By Amil Odom ‘28, staff writer
In 1898, Alfred Charles Sumner traveled thousands of miles to Annville, Pa, beginning a journey that would make history.
Born June 27, 1874, in Bonthe, Sierra Leone in West Africa. Sumner was raised by missionaries of the United Brethren Church. His parents were among the church's first mission children in Sierra Leone at the time. Before arriving in Annville, Sumner graduated from Rufus Clarke Training School in 1894. He also taught for two years following his graduation at the United Brethren School in Bonthe, Sierra Leone.
Sumner enrolled at LVC in 1898 as a well-conditioned freshman. This made him stand out more than the fact he was the only African on Campus. Although LVC did not formally prohibit black students, Sumner became the first student of color to graduate in 1902. His achievements have been recognized by the Lebanon Valley College Forum of 1898.
“The story of his journey is touching indeed when one thinks of the self-sacrifice and indomitable courage which he manifested in overcoming the poverty which seemingly opposed his coming here.”
At LVC, Sumner was deeply involved on campus. He was an organist in the Philokosmian Literary Society. This was also the first student organization established at LVC. It was established for debates and growth in Christian men's literacy. Sumner was also a member of the chorus and orchestra, where he first played the violin. He also served on the YMCA devotional committee. He often spoke at churches and other events to the local community, delivering talks about the ways of life in Africa. He would often showcase his understanding using the Mende, Sherbro, and Temne languages, which were native to him.
After graduating in 1902, Sumner planned to study medicine and continue to do missionary work. After the death of a United Brethren missionary Ira Albert back in Sierra Leone. Sumner felt his calling was to go back to Sierra Leone and fill this position, he continued to do missionary and educational work for his community. It is not documented anywhere that Sumner returned to the United States after this. Back in Sierra Leone, Sumner became a pastor and the superintendent of a boys' home as well as being an educator.
His legacy continued through his son. Doyle Sumner attended LVC from 1936 to 1938. Doyle Sumner then went on to become Sierra Leone's Minister of Natural Resources. Alfred Sumner's dedication to education along with his strong work ethic was clearly passed down to his son. Sumner's story remains an important part of LVC history. His determination to further educate himself and serve the community, brought him across an ocean to leave a lasting mark on LVC, as well as Sumner's homeland, Sierra Leone.