He invited the pastor of a leading white church of Monroe to deliver an oration on the day of commencement exercises.

The preacher came and was most favorably impressed with Belton's work, as exhibited in the students then graduating.

He esteemed Belton as a man of great intellectual power and invited him to call at his church and house if he ever came to Monroe.
Belton was naturally greatly elated over this invitation from a Southerner and felt highly complimented.

One Sabbath morning, shortly thereafter, Belton happened to be in Monroe, and thinking of the preacher's kind invitation, went to his church to attend the morning service.

He entered and took a seat near the middle of the church.
During the opening exercises a young white lady who sat by his side experienced some trouble in finding the hymn.