This page contains a poem about the importance of going to church, a poem titled "First and Divided Love", a short joke and a description of a friend and her letters.

Non Attendance Church Excuses
"Grandmother"
First and Divided Love
A Letter

Sisters and brothers, I desire to come to church
But what I have to do is so much so much,
I have to look after so many things
Up until the time the church bell rings.

I haven't the time to fight my spirit's foes
I haven't the time to mend my Sunday clothes,
My children roam the streets, from morn till night
I haven't the time to teach them to do right.

I try to get them to Sunday school
But every Sunday evening I have to feed the mule,
And when I'm through they are all there to eat
Then I'm tired from being on my feet.

We are now planning for a barbecue
From which we hope to make a dollar or two,
Now that won't come off till the fourth of July
So whatever you do don't pass it by

I am also selling tickets for the minstrel show
To which I hope you'll be sure to go,
And enjoy yourself at what you see
For many funny act, there sure will be.

Now sisters and brothers when conference meets
So this for me, which will be a treat.
Whatever you do don't call my name
For with these points I'm not to blame

I am going to manage my business so
That you will see me enter the door,
I'm going to lay aside some of those things
And come right on, when the church bell rings.

"Grandmother" [title added]

Grandmother on a visit to her little grandson: "Well I'm here to see you littleman.  I am your grandmother, on you father's side."  Little boy replied, "Well, you are on the wrong side, because daddy is a Democrat and mother is a Repulican.  I'd like you better if you were on her side."

"First and Divided Love"
By E.J. Harris

"Why I first loved another's son
  There were none of my own,
As years rolled the change was made
  And a new Love begun
This love may be said to be
  Added or Divided.
Between another's son and mine
  As thro life we have glided
So contented we ave travelled on
  Sharing this love between us,
Knowing by blood and love alone
  The Tie or bind around us
Some day, Some one may cast their love
  On these our darling sons,
And when the future change is made
Two souls we'll find, have loved and won."

The lines above, implies, first love to the husband, then on the family increase, the love is added or divided.

A Letter

From Mrs. Fannie Hayes, mother of Roland W. Hayes, the noted Tenor.  Mrs. Hayes letters are always very interesting as well as Religions.  The writer of these notes had the pleasure of being in the company of Mrs. Hayes several times, during a visit to Boston, in the summer of 1920, Mrs. Hayes is a real Christian woman.  Her general thoughts and conversations are always on the Spiritual subjects, she is a faithful member of the great Ebenezer Baptist Church, of Boston, and she is ever ready to attend her church or some other whenever the doors are opened.  Mrs. Hayes in her letters, thanks God that she has lived to an advanced age, and still she is able to do a little work for herself, and also to walk to the church and fill her seat.  She is proud of her boy Roland, yet she makes no great ado, she also says that she feels herself growing weak from old age and able to exercise and when she gets disabled to work a little or go to church, which is her earthly pride and joy, she hopes the Blessed Lord will call her to her reward.

E J. H

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