Ministers Read
Christian Recorder: September 13, 1888
Ministers and members of the A. M. E. Church:—Rev. S. J. Campbell, who was received into our church by Rev. S. F. Flagler several years ago, while a missionary upon the West Coast of Africa, is on a visit to this country. He reached here from Liberia, Africa, a few weeks since, and has preached, lectured, and delivered a number of short addresses with great acceptability. He has been the chief representative of our work in Liberia ever since the return of Elder Flagler to this country.
Rev. S. J. Campbell, while a native of Africa, speaks fine English, is well informed, a decent scholar, preaches and lectures with great acceptability, brings with him the highest recommendations we ever saw, is endorsed by the President, Secretary of State, commanding generals and other dignitaries of the Republic; and, in short, gives evidence of every efficiency which the most critical could require in both character and attainments. Besides, Brother Campbell has the clearest ideas of the possibilities of the Church there we have heard. He thoroughly understands himself and his plans are not only reasonable, but are evidently wise. He has been waiting for our Bishops to meet on the 15th inst., so that he could see them face to face and present to them his report and plans for the future. But through some blunder the meeting was countermanded. Now he is virtually a wanderer in a strange country, and the distinguished visitor is anxious to return home. We believe such a result would be a calamity, as there is too much at stake in the future of our Church there, and he has come too far to be thus foiled in his expectations. We have, therefore, requested him to visit Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Raleigh, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, Macon, Atlanta and other points, assuring him that not only receptions, but ovations will be tendered him all along the route, and that the brethren will help him financially with a generous hand. He is prepared to answer all kinds of questions and submit his plans to anyone. His sermons and addresses in the East have been received with delight, as they will be everywhere he goes. Bishop Gaines has already tendered him a cordial invitation into his district and we are sure he will be enthusiastically received everywhere and by every functionary of our Church.
Yours fraternally,
J. P. Campbell,
H. M. Turner
Bishops.
