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 influential church. His early life was
spent in New Orleans University. He graduated in '88, classical department. New
Orleans University: later A. M. by post-graduate work; to Theology, special course.
Union Theological Seminary, N. Y.; received the degree of D. D. from Wiley Uni-
versity, Texas; L. L. D. from Liberia College, Monrovia, Liberia. Entered the ministry
of the Methodist Episcopal Church from the Louisiana Annual Conference. After
serving in that conference is pastor for a period of years, as Sunday School agent
of the conference, and as special agent for the Freedmen's Aid Society, he was trans-
ferred to the pastorate of St. Mark's M. E. Church, New York City, then located on
Forty-eight street. During his administration the church now on Fifty-third street
was secured. Having completed the itinery limit, he was transferred to John Wesley
M. E. Church, Baltimore, Md. While in Baltimore, he served as Professor of Bib-
lical Theology in Morgan College, and founded the Maryland Industrial and Agri-
cultural Institute for the education of colored youths, at Laurel, Md. President
Roosevelt appointed him Minister Resident and Consul General 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
fur his own government were so satisfactory to the Liberians that he was induced
to accept, 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 Agri-
cultural School and became the custodian, tive years ago, of $65. 000 accrued balance
oi the treasury of the American Colonization Society. While Minister to Liberia
he traveled extensively in Africa, especially into the interior of Liberia, and also in
England and Europe. He is a member of the National Educational Association. Presi-
dent 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 division, 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 orators recently appointed by the
War Department to serve the nation by enlightening public opinion as to the war
aims of the government. Dr. Lyon enjoys the unique distinction oi having been
sent to his post, while Minister to Liberia, on a war vessel. He was the guest of
Rear Admiral Shadrick 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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