deaconess
manual
OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
BY
abraham g rant
1 ©o 2
PREFACE.
As we grow to take more -serious views of life, its
consequent obligations and responsibilities, "in this
loud, stunning tide of human care and crime," facing
its stern and logical realities, we are impressed with
a lively sense of the brief period of our lives in "the
vineyard of the Master," in which to labor.
It is urgent upon us, not only to be "redeeming the
time" (Bph. 5:16)—that is to say, using the privi¬
leges granted and accorded in the Church, and taking
every advantage of each opportunity, in engaging
and turning the energies of all with whom we may
have to do in furthering the great cause we represent.
As a Methodist, serving in the altars of the A. M.
E. Church Communion, we are moved to endeavor in
turning the affection and devotion of our women to
more concentrated effort and operation. We have the
material and the field is not only large, but awaiting
their tender and gentle ministrations as Deaconesses.
This is our apology for offering and sending forth
this little book.
We have culled from Holy Writ some of its historic
names of females of blessed memory as proper stand¬
ards of virtue and example, to which we invite pray¬
erful study and emulation; also, only a precious few
from the multitude of Christian heroines who have
4
loftily towered in worth and excellence among our
own people.
The last chapter of our little messenger is intended
as an ample form in consecrating Deaconesses, for
which we are mainly indebted to Bishop B. F. Lee,
D. D. Its obligation once taken should never, under
any pretense, be shifted or laid aside; the body, mind
and life should forever be with the Lord in doing His
will and pleasure.
Praying that the Great Head of the Church may
bless the work and Order of Deaconesses, I am yours
in Christian bonds,
A. GRANT.
CERTIFICATE,
To the Ministers and Members of the African Meth¬
odist Episcopal Church, Greeting:
This is to Certify that the Bishops' Council,
at its session June 19, 1901, appointed a com¬
mittee to prepare a Chapter on the Deaconesses of
the Church. At its session June 20, 1902, Wilberforce
University, Bishop Abraham Grant, Chairman of the
Committee, reported the Chapter as prepared by him¬
self and endorsed by his committee. It was read by
the Secretary, and on motion of Bishop M. B. Salter
it was unanimously adopted by the Council and or¬
dered printed as a Chapter to govern the Deaconesses
in the A. M. E. Church.
Bishop M. B. Salter also moved that the Deacon¬
ess Home, Roanoke, Va., purchased by Bishop B. F.
Lee and others, be recognized as a Connectional In¬
stitution and shall receive such support as the
Church is able to give it.
[Seal.] BENJAMIN W. ARNETT,
Secretary of the Bishops, Council, A. M. E. Church.
Wilberforce, O., June 28, 1902.
Great Female Characters of the Bible
Woman is pre-eminently the helper of man—his
second self. Not only can she be styled "the mother
of all living" (Gen. 3:20), but the mother of all so¬
cial, educational and religious efforts of man. In
everything which pertains to the supreme and most
desired pursuits of man, for happiness; woman is
"an helpmeet for him" (Gen. 2:18). It is not
strange, therefore, that she figures and is identified
with every purpose and work of man.
Among the very many women named in the Bible,
and who shine out as stars of undying lustre of the
first magnitude, we have selected five of different, yet
indispensable, characters as becoming models for the
women of the Church of to-day; especially those
who would engage to serve under the shadow of her
holy altars:
THE WIDOW OF ZARBPHATH.
[I Kings 17:9-24.]
A WOMAN OF UNPARALLELED FAITH.
Among the hosts of women of her generation she
was first, and afterward became a historic figure, re¬
corded in the jealously guarded and treasured ar¬
chives of the Jewish Church religious literature, and,
7
after the flight of many centuries, commended by the
Christ, the Son of God.
She was a widow, a Canaanite, living in the heathen
city of Zarephath (Luke 4:26). She had one child, a
little boy. The hard and unrelenting drouth of three
years had brought on a grievous famine, and she was
on the verge of starvation. She, in some unaccounta¬
ble way, knew God, though all about her was idolatry
in its worst forms. She not only knew and trusted
in God, but had faith in His minister, the prophet
Elijah.
There were many honorable, great and reputable
women in Israel, many of them princesses and well-
known in the sphere of the Temple work and influ¬
ence, but God chose to use this obscure/poverty-
stricken widow of another race to further His cause
on earth.
Her faith was tested. In the bitterness of poverty,
the utmost extremity of her need, God sends the
strong and rugged prophet to her to be fed. His de¬
mand is, "Make me thereof a little cake first and
bring it unto me, and after make for thee and thy
son" (I Kings 17:13). She had only enough to make
the "little cake," and now to deny herself and starv¬
ing baby for the strong minister was indeed a sacri¬
fice enough to stagger the strongest faith. Her faith
was well founded. She believed God, and "she went
and did according to the saying of Elijah."
We would have you to note that she was nothing
in herself; she had nothing. She 'loved the cause
Elijah represented. She took his advice to "Fear
not." She was humble. - "The Lord thy God liveth."
She did not say "our". or "my" God, though she
trusted Him. (Verse 24.)
8
THE SHUNAMITE PRINCESS.
[II Kings 4:8.]
THE HOSPITABLE WOMAN.
God is no respecter of persons. In His service are
beggars and princesses, noble and ignoble. "We have
a brilliant example in "the Shunamite woman," great
and wealthy, a lover of good men and humbly rev¬
erential to God's cause in her unselfish hospitality.
She was one of that class of women who are desir¬
ous of aiding and contributing to the comfort of the
ministry in keeping an open door. One day, looking
out upon the road, she saw the form of the prophet
Elisha, footsore, dusty and travel-stained. Perhaps
it was the hot, sultry midday, or nearing sunset,
"and she constrained him to eat bread"—that is, she
insisted upon him accepting her hospitality. So gen¬
erous and considerate was her kindness that "as oft
as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread."
The good appreciates the good. Being deeply im¬
pressed with the sincere and godly manner of the
prophet, she enlisted the sympathy and co-operation
of her husband to further provide for the entertain¬
ment of the "holy man of God" in going to the addi¬
tional expense of making special room for him "on
the wall" and furnishing the same.
The room was placed so as to overlook the road,
town, etc., and in a place retired from annoyance,
thus showing studious care, for which the prophet
Elisha felt obligated and offered compensation, which
she modestly and firmly declined. There are several
9
prominent points to which we would call attention
as a model of hospitality:
(a) Being "a great woman" did not affect her
spirit of true charity, because the minister was
rugged in appearance and commonly clothed.
(b) She reverenced holy men and believed it her
duty to support them.
(c) She was unselfish, expecting neither reward
nor honorable mention.
(d) She not only had the confidence of her hus¬
band, but could enlist his sympathy in entertaining
good men.
And lastly, that any kindness done to God's cause,
in any way, is sure to bring its blessing, and those
who labor in the service of God will be provided for.
THE PROPHETESS ANNA.
[Luke 2:36-38.]
A CONSECRATED WOMAN.
Luke is the only writer who has made mention of
this famous female character, though well known
and a familiar figure in the Temple in Jerusalem.
The lines of her great character will demand atten¬
tion and regard in any age and among any people.
As a young girl she was virtuous "and had lived
with an husband seven years from her virginity."
After the death of her husband she devoted her life
to God and His Church, giving her talents, service,
"and departed not from the Temple." She was ever
there, until her long and useful life of "about eighty-
four years" ended in her final departure from this
10
world. What a glorious and undying record of relig¬
ious faithfulness! The secret of her life is given:
(a) She was a strong and earnest lover of the
Church.
(b) She engaged in the service of the Lord and
gained a reputation for such. She is thus monu-
mented.
(c) In order to overcome the temptations of the
world, the flesh and the devil and win the crown of
her life, she gave herself to "fastings and prayers
night and day."
(d) Her prophetic gift was from her devotion to
God and His cause, hence she was filled with His
Spirit, who "revealed things to come."
(e) Lastly, she believed in the redemption of her
people and thus was able to speak to and encourage
others. God does not want borrowed lives.
THE DISCIPLE TABITHA.
[Acts 9:36-42.]
A CHURCH WORKER.
We live in good works and deeds, not in racial ties
or family relationship. "A certain disciple" is all
the genealogy given of this great worker and organ¬
izer, whose name signifies "beauty.'- All that we can
know is that she was well known and a prominent
woman, and whose fame as such had extended be¬
yond the limits of her country. She appears to have
been the leader of a band of widows who engaged in
an active'and practical Christianity. There are four
features of this much beloved and estimable woman
which speak for themselves, conveying deep and sol-
11
emn truths to those who would engage in the service
of the Master:
(a) She was both a learner and follower of the
apostles' doctrine.
(b) She was a worker, not only leading and engag¬
ing others in good worK, but worked with her own
hands, though she appears to have been wealthy, or,
even rich. Her companions could exhibit with pride
the garments made by her willing hands.
(c) She gave freely herself and did not depend
upon soliciting and using only that^ contributed by
others, for "she was full of good works and alms-
deeds which she did."
(d) She held an indispensable position in the
Church, for whom the Church could with all sincerity
and earnestness pray.
THE ACCOMPLISHED PRISCILLA.
[Acts 18:26.]
CHURCH INSPIRER AND HELPER.
The ministrations and service of the laity is as
varied and necessary as that of the ministry itself.
It is remarkable how many-sided is the work of the
Church; something—some particular thing—for each
and every one to do.
We have but a few brief words in the Scriptures
concerning the identity of this prominent and re¬
markable woman, but those few sentences are full
of meaning and speak volumes of worth and excel¬
lence. ,
We note here a few of her virtues:
(a) She was well versed in Christian doctrine,
12
and we may justly conclude that her intelligence was
directed in such a way as to be supremely helpful in
the enlightenment of those about her.
(b) She was a constant attendant in the syna¬
gogue and an attentive listener to the ministry of
the disciples, hence could not fail to hear Apollos,
but not carried away with his eloquence.
(c) She was zealous both for the truth and ability
enlisted in it, for after hearing the eloquent Apollos,
though himself "mighty in the Scriptures," with her
husband took him home with them "and expounded
unto him the way of God more perfectly." This re¬
quired both tact and grace.
(d) She had a church in her house and was a
faithful helper of the apostles. Paul makes special
mention of her and her house.
SUMMARY.
Those who would engage in the active work of the
Lord must have an undoubted faith and not be dis¬
couraged because of adverse conditions. They should
not consider that they must be possessed of great
things before they can begin service. The starving
widow of Zarephath little thought that God would
use her to so great purpose, while she was in herself
so little.
Hospitality is just as necessary to-day as it ever
was, and no one can hope for success in Christian
work without it. Women, if married, should so know
how to demean themselves as not to prejudice the
work in the minds of their husbands. A woman who
13
has not the confidence of her husband can do but
little good in church work and above all in the en¬
tertainment of ministers.
Consecration of heart, soul and mind is requisite
for great and enlarged service. God wants clean
vessels; the whole heart or none. Self-life must be
displaced and die, if you would "be filled with the
Spirit."
The Church must have its practical work to the
bodies and minds of men as well as their souls.
Many women divorce their work of benevoience from
the Church and give it to the world in the form of
societies, etc. The Church needs the Tabithas rather
than the society ladies of the day.
Pastors and others can be largely helped in their
ministerial work by the talented and educated
women, in honest criticism and united effort in the
class-room, Sunday-school and revival service.
FEMALE CHARACTERS OF OUR OWN.
PHYLLIS WHEATLEY.
Phyllis Wheatley, the first negro poetess, was born
in Africa and brought to this country in 1761, then
a small child. At that time slavery was common to
all the colonies, and she was sold as a slave in Bos¬
ton. She was bought by a Mrs. Wheatley, who was
very kind to her and seems to have loved her very
much.
Phyllis learned readily and soon became noted tor
her achievements. She learned Latin, and some ot
the stories she translated from that language were
printed in English magazines. She wrote and pub¬
lished many poems, one of which was addressed to
General George Washington.
At 21 years of age she was emancipated and went
to Europe, where she was well received and made
many friends. She seemed to make herself beloved
wherever she went.
She was recalled to America by the serious illness
of Mrs. Wheatley, who died soon after her arrival.
From that time the life of Phyllis was shadowed by
sorrow, but her character only becomes more lovable
as it is crowned with adversity and girdled about
with troubles.
Phyllis married a Mr. Peters, but the marriage was
not happy, for he was very unkind to her. This
15
harsh treatment was too much for her sensitive na¬
ture to bear. Like a frail flower when struck by the
unkindly breeze of winter, she faded and died at the
early age of 31 years.
In her time she was well and favorably known as
a woman of cultivated mind and high principles, and
we read with much pleasure the few poems left us.
The style is agreeable, the themes pure and lofty.
They seem to be the spontaneous utterances of a
heart full of love for God and mankind.
We cannot but regret that we have no fuller me¬
morials of this talented woman, but these poems,
few though they may be, are valuable to us as a
record or what a woman of an oppressed race could
do under unfavorable circumstances. Nothing shows
her capacity more than this ability to surmount the
difficulties by which she was surrounded.
Genius is not a heritage of any color or rank, but
a mind finely gifted, with keen insight and suscepti¬
ble to noble thoughts has within itself the sparks
of that glowing fire. Judging from her poems, she
possessed that rare gift and united with it a sense to
discern and a heart to love beauty and goodness
wherever seen.
Her moral character was in harmony with her
poetry, and her poetry was inspired and elevated by
her moral purity. Every part of her life which is
known is a precious and splendid portion of our race
history. We honor her in our hearts and would pay
every possible tribute to her memory.
We rejoice to see that our people are beginning to
recognize her genius, but she has not yet reaped her
full reward of appreciation. The young people of
16
the Metropolitan A, M. E. Sunday-school of Washing¬
ton, D. C., have organized themselves into a literary
club, to which, as a slight token of the high esteem
they have for our poetess, they have given the name,
"Phyllis Wheatley." Let us hope others will follow
in their footsteps.
The life of such a woman should be an inspiration
to the women of her race. We can point with pride
to her as an example for study and emulation.
MRS. AMANDA SMITH.
Amanda Smith is a most unique character. In all
the Christian world she holds a place peculiarly her
own—a position hewn out for her because she be¬
lieved God. Her whole life is a living, tangible testi¬
mony of God's power to save and grace to provide.
These two, power and grace, have been made so man¬
ifest unto her that at one time at the very word
power she fell prostrate to the ground, and now, con¬
stantly, there is in her heart and on her lips the
expression: "In some way or other, the Lord will
provide."
She was born to the condition of a slave January
23, 1837, at Long Green, Md., of Samuel and Mariam
Berry. But her father bought her freedom wHen she
was a child. While she had comparatively no ad¬
vantages for an education, yet she had the boon of
being the child of godly parents, who in her early
childhood exerted a wholesome spiritual and moral
influence over her. Her grandmother, her father and
mother were devout Christians. When a small girl
she was happily converted in the Baptist Church,
Columbia, Pa. She continued in this happy state
17
until by chance one day she found some old infidel
literature, which somehow took possession of her.
But God in a very peculiar way completely delivered
her. One day she got into conversation with her
aunt on religious subjects, and she began to use her
infidel arguments v/hich she had gotten from that
kind of literature. Her aunty was astonished, but,
being a woman of good sense, severely rebuked her.
She didn't argue with her, but, as one having au¬
thority, she rebuked that satanic spirit, and it left
her entirely.
From her conversion on up until God took her into
the evangelistic work solely, she worked very hard
at manual labor, cooking, washing, ironing, etc. But
she always found some time to do at least a little
work for perishing men and women and for the glory
of Jesus. She held prayer meetings, distributed
tracts, visited the sick, dying and distressed. She
did the work of a Deaconess, although she had not
been appointed nor consecrated by earthly hands.
But it is to her credit that the first colored Dea¬
coness to ever take a regular course of training,
graduate and receive a certificate to the same was
by her efforts. The young woman who did this was
Miss Sarah Slater, who is now Mrs. Stewart. She
was at that time a member of Bethel Church, under
Dr. R. C. Ransom. Mrs. Amanda Smith interceded
for her and got her into the M. B. Deaconess Home
in Chicago.
Sister Smith has worked throughout America, in
India, England and Africa, and everywhere her la¬
bors have been attended with great success and
additions to the Kingdom of God.
18
When in England, God asked her: "Why not start
an Industrial Home for Colored Children?" This
rang in her ears continually. She earnestly sought
God to know whether it was His will that she should
start an orphan home. God said to her, "Is there a
need for such a home?" She said, "Yes." Then the
Lord said, "What is your duty to a need?" She said,
■"I see, I see."
The Lord opened up the way, and now she has a
beautiful two-story brick building with considerable
ground for her orphan home. She has in the home
twenty-five children, who are being clothed, schooled
and fed. She also publishes a monthly paper, The
Helper, which has about 5,000 subscribers, through
which medium many souls are kept in contact with
her rich Christian experience.
Without education, without noble ancestors, with¬
out wealth she has worked well. Surely the work of
God is done, "not by might, nor by power; but by
my Spirit, saith the Lord."
MRS. MARY A. CAMPBELL.
On January 10, 1818, Mary Ann Akins, daughter of
George and Eliza Akins, was born in the city of Phil¬
adelphia, Pa. The limits of the city at this time ex¬
tended from Callowhill street to Christian street, and
from Front street to Eleventh street, forming a
square of about twelve blocks. The means of trans¬
portation were meager, and colored people were
barred from these privileges, as well as many other
things. It is needless to compare the things just
hinted at with the present extent of the city and the
privileges enjoyed, since the compariaon readily sug-
19
gests itself to those acquainted with American prog¬
ress.
The subject of this sketch received a common
school education in one of the public schools of the
city, besides attending for a short time a school con¬
ducted by the Society of Friends.
In the year 1836 Mary Akins was married to
Joseph Shire, to whom were born four children.
One, Joseph J. still lives in Philadelphia.
In 1832 she joined "Mother" Bethel, the year after
Bishop Allen died, and of him she has vivid recol¬
lections.
In 1849 her husband died, and she remained a
widow until 1855, when, on June 14th of that year,
she was wedded to Rev. Jabez Pitt Campbell, then
pastor of Union Church, located on what was called
Coates street. They had one son born to them. In
1864 Rev. J. P. Campbell was elected to the Bishopric
of the A. M. E. Church, which position he held with
honor and credit until his death in 1891.
In 1873 a church was started on West Lombard
street, an outgrowth of "Mother" Bethel. Among its
original members was Mary A. Campbell, and she is
still a devoted member.
The Women's Parent Mite Missionary Society was
organized in 1874 to assist the Missionary Depart¬
ment. The above named was one of the organizers,
and for a short time held the position of President.
In 1878 or '79 she was elected to the position of
Treasurer, and has continued as such until the pres¬
ent time.
It is interesting to note that during her lifetime
she has always resided in Philadelphia, except two
20
years spent in Trenton, N. J., when Bishop Camp¬
bell, then an elder, was pastor of the church there.
When the "Home for Aged and Infirm Colored
Persons" was founded in 1864 she was one of those
elected to the Board of Managers, and continues in
active service on this board. This "Home" is with¬
out a doubt the best appointed and conducted insti¬
tution of its kind for people of color in this country,
and possibly in the world.
When the "Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital
and Training School" was organized in 1895 the
name of Mary A. Campbell was found among the
charter members, and she is still upon the Board of
Managers of the institution.
Although considerably over three-score and ten
years, she is a woman of much vitality, being able
to continue many of the duties performed in younger
days. Her contributions to charity, education and
the like attest her generosity and sympathy for man¬
kind in general and her own people in particular.
MRS. FANNY JACKSON COPPIN.
This celebrated educator and race woman was born
in the District of Columbia about the year 1837.
When but a child she was left an orphan in the
world. Her aunt, Mrs. Sarah Clark, took her to
raise. But in those days educational opportunities
were very limited in Washington. In 1853 she was
taken to New Bedford, Mass., by a kind friend, Mrs.
Orr, but it was in the home of Mayor Caldwell at
Newport, R. I., that Mrs. Coppin received the great¬
est encouragement to develop the splendid mind with
which God had endowed her. Having made diligent
21
and full preparation in the schools of Newport, she
was sent to complete her education at Oberlin Col¬
lege, that seat of learning which has given to tho
race so many finished scholars. Being quite poor,
she was compelled to do a great deal of work be¬
tween school hours, but be it said that whether at
manual work or at her studies, she exhibited great
industry and ability. In a short time she had out¬
ranked all those of her class and was spoken of by
the faculty as evidently a young woman of great
promise. Finishing her college course with honor
to herself and great satisfaction to the friends by
whose assistance she had been able to advance, she
was called to the position of teacher in the Institute
for Colored Youth at Philadelphia, Pa. Her services
cannot be overestimated in connection with this in¬
stitution and the city of Philadelphia. For thirty-
seven years she has labored incessantly for the ad¬
vancement of the young men and women of the race.
About twenty years ago, due to her efforts, the in¬
dustrial feature was added to the school. An ad¬
joining lot was purchased, a substantial, building
erected and the teaching of trades begun. At present
about ten trades are being taught. Mrs. Coppin has
all her life been deeply interested in Church work.
As the wife of Bishop L. J. Coppin she has labored
with him in all his charges. In the Women's Mite
Society she has been of great assistance. Either as
a simple floor member or officer she has thrown her
usual energy and ability into the work.
MRS. SARAH ELIZABETH TANNER.
Mrs. Tanner was born May 18, 1840, and raised in
Pittsburg, Pa. She attended the public schools of the
22
city and later became a student at Avery College.
Owing to the death of her father* she was compelled
to leave college before finishing the course. How¬
ever, as an index of her worth and attainments, she
was made a teacher in the day schools and later
taught at Avery College. She was married August
19, 1858, and B. T. Tanner, who was then a barber,
soon entered the ministry and was afterward made
a Bishop. During all the trials incident to early
struggles in the itinerancy she was distinguished for
her great patience and devotion to her husband and
her family. Being the mother of five girls and two
boys, these trials, on a small charge, were not a few.
Her life has not been spent as what might be called
a "public woman," but in her community and church
she has for long years exerted a healthful and pow¬
erful influence. Nearly all of her life has been spent
in Philadelphia. This city knows best of her useful¬
ness. She is one of the charter members of the
Parent Mite Missionary Society and also a charter
member of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hos¬
pital of Philadelphia. The great Napoleon was once
asked, "What does Prance most need?" He replied,
"Mothers." This is the need of every nation and
race. Mrs. Tanner has met that need. She has been
an indulgent, loving, wise and Christian mother.
Until their latest day her children will rise up and
call her blessed.
For a long number of years she was the President
of the Woman's Mite Missionary Society, whicn pros¬
pered under her administration. Her life work is
highly appreciated by those who have come in con¬
tact with her and enjoyed her association.
CEREMONY OF CONSECRATION,
THE DEACONESSES.
(This office was created by the General Conference
in 1900.)
Qualifications: A woman, to be admitted to the
office of Deaconess, should not be younger than
eighteen years nor oider than thirty-live, unmarried,
or, a wiclow, possessed of good reputation, good
English education, a full membership of at least two
years in the A. M. E. Church, and general adaptation
for the work.
HOW CONSTITUTED.
A woman feeling herself called to the office of Dea¬
coness may state the same to her pastor. If the
pastor regards her as a suitable person for Dea¬
coness, he shall present her name to the Official
Board. If the Official Board regard her as worthy,
it shall elect her Deaconess and select a committee
of three Stewardesses to arrange for her consecra¬
tion. On a day appointed by the Bishop, for conse¬
cration of Deaconesses, all persons to be consecrated
shall appear in full Deaconess garb. The Bishop, or
some person appointed by him, sh"ll deliver an ad¬
dress or sermon, setting forth the importance, re¬
sponsibilities and duties of the Deaconess.
24
The committee of Stewardesses shall conduct the
candidates to the pastor, who shall present them to
the Bishop.
CEREMONY.
Pastor: "Reverend Father in God, I present these
holy women to be consecrated Deaconesses."
The Bishop: "Take heed that these women whom
you present be proper persons to perform the work
of a Deaconess, and that they be of sober mind, mod¬
est in all their ways and possessed of large charity."
Pastor: "They have been examined and are be¬
lieved to be well qualified to enter upon the sacred
duties of Deaconess."
The Bishop: "It becometh the Deaconess that she
shall be pious, chaste, temperate in all things, mod¬
est, humble, industrious and devout, as she is to
serve the Church of God to His praise and glory.
Throughout the history of the Church God has been
pleased to call and qualify certain women for the
gentler and holy service of ministering to the Church
and the ministry. Such women were Deborah, Mary
the holy mother, Eunice, Lois, Priscilla, Lyddia and
Phoebe. And in the latter days He has been pleased
to own and bless the labors of Sister Sarah Gor-
ham and many others. May the Lord bless and
acknowledge these persons according as He has
blessed the ministrations of all holy women. May
they withdraw themselves from all worldly cares and
vocations and give themselves up entirely to minis¬
trations to the Church and to suffering humanity."
Then shall the Bishop inquire of the candidates as
follows:
"Have you duly considered the sacredness, the ex-
25
actions and responsibilities of this office which you
have come to enter?"
Answer: "I have considered them all.
Bishop: "Are you determined to observe all the
rules for a Deaconess, give yourself up to such life
and duties as these rules require, and keep yourself
unspotted from the world, all its vanities and frivol¬
ities?"
Answer: "I am so determined."
Bishop: "Will you be governed by the discipline
of the A. M. E. Church and subject to the direction
given in the discharge of the duties of your office?"
Answer: "I will be so governed."
Then shall the persons to be consecrated kneel.
The Bishop, taking each candidate by the hand, shall
say to her:
Bishop: "Be thou consecrated to the office and
work of a Deaconess in the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church, in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
DUTIES OF THE DEACONESSES.
The Deaconesses shall be subject to the general
direction of pastors. They shall conduct meetings
when and -where deemed advisable, attend public wor¬
ship regularly, visit the sick and suffering, the father¬
less and widow in their distress, and keep themselves
unspotted from the world. They shall do all in their
power to comfort and serve those suffering in asy¬
lums, hospitals and prisons; to raise those who are
fallen and care for those who are neglected. They
shall give special attention to neglected children and
unfortunate homes. They may be directed to co¬
operate with the Church in all work of charity and
humanity.
DEACONESS BOARD.
In small charges the Deaconess Board shall include
three members; in larger charges five, seven or nine,
and not more than twelve, one of whom shall be
Vice-President, the pastor being, by virtue of his
position, President.
The Board should hold regular business meetings
once a month, and may be called to special meetings
by President or Vice-President.
The Board shall render a report of its work and
wants to the Quarterly Conference regularly and be
subject to it.
The pastor may suspend a Deaconess for impro¬
priety, inharmony or immorality. The final action
shall be with the Quarterly Conference.
27
DRESS.
The Deaconesses shall dress uniformly in blue
grey, trimmed in white.
DEACONESS HOME.
Excepting those persons previously consecrated on
the introduction of the office, all Deaconesses shall be
required to take at least one year's training in the
Roanoke Deaconess Home and Girl's Training School
at Roanoke, Va., or some similar training school.
The Deaconess Homes shall be established by the
Council of Bishops when and where deemed neces¬
sary.
These Homes shall be under wise, careful and
Christian discipline. The supervision of each Home
shall be in the hands of a committee,of five ministers
of the Annual Conference, within whose territory it
is located. This committee shall be required to re¬
port annually to the Annual Conference.
CERTIFICATE.
This is to Certify that
a member in good standing in
A. M. E. Church, has this day been consecrated to the
office of Deaconess in the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church.
Done this day of
in the year 190...
Bishop.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.
1. The Sick Room. You are expected to visit the
sick, those who are distressed and often crazed with
pains, aches, and delirious with hot, scorching fevers.
They may often appear cross and peevish; often in
discouragement and despair; in their desperate
struggles with disease and losing hope, may look
with disfavor upon your ministration as a worker of
the Church. You are expected to fortify and harden
yourself against rebuke and peevishness; put your
feelings aside and assume a cheerful manner and
voice; mournful looks and tones are not good anti¬
dotes of sicknesses. Do not be too. inquisitive and.
volunteer superfluous advice in recommending vari¬
ous drugs, roots, herbs and patent medicines. Be
gentle in touch and step; avoid loud talking and
needless standing over the sick, or, moving about.
Use tact in presenting the claims of the Bible; re¬
member that God speaks to men in "a still, small
voice;" too much talk may nauseate and cause the
patient to wish you gone. Do not go to gather up
"dying testimony," but be more concerned to get
living testimony; oftentimes, through effect of strong
medicines and fever, the sick may give utterance to
peculiar and irreligious words and expressions, to
which you are to pay no heed. Protect the sufferer
as much as possible, in both mind and body. The
29
undertaker will bring a coffin when the time comes,
so let your mission be to bring good tidings. Ac¬
quaint your pastor of all cases needing his attention.
He can do his work much better than you. And do
not argue about religion with the pastor as to what
you do, or, do not believe in the sick room; be quiet
and let him have the "right of way." Arrange the
disordered room and the bedclothes; if the bedding
require it, try and effect a change. Let pity prompt
every service of yours.
2. The Bed-Chamber of the Dying. You are to
stand by the bedside where a soul is loosing its
moorings to its fallen tabernacle, and breaking every
human tie, and fast losing consciousness of its sur¬
roundings. The spot is sacred and the occasion one
of the deepest solemnity and gravity. Why ply the
departing soul with numerous and useless questions,
when, perhaps, it may be communing with its Maker
or gathering strength for the outward sweep into the
Eternal Beyond? Stand near, in attentive silence,
and wait to hear the call, the expressed want, the
muttered prayer and join it; give it time; do not get
excited; be the example of dignity and Christian
faith for the agonized husband, father, wife, mother,
brother or sister, whose heart, in its sorrow, seems
ready to burst in agonized grief; try and calm that
storna and encourage the wounded heart. When
dea.th has come do what you can in preparing the
body at once for its burial. Avoid the superstition
of covering up the pictures and looking-glasses with
cloths. Close the eyes and tie a cloth about the face
to close the mouth. In regard to funeral arrange¬
ments, consult with the family about seeing the pas-
30
tor, so as to avoid coming into conflict with, any pre¬
vious appointment he may have made, thus causing
embarrassment.
3. The Unfortunate. Men and women are losing
their property by fire and water and wind; their
money by speculation and otherwise; their pride
suffers; they are sensitive and downhearted. Some
are crippled in limb, blind, deaf, dumb, simple and
idiotic, deformed, and they are often mocked and
made sport of. Only by kindness and loving words
can they be reached and brought within the house
of God. Or, they may be found isolated in lonely
places; these are iftdeed the ones of "the highways
and hedges" that the Christian worker is to find, in
the lanes and alleys; they are ekeing out a sad, exist¬
ence, feeling keenly the humiliation of the world.
Will you not be a friend to them? This is the class
the Master largely sought out—the "weary and heavy
laden."
Over yonder, in an almost desolate place, is
the "poor-house," and within its cheerless confines
are those who once were light, happy and gay, but
they are now "upon the cold charity of the world."
They need your visitation and godly communion. In
the hospitals, lying upon their cots suffering, are
many who have neither "kith nor kin" to visit them;
some will never again walk forth in life. The voice
of God calls and says, "Comfort ye my people; com¬
fort ye my people!" The wounded Samaritan is
there, the prodigal son and many wandering daugh¬
ters, who would be happy if they knew of Christ.
Why not take a companion in there and speak of
Jesus and offer a short prayer. The jails and prisons
31
await your coming. These are among the unfor¬
tunate; they see no star of hope, but you can point
them to "The Bright and Morning Star." You can
carry little tracts and Scripture truths. Some you
may get pardoned, and thus save a valuable life by a
judicious intercession. Go to those who hear naught
but the iron bolts moving, and rattling of prison
chains, with armed and stern guards about them,
while in their narrow cells. They need you.
4. The Hungry and Naked. This class you must,
in the main, look up. Some are too old to work and
are left to starve in desolate places; others, on ac¬
count of sickness, are unable to work; others, again,
in the big cities, are out of work and money; they
cannot get any food for themselves and little ones;
they should be reported to the Church or any other
institution which should feed the hungry poor.
Then there are the little half-clothed and shoeless
children who never see inside of a church or Sunday-
school, who could be clothed by garments made by
you; clothes and cast-off shoes could be solicited and
given them. Such attention would win many. We
must learn to minister to bodies in order to reach
souls. Pine churches, organs, choirs, eloquence and
such like are good when men are fed and clothed, but
these are forgotten when they are hungry and naked,
with suffering children around their knees crying for
bread.
5. Homeless Persons. This refers principally to
females, who are stranded in the city; who are with¬
out work, and often in despair go to the bad; little
boys and girls deserted by faithless parents or guar¬
dians, and often still in the hands of careless parents
32
and guardians. Homes should be sought and places
of work. If we have a Deaconess Home, work in
sewing and such like could be given them until a
place could be found. Many such females can be
met at the depots from off the trains and at steam¬
boat landings. Without money, they know not where
to go. The saloons and other places have their doors
standing invitingly open, while the church is closed.
We must set before this class "an open door."
6. Fallen Women. They are human. Many of
them have said to themselves, "No one cares for my
soul," and so they plunge deeper into disgrace; oth¬
ers there are who long to get away from their awful
and horrid surroundings, but have no one to en¬
courage them to make an effort. They cannot be
reached at the "end of a long pole;" personal contact
is the essential. Let the Deaconesses go in company
to these homes of sin, in the name of the Lord, and
go as a sister. Talk to them and urge them to begin
life over again. Do not stop because fruits are not
immediate. Sometimes they may be found upon the
streets, wandering about. They have hearts that can
be touched, "chords that will vibrate once more."
Why should we not speak to the woman that is "a
harlot?" Are we purer than the Master? There is
no class of individuals who are regarded with more
contempt and shunned. Should they wish to do so,
society would willingly excuse a neglect of visiting
this class of pepple by pious women; but duty calls
to go to them and carry a message of peace and
pardon.
CONTENTS.-
Pages.
Great Female Characters of the Bible 6-13
Female Characters of Our Own 14-22
Ceremony of Consecration 23-25
Duties of Deaconesses 26
Deaconess Home 27
Form of Deaconess Certificate 27
Special Instructions 28