillman Institute.
On Monday at 9 A.M. the conference started in fro a week of really hard work. Every morning Mrs. Winsborough opened the exercises with a practical talk on the Bible, how to study it, how to apply it when learned, together with practical lessons in church work, opening up new ways of applying Christian influence and help, and throwing such a strong clear light down into many avenues that seemed blocked by the great obstacles and difficulties, that even the timid and inexperienced could see her way straight through.
Mrs. Margaret Bright, of Tuskegee, followed with lessons on nursing from her own varied and strenuous experience as a trained nurse in many exacting circumstances, lessons so clear, earnest and impressive that it was hard to bring them to a close, for her audience developed an Oliver Twist appetite for more and more.
After a short recess “Woman’s Work” was discussed, led by Mrs. D. D. Little, of Columbia, Tenn., through which woman was viewed as the “peacemaker,” the home-maker, and last and supremely, the church member.
Work in the rural communities became a live topic under Mrs. Wells Henderson, supervisor under the Jeannes Fund, her talks overflowing with wit, humor, sympathetic understanding of both races, and shrewd, sound, practical sense. Mrs. W. E. Hinds, of the State College at Auburn, Ala., made the “Homes of the Bible” as vivid and interesting as a series of “movies” could have been done with the enjoyable addition of spiritual lessons of faith, love, duty and all those great Christian qualities which must support a true home.
After lunch, under the direction of Mrs. Maria Waterfield, housekeeper for Stillman Institute, the delegates divided into two classes for instruction in sewing, the beginners being under Mrs. W. H. Shepherd of the Louisville Mission, and the advanced class with Miss Gramig, another of the Louisville workers.
The busy day closed with a long playground demonstration out on the beautiful campus, where little children joined in with the delegates in merry games under the direction of Tuskegee’s trained worker, Mrs. Roberts.
This gives just the bare outline of the week’s sessions, which were richly interspersed with unexpected talks by visitors, both white and colored. A magnetic sympathy ran through the audience, making them “quick of the understanding,” ready of response and appreciation.
The evening exercises were held at Salem church, each one beginning with those unique negro songs of the South sung by Professor Barnes and his trained choir. The speakers for the evenings were Dr. Imes, of Tuskegee; Dr. R. H. McCaslin, of Montgomery; Rev. John Little, of Louisville; Mrs. W. A. Ross, of the Southern Presbyterian Mission to Mexico; Mrs. J. W. Bruce, of Birmingham, and Rev. H. H. Proctor, of Atlanta, Ga. It is need not be said that Mrs. Winsborough’s tactful business efficiency and her winning charm ran through everything and kept all in harmony and adjustment without friction or delay. Thursday evening a missionary pageant was given at Stillman Institute, a notable success, and all accomplished just in the few days since these colored women had met together.
The women of Salem church filled their duties as hostesses with fine spirit, and much of the success of the conference is due to them. On Monday the Women’s Missionary Society of this church carried all delegates to Stillman Institute free, and on Wednesday afternoon a delightful automobile ride was given the delegates, followed by a reception at the home of Dr. George Weaver, a colored physician of Tuskaloosa.
The Woman’s Auxiliary of the First church held an elegant reception for the white workers of the conference at the home of Mrs. A. A. Kirk, president of the First church Auxiliary, and the hospitality, refreshments and graceful eloquence of the speakers at this delightful occasion left nothing to be added.
All who had a part in this conference felt that it was a notable gathering, but perhaps the best part of it has not been and cannot be told in a report, for though we rejoice that there were seventy-four delegates present, from fifty-five churches, representing seven denominations in eleven States, we rejoice still more in the interchange of sympathy and experience the standing face to face on new viewpoints, as with the mutual help and advice we traced out the ways by which we might help our fellowmen of all races and conditions find their way into the kingdom of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Source: “Conference for Colored Women,” The Presbyterian of the South (Atlanta, GA), October 3, 1919, 10.
