FAITH-bASED aCTIVITIES

By Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
Picture
Wilkie Clark's early church affiliation began as a youngster, at Hunter's Chapel Methodist Church (which no longer exists).   He was rooted and grounded in Methodism. 

As I can vaguely recall, Hunter's Chapel Methodist Church was somewhere in the Springfield community, and close to Wehadkee Baptist Church.

After his marriage to Mrs. Clark in 1948, they settled in Roanoke, and started attending Bethel Methodist Church in East Roanoke.   In 1952, Wilkie Clark was busy at work in Bethel Methodist Church, organizing the Methodist Men, working with the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and establishing himself as a leading christian man in the community.   Apparently others in the community saw his leadership ability, and elected him President of this new local group.  As time went by, he would be frequently featured as Guest Speaker on numerous occasions.
Negro News
In the event nobody has noticed YET, even the local newspaper was segregated.  There was a "Negro" reporter, who chronicled the events in the black communities.  For most of that time, Mrs. Mayme Shealey served as the "Negro News Reporter."  She faithfully sent "Negro news" in from the area every week.   Having been one of his early teachers, amazingly, Mrs. Shealey really kept an eye on Wilkie Clark and reported on whatever he was involved in or doing along the way.    She reported on church activities, and personal news of interest.   Thus, because of her interest, he was frequently mentioned in The Roanoke, Leader during that time period.   But, there were others who also helped out with reporting the "Negro News."  Some articles indicate that Mrs. Texanna Royston, reported.  At other times, Horace Whittaker compiled the news.   In later years, Mrs. Antonia Bell served as the reporter.  Also, there came a period of time during which the school principals published an entire section in the paper, dedicated to what was going on in their school.

​Many of these newspaper "shorts" that appear below, merely serve as eye-witnesses to who and what Clark was becoming at this pivotal time in his life.
The Negro News Reporters
The first mention of Clark's church activities in the Roanoke leader appeared in 1952, when the Methodist Church formed a new lay organization. 
1952-8-21 Men Of Bethel Organized
File Size: 84 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
Both Mr. and Mrs. Clark mentioned in the articles.  Mrs. Clark was part of a musical trio (Carrie Winston, Clara Lattimore, and Mama.  Then, a short briefing on Bethel's Vacation Bible School "Very Large Attendance.  Wilkie Clark is mentioned as Superintendent.  The church welcomed the R.C.T.S. Home Economic Instructor, Rose Vincent of Birmingham.
1955-10-06- (The Roanoke Leader) "Local Colored News"
File Size: 822 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
1959-05-28:  Mrs. Mayme Shealey reported on a joint Sunday Worship Service, wherein Bethel traveled to worship with Mount Olive.  Mr. & Mrs. Clark were there along with Mr. & Mrs. Shumpert, and Dr. Ben A. Outland served as Guest Speaker.
1959-05-28 (The Roanoke Leader) Bethel & Mount Olive worshipped together.
File Size: 235 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
1959-09-03:  Mrs. Shealey reported on the Homecoming At Bethel.  There was a Baby Contest Fundraiser,  Wilkie Clark was one of the captains.
1959-09-03 (The Roanoke Leader) "Negro News"
File Size: 272 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
1960-06-02:  Vacation Bible School beginning at Bethel, with the same actors:  Wilkie Clark, worked with the youngsters.  Students from the various colleges have arrived home for the Summer Vacation 
1960-06-02 (The Roanoke Leader) Negro News:
File Size: 320 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
1962-4-5:  Mrs. Mayme Shealey, Reporter.  The "Brotherhood" of First Baptist Church. Their Theme was: "Men Facing the Responsibility Of Christian Leadership." Wilkie Clark and Henderson Huguley, gave talks of the Theme.  Message was delivered by Reverend R.V. Vines.
1962-04-05 (The Roanoke Leader) "Negro News Events"
File Size: 338 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
1963-05-20  (The Roanoke Leader) - Mrs. Shealey reported on several personals, including Wilkie Clark attending a week-long meeting with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
1963-20-05 (The Roanoke Leader) Wilkie Clark Attended SCLC Meeting
File Size: 320 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File