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S-NscitSQ E _
LUM 246A d er"
MONOLOGUE: Adolph Dial, Burnt Swamp Baptist Association Readings
DATE: 'August 16, 1971
D: I have here in my possession, the minutes of the Second Annual
Session of the Burnt Swamp Association, held with Reedy Branch
Baptist Church, Robeson County, North Carolina, November 3, 4, 5,
and 6, 1881. I do not have the minutes of the First Annual Session,
I assume it was held in 1880. Reverend Cary-Wilkins, C..A..R..Y..
W..I..L..K..I..N..S.., Reverend Cary Wilkins, Moderator, Moss Neck,
N.C. John Wilkins, Clerk, Moss Neck, N.C., and H.R. Bell,
Treasurer, Lumberton, North Carolina, this was prepared by the
Edward Rothman Company, Printers and Binders, in 1882. Actually,
I'll give some of the highlights of this Second Annual Meeting in
1881. This second meeting at Reedy Branch Church. An introductory
sermon is preached by Elder Cary Wilkins, and the moderator appoints
Gilbert Locklear and E.H. Bell on a committee of finance. J.F. Wilkins
reads the following report on edu-cation: "Education implies a drawing
out or shaping or molding of the mind. It literally implies a know-
ledge of books, and how to reduce the content to practice. Unless we
have this knowledge, we are, to all intent and purposes, helpless.
During the subject of general education, through all the avenues of life,
we notice that it terminates with success. Education is needed at the bar,
in the cornfield, in the domestic business of the household, and conduct-
ing the affairs of the government, in carrying on the cause of Christ,
and in fact, it is needed in every business of life. All the real influence
by the creatures of this world is success by men
and women of education. There is no possible chance for us to reach the
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zenith of our greatness in church matters, nor in our domestic, until
we are educated. We, as a body of Baptists, need a school organized
among us for the benefit of our children. This is the only way our
race can be brought from the polluted valley of ignorance to the
summit of intelligence. Education is really necessary on the part of
the clergy, therefore, we cannot insist too strongly on ministerial
education, that the man of God may be thoroughly trained through
every good word and work. A workman that needed not be ashamed, but
rightly divided the.world of life, may not only save themselves from
the blood of all men, but those that them from the eternal
punishment. We have ministers among us, who are deficient in education.
What shall we do for them? Shall we suffer if we help them? We will
not, for it is our duty. Let us help them by concert action, and by
so doing, we will attain to ourselves, a more efficient ministry,
and our work will more fully to God's glory. Respectfully
submitted, J. Wilkins, J. S. Wilkins, E.A. Bell, Committee"
The Constitution of the Burnt Swamp Missionary Baptist Association of
the Mixed Race. Now, I'd like to point out here that this was before
1885, and the Burnt Swamp Missionary Baptist Association was known
as the Burnt Swamp Missionary Baptist Association of the Mixed Race.
In 1886, the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association of the Croatan Indians, and
of course, this name was changed in keeping with the name-change of
the Indians, when they were designated Croatan Indians in 1885. We find
that Cary Wilkins is moderator, Everett Hampton is clerk, and William
Sampson, treasurer. In 1886, the report of the committee on education,
of the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association of the Croatan Indians, we find,
"We, your committee, beg lief, (l..i..e..f..) to report on education.
The discussion of this all important and yet, strange to say, much
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neglected subject, very many of our people are neglected, are neglecting
the education and proper training of their children. Many have come to
regard the subject of education, of educating their children, not as a
duty that they must meet in the fear of God, but as a matter of little
consequence. We think, that the parent who neglects the education of
"a child and fails to train the child for usefulness, interrs, thereby,
"a fearful responsibility, violates a religious obligation, and commits
sin. Will God hold us guiltless for this indifference too, and neglect
of a sacred duty? Respectfully submitted, Everett Sampson, John Hunt,
Committee On Education." In 1892, the report on general education by
the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, "Your committee recognizing the
fact that true education confers the highestthappiness upon its
successes and endows them with the greatest power, We beg all our
people to faithfully discharge one-of their highest duties to God
and to humanity, by educating to the highest extent possible all
the dependents We therefore recommend that the several
schools and academies of the intermediate vicinities be patronized
and maintained. Sampson, And John J. Committee."
I might add here that the academies which had black students at one
time, lots of the Indians did not want to attend the academy because the
black students were there. This was before public education for Indians,
really, before it really made headway. Another report in 1894, on general
education by the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, "While rejoicing at
the progress already made in this Association, through the provintinal
care of the Almighty Father, we would urge the great importance of
teaching bbiore the mind and hearts of our people, the subjects of general
education and higher education. We cannot afford to neglect the education
of our people, especially those who are destined to become the leaders
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in this association. Knowledge is power, and especially that knowledge
which- is sanctified by the grace of God. Having no academies or colleges
in our bounds, we therefore recommend that the members of this associa-
tion spare no interest in educating their children through the
set forth by the state and county in the public school system. Respect-
fully submitted, O.R. Sampson, P.M. Sanderson, 0. R. Sampson,Ithat's
O.R. Sampson again] Committee." And the subject was fhlly-discussed
by O.R. Sampson and P.M. Sanderson, and then adopted." In 1896, the
Burnt Swamp Baptist Association met at Oak Grove Church, November 5,
6, 7, and 8, with Reverend T. Wilkins as moderator, Moss Neck, North
Carolina, A.F.Iocklear, clerk, Lowe, NorthCarolina, and Joseph'Simpson,
treasurer, Moss Neck, North Carolina. Printed by Ed B. Freeman, Lumber-
ton, North Carolina, and on general education, they had this to say;
"In submitting this report, we are forced to say that the improvement
morally, intellectually, and socially is gradually being raised to
a higher level. The time has been when there could hardly be found
ten men of our race that could read and *rite. That time is no
longer. We now have twenty-two district schools filled with teachers
of our own race, and one normal school where the young men and girls
may receive all the qualifications and scholarship required in such
schools. What has reduced ignorance, crime, and barbarianism, of the
past,has it'noth.een education? The mystic cloud of ignorance that
once hung over us is gradually being dispersed by the eternal light
of science. We would urge our young people to stir up the mute energy
in the cause of education, and clothe themselves in the caps and elegant
dress of the man of culture and education. Then our institution will
be built up, our churches receive new light, and society will be
refined, and every application of life improved. We would urge
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therefore, that no means be spared in the effort to educate our
children. Respectfully submitted, O.R. Sampson, Committee." In 1898,
a report on general education,written by the same man, O.R. Sampson,
"The object of all training and culture is to prepare man for his
existence here and to prepare him to live hereafter. We are daily
confronted with difficult problems in life, which we are called upon
to decide. Inw.order to decide them intelligently, we must be educated.
We know, with pleasure the great improvement in education among the
Croatan Indians in Robeson County, the Normal School near ,
then a prominent factor in the educational history of the race. It is
nearly, it is yearly sending out young men and women, or young men
and ladies, who are doing credible work in the rural district schools.
We earnestly solicit parents to spare no means in educating their
children, if you want your son or daughter to take a prominent stand
in life, and to be an ornament to your family, a blessing to society
and an honor to our state, educate them. Respectfully, O.R. Sampson,
Committee." 1899, the Burnt Swamp Missionary Baptist Association,
held at Burnt Swamp Church, Robeson County, North Carolina, October
14, 15, and 16, 1899. Reverend Gilbert Locklear, moderator, Lowe,
North Carolina, O.R. Sampson, clerk and treasurer, _
North Carolina, and on general education, we find a report by A.S.
Locklear, "The object of all training and culture is to prepare
man for his existence here and to live hereafter. If we would
preserve our identity as a race, we must be educated. Our greatest
need today is not lawyers or doctors, but well-qualified spiritual
leaders. The need of education and training is being more fully
realized in our daily transactions. We need educated men in the pulpit
and the schoolhouses. We need them in the fields, and more especially,
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do we need educated mothers in our home. I trust that a brother preacher,
I trust that the brother preachers will encourage the congregation more
in this one grand cause. We note with pleasure,the interest that our
people have taken in education in the past, and hope for still greater
in the future. Brethren, let us patronize and support our schools, as
the of our institutions, as the bulwark of our institution.
The inheritance of our children, and the ladder which, like Jacob, is
at last to enable us to ascend with the angels into heaven itself.
0 divine knowledge, who would not reverent thee? Respectfully, A.S.
Locklear." In the meeting of the Burnt Swamp Association, in 1900,
on Thursday, November 15, report on education by O.R. Sampson, Chairman,
we find, "The fundamental duties that each one owes to himself, is
to make the most of his faculties. To become as large and helpful
a part in the world in which he lives, as it is in the power to become.
While it is true hat one may have greater natural capacity and more
favorable opportunity for development than another, the dullest mind
under any circumstances, if normally constituted, is capable of growth.
If we bring the talent which we are naturally endowed, be they one
or ten, into the best possible relation with the materials out of which
our lives is tohe developed, we can do no more. Education then, becomes
the first duty we owe ourselves. The true end of education is to unfold
and direct right our whole nature. Its office is to call forth powers
of every kind; powers of thought, affection, will, and an outward action,
power to observe, to reason, to judge, to construe, powers to adopt good
ends firmly, and pursue them effectively, powers to govern themselves
and to influence others, powers to gain and to spread happiness. Education
is the harmonious development of body, mind and soul. Our duty is to
bring each one to its fullest development, so as to make their union
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into itself as perfect and as complete as possible.We"note with pleasure,
the interest manifested during the past year in educational work, and
look for still greater in the future. We would urge that the young men
and ladies of this association use every possible means to secure
liberal education. Respectfully, O.R. Sampson, Chairman." October 30,
31, and November 1, 1906. Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, held at the
Oak Grove Baptist Church in Scotland County, North Carolina. A report
given by Reverend C.T. Locklear, a report on educational institute,
"After seeing the great need of an educational institute where children
can be trained, believing that ai educational improvement in our
association is very needful where our children may be brought up,
that they may have some stability of principle, and not be so easily
carried away by the deceit and cunningness, cunning, craftiness of
men, who lie in wait to deceive us, and desiring this thing, I do
recommend to this association, that the association endorse the efforts
that are now being made to build an educational institute in our
boundaries. Respectfully submitted, Reverend C.T. Locklear." A report
by the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, November 14, 15, 16, and 17,
1907. I find here a report an general education, "By general education
we mean to educate all the children, to reach the poor, the forsaken,
and the cast off, in every part of our noble state. To make education
general, I will not only say, educate the children of Robeson County,
or North Carolina, but send it adrift, and broadcast to every nook
and corner of this grand union of ours." Another report in this reads,
"Now let us speak of home. Take care of it, always know that it's the
dearest and best pot on earth, because you have labored to make it so.
Let charity begin at home. Send your children to school and prepare
them for a life of usefulness. Education don't mean that you have
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soft hands and get a living by not doing anything, but rather, to
work, do it better, and in a shorter time than you could without an
education. I want to say to the Indian people of Robeson and adjoining
counties, you have a good educational advantage, locally, as any people
perhaps in the State of North Carolina. What we need as a people, is
fully to avail ourselves of the advantages and opportunities that
surround us. Begin the education of your children around your own
hearthstone, and be sure you set the right example, for the first
impressions arethe lasting ones. We have twenty-four public schools,
and twenty-three teachers in these counties, a normal school backed
up by state strength, fully equipped with a good principal, Professor
H.L. Eton, and a model expert teacher, in the person of Niss myrtle
E. Sharp. What could be more convenient? Come now with-me, let's
raise the cry, "Educate the children, and they'll aspire highest...
and they will aspire high", see that they are educated mentally,
morally, and physically. Respectfully submitted, A.N. Locklear."
The Burnt Swamp Association, November 1, 1917, a report on education.
"The object of all training and culture is to-prepare man for his
existence here aid to live hereafter. If we would preserve our identity
as a race, we must be educated. We need educated men in the pulpit,
and the schoolhouses, we need them in the fields, and more especially,
do we need educated mothers in our home. We note with pleasure the
interest that our people have taken in education in the past and hope-
fully still greater in the future. We earnestly solicit and hope...
S....of home,take care of it, always know that it's the dearest and best
( spot on earth, because you have labored to make it so. Let charity begin
at home. Send your children to school and prepare them for a life of
usefulness. Education don't mean that you have soft hands and get a living
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by not doing anything, but rather to work, do it better, and in a
shorter time than you could without an education. I want to say to
the Indian people of Robeson and adjoining counties, you have a good
edcuational advantage, locally, as any people perhaps in the State
of North Carolina. What we need as a people, is fully to avAil ourselves
of the advantages and opportunities that surround us. Begin the education
of your children around your own hearthstone, and be sure you set the
right example, for te first impressions are the lasting ones. We have
twenty-four public schools, and twenty-threeteachers in these
counties, a normal school backed up by state strength, fully equipped
with a good principal, Professor H.L. Eton, and a model expert
teacher, in the person of Miss Nyrtle E. Sharp. What could be more
convenient? Come now with me, let's raise the cry, "Eduaate the
children, and they'll aspire highest... and they will aspire high",
see that they are educated mentally, morally, and physically. Res-
pectfully submitted, A.N. Locklear." The Burnt Swamp Association,
November 1, 1917, a report on education. "The object of all training
and culture is to prepare man for his existence here and to live
hereafter. I f we would preserve our identity as a race, we must be
educated. We need educated men in the pulpit, and the schoolhouses, we
need them in the fields, and more especially, do we need educated
mothers in our home. We note with please the interest that our people
have taken in education in the past and hopefully still greater in
the future. We earnestly solicit and hope, we earnestly solicit parents
to spare no means in educating their children, if you want your son
or daughter to take a prominent stand in life, and to be an ornament to
your family, a blessing to society, and an honor to your state, educate
them. November 1, 2, and 3, 1917, Burnt Swamp
Baptist Association, report on education, on general education. "General
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education we mean to educate the people of all people. To make education
general, it's not only to educate the children of Robeson County, in
North. Carolina, but to send this to all parts of the U.S. Dear brethren,
we have not had the opportunity that hther races have had, but we have
had made wonderful progress in education since 1887,when we were given
separate schools. At that time we had to get our teachers from other
counties, but since the state normal has been established for the
purpose of training teachers for schoolwork we have had our Robeson
boys and girls to take charge of our schoolroom. The state normal
has recently established a primary department, where the younger
children have an exceptional advantage, where they are prepared for
the normal. The present faculty consists of Professor H.L. Eton,
principal, and Miss Bell Armstrong, primary teacher. They are doing
fine work in preparing the boys and girls for the useful and honorable
positions of life. We feel greatly indebted to our board of trustees
for their wise selection. Brethren, we urgupon you to help hold up
this good work, by sending yourboys andgirls to this school, and by
doing so, they will become such material as may be honored and citizens
that any state may be proud of. A.E. Locklear." August 16, 1971. Adolph
Dial speaking.
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