Bethel Literary and Historical Society facts for kids

The Bethel Literary and Historical Society was an important organization in Washington, D.C. It was started in 1881 by African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Daniel Payne. This society helped African Americans in the city learn and discuss important topics. It continued to be active until at least 1915.

What was the Bethel Literary and Historical Society?

The Bethel Literary and Historical Society was a very important group for African Americans in Washington, D.C. Most of its first members belonged to the Metropolitan AME Church. This is where the society held its meetings. However, it always welcomed black people from all over the city to join.

A Place for Learning and Debate

The society quickly became the top place for debates and discussions. People talked about important issues facing African Americans. For example, in 1881–82, there was a big debate. People discussed whether schools for black children should be separate. Later, in 1903, the ideas of famous leaders like Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois were also debated. The society was even visited by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, a well-known spiritual leader.

Famous Speakers and Topics

Many important people came to speak at the society's meetings. They shared their knowledge and ideas. Here are some of the famous speakers and their topics:

• Frederick Douglass talked about "The Philosophy and History of Reform."
• Mary Ann Shadd spoke about "Heroes of the Anti-Slavery Struggles."
• Mary Church Terrell shared her experiences in "A Glimpse of Europe."
• Belva Ann Lockwood discussed "Is Marriage a Failure?"
• John Mercer Langston spoke about "The Emancipated Races of Latin America."
• Kelly Miller gave a talk on "Higher Education."
• Ida B. Wells spoke about "Southern Outrages."
• Archibald Grimké discussed "Modern Industrialism and the Negro in the United States."

Leaders of the Society

Many people led the Bethel Literary and Historical Society over the years. Some of their records are not fully saved. However, we know some of the presidents who guided the society:

• Robert J. Smith (1885, the first president)
• Rev. James Dean (followed Smith)
• Joseph H. Douglass (followed Dean)
• John Wesley Cromwell (followed Douglass)
• James Storum (followed Cromwell)
• George M. Arnold (followed Storum)
• Mary Church Terrell (1892, the first woman president, followed Arnold)
• J. K. Rector (followed Terrell)
• R. S. Smith (followed Rector)
• A. E. Clark (1895, came before Hershaw)
• Lafayette M. Hershaw (1897)
• William H. Richards (1899)
• Frank Lewis Cardozo (1901)
• Kelly Miller
• George W Jackson
• Shelby J. Davidson (1906)
• Marie A. D. Madra (1907)
• Louis George Gregory (1909)
• Garnet C. Wilkinson (1910)

The society was also sometimes called the Bethel Historical and Literary Society or just Bethel Literary. There were also similar groups with the same name in other cities, like Philadelphia.