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REPORT OF THE COLORED DIVISION OF THE MARYLAND
COUNCIL OF DEFENSE.
DR. ERNEST LYON.
Doctor Ernest Lyon is one of the leading ministers in the city of
Baltimore. He is pastor of John Wesley, an old historic and in-
fluential church. His early life was spent in New Orleans Univer-
sity. He graduated in '88, classical department, New Orleans Uni-
versity; later A. M. by post-graduate work; took Theology, special
course, Union Theological Seminary, N. Y.; received the degree
of D. D. from Wiley University, Texas; L. L. D. from Liberia Col-
lege, Monrovia, Liberia. Entered the ministry of the Methodist
Episcopal Church from the Louisiana Annual Conference. After
serving in that conference as pastor for a period of years, as Sun-
day School agent of the conference, and as special agent for the
Freedmen's Aid Society, he was transferred to the pastorate of St.
Mark's M. E. Church, New York City, then located on Forty-eighth
street. During his administration the church now on Fifty-third
street was secured. Having completed the itinerary limit, he was
transferred to John Wesley M. E. Church, Baltimore, Md. While
in Baltimore, he served as Professor of Biblical Theology in Morgan
College, and founded the Maryland Industrial and Agricultural In-
stitute for the education of colored youths, at Laurel, Md. Presi-
dent Roosevelt appointed him Minister Resident and Consul Gen-
eral of the United States at Monrovia, Liberia, to succeed Dr.
Crossland, who resigned. He remained at this post nearly eight
years; during his administration the American government was in-
duced to send a commission to inquire into Liberian conditions,
which opened up a new era for Liberia. At the end of his second
term he resigned the post. His services for his own government
were so satisfactory to the Liberians that he was induced to ac-
cept, from the President of Liberia, the appointment to represent
the Republic of Liberia in the United States as its Consul General,
which post he now fills. Doctor Lyon is also financial agent for the
Caroline Donovan Industrial and Agricultural School and became
the custodian, five years ago, of $65, 000 accrued balance of the
treasury of the American Colonization Society. While Minister to
Liberia he traveled extensively in Africa, especially into the inter-
ior of Liberia, and also in England and Europe. He is a member
of the National Educational Association, President of the Baltimore
M. E. Preachers' Meeting, a member of the American Academy of
Political and Social Science, of the West African Society, London,
England, a Knight of the Order of African Redemption. He is
a thirty-third degree Mason, editor of the Commonwealth, a weekly
journal; chairman of the Maryland Council of Defense, colored di-
vision, a body commissioned by the Governor of the State to aid
in the defense of the nation. He is director of the colored branch
United States Thrift and War Savings, and one of the special ora-
tors recently appointed by the War Department to serve the nation
by enlightening public opinion as to the war aims of the govern-
ment. Dr. Lyon enjoys the unique distinction of having been sent
to his post, while Minister to Liberia, on a war vessel. He was the
guest of Rear Admiral Shadwick and dined with him on his flag
ship Brooklyn, and at one time entertained and looked after the
physical comfort of the men of the cruisers Birmingham, Solem
and Chester. Dr. Lyon is a member of the National Association
for the Advancement of the Colored Race and a member of the
Negro National Business League.
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