[Program for an AME Church Young People's Congress].

Des Moines, Iowa: [Saint Paul's African Methodist Episcopal Church], 1937. 8 5/8” x 5¾”. Two bifolia, printed all sides and stapled. Pp. [8]. Good: outside leaves heavily soiled and worn, internally moderately so.

This is a program for, as well as a circular requesting attendance at, the 1937 Young People's Congress. The event took place in Des Moines, Iowa as part of the Northwestern Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church. While there's little secondary reporting of the event, its back page gives some insight:

“This marks the forty-fifth anniversary of the beginning of the work of Teacher Training in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Iowa. In Iowa began the first effort of this kind known anywhere in our African Methodism. The Congress is highly favored in that one of the principals of this Congress was also associated with the movement forty-five years ago in the person of Mr. S. Joe Brown.”

The back page goes on the describe the Congress' oratorical contest for high school students and reminded participants of their financial obligations as well as other submissions required prior to attendance. It also may have pointed out difficulty in African Americans finding lodging in the Des Moines area: “the members of the Congress and their guests will be entertained in the homes of the members and friends of the S. Paul A.M.E. Church. That is, so far as lodging is concerned.” The program itself listed a detailed day-by-day schedule of events, including devotionals, Sunday School and departmental conferences, general discussions, addresses and presentations.

A rare glimpse into the activities and experiences of a Western A.M.E. Youth conference. OCLC locates no copies. Good. Item #6147

Price: $375.00