Fayette M. Hamilton's Plain Account of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America offers a comprehensive history of the church from its inception in 1870 to 1887. He deftly situates the Christian (previously called "Colored") Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church within the history of Methodism. Hamilton describes the denomination's early formation and rocky separation from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He elaborates the details of church organization and government, explaining the roles of the faithful from the bishop to the local members. He supplies brief histories of each regional conference. Hamilton's history is thoroughly optimistic about the continued success of the C.M.E. Church. He calls on church members to take pride in their history. Researchers will not only find helpful historical background, but will also sense the mood of a young denomination facing the future with determination.

Maryellen Davis