CHURCHES IN AUGUSTA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29682, 28 November 1961, Page 5

CHURCHES IN AUGUSTA

Negroes Turned Awav

IN Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) AUGUSTA (Georgia>, Nov. 26. Two negro students, one an ordained Baptist minister, tried unsuccessfully today to worship in two Augusta white churches, the Associated Press reported. The Rev. Roosevelt Green, aged 21, and Paul Thompkins, aged 22, students at Paine College, first tried to enter the First Baptist Church. An usher denied them admittance and they left without argument. Crossing the street. Mr Green and Mr Thompkins tried to enter St. John’s Methodist Church. Again they were rebuffed when the door was barred and church officials waved them on, A.P. said. The students stood quietly outside at the foot of the church steps and a crowd of about 50 people gathered. Some parishioners entering the church made unfriendly remarks, othei* ignored the negroes. After waiting about 15 minutes the chairman of the church board (Mr Marion Dash) told the negroes: “You are not welcome at this church.” Mr Green said: "Are you asking us to leave?” "Yes.” said Mr Dash. The negroes then left quietly. The Mayor (Mr Millard Beckum) a member of the St. John's Church, was asked to comment. He said: “This is not am integrated church, and they'll not be permitted to enter. Of course if they do something disorderly we can try a different approach.”