Women of distinction/Chapter 76

CHAPTER LXXVI.

MRS. M. R. RODGERS WEBB.

While we are searching this country for distinguished women of Afro-American descent we may also turn our eyes to the "islands of the sea," for out of them also there shall come some good material for this temple we are laboring to build.

Out of Jamaica, B. W. I., comes Mrs. Rodgers Webb, who has labored in America for many years, spending more than seventeen years in Texas alone. Born of English parentage mainly, she has labored among the women of the race as lecturer, missionary, preacher and teacher; has for a number of years been a newspaper correspondent, and is at present associate editor of the Texas Reformer; has traveled extensively in the State, lecturing and visiting more than one hundred and fifty towns, cities and villages. She is well known by leading Afro-American gentlemen of four States, who speak in praiseworthy terms of her work. Some of the subjects upon which she has spent much time, patience and energy, as a lecturer, are as follows: "An Eye-opener to the True Causes of the Unpleasant Condition of the Colored People," "What Best Helps to Character-making."

Mrs. Webb has, no doubt, done much good in her chosen field of labor. She seems to delight in presenting the truth from the public rostrum.

The following are some newspaper clippings and general notices of her, which we subjoin with pleasure:

Mrs. M. R. Rodgers Webb we found very intelligent, broad-gauged, liberal and thoroughly posted—a woman of literary attainments.—Texarkana Daily Tunes, Texas, June 20, 1889.

Mrs. Webb, of superior ability, has given great thought to the condition of the colored race; means and methods to elevate it; presents valuable suggestions and arguments.—The Southwestern Republican, Texarkana, Ark., June 29, 1889.

More than ordinary literary ability.—Interstate News, Texarkana, Texas.

Hardly ever have we been more profitably entertained than in listening to this gifted woman—the most sensible and unique expositions; eloquent, earnest, pleasing talker.—The Bulletin, Birmingham, Ala., December 29, 1889.

Greatly benefited by series of lectures here. Mrs. Webb has closely observed, has taken a keen insight into needs and hindrances of our people. They will certainly be greatly profited.—Rev. I. B. Scott, P. E. of the M. E. Church of Marshalt, Texas, taken from Southwestern Christian Advocate of January 2, 1890.

Mrs. Webb lectured in my church and others, to our great satisfaction. Talks interesting and full of valuable information. We recommend her as a lady of culture, worthy of acceptation.—Fred. H. Witkins, Pastor Bethesda Baptist Church, Marshall. Texas.

Mrs. Webb's lectures are among the substantial philosophy of practical and common things; recommend her intellectual worth; will be found among continued and advanced thought to bless her memory.—Rev. H. S. McMillan, Pastor Ebenezer M. E. Chinch, Marshall, Texas.

Mrs. Webb has done effective work in all churches of this city for a month. Lecture expresses the real situation of the negro in a nutshell; awakens deepest thought.—Rev. W. R. Pettiford, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala., and President of State Baptist Association.