| 词条 | Andrew Fowler |
| 释义 |
| name = Andrew Fowler | image = | caption = Portrait of Rev. Dr. Andrew Fowler, circa Feb. 1984 | birth_date = February 23, 1910 | birth_place = Inman, Spartanburg County, South Carolina | death_date = January 4, 2003 | death_place = Washington, D.C. | citizenship = United States of America | education = Tuskegee Institute, BS Howard University, BD, MA Lynchburg Seminary and College, DDiv | occupation = Baptist Pastor, Educator, Political and Religious Advisor, and Civil Rights Activist | organization = Pastor, Capital View Baptist Church President, Washington Baptist Theological Seminary Director, Washington Bureau of the NFCNC Executive Secretary, Committee of 100 Ministers President, Baptist Convention of D.C. and Vicinity | spouse = Henrietta Roberta Hatter (1944-until his death) | mother = Ina Nesbitt Fowler | father = John Calvin Fowler }} //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Fowler{{for|the shipwrecked television contestant|Cabin Fever (TV series)}} {{Multiple issues|{{more citations needed|date=August 2010}}{{cleanup|date=June 2010}}{{tone|date=August 2010}}{{more footnotes|date=March 2013}}}} Andrew Fowler (February 23, 1910 - January 4, 2003 in Inman, Spartanburg County, South Carolina) was an influential Baptist minister, pastor, educator, school administrator, counselor, political and religious advisor, church statesman, and civil rights activist in the nation's capital for more than six decades. ChildhoodEarly life and familyAndrew Fowler was born on February 23, 1910 in Inman, Spartanburg County, South Carolina, the oldest of seven children born to John Calvin Fowler and Ina (née Nesbitt) Fowler, both native of Spartanburg County. While his father worked at various professions, he most enjoyed being a track man for the railroad. Like most women living in the south during this time period, his mother was a homemaker, while also working as a domestic in the homes of postmasters, doctors, professors, bankers, and ministers. Later in life, Fowler spoke of his childhood as "a happy situation," and he enjoyed a close relationship with his parents. His father enjoyed fellowship with his family, and would often sing and tell stories to his children, while also making clear his expectations that they be honorable and honest; he counseled them about the salvation of their souls and he was overjoyed when they became members of the family church, Zion Hill Baptist Church. Fowler wrote that many of the greatest moments in his life were those in which he saw his father "on his knees talking with God." Fowler's mother believed that "marriage was an institution of God," and that motherhood "was a holy calling," and she devoted much of her time to helping her children with their lessons and teaching them songs, prayers, frugality, industry, and religion. Both of his parents emphasized religion, requiring Sunday School and regular church attendance. Additionally, Fowler's paternal grandmother, Ellen, whose mother had been enslaved, was an important influence in Fowler's life. She passed on stories about their family history and how people survived during the brutal and unjust system of enslavement in the United States. Early work and educationFowler sought employment from a young age. Fowler's first job was to assist a white farmer in putting down fertilizer for cotton, for which he was paid 75 cents per day. In the fall, Fowler picked cotton and in the summer he picked berries, peaches, and peas. He entered school about a year after securing his first job. A naturally gifted student, he lived to go to school and when the semester or term was over, he would "long for school again." The school attendance of African American children then was confined to two sessions of three months each. The first session began in December and ended in February; the second session began in July and ended in September. Fowler worked hard to stay ahead of his class, and "cried like a baby" when he failed. When he would fail in spelling, he "cried uncontrollably," and after the crying was over, he set out "to win" his place back. Fowler later wrote that he developed "Stick-to-it-tiveness" early in life. His success in school was aided by an excellent memory and he often assisted older children with their reading. When he earned an early promotion to the fourth grade, his father removed him from school and insisted that he forget about his studies, get a regular job, and help support his family, which was typical during these times. Early spiritual lifeFowler decided that he wanted to become a preacher by the age of seven. When family, friends, and fellow church members mentioned who was sick, poor, orphaned, or bereaved, he dreamed of the day when he could help those who could not help themselves. At the age of 12, he was converted and was baptized at his family's church in Inman Zion Hill Baptist Church. Over the next six years, his religious life grew and held various positions within the church, including: Sunday School teacher, Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School, and president of the Baptist Young Peoples Union. When he turned 18, Fowler was ordained a deacon. These formative years of religious service were under the tutelage of his childhood pastor Rev. W.M. Lipscomb, whom he described as "a great gospel preacher." Higher educationTuskegee InstituteAt the encouragement of the principal of the African American school in Inman, Fowler took and passed the senior class final examination test, which allowed him to graduate. A short time later, the president of the bank in which he worked introduced him to a Mr. Acie Thompson, who was acquainted with the president of Tuskegee Institute (now known as Tuskegee University), Dr. Robert Russa Moton. Thompson suggested that Fowler should think of enrolling at Tuskegee. Fowler took his advice and arrived at Tuskegee Institute on the night of September 7, 1929, with $105 in savings. At that time, Tuskegee was representative of industry, research, morality, religion, and wholesome traditions, and he was therefore assured the privilege to study academic subjects, but it also required to study a trade. He recalled the faculty and staff at Tuskegee being qualified, devoted, and dedicated to the causes of the school and to the students. During his time there, he met many members of the faculty, including Dr. Moton, George Washington Carver, and Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. By his second year at Tuskegee, Fowler had made a name for himself around campus because of his academic achievements. The compliments, coupled with the desire, drive, and passion to learn, inspired him greatly and gave him a strong determination to "push on." He remained committed to his religious life, singing hymns in both the morning and evening vespers Chapel services. Fowler received his high school diploma in plumbing in 1933, graduating as the highest ranking male student academically. He later wrote that his high school years allowed him to develop "wholesome study habits" which proved to be helpful in his college studies. He entered college at Tuskegee in 1933, majoring in History and minoring in Sociology. He was interested in history because he knew it would be helpful in his study of church history and religion. He was no stranger to hard work, and ever since he had arrived at Tuskegee, he not only had to work to pay for his tuition, but he also had to eat, have clothes to wear, and have a place to live. During this time, the entire country was in the midst of the Great Depression. Securing a job as a janitor, he worked the remaining semesters until, at the age of 27, after eight fruitful years at Tuskegee, he gradated from college with a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1937. From an early age, Fowler knew that living a good life was not equated with fame and fortune. Instead, he believed that living a good life meant that you served God and helped others. In the next phase of his life, he would continue to do just that, serve God and help others. Moving to the nation's capital to attend Howard UniversityWhile initially considering matriculation at Harvard University upon graduation from Tuskegee, Fowler decided to move to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. to attend the School of Religion at Howard University. Since he planned to lead an African American congregation, he felt Howard would be the better choice. He arrived in Washington on August 13, 1937, and stayed for the remainder of his life. With this period of transition, Fowler became one of more than six million African Americans who came from the rural Southern United States to the urban Northeast, a movement that has come to be known and defined as the Great Migration. In September, he commenced study at the School of Religion and found his teachers, which included Benjamin Elijah Mays, Dean of the School of Religion, and Howard Thurman, Dean of the Chapel, to be capable and dedicated. He graduated from Howard in June 1940 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. While working on his degree, Dr. Mays had secured him an apprenticeship at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Earl L. Harrison. Fowler found a friend and mentor in Rev. Harrison, who (after two weeks), allowed him to bring forth a short message one night in a prayer meeting. Fowler used Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever" for a text. At Shiloh, he taught a Sunday School class and took part in the Golden Rule Christian Endeavor Society. In June 1943, Fowler graduated with another degree from Howard's School of Religion, this time with a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education. The Call to PastorFowler was ordained a Baptist preacher at this home church, Zion Hill Baptist in Inman by his childhood pastor, Rev. Lipscomb in August 1940. In early March 1941, while working as an elevator operator, Fowler received a telephone call from Rev. James Clarke Griffin, the Pastor of the Capital View Baptist Church in Northeast, Washington, D.C. Rev. Griffin informed Fowler that the young preacher had just been unanimously elected pastor of Capital View for one year. Naturally, Fowler was confused because Griffin was the Pastor of Capital View. A couple of days later, Fowler met with Rev. Griffin, who explained that he had accepted a chaplaincy in the Army. At 31 years of age, Fowler became the church’s third pastor. Capital View, then 15 years old, had developed a fine fellowship with the churches throughout the city and the church was a member of the Baptist Convention of the District of Columbia and Vicinity. Fowler impressed the church leadership by reorganizing its financial operations, bringing in new members, and sharing with the congregation his vision for the future. Within five years of his appointment as pastor, Fowler disbursed all of Capital View's debts. He spearheaded the construction of a new, $330,000 edifice, and led the church to contribute annually to denominational schools and affiliate with numerous local organizations, including the National Urban League, the Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home Association, the DC chapter of the Tuberculosis Association, the local branch of the NAACP, and the Mayor's Emergency Committee on Health. Fowler served as pastor of Capital View until the day of his death--62 years. At the same time, Fowler had developed a relationship with Rev. Dr. William Henry Jernagin, then President of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention, founder of the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary, chair of the National Fraternal Council of Negro Churches (NFCNC), and a nationally recognized figure in religion and civil rights. After delivering a message at the Seminary's chapel service, Fowler became an instructor at the school in 1947 teaching English and literature. The Seminary's purpose was "to train Christian ministers and religious workers the history and doctrines of the Baptist denomination." In May 1970, he was elected interim president of the school. In addition to acquiring the personal libraries of well-known African American Baptists, the school's alumni continually responded to Fowler’s pleas for additional endowment funds. In 1976, Fowler was formally named president of the seminary, a vantage point from which he was able to continue to effect positive changes for the school and its students. By 2002, under Fowler’s leadership, the Seminary had in its endowment well over a million dollars. Fowler received recognition for his contributions in the religious spectrum over the course of his lifetime, and continued to maintain professional affiliations with several religious organizations. In 1960, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree by the Lynchburg Seminary and College for his outstanding work as a denomination leader, teacher, builder, civic leader, missionary, and pastor. Family and private lifeWhile serving his apprenticeship at Shiloh, Fowler found himself attracted to one the parishioners, a Miss Henrietta Roberta Hatter. Born on June 16, 1913, Hatter was a native Washingtonian with roots in Stafford County, Virginia. She attended the public schools of the District of Columbia, graduating from Armstrong High School in 1931. Having developed a love for learning at an early age and consumed by the desire to share that love with others, Hatter immediately began a matriculation at the Miner Teachers College and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1935. In the fall of 1937, she enrolled at Howard University and completed her work towards a Master of Arts degree in History in 1939. Shortly after earning her BS degree, her teaching career began in Baltimore where she taught geography, and in 1950, she was hired by the District of Columbia Public School System as a full-time substitute teacher. Upon meeting, Hatter and Fowler engaged one another in deep, meaningful conversations. After a period of courting, they were married on June 27, 1944. Over the years, they were blessed with four children: Andretta, Andrew H., Henrietta E., and John T. The four Fowler children were reared in a home that instilled in them a love of learning, as evidenced by each having earned multiple degrees, in addition to firsthand exposure to the joy that comes with living a life that is the outgrowth of spiritual enlightenment. In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Mrs. Fowler continued her career in education, and in 1968, she became a permanent faculty member at Woodrow Wilson High School teaching World History, Sociology, and American History, a position from which she retired in 1979. As First Lady of Capital View, she was also a tirelessly active and productive volunteer in her husband’s church. Fowler credited much of his success to the support and love of his wife and children. Political workUpon the deaths of Dr. William H. Jernagin, and later Drs. J.L.S. Holloman and Earl L. Harrison, Andrew Fowler became the principal leader in organizing the clergy and laity in the District of Columbia. He committed himself to a number of social causes, particularly civil rights. He spent six years as Commissioner of D.C. General Hospital. As a member of the board of the National Fraternal Council of Negro Churches, director of its Washington Bureau, and Executive Secretary of the Committee of 100 Ministers, Fowler launched a nationwide crusade to save "America's Public Schools," labored to improve the social services system, lobbied to make jobs available to African Americans who could not be hired at federal agencies in D.C., such as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, advocated for the integration of the armed forces and public transportation in D.C. In early 1974, the proposed D.C. Home Rule Act would have given the District an elected mayor and a 13 member city council—that is, if the citizens passed the referendum scheduled for May 7, 1974. Several D.C. community leaders and home rule proponents denounced the legislation as a token effort, but Fowler and the Committee of 100 Ministers made it clear that it was not all they wanted, but it was all they had. Feeling that the citizens of the District needed to be educated regarding the Home Rule bill, and since the Committee of 100 represented over 25,000 people, Fowler organized and conducted educational seminars aimed at turning out high numbers of “yes” votes. On January 2, 1975, the District’s first elected officers took the oath. Walter E. Washington, a good friend of Fowler’s, served one four year term as elected mayor, and was succeeded by Marion Barry in 1979. Over the course of his political life, Fowler advised six U.S. presidents (Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter), as well as mayors, and other political figures locally and nationally. He believed that morality could not be legislated, but that society should discipline itself, thus he opposed the D.C. City Council's attempts to legalize same-sex marriage, marijuana legalization, and proposals for legalized gambling. He felt the latter proposals would increase crime, deteriorate character, and dull the moral sense. DeathAt the time of his death on January 4, 2003 at the age of 92, he was one the oldest and longest-serving pastors in the city, if not country. He once said: "I have not thought of retiring. There are many problems with which the forces of good must deal. I want to continue to strike blows at evil as long as I live. The evil of illicit drugs is rampant in Washington, D.C. and in the United States. As long as the lives of girls and boys are endangered by this evil, I will attack the root cause and seek remedies. I’m the Last of the Mohicans, but you learn to go on in spite." References
4 : 1910 births|American clergy|People from Inman, South Carolina|2003 deaths |
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