The next largest body of Methodists among Colored people is the A. M. E. Zion Church, which is organized on the same principle as the A. M. E. Church, with an able force of Bishops. They also have a publishing department, located at Charlotte, N.C.
Bishop J. W. Hood, D.D., stands as the leading spirit of the Zion connection. He has done a great work for the church and the race at large. He is the author of two books, in the way of a book of Sermons and a history of the Zion Church.
Bishop C. R. Harris, D.D., is a graduate and was, before his election to the Bishopric, connected with educational work at Livingstone College, also general steward of the Zion Church.
Bishop C. C. Petty, D.D., is also a graduate and before he was made Bishop was one of the leading pastors.
Bishop I. C. Clinton, of South Carolina, has been one of the most useful men in the connection as a church builder and organizer.
Bishop A. Walters, D.D., was, when elected, the youngest Bishop in the country. He is a very energetic and hard worker for the cause of his Church.
Bishop T. H. Lomax, of N.C., is also known as a church builder. At their last General Conference at Mobile, Ala., in May, 1896, they elected three new Bishops in the persons of Rev. George W. Clinton, D.D., Rev. J. B. Small, D.D., and Rev. J. Holliday.
Rev. Clinton I have known for years, and I regard him by far one of the ablest men in the connection, both as a speaker and writer.
Rev. J. B. Small is one of the best scholars in the country, and should have been a Bishop long ago.
William Howard Day, who is mentioned in another part of my book, is their financial secretary, and Rev. J. W. Smith, also mentioned, is editor of the _Star of Zion_.
Bishop J. W. Alstork was elected as Bishop at the last General Conference, held by the A. M. E. Zion Church in 1900, at Washington, D.C. Rev. Alstork is regarded an able man.
THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL.
The Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School was organized during the month of July, 1895, through the earnest effort of Dr. N. F. Mossell. Its purpose is to give larger opportunities for the training of colored girls as nurses, this class of learners in this profession being to a large extent excluded from the other training schools in Philadelphia. Girls of no race will be debarred from the course of training offered in this hospital. This institution is open to all without regard to race or creed.