On October 4, 1900, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a recitation in Norfolk, Virginia, during a religious conference. Paul was 28 years old and living in Washington, D. C., with his wife Alice and mother Matilda.
A Rare Treat for the People of Norfolk
Paul Laurence Dunbar,
The Celebrated Negro Author and Poet
will give a Reading from his works,
At St. John's A. M. E. Church,
Thursday Evening, October 4, 1900
at 7:30 o'clockThis is the first time this great writer has come to our city.
Let Every Body Come Out and Hear Him.Recital poster, October 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
Quite a good sized crowd attended the convention now being held at St. John's A. M. E. Church in the interest of the Historical and Literary Society of the A. M. E. Church. Many divines from the different conferences were heard upon topics of various interests. Today being the last day of the three days' session, the management have arranged an extensive and interesting program, having secured the services of the negro poet and writer Paul Laurence Dunbar, who will be heard in readings from his own works at the night session.
"Convention at St. John's A. M. E. Church." The Norfolk Landmark (Norfolk, Virginia). October 4, 1900. Page 5.
Built in 1888, St. John's A. M. E. Church still serves the city of Norfolk today. A newspaper article describing the event misidentified Paul as a member of the clergy.
The initial meeting of the Historical and Literary Society of the Second Episcopal District of the African M. E. Church assembled in St. John's A. M. E. Church, Norfolk, yesterday at 10 a.m., with fifty or more clerical and lay delegates present. The society will be in session for three days. Rev. Paul Laurence Dunbar will give readings before the society Thursday night.
"First Meeting." Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia). October 3, 1900. Page 6.