Marie L. Clinton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marie L. Clinton
|
|
|---|---|
Marie L. Clinton, from a 1922 publication.
|
|
| Born | 1871 Huntsville, Alabama
|
| Died | January 9, 1934 Tuskegee Institute Hospital, Birmingham
|
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Church leader, educator, singer |
| Known for | Founder, superintendent of the Buds of Promise Juvenile Mission Society |
| Spouse(s) | Bishop George Wylie Clinton |
Marie Louise Clay Clinton was an important American woman who lived from 1871 to 1934. She was a teacher, a singer, and a strong leader in her church. She is best known for starting and leading the Buds of Promise Juvenile Mission Society. This group was part of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society (WH&OMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
Early Life and Education
Marie Louise Clay was born in 1871 in Huntsville, Alabama. Her parents were Alfred and Eliza Clay. She trained to become a teacher at the Central Alabama Academy. Marie also studied music at Clark Atlanta University. She finished her studies there in 1891.
Her Career and Church Work
Marie Clay began her career as a teacher. She taught school in different cities. These included Hot Springs, Birmingham, and Huntsville. She was also a very talented singer. People knew her as a "soloist of national repute." She even toured for a year with a group of jubilee singers.
After she got married, Marie became very active as a church leader. Her husband was a bishop, and she worked alongside him. In 1901, she represented A.M.E. Zion women. This was at a big meeting of Methodists in London.
From her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, Clinton led the national Buds of Promise Juvenile Mission Society. She started this group in 1904. She was its superintendent until 1932. She traveled to many churches. She encouraged them to start local chapters of this children's program.
From 1921 to 1931, she also led the Industrial Home for Colored Girls. This home was located in Efland, North Carolina.
Personal Life and Lasting Impact
In 1901, Marie Louise Clay married George Wylie Clinton. He was a Bishop in the A.M.E. Zion Church. She became a widow when her husband passed away in 1921. Marie L. Clinton died in 1934 after a long illness. She was 62 years old. She passed away at the Tuskegee Institute Hospital.
The Buds of Promise program continued to grow. It became even bigger after Clinton's death. Since 1951, churches in the A.M.E. Zion denomination celebrate "Marie L. Clinton Day." This special day is held on the fourth Sunday in January. It honors her important work and legacy.
