Building For Tomorrow: E.C. Morris, Centennial Church and the Black Baptists During Jim Crow

This extraordinary new exhibition explores the role of the Baptist Church in the lives of African Americans during the turbulent period of Jim Crow, as they navigated the difficulties and hardships of a segregated country.  Visitors, as they enter the South Gallery of the Delta Cultural Center, will first notice the large replica stain glass window that symbolizes the church. It is if they have been reborn in the past and are looking into this window to see what is happening in a church of that era. From that point, guests will be able to read and study numerous historical panels that depict the expansion of the Baptist Church throughout the Arkansas Delta and into the lives of African Americans. 

Activists such as Booker T. Washington and others used this religious awakening to further the cause of reform, but it was through the tireless labor of one Arkansan that the church rose to new levels of importance. That Arkansan was the Reverend Elias Camp Morris, who rose to national prominence through his work with the National Baptist Convention. In addition to his work in politics, Morris was the pastor at Centennial Baptist Church in Helena, Arkansas from 1879 to his death in 1922. Centennial was an example of an early megachurch with nearly a thousand members and was a beacon of light for all African Americans in the area. E.C. Morris was also president of the Black Arkansas Baptist State Convention for 35 years and helped start a seminary in Little Rock that eventually became Arkansas Baptist College.  There is a life size replica of Morris at his podium and interactive displays which feature a number of his speeches that visitors may listen to. In addition to the church, there are also displays and information panels dealing with the role of fraternal organizations like the Knights of Pythias and the Masons.

"Scipio Africanus Jones: Both Intelligent and Wise"

The Delta Cultural Center will host "Scipio A. Jones: Both Intelligent and Wise" from February 23, 2024, until May 31, 2024, in the center gallery at 141 Cherry Street in Helena. The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, February 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition to the general public, all area educators are welcome to attend and learn about this exhibit and other events happening at the DCC. 

The exhibit examines the legacy of famed Arkansas lawyer Scipio A. Jones and his involvement with the Elaine Massacre trials. It is based on the children's book written by Patricia Kienzle and illustrated by Candace Dolls. This well-done exhibition includes both paintings from the book and items dealing with that event. Kienzle and Dolls are Arkansas natives and Candace is currently DCC Education Director. 

Featured prominently within the exhibition is a work of art titled "Courtroom Chair" by artist Ms. V.L. Cox that was commissioned by the Delta Cultural Center in July 2018. It represents the U.S. Supreme Court Case Moore v. Dempsey in which Attorney Jones was involved in.  

"Scipio A. Jones: Both Intelligent and Wise" also contains a reading station for school groups.