"New Plans for the Uplift of a Race" by James E. Shepard, ca. 1908

African Americans -- Education -- Florida

African Americans -- Study and teaching

Christian education

African Americans -- Religion

Chautauquas

Booklet written by James E. Shepard describing the need to establish a Bible school for African American students, a plan to establish the school, proposed locations of the school in South Carolina or North Carolina, and the buildings needed for the school. Includes letters of recommendation from different public figures, including Charles W. Fairbanks, vice president of the United States, and John C. Kilgo, president of Trinity College in Durham, North Carolina. Also includes a letter from Shepard to Florida Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward requesting the governor read the booklet.

Shepard, James Edward, 1875-1947

State Archives of Florida, Series S664

J.T. Christian Press (Durham, N.C.)

1908 (circa)

Fairbanks, Charles W. (Charles Warren), 1852-1918

Glenn, R. B. (Robert Brodnax), 1854-1920

Broughton, Needham Bryant, 1848-1914

Lawrence, Marion

Pepper, John R.

Hamill, H. M. (Howard Melancthon), 1847-1915

Kilgo, John Carlisle, 1861-1922

booklets

eng-US

Text

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Florida Boom and Progressive Era (1900-1926)

Durham (N.C.)

Columbia (S.C.)

Hillsborough (N.C.)

Washington (D.C.)

Chicago (Ill.)

Memphis (Tenn.)

Nashville (Tenn.)

Tallahassee (Fla.)

Leon County (Fla.)

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Civil Rights and Freedoms

International Sunday-School Association

Northfield Schools

South Carolina Industrial Home for Negroes (Columbia, S.C.)

Mechanics and Farmers Bank (Durham, N.C.)

Laymen's Missionary Movement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (Memphis, Tenn.)

Methodist Episcopal Church, South (Nashville, Tenn.)

Trinity College (Durham, N.C.)

Florida. Governor (1905-1909 : Broward)

National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race (Durham, N.C.)

Young Men's Christian Associations of North America

Carroll, Richard

Shepard, James Edward, 1875-1947

Broward, Napoleon Bonaparte, 1857-1910

New Plans for the Uplift of a Race JAMES E. SHEPARD Formerly Field Superintendent Work Among Negroes International Sunday School Association

The True Solution If there were a time when the best thinking people thought the education of the Negro a failure, that time is past. Every one knows that it is the soul in man that lifts him above the brute, and it is only when knowledge reaches him and develops that soul, that man is man. What kind of education then is best for the development of man? RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The industrial or the college education that will cause the betterment of our condition as a race must be founded upon a moral and religious training. The Negro is charged with being more religious than anything else, but it has not been a practical religion, or a religion of restraint. It has taught him only the idea of being ready to die. What he needs now, is to know first how to live and render service to others. Saved to serve. 1

The race problem is no nearer a solution today than it was ten years ago, and to the careful student the future is full of doubt and uncertainty. There must eventually come a greater crisis than now, and when that crisis comes, the industrially educated man will not be able to meet it; for that class in each race will be seeking the supremacy, the college educated man will not be able to meet it, for he cannot control the masses. So the thoughtful student is seeking to know the forces or forces that will check the reign of prejudice and hate. A true spirit of Christianity pervading the life of each race will be the only force capable of stemming the tide. The Christian white man and the Christian black man must meet on a common level, and this Christianity must be based upon moral obligation, each race maintaining these high principles. Then together they will listen to just grievances of the oppressed, and seek to remedy them. Crime will never be lessened in either race until the true spirit of Christ becomes the ruling spirit, and that spirit is founded upon high moral ideas. The duty of the hour demands of the thoughtful student how to get a practical Christianity disseminated in the masses, and the duty 2 of the philanthropist is to give those agencies that are trying to reach the masses through these means. ADVANTAGES OF RELIGIOUS TRAINING 1. It awakens the sluggish, dormant energies of the individuals and turns them into channels of usefulness and service. 2. It lessens crime, reduces idleness, stops violence, teaches lessons of restraint. 3. It builds up a better citizenship and checks the great waste of human material found in chain gangs, jails and penetentiaries. 4. Make a man practically religious and the industrial and educational side will take care of itself. The rallying cry should be--"change the man and the environments will be changed by the man." THE STATEMENT There is not a school in America for the colored people where special practical courses are given training, young men and women to be secretaries of Christian associations. There is not a great Bible school, modeled after the 3

Northfield Bible School, where colored people can gather together for practical instructions along biblical lines. That a practical knowledge of the Bible is needed will be admitted by all. There is not a school established for the practial training of foreign missionaries. When this statement is made we take into consideration, the practical equipment of men and women, who go to foreign fields. For instance, they have no knowledge whatever of the language, in very few instances a knowledge of medicine, no knowledge of practical agriculture, and very little knowledge of how to reach and hold men. In Sunday School work. There is no school teaching practical Sunday School methods. The Sunday School will be the largest and most potent force in saving and lifting up the race and the schools are neglecting it. The hope of the race lies in the salvation of the young. Specially trained teachers must do this work. A summer school for colored ministers and Sunday school teachers is sadly needed, where a short literary course is combined with a religious course. For the next one hundred years the Negro ministers will be the most powerful leaders of 4 the race. In many instances they are untrained, the people cannot go higher than their leaders. The man must be changed and the environments will be changed by the man. Hence the rallying cry of the race, above everything else, should be change the man, and as he is changed he will attempt to change others, and thus the process of lifting will go on. PLAN It is proposed to establish for the colored race, a great Bible School, modeled after that of Northfield, to train men in the Bible and thus change their inner life, and with this life changed to send them out to change others, and thus rear up a new people, loving right, fearing God, and respecting their fellowman. With the Bible course it is also planned to have a literary department, especially adapted for the illiterate minister. The ministers of the race are the real leaders of the race, and often are they illiterate, but in most instances are seeking light and will follow it. A course will be established for Sunday School teachers and home missionaries. A course in advanced methods, the art of reaching and teaching men will be given. Practical work 5

will be attempted in several communities and the experiments given to the public. A special course for foreign missionaries, teaching the language, habits and customs of the particular people studied, a brief knowledge of medicine and industrial work, so as to fit them for service. It is the belief of the writer, borne out by observation in foreign lands, that the missionaries who know something about medicine, are accomplishing the most far reaching results. A special course, training men and women to be secretaries of Young Men's and Women's Christian Associations and other similar institutions will be established. A literary course will be establised, also an industrial course, embracing the simple industrial branches, so that the men and women, as they go out among the people, can teach them that religion and work go hand in hand, and instead of higher or industrial education being made the foundation stone, religious education will be. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." NEEDS To start such an institution, three buildings 6 will be required. To erect and equip these buildings and put the school into practical operation will cost nearly $150,000, and then it is planned to raise an additional $200,000 as an endowment. A white gentleman in the South, who has great faith in such an undertaking, desires to give the first $5,000 towards it. Who will help in this great plan for the uplift of a race? A detailed statement of the proposed buildings and a sketch of one can be found elsewhere. ARE THE COLORED PEOPLE READY The question has been asked are the colored people ready for such an institution? From inquiries in every section of the country and from the large number of people who are desirous of securing this kind of training, I believe it will be a great success from the beginning. The tuition paid will not maintain the cost of expenses, but we plan to purchase a tract large enough to sell for settlements, start different kinds of industries, making it also a business enterprise like the Winona Assembly. In the summer time it will be an ideal resort, and amusements of a high order, together with special courses of training, will be a feature. 7

Institutions who desire special training for men in their employ have promised hearty support, and then lastly, we are depending upon the worthiness of our cause appealing to the liberal hearted Christian people of America. PROPOSED LOCATION At present the proposed location of this school will be at Irmo-South, 10 miles from Columbia. A beautiful site consisting of 280 acres of land has been deeded to a Board of Trustees for the specific objects named in this pamphlet, and the further object named of [caring] for children. This land and three small buildings was formerly The South Carolina Industrial Home, under the management of Rev. Richard Carroll. He generously relinquishes all of his rights and agrees to accept a place on the Board of Trustees. Over 100 acres is in woodland. There are three or four mineral springs and is almost ideal for the location of such an enterprise. Irmo is almost in the centre of a large Negro population, and already much good has been accomplished by Dr. Carroll in the uplift of the masses. Another beautiful location near Hillsboro, N. C., has been offered. It is near a small group 8 of mountains and a little stream winds its way through the same. It is a quiet, beautiful spot consisting of 20 acres. It has many advantages in its favor, but the present Board of Trustees favor Irmo. BUILDINGS Three buildings are needed at once, two dormitories and a chapel. It is proposed to have in the chapel a basement, or first story, divided into nine religious training of Sunday School rooms. These rooms to be so arranged as to open into the main lecture room by rolling partitions, so that the superintendent or lecturer can talk to all the classes without disturbing a class or moving a seat. It is also intended that this shall be an observation room for the people of the surrounding community and visitors, so the classes will not be molested. The second story will be an auditorium. A dormitory and class room and a main, or administration building, will be needed. As the success of the enterprise is assured more buildings will be added. This enterprise is started and launched for the salvation of the Negro and the glory of God. The masses must be reached, and a purer bet- 9

ter and more intelligent leadership is necessary in order to do it. Will you help in this great work of race redemption? Subscriptions for this enterprise can be sent to the writer or to the Mechanics and Farmers Bank, Durham, N.C., and the same will be applied for the purposes donated. Any further information will be cheerfully given. Address, James E. Shepard, Durham, N.C. 10 THE VICE-PRESIDENT'S CHAMBER WASHINGTON, D.C. January 29, 1908. Mr. James E. Shepard, Durham, N.C. Dear Sir: Your letter of the 18th instant is received. I fully agree with you that "The Sunday School furnishes the most hopeful field for future work in the uplift of the Negro." There is no better field of endeavor that this. The work is worthy of the utmost encouragement. Very truly yours, CHARLES W. FAIRBANKS. "Though dark be my way, Since He is my guide, 'Tis mine to obey, 'Tis His to provide."

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT RALEIGH, N. C. June 29, 1908. To All Whom It May Concern: This will certify that I am personally acquainted with Dr. James. E. Shepard, who has been the Field Secretary of the work among Negroes for the International Sunday School Association. He is a man of character and ability, thorough in the discharge of his duty, and has the respect and confidence of both white and colored races. He has done splendid work for the Sunday School amongst his people and deserves to be encouraged. Any help that may be given him will be appreciated by me both as Governor of the State and individually. I commend him to the public. In Testimony Whereol I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State. R. B. Glenn, Governor. International Sunday School Association OFFICE OF N. B. BROUGHTON, CHM'N COMMITTEE WORK AMONG NEGROES RALEIGH, N.C. July 16, 1908. To Whom It May Concern: It gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the high character and splendid ability to Dr. Jas. E. Shepard, of Durham, N.C. I have known him and his people for many years and do not hesitate to say so far as I know they are among our best. Dr. Jas. E. Shepard, for past several years has filled with ability the position of Field Superintendent for the Negroes of the International Sunday School Association, and is held in high esteem throughout the entire organization. N. B. Broughton, Chairman Com. on Work Among Negroes International Sunday School Association.

International Sunday School Association OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION CHICAGO, ILL. MARION LAWRENCE, GEN'L SEC June 5, 1908. To Whom It May Concern: This is to state that for the last six years, Dr. Jas. E. Shepard has been identified with the International Sunday School Association, of which I am General Secretary. This relationship has given me opportunity to become well acquainted with him Now that he is leaving the service of our Association, I am pleased to say that I regard him as an unusually capable man, indeed one of the brightest men of his race. He is well educated, a fine speaker, genial and pleasant to meet. It is a pleasure to say good words in his behalf. I shall follow him with interest and wish for him, the choicest success in any undertaking in which he may engage. Sincerely yours, MARION LAWRANCE. Laymen's Missionary Movement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT MEMPHIS, TENN. July 17, 1908. To Whom It May Concern: I beg to state that I have known Dr. Jas. E. Shepard, in connection with his work as Field Secretary of work among the negroes of the South for several years. He has shown himself a man of ability on the platform and in other directions, and now that he is about to engage in a different line somewhat and yet kindred work, I beg to commend him as one of more than usual capability touching the work he proposes to undertake. Wishing Dr. Shepard success in his new field, and that he may have the sympathy and support of all who wish for his race the greatest blessings in good citizenship and christian living. I am, Very respectfully, J. R. PEPPER.

SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Methodist Episcopal Church, South Nashville, Tenn. July 9, '08. To Whom It May Concern: I gladly give my hearty testimonial to Dr. James E. Shepard, whom I have known in character and service for several years. I have always found him under severe test and confronted by many difficulties, a thorough Christian gentleman, a faithful and most capable S. S. worker, and a devoted helper of the Negro race of the South. It is not the least of his excellent qualities in my judgment that he makes good friends of the Southern white man both for his race and himself. Yet does this without compromise of his service among and for his people. H. M. HAMILL, Chairman Committee on Education and Supt. Training Work, M. E. Church, South. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE TRINITY COLLEGE DURHAM, N.C. July 29, 1908. To Whom It May Concern: I take pleasure in commending to the confidence and respect of all persons, Dr. J. E. Shepard, of Durham, N. C. He is a man of unquestioned integrity of character, excellent mental endowments, and worthy of the confidence and esteem of all good persons. Respectfully, JNO. C. KILGO.

THE J T CHRISTIAN PRESS DURHAM N C

National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DURHAM, N.C. DR. JAS. E. SHEPARD, Chairman Executive Committee, Durham, N.C. HON. JOHN C. DANCY, Vice-Chm'n Executive Committee, Washington, D.C. DR. M. W. GILBERT, Chm'n Special Finance Committee, 248 West 129 Street, New York City DR. D. WEBSTER DAVIS, Chairman Advisory Committee, Richmond, Va. HON. E. A. JOHNSON, Vice-Chm'n Advisory Committee, 335 Broadway, New York City DR. CHAS. H. SHEPARD, Secretary Executive Committee, Durham, N.C. MR. W. G. PEARSON, Cashier Farmers & Mechanics Bank, Treasurer, Durham, N.C. ------- ------- LOCATION: Hillsboro, N.C. In the Occoneechee Mountains. A beautiful and quiet spot 40 miles from Raleigh 41 miles from Greensboro. [sic] 14 miles from Durham ------- ------- NEEDS An auditorium, costing about $15,000. Two dormitories, costing fifteen or twenty thousand dollars each. A hotel, and $100,000 endowment additional. Already tentatively subscribed, $50,000. ------- ------- The money you invest in this institution WILL SHOW RESULTS AT ONCE, and become a permanent investment. Will you not help us to help ourselves? His Excellency, The Governor of Florida, Tallahassee, Fla. Dear sir;- Will you please take the time to read the enclosed booklet, "New Plans for the Uplift of a Race," and the reverse side of this sheet? It is a great work we are attempting, and we are seeking to get the sanction and approval of the representative white people. If you consider the plans wise, practical and needful, will it be asking too much to request a few words of endorsement of the movement from you, the success of which means much to the race and the country? Hoping to have your approval, I am, Very truly yours, J. E. Shepard

National Training School and Chautauqua FOR THE COLORED RACE Where to be Located? Hillsboro, North Carolina. Hillsboro is one of the oldest towns in the State. The site embraces 40 acres of land running near the small chain of Occoneechee Mountains. A little stream winds its way through the beautiful woodland. A quiet, picturesque spot, and yet near enough to three of the most prosperous cities in the State, Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro. Why Such an Institution? There is no similar one for the colored race in America. It is to be modeled after Northfield and Winona. Is the Location Central? North Carolina is the happy medium between the North and the South. The conservative feeling of its white citizens, makes the State especially attractive to the colored people. Do the Colored People Need Such an Institution? All industrial or college education that will cause the betterment of the real condition of a race must be founded upon a moral and religious training. The rallying cry of the race must be: "Change the man and the environments will be changed by the man." What are the Advantages of a Religious Training? 1. It awakens the sluggish, dormant energies of the individuals and turns them into channels of usefulness and service. 2. It lessens crime, reduces idleness, stops violence, teaches lessons of restraint. 3. It builds up a better citizenship and checks the great waste of human material found in chain gangs, jails and penitentiaries. 4. Make a man practically religious and the industrial and educational side will take care of itself. 5. The rallying cry should be--"change the man and the environments will be changed by the man." What is the Plan Proposed in the Establishment of Such an Institution? 1. To train men and women in the Bible and thus change the inner life and with this life changed, send them ut to change others. 2. It is also planned to have a literary department especially adapted for the illiterate minister. The ministers of the colored race are the real leaders of the race, and for the next three or four generations will remain so. There are about 30,000 colored ministers in the United States, a safe estimate is that only ten per cent., or 3,000 are educated, leaving 27,000 yet to be reached. These 27,000 largely control the future of 8,000,000 people. In many instances these ministers are seeking the light. They cannot spend a long time in college and hence a practical course must be arranged to suit their needs. They must be made discontented with the old way and seek a better one. 3. A special course for Sunday School teachers. The Sunday Schools will be the largest and most potent force in shaping the future of the race, and yet the schools already established are neglecting it. Listen to what Vice President Fairbanks says on this subject: THE VICE-PRESIDENT'S CHAMBER WASHINGTON. D.C. January 29, 1908. Mr. James E. Shepard, Durham, N.C. Dear Sir: Your letter of the 18th instant is received. I fully agree with you that "The Sunday School furnishes the most hopeful field for the future work in the uplift of the Negro." There is not better field of endeavor that this. The work is worthy of the utmost encouragement. Very truly yours, CHARLES W. FAIRBANKS The hope of the race lies in the salvation of the young. Specially trained teachers must do the work if it is to be effective. A course covering a definite period will being the only permanent results. 4. Settlement work will be attempted in several communities and the results given to the public. 5. A special course, designed for the training of young men and women, to do the work required by the Young Men's Christian Association will be established. With proper trained men and women ready for service, this great arm of helpful work will do more for the masses. What Industrial Work Will be Done? It is planned to establish practical industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, courses of Domestic Science and similar branches. The men and women will be taught to work, and this idea will be sent to the masses, that religion and work go hand in hand. Are the Colored People Ready? They are, and will support it. Sixty applications have already come in. When Do You Propose Opening? July, 1909. How will it be Supported Financially? It is planned to raise an endowment to start of $150,000 and to raise and additional $50,000 for buildings--the income from the endowment will pay salaries in the beginning. It is planned to start industries and to seel lots for settlements. Thrifty families will be induced to purchase homes and thus make an ideal colored settlement. Can Other Land be Secured? Yes, over 100 acres can be secured at a reasonable rate. Has Any Money Been Subscribed? $50,000 has been promised provided $100,000 is raised within one year. We believe that the money you invest in this institution will begin to show results at once and become a permanent investment. WILL YOU NOT HELP US TO HELP OURSELVES

James Edward Shepard was born in 1875 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was founder and president of the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race, which was chartered in 1909 and opened to student on July 5, 1910. In 1925, the school became the North Carolina College for Negroes (renamed North Carolina Central University in 1969), the first state-funded liberal arts college for Black students in the United States. Shepard died on October 6, 1947.