John Wesley Alstork facts for kids
John Wesley Alstork (born September 1, 1852 – died July 23, 1920) was an important American leader. He helped organize communities, especially for African Americans. He was a preacher and a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Many people thought he was one of the most successful bishops. This was partly because he was great at organizing big meetings. He also helped run several schools for African-Americans. Plus, he was a businessman. He lived in Montgomery, Alabama.
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Who Was John Wesley Alstork?
John Wesley Alstork was born in Talladega, Alabama, on September 1, 1852. When he was young, he went to Longwood Institute. After that, he studied at Talladega College. After finishing school, he worked as a teacher. In 1873, he became a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Four years later, he became an ordained minister. This meant he was officially recognized as a religious leader.
Helping Schools and Education
Alstork cared a lot about education. He was a trustee for many schools for African-Americans. A trustee is someone who helps manage and guide an organization. He strongly believed in "industrial education." This type of education teaches practical skills for jobs.
He even started his own schools. He founded the Greenville High School in Greenville, Alabama. In 1898, he started another school. It was first called the A.M.E. Zion Theological Institute. Today, it is known as Lomax-Hannon Junior College in Greenville.
Honored for His Work
John Wesley Alstork received special honors for his hard work. He got an honorary degree from Livingstone College. Talladega College also honored him. This special honor was given by Booker T. Washington, another famous leader.
Two United States presidents even asked for Alstork's advice. These presidents were William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. This shows how respected he was. Pictures of him can be found in a book about the A.M.E. Zion Church. The book is called One Hundred Years of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. It was written by J. W. Hood in 1895.
His Last Days
Alstork gave a very powerful last speech. About 10,000 people came to listen to him speak. He passed away on July 23, 1920, in Searcy, Alabama. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama. This cemetery is now called Oakwood Cemetery. His funeral procession was very long, stretching 15 blocks.
Years later, in 1953, Bishop William Jacob Walls spoke about Alstork. He asked people to help improve Lomax Hannon College. He said the college was like "the soul of the late Bishop." This showed how important Alstork's work was.
See also
- Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church (Greenville, Alabama)
- Religion of black Americans
