Religion: A. M. E.

In Chicago, dark faces with wide lips and narrow eyes were in evidence. The faces belonged to African Methodist Episcopalians. For a time, these solemn people emulated their white brethren in Kansas City; with commendable dignity as well as wisdom they voted to “amalgamate” with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, but decided to refer the matter to the people of their congregations for “ratification.”

This done, the dark faces began to gleam with excitement. Black Bishops Abraham Lincoln Gaines, William Tecumseh Vernon, J. Albert Johnson and William H. Heard were haled before the Conference, charged with misappropriation of funds or maladministration of the law. Then there came the matter of electing four bishops out of 100 eager candidates. Wild scenes occurred. Presiding Bishop William Sampson, making himself heard above the storm, cried that a motion to adjourn was out of order. Thinking this an unfair move in favor of a rival candidate for a bishopric the Rev. R. L. Pope of Indianapolis climbed to the rostrum and charged Bishop Sampson with injustice. “You are a liar, sir! Get off this rostrum at once or I’ll have you thrown off and out of the building!” Bishop Sampson screeched. A jungle fury lighted the faces of the well-dressed Methodist Negroes.