Consecrate Two New C. M. E. Bishops DRS. BELL AND RUSSELL CHOICE OF DELEGATES - Luther Stewart, New Editor Of Christian Index; Other General Officers Elected - Hot Springs, Ark., May 18--The 19th quadrennial session of the General Conference of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church closed here Tuesday night after one of the most interesting sessions, in the history of the great religious organization. The Monday and Tuesday sessions of the General Conference were given over to the last of the important legislation to govern the church during the next four years and to business of vital interest to the denomination. The highly impressive consecration service of the two newlyelected bishops were held Sunday morning before a capacity audience in the spacious city auditorium. The sermon was preached by Bishop C. H. Phillips, senior prelate with Bishops R. A. Carter, J. C. Martin, J. W. McKinney, H. P. Porter, J. A. Bray, H. H. Moore and presiding elders, C. L. Howard, J. H. Stewart, S. W. Broome and T. C. Little assisting. The consecration of Bishops Wm. Y. Bell, and C. L. Russell, brought the total number of active bishops of the C. M. E. church up to ten. The denomination lost Bishop Isaac Lane, retired and Bishop Elias Cottrell, in December of 1937. Bishop Bell who was professor of New Testament Literature at Howard University at the time of his election to the highest place in the church was elected on the second ballot last Wednesday evening. Dr. Russell, who is pastor of Chestnut Street C. M. E. Church, Louisville, Ky., was elected Thursday morning on the first ballot after running on three ballots taken Wednesday night. Dr. Bell received 146 out of a total of 273 votes cast on the second ballot. Of the more than 40 aspirants who received from one vote up, on the first ballot and on the second ballot the following were runners-up: Roy L. Young, Mississippi, 76; C. L. Russell, Louisville, 67; G. T. Lang, Washington, 65; A. W. Womack, Indianapolis, 31; W. Q. Hunter, Houston, 29; J. D. Hudson, Augusta, 38; H. W. Evans, Cleveland, 13; W. L. Liddell, Chicago, 20; J. G. Collins, Shreveport, 19; T. C. Little, Tupelo, 11. The ballotting for the second bishop resulting in no election with several of the candidates withdrawn was as follows: R. L. Young, 121; C. L. Russell, 115 and G. T. Long, 34. The Wednesday night session adjourned at a late hour to resume the balloting for the second bishop Thursday morning with only Drs. Russell and Young in the race, which resulted in the election of Dr. Russell by a vote of 166 to 102 for Dr. Young. Several interesting situations entered into the question of the election of two more bishops and then into the election. The election of General officers which followed that of the bishops resulted as follows: Editor Christian Index, Rev. Luther Stewart, Hopkinsville, Ky.; Publishing Agent, Rev. W. P. Pipkins, Jackson, Tenn.; Secretary Kingdom Extension, Rev. T. L. Lewis, Jackson; Secretary of Education, Rev Bertram W. Doyle, Nashville; Financial Secretary, Prof. G. F. Porter, Jackson; Secretary Super-annuated preacheds, widows and orph- (Continued on page 4)
ABUSED AND HUMILIATED AT NOVEL "HOLY" EXHIBITION Colored patrons who visited the widely advertised exhibit of a miniature Holy Land in a building at Brook and Broadway, Monday night, were accorded the worst sort of treatment and humiliation by attendants, according to the statement of a woman who came into The Leader office and told her story. Though white and colored bought the same ticket at the entrance of the exhibition, a woman usher, white, was placed so as to block the passage of colored patrons, directing them up the steps to a balcony. When it was found that no appreciable view of the exhibit could be seen from this point, complaint was made to the manager who in a loud tone of voice ordered the woman and other colored people to "get out and stay out-" He also refused to refund the admission fee, adding, "You make it dark. You have no business in here." He ordered that no more tickets be sold to colored people. The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance had already made a protest to the Courier-Journal, sponsors, against invitations sent them urging that they and their congregations attend on a certain day. The incident has been reported to the sponsors of the exhibit and to the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Ministers' Wives Council A group of ministers' wives met Wednesday afternoon at the residence of Mrs. W. P. Offutt and organized an Interdenominational Ministers' Wives Council. Officers elected were: Mrs. W. P. Offutt, president; Mesdames Alice Hughlett and C. L. Russell, vice presidents; Esther A. White, recording sec'y.; W. Augustus Jones, asst. sec'y.; W. H. Sheppard, cor. sec'y.; G. Horace Jenkins, treas.; W. W. Ryan, chaplain; W. S. Saunders and Emma C. Clement, program and sick committees, respectively. Other ladies listed as charter members were Mesdames T. S. Ledbetter, F. T. Floyd and A. W. Jackson. The hostess served a delightful roast. This council, which meet [illegible], will be entertained in [illegible] monthly meeting by Mrs. L. A. Offutt, 2710 Lytle St. Esther A. White, Sec'y.
MRS. LYDA HARRIS PASSES AWAY Mrs Lyda Harris, 520 S. 20th Street, well known club woman, passed away Monday night at the City Hospital after an operation. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, with J. B. Cooper Funeral Home in charge. Rev. John H. Perdue, the pastor, and Rev. A. H. Shumake gave the eulogies. Surviving Mrs. Harris are a husband, Flem Harris, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.
Killed By Train A train passed over the body of David Paris at a 14th street crossing near his home Saturday night, May 14, severing it. The remains were carried to Clarksville, Tenn., for burial. A wife and 2 children survive.
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ELECTED BISHOP [Photo] RT. REV. C. L. RUSSELL Until chosen bishop of the tenth episcopal district at the 18th General Conference of the C. M. E. Church, Dr. Russell was the successful pastor of Chestnut Street C. M. E. Church, this city. Bishop Russell will preside over New England, Washington - Philadelphia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina Conferences.
ORGANIZE STATE EDUCATION BODY The Negro division of the Kentucky Council of Special Education, which held its first meeting in Henderon, Ky., at Douglas High School in April makes the following statement as to its objective: "The purpose of this organization shall be to provide a forum through which germane problems may be discussed concerning Special Education, Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Nursery School Education and subjects of similar interests; to conduct a campaign of education to inform the public concerning the aims and purposes of the Council; to set up an agency through which effective work may be done upon pending legislation and public policies affecting the program of the Council." At the meeting the several outstanding educators of that city and county who made speeches included, Major Robert Posey, C. E. Dudley, superintendent of schools; N. O. Kimbler, county school superintendent; H. K. Meade, principal; Mrs. Ora Glass, state president P.-T. A. and Mrs. Bessie Basket, project supervisor adult education. Lyle Hawkins, project supervisor of Negro Adult Education explained and commented on the purpose of the Division. Dr. James H. Richmond, president of Murray State Teachers' College was also present.
Home Is Burned The home of Rev. Mrs. A. L. Perry, evangelist and politician, at 428 S. 10th Street, was partially destroyed by fire of unknown origin last Friday night.
Recognition Denied U. S. Not To Recognize Italy's Conquest Empire "Our Policy Remains The Same" Says Secretary Hall
SPIRITED COMPETITION SWAYS LEADER STATE-WIDE CONTEST What started out to be an exclusive Mountain Section Leader subscription campaign has spread over other sections of the state and developed into highly spirited competition by scores of energetic young ladies. The most popular young lady in each of the three sections, The Mountain, The Blue Grass and West Kentucky, will be crowned "Miss Louisville Leader" at the end of the respective campaigns. Mountain Section The first period of the Mountain Section closed Wednesday when eager contestants poured in votes by rail, air mail and wire so as to be counted by 8 o'clock that night. The surprise of the entire period came when Miss Virginia Lackey, Somerset teacher, stepped up from an humble fifth place to that of first, as held last by Miss Sweetie Simmons of Lynch. Increased votes of Miss Shirley Love of Barbourville retained for her the second place, while Miss Simmons dropped to third. Fourth and fifth places are held by Miss Emily W. Smith of London and Mrs. A. B. Patterson of Lynch, respectively. Blue Grass Section A race is expected in the Blue Grass Section, so widely known by its racing characteristic so truly exhibited by an unusual amount of ties in the standings. As a first report Mrs. Georgia Smith of Burgin stands first; two Lexingtonians, Miss Mary Crockett and Miss Virginia Hayes tie for second place; Misses Annette Hayden of Eminence, Georgia Riffe and Anna Hampton of Lexington, Irene Washington of Midway and Willa Conda of Frankfort, all [tie?] for third. Misses Henrietta Gill of Frankfort, Ora Mae Stevenson of Winchester, Miss Clara Alexander, Helen Richardson tie for fourth, leaving Misses Beulah Sallee, Jane Franklin and Mera Hunlee, fifth. First tabulations of earned votes in this and West Kentucky section are carried on page 7. West Kentucky West Kentucky contest started off with a bang. Standing way out on first report is Miss Birdie Hallison, who holds first place. Giving her a close race is Mrs. Zelma Rogers of Paducah, with Miss Annie Barber of Franklin, third. Mrs. Anna G. Simmons is fourth and Misses Rosebud Dewey of Henderson and Minnie Mae Keeling of Paducah are fifth. Others follow as tabulated on page 7.
CONTESTANT [Photo] Miss Annie P. Rhinehart, of Cromona, Ky., a contestant for "Miss Louisville Leader" in the Mountain Section. Miss Rhinehart expresses great confidence in herself as capable of capturing most any of the prizes she may set her head to win.
WORTHY "HALF" [photo] MRS. C. L. RUSSELL Wife of the newly elected C.M.E. Bishop, who joined her husband in Hot Springs for the consecration services held last Sunday. Mrs. Russell, an ardent church worker, possesses much dramatic ability as well as a pleasing personality that have been assets to her as a worthy help-mate to an able, aspiring minister.
VOTERS' LEAGUE TO CELEBRATE Lexington, Ky., May 19. - The Voter's League, a non-partisan organization with Charles P. Riley, president, celebrates its 4th anniversary the week of June 6. Some of the noted speakers to participate are J. Finley Wilson, Grand Exalted Ruler of thee Elks; Mrs. Abbie Johnson, Grand Daughter Ruler; Dr. William J. Thompkins, Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D. C.; Mayor Reed Wilson and Governor A. B. Chandler. Heth Brothers Shows and Chick Carter's orchestra have been engaged to furnish the amusements. J. Rice Porter, chairman and treasurer of the League, credits the organization with the election of a city administration that appointed colored policemen on beats and says their next move is to get a colored fire department.
W. K. I. C. in Final Commencement BISHOP W. J. WALLS, REV. W. H. BALLEW SPEAKERS - West Kentucky College Hereafter To Be Known As Vocational Training School - Paducah, Ky., May 19--The graduation exercises of West Kentucky Industrial College will be held Monday, May 30, at the college auditorium, at which time diplomas will be presented to 31 candidates who have completed the work of the junior college and teacher training departments. The Baccalaureate Address will be delivered by Reverend William H. Ballew, Moderator of Kentucky Baptists, Sunday, May 29 and the Commencement Address will be given by the Right Reverend William J. Walls, Bishop of the A. M. E. Zion Church of the Fifth Episcopal District which includes the State of Kentucky. The diplomas and awards will be presented by President H. C. Russell. This will be the twenty-first and the final commencement of the college since by recent legislative enactment the name of the institution will be changed to West Kentucky Vocational Training School, and most of the present educational program will be transferred to Frankfort. The new school will be opened in September with several trades for men and women and will give such literary work as may be necessary to carry out the program of vocational education and training.
Blind School Closing Miss Elizabeth M. Minnis, principal, has announced the closing exercises of the Kentucky School for the Blind to be held Friday, May 27, at 4:30 o'clock at the school, 260 Haldeman Avenue.
Name Omitted The name of Miss Rubena Rogers, local principal, was erroneously omitted from the list of Kentucky State College graduates sent out from the college for publication. Miss Rogers will receive her diploma with the others at the commencement Tuesday, May 24.
St. Louis Choir Presents Pageant Of Historic Shawls
LINCOLN TO HEAR STATE PREXY Wednesday, June 1, at 10:00 A. M., Lincoln Institute, Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky, will graduate one of the largest classes in the history of the school. The Commencement speaker will be Prof. R. B. Atwood, President of Kentucky State College. Special awards for outstanding achievements in the various departments of the school are being offered by messrs. C. C. Stoll, President of Stoll Oil; Theodore Ahrens, Chairman of Board Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Co.; T. C. Gaines, President, Kentucky Lithographing Co.; Dr. A. E. Thomson, President Emer- (Continued on page 4)