[Illustration: REV. H. T. JOHNSON, D. D., PH. D.]
His "Divine Logos" was written and published in 1891. As a unique Christological treatise it was spoken of in the highest terms. Some idea of the recognized ability of Dr. Johnson is indicated by his having been clothed with the editorial responsibility of the leading organ of his church and race at the session of the General Conference in May, 1892. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on him by Paul Quinn College, while that of Doctor of Divinity was granted by Wilberforce University. Dr. Johnson has already exerted an abiding influence upon his race.
Rev. J. W. Smith was elected at the last General Conference of the A. M. E. Zion Church, which met in Mobile, Ala., in May, 1896, as the Editor of the _Star of Zion_, which is the official organ of the church. As a writer Mr. Smith is an able one, and I am sure that the general feeling is that a wiser choice could not have been made. The paper is published at Charlotte, N. C., where the Zion Church owns a splendid property known as their publishing department. I have known Rev. Smith for years, and I am glad for the good of the connection that he has been chosen as their editor.
He succeeds Rev. Geo. W. Clinton, D. D., who was elected to the Bishopric at the last General Conference.
Wm. H. Stewart is a native of Louisville, Ky. He has always taken an active part in all public affairs, and is an active member of the Baptist Church. He is the superintendent of the Sunday-school of the 5th Street Baptist Church and leader of its choir, which is one of the best in the country. Mr. Stewart is chairman of Board of Trustees of State University, located in Louisville, Ky., and is secretary of the National Baptist Convention; he has held this position for many years.
Mr. Stewart also has charge of the Sunday-school work of the State, for the American Baptist Publication Society of Philadelphia. He is manager and publisher of the _American Baptist_, which is the oldest and most extensively circulated newspaper in the denomination. Mr. Stewart holds other useful places, where he is helpful to the race. He owns a beautiful home, and has some very refined and cultured children. His daughters, at least two of them, have taken a course in art, and they paint beautifully; most of the fine paintings in his home were painted by them.