January 1, 1889

The First Black Catholic Congress was held in Washington, D.C. on January 1, 1889. William H. Smith, acting and temporary chairman, addressed the assembly and set the purpose of the Congress stating, "We have come to talk about our needs as a people, and by conference and consultation to try and devise ways and means of bettering our condition both religiously and socially." This purpose permeated throughout the following four Congresses, all held before the turn of the Nineteenth Century.

William H. Smith also addressed the community saying, "Truth is the strongest armor a person can possess, and we are told, 'You shall know the truth, and truth shall make you free.' Our object is, or should be, the truth."

Two-hundred delegates met with President Grover Cleveland at the White House. Robert L. Ruffin of Boston was the spokesman for the delegation. Rev. Augustus Tolton celebrated High Mass, women's role in evangelization was recognized, and a resolution was made "that we express our sympathy with our brethren of the Emerald Isle, who like ourselves are struggling for justice."