Winfield - Bethel African Methodist Espicopal Church

Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.

Appeal to the Public. The undersigned, pastor and trustees of the Bethel A. M. E. Church, make this appeal to the public for aid to enable them to discharge a mortgage debt on their lot and church building in Winfield, of $100; and they desire to make a statement of their progress as a church since it was inaugurated here, both spiritually and temporarlly.

Our church was organized in the month of October, 1880, with 8 members. A lot was purchased for $65 and paid for. A frame church building 24 feet square and of good height has been completed except plastering, painting, and furnishing with permanent seats. Our church now numbers 25 members. We inaugurated a Sunday school with 3 scholars, which now numbers 30 scholars. We are in debt only $100, and we feel that if our white friends would help us to pay this debt, we will be thereafter self-supporting; and we promise that we will not again importune them for assistance. We want to influence and educate our race to become worthy and useful people, and to do their humble part in the work of the Lord; and we feel that this little aid and encouragement now, in our weakness, on the part of our more fortunate white brethren and friends, will enable us to accomplish and realize our desires. R. PARKS, Pastor.

L. C. SCOTT,

JOHN NICHOLS,

ANDREW SMITH, Trustees.

W. POLKS,

WM. THOMAS.

Winfield, April 11, 1882.