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Twenty-Fourth General Conference t
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A Beginning May 6, 1912 ^
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THE PROPOSED SCIENCE HALL.
WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENTS REPORT.
Td the Bishops and mcmuwo ui me General Conference of the A. M. E.
Church
Reverend .tatners and .Brethren—As .President of Wilberforce Uni¬
versity 1 have the honor and pleasure of presenting to you a report of
the! Tvork of this institution for the four years beginning June, 1908. It
is with a great degree of pleasure and satisfaction that I state to this
body that this quadrennium has been from every point of view one of
remarkable success ,and progress. When we entered upon this work, it
was with many misgivings, not only as to what could be achieved in
the way of material advancement, but as to what we might be able to
accomplish in enlarging the usefulness of the institution and in bringing
it to that plane where it could compare favorably at least with other in¬
stitutions doing similar work. We realized that there were many serious
problem^ to'face, and t6"face at once.
But with the determination and faith, Divine guidance and help
from friends—the General and Executive Boards of the institution, as well
as the Bishops, not only of the First Educational District, but of all the
districts I have been enabled to bring about results far beyond my ex¬
pectations; and 1 am sure that those who have watched the progress of
the institution will agree when J say that what has been accomplished is
a clear indication that the~-New Wilberforce, of which so much has been
said, is looming up beforp us in grand and inspiring proportions.
Higher Education.
I am, firmly of the opinion that higher education, though it has
Buffered in the past, will in the future be given that place which belongs
to it. Our theologians, physicians, lawyers, men of letters, makers of
books, indeed our leaders generally, must be the product of higher edu¬
cation. i The A. M. E. Church, like other Negro churches, must depend
upon its best equipped .men—morally and intellectually—to guide the
detsiny of the Church. In a period like ours where the relations between
the two.races are so strained that more and more there is less association
on terms of equality, we must look to our schools for such leadership as
will enable us in the future to hold our own in the midst of a vast and
complex civilization that seems in a large measure to be against us.
I regard this as the opportunity of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church to make good in these lines. There is no one university in all the
country, maintained and owned by Negroes that has a brighter future,
a better opportunity for that service to our Church than has Wilberforce
U niversity.
The Place of Wilberforce University.
In the first place I wish to impress this great body with the fact that
the great A. M. E. Church needs one great central university, aside from
its other great and worthy schools. It needs such so that it can honor
itself rightly by building up one great institution where its young men
and women may be thoroughly trained and fitted not only for the learned
professions, but for a life of service generally for the race and humanity.
With the present disposition in this country to form two civilizations—
a higher and a lower—with the Negro occupying the lower, the Negro
people should bestir themselves to see to it that their higher institutions
do not languish and that they suffer no harm.
Wilberforce University is the mother institution of the Church with
a history that should cause the heart of every member of our great Con¬
nection to swell with pride, and that too, when it is remembered that in
1833 the Ohio, or Pittsburgh conference, made the first utterance looking
toward education, which resolved itself into a stream of action that in
1847 led to the founding of Union Seminary, then on in 1863 to the pos¬
session of Wilberforce University. Almost 80 years have passed since that
first heroic movement in educational progress, and we have done wonders
as a Church for education, for God and for man. But the mother school
should be fostered and aided with a united effort as the glory of the
Church, not only for its past and for its present, but for what it is
destined to be in the future.
The Work of the President.
The work of the President during this quadrennium has covered a mul¬
titude of duties, administrative as well as otherwise. He has had to travel
much in the East, meeting individuals and boards, making addresses,
public appeals, advertising the institution, teaching some classes and
meeting personal and social demands. The work has been somewhat
arduous, but every institution like ours demands that the Executive Head
shall be in the field a great deal in its interest. He has attended the
inauguration of Presidents of sister institutions, such as the University
Of Vermont, Fisk and others. Many invitations of this kind had to be
refused because of the demands elsewhere in the financial interest of the
institution. The result of his work will be seen more especially in the
erection of the new dormitory for college girls and in the proposed Science
Building It is rather unfortunate that the President of the institution
cannot give more time to the supervision of class work and that he can¬
not personally assist more in helping to strengthen the intellectual
side of college life—but such is the case. Money must be raised and the
President is expected to have a hand in doing this.
Improvements.
The first year of the quadrennium was used by me to begin to devise
ways and means for a progressive campaign for the University, and to
introduce campus improvements. As soon as I could raise funds, I had
unsightly cottages removed or converted into neat residences, laid new
cement walks and had Shorter Hall lighted with gas. I also received a
letter from Mr. Carnegie promising us $17,500.00 for a girls, dormitory,
should we raise an additional $17,500.00, making the entire cost
$35,000.00. This building is now being built and will be ready for
occupancy next September.
Financial Report.
A detail statement "of the financial condition of the University will
be given by Secretary Talbert. I would add here, however, that during
the four years of my incumbency, funds, including the amounts raised
for the new buildings and current expenses have reached nearly
$50,000.00 as a grand total. This is aside from any conference or educa¬
tional money. It is the result of personal appeals to wealthy philan¬
thropists.
Bishop Derrick and the brethern of the Third Episcopal District, to¬
gether with the other two Bishops of the First Educational District—
Bishop Shaffer and the late Bishop Gaines—have been incessant in their
labors to put the University on a firm footing.
Our warm thanks are also due to the other Bishops of the church and
trustees representing the different conferences for what they have done
by word and deed to help on the Mother institution.
The Building Fund.
The report of the Treasurer of the Building Fund, Mr. W. A.
Anderson, gives the amount received as $23,160.00. The amount expended
lip to the prenest, as $13,754.71. The amount in his hands is $9,405.29.
Aside from this there is the Carnegie Fund, $17,500.00, available
whenever needed. Also about $3,000.00, the gift of our English friend, in
the Girard Trust Company's Bank, Philadelphia, Pa. This is also available
whenever needed. There are yet pledges to be heard from.
Teachers' Salaries.
I am pleased to state that the salaries of all the teachers and officers
of the institution, which have amounted to nearly $40,000.00 during this
quadrennium, have been paid with the exception of $300.00 or $400.00,
which we hope to meet by June, so there may be no back salaries for these
— 5 —
JOHN G. MITCHELL IIALL
four years. We have endeavored to pay monthly these salaries as they
came due and we have succeded quite well. Our monthly payroll is about
$1,000.00 at present.
The Faculty.
The General Faculty of the University is composed of the Theological,
the College, and the Normal and Industrial Departments. They meet
monthly to take up general business in their work, but the individual
faculties look after the individual departments.
The College Faculty.
This Faculty is scholarly and efficient in its work. Under its direction
the College Department is rapidly advancing and is holding its own in
all lines. It is our purpose to increase its strength and place it on a still
higher plane before the world by a still larger increase of its teaching
force so that it may meet the demands of the growing needs of our Church
and people. This enlargement will increase our annual expenses for teach¬
ing alone. This money should be provided for through channels and
sources opened up by the trustees of the University and the General
Church through its representatives here assembled. We hope for a cordial
response.
Student Body.
Our student body has increased in numbers. Nearly 400 registered
this year, and we have many applications for admission the coming year.
There have been comparatively few infractions of law calling for severe
discipline and on the whole we congratulate ourselves on the advancing
standard of the students who come to us, both as to deportment and
scholarship. We have representatives from all parts of the country,
including Canada, the Isles of the Sea, and far off Africa.
African Students.
At present we have but four African students on our rolls. We could
wish we might have more and that they might be better supported.
Inter-Collegiate Relations.
In these four years we have built up most happily a cordial relation
with other schools, both in a literary way and in athletics. Our student
debating teams have met Howard University, Clark University and Fisk.
They have also received invitations to debate, from other colleges. In
athletics our boys and girls have succeeded remarkably in advertising the
institution. Such athletic activities serve to establish pleasant relations
among schools, win respect and promote scholarship as well as health, as
our standard permits none to enter in any contest who have fallen below
the literary requirements. There is also an increased call for a formal
exchange of catalogues, bulletins and college literature between our Uni¬
versity and many of the learned institutions of the country.
Relation to the World.
It has been our aim in this quadrennium to place Wilberforce Uni¬
versity before the world as never before. In this we have won signal
success. For Encyclopedias, we are now being asked for the history of
the work of the institution in order that it may be incorporated in forth¬
coming volumes. Illustrated papers have given us space and many new
friends have been made. The Press everywhere has been open to our
appeals and willing to set forth our claims. The meeting of the Wilber-
forcians in Washington, in. March, 1910, when President Taft, Chief
Justice Harlan, Senator Dick and others spoke for our cause, has made it
possible for us to reap tangible fruit in many ways.
The Races' Congress.
No less than five members of our Faculty were present as representa¬
tives to the Kaces' Congress in London, last July, giving a splendid
showing for the University and helping to fix its status as a school of
higher rank abroad. The effect of their presence has been seen in many
ways and especially in the number of letters received by the President of
the institution in reference to the work done. President and Mrs.
Scarborough, Chaplain Steward, Dr. Steward and Professor Finch were
those in attendance at this great gathering of representative men of all
colors from all parts of the civilized world at the University of London,
South Keningston.
I was very glad upon my recent trip abroad to find that the Uni¬
versity occupies such a prominent place in the educational world in
Europe. I found this to be true, not only in Great Britain but in France
and parts of Germany that I visited. It certainly shows that the efforts
of the Negro in behalf of the Negro are beginning to be felt beyond
our own borders.
College Work,
Our college work is our center. Here, we have been remarkably
successful in inspiring our students to go on to higher courses. We have
a largely increased number of students in our College Department this
year. This work needs more funds and an increase in the teaching force
for the highest possible development, as we have indicated elsewhere.
In this connection we will say that our annual catalogue has been entirely
changed in style and contents so as to make it up-to-date in every respect.
Curriculum.
Our admission requirements have been raised to the requisite number
of units demanded by leading colleges. The Curriculum of the College
— 8 —
has been enlarged and made more thorough so that in the main, it com¬
pares favorably with that of the leading institutions of the country.
Young men and women graduating from our institution can now maintain
a very high standing at the University of Chicago, the University of
Michigan and other schools. It is our purpose to improve the courses of
study still more and adapt them to conditions, helping our young men
and women to become stronger intellectually, to fit themselves, not only
for the professions of life, but for the general business of life. It is
especially necessary that we pay attention to the higher education of our
theological students, that they may be all the better prepared for the work
of their life. With a new laboratory made possible by the trustees last
year, we have gained students and rendered the Scientific Department
more efficient.
Payne Seminary.
This branch of our work is doing well and proves the wisdom of those
who founded the institution and who worked for its growth and pros¬
perity. A report of the same will be given by the Dean.
The Normal and Industrial Departments.
This, another branch of the institution, is also progressing and its
curriculum has been enlarged to keep pace with that of the College so as
to' make the entire work symmetrical. It is carefully looked after by the
Board which controls it, on which Board we have four representatives
of our- Church, and we may expect from time to time greater results than
now. It rests with our Church through its College Board Trustees,
whether it will see to it that the great. Church can sustain equally well its
college work, which must remain the center of Wilberforce University
if we are to hold our supremacy in the realm of higher education.
Military Department.
Lieut. B. O. Davis of the 10th Cavalry, U. S. A., was relieved two
years ago as he had served the time allotted to him as Commandant of
the cadets, and in his stead, Lieut. John E. Greene of the 25th Infantry
was commissioned as head of the Military Department. The new Com¬
mandant has rendered good service and has succeeded in meeting the
conditions he found here. This Department is supported entirely by the
U. S. Government, including the salary of the Commandant.
The Opening Session.
The Fall term of the University, which before 1911 began with the
first Tuesday in September, now begins with the third Tuesday of that
month—two weeks later than formerly. In view of this change, the
Spring Vacation has been eliminated so that the year will not be short¬
ened by the change, so far as students and the work of the University
are concerned.
— 9 —
O 'NEIL HALL
Miss Hallie Q. Brown in London.
Miss Hallie Q. Brcnvn when abroad under the auspices of the Wom¬
en's Mite Missionary Society as a delegate to the Missionary Convention
held in Scotland, did good work for her "Alma Mater." While in London
she met a friend who became greatly interested in Wilberforce and the
work it is doing. This interest grew out of the vigorous way in which
Miss Brown sought to show that Wilberforce University is doing an im¬
portant work for the Negro people and is destined to do a greater work
provided means could be secured to enlarge her borders. She wrote me
concerning the party and asked for literature and documents such as she
might use for the purpose mentioned. Questions and propositions were
submitted to me in reference to the matter. We met them all satisfactorily
to the proposed donor and as a result $13,000.00 were given for the dor¬
mitory. Since then the lady has promised to increase the sum to some¬
thing over $14,000.00.
Science Hall.
Now, that the girls' dormitory has been secured, our next effort is to
erect a much needed Science building at a cost of $25,000.00. This is an
imperative need and must be built as soon as possible. J have pledges
amounting to over $5,000.00 to the fund, payable when the other is
secured. We hope this fall or winter to secure the balance. We have
already taken a step forward in advancing the curriculum in Science and
in providing a laboratory. This will certainly draw more students as
many of them desire to take a course in Science where they can get the
most thorough training.
Other Much Needed Buildings.
There are other buildings much needed to meet the demands of the
growing work of the institution. These should be secured as soon as pos¬
sible. One is a chapel—a college chapel; another is an Administration
Building, and then another is a Conservatory of Music—a building where
the music may be taught apart from the work of the other Departments
and which will enable us to give more thorough instruction along musical
lines for those who desire to become accomplished musicians. There are
many desirous of taking music, piano and organ, etc., and if a building of
this kind is provided, the department would pay for itself. A gymnasium
building has been promised by the C. N. ami 1. Department and we may
expect such a structure some time in the near future.
Scholarship Funds.
Other institutions everywhere have established a number of scholar¬
ships to assist needy but worthy students to secure an education. There
is a large number of young men and women throughout the country with
— 11 —
AKNETT HALL
brain and character who are anxious to secure an education and who have
not the means to do so. If we could offer at least 50 annual scholarships
of $50.00 each, I am sure that it would be a great inducement to the
young people referred to, to take higher courses of training in order
better to fit themselves for leadership. It is sincerely to be hoped that
the Church may grant such scholarships with the necessary restrictions
whereby these worthy young men and women may properly train them¬
selves for their life's work.
Another great need is for Fellowships, whereby our college students
who have completed our course here may take advanced courses in other
institutions at home and abroad. I am earnestly hoping that some such
provisions may be made at an early date so that we can help on the best
students and increase interest in the pursuit of higher education. These
students may then be called back to do work for their Alma Mater.
Endowment.
Wilberforce University should have at least $250,000.00 endowment
and it would not be out of place to ask the General Church to assist the
institution in accomplishing this result. The need is all the more imper¬
ative because the institution is in Ohio, in the Black Belt of that State
and is in competition with the white schools of that State. Therefore, it
must reach a certain financial as well as intellectual standing to be recog¬
nized by the universities that have formed themselves into a college
organization, whereby they may advance university work. The College
Association of Ohio will not admit any institution whose endowment is
below $250,000.00. As Wilberforce is the school of the whole Connection
there should be no sectional lines, no state lines, but it should receive
the warm cordial support of the entire Church. We urge the Connection
to take a deper interest in the cause of higher education here, as here is
an exceptional opportunity to link our Church work and race education
with the best institutions of the land. To further the interests of Wilber¬
force University in this direction would be to add great glory to our
Connection.
Historic Shorter Hall.
Upon the completion of the girls' dormitory this summer, Shorter
Hall will be fitted as a boys' dormitory. This building is nearly 50 years
old and has served us long and well. It is historic. The building that it
displaced, and for which Mrs. James A. Shorter gave the first $100.00,
burned in 1865, on the day that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. A
building like this should not be left to crumble and fall. It is therefore
necessary to remodel it, however, and do it this summer, thus making it
fit for the boys. I feel very sure that the members of the General Con¬
ference, representing the entire Church, will feel that this historic build¬
ing of the mother school—named for Bishop James A. Shorter—should be
put in proper shape. To do so we need $7,000.00
— 13 —
Our Religious Life.
The religious life of the institution this year has been exceptionally
high—-high from every standpoint. I have never known a period in our
history in which the religious standard has been higher than was shown
this year. Chaplain T. G. Steward, who was appointed by the Ohio Con¬
ference, is the pastor of the Church of the Holy Trinity. He has had
remarkable success in that he has been able to meet the wants and the
wishes of the entire institution, including Faculty and students and
friends of the community. As a theologian, as a preacher, as a man of
letters, as one imbued thoroughly with the spirit of college life and the
needs of college students, he has elevated the tone of our services to the
highest point, and we can only wish that he may remain in his present
work for years to come. Without exception he has advanced the church
services to such a stage that there is little difficulty in having the young
people attend—in fact they are anxious to attend and listen to the ser¬
mons he preaches.
Health.
The sanitary conditions of the school are exceptionally good. We
have had comparatively few cases of illness in our midst, and most of the
cases we have had have received prompt attention at the hand of the
resident physician. Dr. Maria Steward has given her whole attention, so
far as possible, to the general wants of the institution and has endeavored
to meet them. As to the results, we can commend her for the work she
has done in all departments of the University as well as in the community.
Gifts.
Walter Hall Steward Memorial Fund. From this fund of $1,309.84
given by Chaplain T. G. Steward in memory of his son, Walter Hall
Steward, the interest affords a first scholarship of $50.00. Any income
above this goes toward the founding of a second scholarship, and so on.
This scholarship is awarded to the young man or woman in the Senior
Class, College Department, who makes the best record—the selection to
be made by competitive examination. This year the scholarship has been
given to Mr. John A. Anderson from Alabama. This is a step in the right
direction and we ought to have several scholarships of the kind to en¬
courage young men and women of exceptional minds, who desire to take,
higher work.
Paul Lawrence Dunbar Scholarship. The first scholarship of the
Paul Lawrence Dunbar Association was recently voted to be given to
Wilberforce University. It is to be the interest on $2,000.00, and the
Association is to name the first recipient. Paul L. D. Taylor, a nephew of
the poet, is the first one named. Dr. David Clark of Boston, W. D. Howells
and other prominent men, and also women, are members of the Association.
It is not yet available.
— 14 —
Several individual $50.00 scholarships have been ghTen from time to
time during this quadrennium, from Liverpool, Chicago and Boston.
A gift to the University has come to us from Rev. Samuel Crutcher,
a former student, now a missionary working in Germany. It is a large
Swedish clock nearly 300 years old.
Among the gifts I beg to mention that of a magnificent oil painting
of Senator Joseph Benson Foraker, valued at $300.00—a present by his
wife to the institution and which is now on exhibition in Carnegie
Library. Mrs. Foraker desired that as many of the Senator's friends as
possible might have the opportunity of seeing this painting. She knew
their love for the Senator on account of the stand which he took in
behalf of the Negro soldiers.
Derrick Fountain.
Because of his deep interest in, and love for the institution and his
desire to help the University in its onward movement, Bishop W. B.
Derrick has presented the University with a very beautiful fountain at
a cost of $1,000.00, in honor of his deceased wife, Lillian B. Derrick.
This fountain adorns the college campus and stands where everybody can
see it as one of the beauties of the grounds.
Library.
Many volumes have been added to the library during the quad¬
rennium. The library is doing good work in the way of furnishing proper
reading matter for the young people, both in general and special lines.
We hope to increase its facilities and make it more useful because of
advantages offered.
•
Lectures.
We have had on our platform this year and in previous years, several
lecturers of note, and it is our purpose to increase our facilities in this
direction so that the lecture work done in our University shall be of the
highest possible character.
The Sodalian.
The Sodalian is a .literary publication conducted by the students
largely of the Junior and Senior classes who are members of the Sodalian
Society. It is published not only in the interest of the society, but in the
interest of the college as well. It has done good work under the leader¬
ship of strong editors and is destined to grow in power as a helpful ad¬
junct to the University work.
Bishop Payne's Estate.
It was necessary to make some changes in reference to the manage¬
ment of the Bishop Payne Estate, as two of the executors had died, and
— 15 —
CARNEGIE LIBRARY
the surviving one, the Hon. C. L. Maxwell, resigned. At my request,
Chaplain "W. T. Anderson, was appointed Administrator of the said estate, '
and is now looking after the platter.
The James Callanan Estate.
It will be remembered that Mr. James Callanan of Des Moines, Iowa,
some years ago, bequeathed to the University $5,000.00 Only $2,500.00 of
this money have been received. The Executors of the estate have written
me, that in view of the depreciation of the value of stocks, the institu¬
tion may have to wait a little while before the remainder ($2,500.00)
becomes available.
Investment Committee.
The Investment Committee appointed by the Trustee Board, con¬
sisting of the late Bishop Gaines, Dr. Hurst, Professor Hawkins, Dr.
Charles Gee and Mr. W. A. Anderson, has given due attention to the
work that has been entrusted to it, and I am glad to say that everything
is satisfactory and the interests of the University have been duly looked
after.
The Centenary of Bishop Daniel A. Payne.
The centenary anniversary of Bishop Daniel A. Payne was duly
celebrated at our Commencement-—1911, when a large number of the
friends of the institution and the church gathered to pay due honor to the
memory of the sainted prelate.
Deaths.
We have to mourn during this quadrennium the death of four of our
beloved Bishops—Bishop Lampton, Bishop Grant, Bishop Handy and Bish¬
op Gaines. It is with sorrow that we have to record their demise, and the
institution and its friends unite with the great Church in mourning the
loss of these distinguished divines.
Since the last General Conference the institution has been called to
mourn also the death of Professor J. P. Shorter, son of Bishop Shorter
and Superintendent of the C. N. and I. Department. The place thus left
vacant was filled by the election of Professor W. A. Joiner, a graduate
of the University class of '88, a former instructor in Howard University.
Cecil Rhodes Scholarship.
I have been kept informed by the gentlemen who have the manage¬
ment of this scholarship as to its conditions, and have been urged to have
out students seek the advantages, which it offers. I have called attention
to the . matter'and have urged the students to avail themselves of the
opportunity. Especially is this important at a time like this when the
Negro is being forced to depend more and more upon his own resources.
— 17 —
GALLOWAY HALL
It is also important that our young men should aspire to the higher and
seek the best, when offered by men of means as in this ease. We are
hoping that some of our young men may find themselves in a position to
compete for the Rhodes Scholarship, and win it and go abroad and enjoy
the advantages of Oxford, which it affords.
Indebtedness.
It is quite necessary that the indebtedness of the University be wiped
out as soon as possible. As has been said, it has been greatly reduced.
Once relieved of it, however, friends will more cheerfully extend aid.
With a committee planning to this end, we ought to be able to succeed
in ridding ourselves of it.
What has been done within this quadrennium to regain financial
eredit, to enlarge curriculum, to add to our internal strength, to pay off
debts, to reach a higher collegiate rank, to make our institution known
to the world, to gain friends, to pay our teachers, to keep down debt, to
add to our assets and to keep harmony—all these things have been pre¬
sented from time to time as positive facts. So that we may be allowed
to claim great progress along all these lines.
Recommendations.
In conclusion, I beg to recommend that $7,000.00 from the General
Fund be given the University to remodel the old historic building,
Shorter Hall. This building is the landmark of the institution and must
be kept in memory of those who so freely gave their service to help erect
it. The sum asked for is absolutely necessary to bring the building up-to-
date and make it a desirable home for the boys who come to us from all
parts of the country.
2. That the 8 per cent Dollar Money of the First Educational
District be given to oiir Mother Institution situated in that district.
3. That steps be taken to provide for at least a number of $50.00
annual scholarships by the Connection for the maintainance of worthy
students who may be without means.
4. That the number of trustees be reduced to a business working
number, but so reduced as not to impair the Connec-tional relations of the
institutions; also that there be a new charter obtained.
5. That the present Endowment Day system be made more perfect
and that the funds raised on this occasion be strictly used for endowment
purposes, and only for such purposes. This is important as every institu¬
tion should have an endowment behind it, the interest of which can be
used to help in meeting current expenses.
6. That our Educational Department, if continued, be put upon a
better working basis so as to produce better results for the good of the
educational work of the Church, than it is possible to secure under the
present system.
— 19 —
7. That in some way a chapel, which will answer the purpose of a
Church, be provided for the University as a memorial to the founders of
the institution, and to the sainted Bishops and trustees whose lives and
services have helped to make the University what it is today.
8. Next year, (1913) will be fifty years since Wilberforce University
became the property of the A. M. E. Church. It was purchased by Bishop
Daniel A. Payne in 1863, for the Connection. In view of this fact, I
recommend that this fiftieth anniversary be fittingly observed in June,
1913, and that a Committee from this General Conference be appointed to
co-operate with a similar Committee of the University Trustee Board,
which meets in June, 1912, and that an effort be made on that occasion
to raise $50,000.00 for endowment purposes.
I beg that the recommendations here submitted be carefully noted
and granted so far as possible. With gratitude for the honor which has
been conferred upon me as head of this institution, and with thanks for all
the assistance given, to aid in its upbuilding, I beg leave to submit this
report.
Fraternally yours,
WILLIAM S. SCARBOROUGH,
President.
— 20 —
REPORTS, OF SECRETARY AND TREASURER.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY.
To the General Conference of the A. M. E. Church, Assembled at Kansas
City, Kansas, May 6th, 1912:
Reverend Dear Fathers and Brethern—Another four years have gone
into eternity. This flight of time brings a duty and honor of submitting
to you a report of the doings of the Secretary's office for the four years
closing April 20th, 1912.
We have much for which to be thankful. Our new dormitory for
girls will be ready for occupancy at the opening of the next scholastic
year. The building will fill a long felt want. It will also increase greatly
our revenue.
Then to give James A. Shorter Hall a thorough overhauling will make
a splendid home for our boys. The cost to remodel and refit will be
$7,000.00 which we most respectfully ask the General Conference, now in
session, to appropriate out of any funds on hand.
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE
OF WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY.
Total amount received from June 23rd, 1910 to April 22nd, 1912,
23,160.00. Total disbursed from June 23rd, 1910 to April 22nd, 1912,
$13,754.71. Balance on hand, $9,405.29.
Signed,
W. A. ANDEBSON,
Treasurer Building Committee.
The Following are the Financial Statements of Receipts and Ex¬
penditures submitted and approved by the Trustee Board for the Years
1909, 1910 and 1911.. Receipts from all sources from June 1st, 1908 to
April 20th, 1912.
— 21 —
Disbursements from June 1st, 1908 to April 20th, 1912.
Endowment Funds.
Avery Fund $ 10,000.00
Monroe Fund 2,300.00
Good Year Fund 1,670.00
.las. A. Shorter Fund 2,000.00
First Educational Fund 450.00
Quarto Centennial Fund 396.00
Rust Prize Fund 100.00
Henry Gordon Fund 1,569.11
A. ]. Powers Fund 2,350.00
Snowden Fund 100.00
Daniels Fund 420.00
Randolf Fund 6,404.81
Total $ 27,759.92
Indebtedness.
Liabilities in Notes $ 23,260.17
Teachers' Salaries 1,400.00
Open Account 840.03
Special Claims 1,594.00
Total $ 27,094.20
Assets Above Liabilities $424,393.71
Assets
Campus, (iS1/) acres at $400.00 per acre $ 25,000.00
Buildings 132,000.00
Furnishings and Equipment for School Rooms and Dormitories 12,000.00
Library Hooks 6,000.00
Museum 3,000.00
Endowment < 27,759.92
A Loan to Payne Executors ' 2,000.00
Due from Callanan Estate 2,500.00
Walter Hall Steward Memorial Fund 1,219.00
Due from Tuition 370.00
Balance in Treasury 138.99
Total $211,987.91
Payne Theological Seminary.
Campus, 10 acres at $400.00 per acre $ 4,000.00
Buildings and Equipment 10,000.00
Total $ 14,000.00
C. N. and I. Department.
30 acres at $400.00 per acre $ 12,000.00
Land, 100 acres at $100.00 per acre 10,000.00
Buildings and Equipment, 200,000.00
Farm Implements, Stock and Vehicles 3',500.00
Total $225,500.00
Net Value of our inclusive Wilberforce, University ,....$418,887.91
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE TALBERT,
Secretary, Wilberforce University.
— 22 —
Tuition
Trustees Dues
Founders' Day Rally
Educational Rally
Interest Received
C. X. and I. Appropriation
Rev. .1. E. Morris, Agent
Library Fees .
Borrowed
Donations . .
Endowment Day
Bishop Flipper to Refund
Conferences
Educational Department
Miscellaneous
Bishop Shaffer Conference
Bishop Derrick Conference
Bishop Gaines Conference
Bishop Tyree Conference
Rents
Dining Hall
TOTALS
Teachers and Officers
I'aid on Debt
Buildings and Grounds
Postage
Interest Paid ...
Travel
Boarding Trustees
Heat and Light
Library Fund .
Rents
Printing
Miscellaneous .
Dining Hall Supplies
Dining Hall Labor
Farm Supplies . ..
Farm Labor
TOTALS
Balance
RECEIPTS
1908-1909
1909-1910
1910-1911
1911-1912
$ 3,4«).10
-3,335.05
$ 3,470 .07""" "■
" " T 3,724192
230.00
485.00
430.00
500.00
379.50
283.15
75.68
260.11
525.05
692.50
935.90
711.68
1,580.00
511.00
339.52
3,000.00
3,450.00
3,150.00
3,150.00
130.00
274.50
257.50
306.00
334.00
3,608.00
1,957.00
2,268.37
665.00
822.00
1,048.12
745.70
255.00
392.90
250.00
405.17
751.12
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,280.00
1,120.00
117.25
72.50
94.35
1,217.11
218.50
50.03
338.11
1,651.01
587.59
155.29
1,515.43
500.00
1,200.00
200.00
144.35
123.90
154.83
3,070! 43
5,271.45
4,456.55
4.206. 02
$19,742.92
$20,752.42
$18,840.92
$20,292.95
SBURSEMENTS
$ 8,227.53
$ 7,293.50
$ 7,373.00
$ 8,580.46
3,783.38
3,400.58
1,643.16
2.874.07
849.27
857.68
645.80
489.23
169.50
174.00
202.13
148.00
1,328.05
1,688.64
1,725 .'31
803.73
601.45
744.60
598.47
728.52
248.75
288.80
275.35
436.30
282.55
698.15
655.01
527.33
304.17
355.03
170.09
107.03
220.56
277.15
172.20
110.85
263.22
357.00
514.81
6S9.24
391.65
432.15
2,563.61
4,302.45
3,652.49
3,484.02
506.82
452.89
578.35
560.97
209.16
83.50
$19,418.01
$21,101.27
$18,528.67
$20,053.96
294.91 (Overdraft 53.94)
258.30
138.99
JAMES A. SHORTER HALL