diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/66204-h/66204-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/66204-h/66204-h.htm | 9796 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 9796 deletions
diff --git a/old/66204-h/66204-h.htm b/old/66204-h/66204-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index ab691db..0000000 --- a/old/66204-h/66204-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9796 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - Colored Baptists of Alabama, by Charles Octavius Boothe, D. D.—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.double {border-top: 3px double black} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 47.5%; margin-right: 47.5%;} -hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} - -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -ul { - list-style-type: none; /* Remove bullets */ -} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.top {vertical-align: top;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.monospace {font-family:monospace; } - -.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} - -.caption p { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0; - margin: 0.25em 0; - font-size: smaller; -} - -/* Images */ - -img { - max-width: 100%; - height: auto; -} - -img.w100 {width: 100%;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -/* Footnotes */ - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -/* Poetry */ -.poetry-container {text-align: center;} -.poetry {text-align: left; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} -/* uncomment the next line for centered poetry in browsers */ -/* .poetry {display: inline-block;} */ -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} -/* large inline blocks don't split well on paged devices */ -@media print { .poetry {display: block;} } -.x-ebookmaker .poetry {display: block;} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -/* Poetry indents */ -.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3em;} -.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: -2em;} - -/* Illustration classes */ -.illowp100 {width: 100%;} -.illowe-colophon {width: 6em;} - -.alignleft { - float: left; -} -.alignright { - float: right; -} - -td.hanging2 { /* hanging indent */ - text-indent: -1em; - padding-left: 1em; -} - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama, by Charles Octavius Boothe</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Their Leaders and Their Work</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Charles Octavius Boothe</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 2, 2021 [eBook #66204]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: hekula03, sf2001, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CYCLOPEDIA OF THE COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA ***</div> - - <div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_cover" style="max-width:20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover" /> - </div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="frontis" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - REV. C. O. BOOTHE, D. D.<br /> - Author of “Plain Theology.” - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h1>THE<br /> -CYCLOPEDIA<br /> -OF THE<br /> -<span>Colored Baptists of Alabama</span> -</h1> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Their Leaders and Their Work</span></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center">BY -<span class="smcap">Charles Octavius Boothe</span>, D. D.</p> - -<p class="center">Author of “Plain Theology for Plain People.”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center">BIRMINGHAM:<br /> -<span class="smcap">Alabama Publishing Company</span>.<br /> -1895 -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright 1895<br /> -By Rev. C. O. Boothe, D. D.</span> -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX_TO_ILLUSTRATIONS">INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> -</div> - -<table summary="Index to Illustrations"> -<tr> - <td /> <td class="right allsmcap"> PAGE.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#frontis">Rev. C. O. Boothe</a></td> - <td class="right">Frontispiece</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_012">Rev. J. Q. A. Wilhite</a></td> - <td class="right">12</td></tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_019">Hon. A. H. Curtis</a></td> - <td class="right">19</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_026">Mrs. A. A. Bowie</a></td> - <td class="right">26</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_033">Rev. L. S. Steinback in the act of Baptism</a></td> - <td class="right">33</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_036">Mrs. D. S. Jordan</a></td> - <td class="right">36</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_044a">Shiloh Church, Birmingham</a></td> - <td class="right">Facing 45</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_056">Rev. F. R. Kennedy</a></td> - <td class="right">56</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_060a">Selma University</a></td> - <td class="right">Facing 61</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_066">Mrs. M. D. Duncan</a></td> - <td class="right">66</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_075">Rev. J. P. Barton</a></td> - <td class="right">75</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_082">Miss H. Martin</a></td> - <td class="right">82</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_091">Rev. W. R. Pettiford</a></td> - <td class="right">91</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_099">Rev. J. L. Frazier</a></td> - <td class="right">99</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_106">Rev. P. S. L. Hutchins</a></td> - <td class="right">106</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_110">Rev. W. T. Bibb</a></td> - <td class="right">110</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_120a">Sixteenth Street Church, Birmingham</a></td> - <td class="right">Facing 120</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_129">Rev. S. L. Belser</a></td> - <td class="right">129</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_136">Dr. U. G. Mason</a></td> - <td class="right">136</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_144">Rev. J. P. O’Riley</a></td> - <td class="right">144</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_151">Miss Ella Knapp</a></td> - <td class="right">151</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_158">Rev. J. H. Eason</a></td> - <td class="right">158</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_165">Miss A. L. Bowman</a></td> - <td class="right">165</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_172">Rev. M. Tyler</a></td> - <td class="right">172</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_179">Mrs. Rebecca Pitts</a></td> - <td class="right">179</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_186">Rev. W. C. Bradford</a></td> - <td class="right">186</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_194">Rev. H. Woodsmall</a></td> - <td class="right">194</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_203">Rev. J. E. Wilson</a></td> - <td class="right">203</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_206a">Rev. W. A. Shirley</a></td> - <td class="right">Facing 207</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_212">Rev. L. S. Steinback</a></td> - <td class="right">212</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_220a">St. Louis Street Church, Mobile</a></td> - <td class="right">Facing 221</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_228">Rev. T. W. Walker</a></td> - <td class="right">228</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_238">Rev. J. W. Jackson</a></td> - <td class="right">238</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_244">First Church, Selma</a></td> - <td class="right">244</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_248a">Miss Joanna P. Moore, Nashville</a></td> - <td class="right">Facing 249</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_254">Rev. C. J. Hardy</a></td> - <td class="right">254</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_259">Rev. S. L. Ross</a></td> - <td class="right">259</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_262a">Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery</a></td> - <td class="right">Facing 262</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="smcap"><a href="#i_265">Rev. C. L. Purce</a></td> - <td class="right">265</td> - </tr> - -</table> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="TABLE_OF_CONTENTS">TABLE OF CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table summary="Table of Contents"> -<tr> - <td class="right allsmcap">CHAP.</td> - <td /><td class="right allsmcap">PAGE.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right"></td> - <td><a href="#AUTOBIOGRAPHY_OF_THE_AUTHOR">Autobiography of the Author</a></td> - <td class="right">9</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right"></td> - <td><a href="#PREFACE">Preface</a></td> - <td class="right">13</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">I.—</td> - <td><a href="#I_INTRODUCTION">Introduction</a></td> - <td class="right">17</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">II.—</td> - <td><a href="#II_THE_STATE_CONVENTIONS">The State Conventions</a></td> - <td class="right">37</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">III.—</td> - <td><a href="#III_ASSOCIATIONS">Associations</a></td> - <td class="right">55</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">IV.—</td> - <td><a href="#IV_BIOGRAPHICAL_SKETCHES">Biographic Sketches</a></td> - <td class="right">111</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right"></td> - <td><a href="#BIOGRAPHICAL_SUPPLEMENT">Biographic Supplement</a></td> - <td class="right">223</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">V.—</td> - <td><a href="#V_SUMMARY">Summary</a></td> - <td class="right">237</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right"></td> - <td><a href="#FINAL_REMARKS">Final Remarks</a></td> - <td class="right">263</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="AUTOBIOGRAPHY_OF_THE_AUTHOR">AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Possibly some one may desire at some time and for some -reason to know something of the author of this book, -and therefore he submits the following short statement:</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Lineage and Nativity.</span>—His great-grandmother was born -on the west coast of Africa and was brought a slave to Virginia, -where his grandmother was born. Ere his grandmother had -reached her maturity of womanhood, she was sold into Georgia, -where his mother was born. While his mother was still -a child, she and her mother were carried to Mobile county, -Ala., by a Mr. Nathan Howard. In this county, on a lonely -looking sand hill amid pine forests, on June 13, 1845, the writer -made his advent into this world. (In this year, 1845, the -Baptists of America divided.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Early Recollections.</span>—Stored away in my earliest memories -I find: (1) The songs and family prayers of my step-grandfather, -a pure African, who had not only learned to read -his Bible and hymn book, but had also learned the rudiments -of vocal music sufficiently well to teach the art of singing. -(2) The tender and constant attention of an old white lady -(the only white person on the place), who took my hand as -she went out to look after the nests of the domestic fowls and -to gather a dish of ripe fruit. (3) A Baptist church in the -forest, where white and colored people sat together to commune -and to wash each other’s feet. (4) The saintly face and -pure life of my grandmother, to whom white and black went -for prayer and for comfort in the times of their sorrows. (5) -A tin-plate containing the alphabet, from which at the age of -3 years, I learned the English letters. (6) The death of the -old white lady, and the severing from dear grandmother and -the old home. (7) My introduction at the age of 6 years to -the family of Nathan Howard, Jr., where things were not -altogether as tender toward me as at the old home, and where -I came more into associations with books and with life’s sterner -facts. The teachers who boarded here at my new home became -my instructors, and so I was soon reading and writing -fairly well. Here, listening to the reading of the Bible, I was -drawn toward it, and began to read it for myself. The gospel -story bound me to it with cords which nothing has been able -to break. At the close of my eighth year I began to seek -the Lord by prayer and supplication, and have, from that time -to this, continued my secret devotions and strivings after -truth. My association with Col. James S. Terrel, the brother -of Judge S. H. Terrel, of Clark county, Miss., at the age of -14, as office boy in his law office, gave me a still broader range -of books. I think I can say that the Colonel and I really -loved each other.</p> - -<p>I am not sure that I know just when I was regenerated, -as my childhood prayers were often attended with refreshing -seasons of love and joy. But my life was too often very un-christian, -breaking out into the wildest rages of bad temper, -which was followed by weeping and remorse. In 1865, however, -I reached an experience of grace which so strengthened -me as to fix me on the side of the people of God. I went at -once to reading the scriptures in public and leading prayer -meetings; notwithstanding this, I was not baptized until -March, 1866, by Rev. O. D. Bowen, of Shubuta, Miss. I was -ordained in the St. Louis Street Church, Mobile, December, -1868, by Revs. Charles Leavens and Philip Gambrell.</p> - -<p>I taught school for the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1867—taught -various schools under our public school system. I have -been pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church, Meridian, -Miss., Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery, and held various -State positions. The only time I have spent at school was -spent in Meharry, the medical department of the Central -Tennessee College.</p> - -<p> -C. O. BOOTHE.<br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowe-colophon" style="max-width:8em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_011.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_012" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_012.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. J. Q. A. Wilhite, Pastor Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>This effort to give substantial and favorable testimony in -the interest of the men and work of the Colored Baptists -of Alabama grows out of certain aims and purposes, such as:</p> - -<p>1. The desire to produce a picture of the negro associated -with the gospel under the regime of slavery. Such a -picture will serve to turn our eyes upon the social, moral and -religious forces of the dark times and their fruits in the -negro’s life.</p> - -<p>2. The desire to make comparisons—to compare the -colored man of 1865 with the colored man of 1895. Such a -comparison will help the black man himself to see whether or -not he is a <i>growing</i> man or a <i>waning</i> man. It will also serve -to show the same thing to the friend and to the foe. “Appeals -to Pharaoh and to Cæsar” are not so wise as appeals to facts, -which prove the negro to be man just as other races are man.</p> - -<p>The book is not all history, nor is it all biography; it is -something of both and it is more. It gives certain information -which can neither rank as history nor as biography: it is -the record of special operations in the denomination in different -sections of the State with a view to showing the mental -<i>status</i> now prevailing. I have been engaged with the book for -the past seven years, during which time I have searched and -gleaned as best I could; I have not tried to obtain everything, -nor have I had space to talk of every person who deserved -honorable mention. To do this would require too large a book. -I could not do more than get enough together to “round out” -my testimony. Where I have spoken of anything that touches -our white brethren or the white people, it has been in tenderest -love for them, though my language has been plain and seemingly -bold. I think I can risk the statement that I have no -“race prejudice:” all men are in a sense my brethren and I -am brother to all men—akin to Christ, akin to me.</p> - -<p>If a brother among us deserving mention should not -appear, remember that many failed to report to me as I desired -them to do, and that I felt I could not do more than give what -would make a full showing of our State. Those names that -came after the work was done had to be put into a supplement.</p> - -<p>It will be seen, therefore, that the purpose which gives -birth to this little book is not a desire to present a “vain -show” of names, appealing to pride for the sake of gain; but, -that it is an humble aim to accomplish some good. It is an -attempt to answer the questions: “From whence have we -come? What have we done? What have we attained to? -What are the possibilities before us?” The book is intended -to be a simple statement of facts; which facts, it is believed, -will be a sufficient apology for their appearance in book form. -The reader may expect faults in arrangement and errors in -composition, but it is to be hoped that the sweetness and -beauty of the flower will not be rejected because of the thorns -upon the stem which bears them. I have not tried to tell -everything. If I speak of individuals, it is with a view to -giving some of their best things, best deeds, etc. “Straws -show which way the wind is blowing,” it is said; hence only -enough of each biographical sketch is given to show the status -and trend of the person spoken of. We are too young, as a -people, to make lengthy biography. Coming times will give -us this form of literature. It will be remembered that this -short period suffices to give only a nucleal point in the matter -of writings. I have churned the milk with an eye to obtaining -the butter—the richest and best we have. My selection of -material may not be the very best, but something is better -than nothing, and I have done the best I could under the -circumstances.</p> - -<p>With these prefatory remarks, I present you the rose with -its thorns, trusting that God will give sweetness and beauty to -the former and allow the latter to do no harm. I cheerfully -record my debt of gratitude to my faithful wife, Mattie Alice, -who has been in this labor, as in all others, my abiding, sure -support.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_015.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="HISTORY">HISTORY<br /> -OF THE<br /> -COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_INTRODUCTION"><i>I. INTRODUCTION.</i></h2> -</div> - -<h3>ORIGIN.</h3> - -<p>In turning to the subject under consideration it seems fitting -that we should first review those facts and events which -gave us our denominational existence. Such a course, it seems -to the writer, will serve to give us a proper “setting.” It is -not definitely known just when, where and by whom, Baptist -principles were first propagated upon the American continent; -it is, however, an historic fact that these principles assumed -organic form in Providence, R. I., in 1639, in the constitution -of a Baptist church under Roger Williams as pastor. Other -churches soon followed, out of the union of which there early -rose Associations, Conventions and Missionary Societies.</p> - -<p>In 1620, nineteen years before the organization of the -church in Providence, the African was brought into Virginia -as a slave. The North and the South joined heartily in the -work of binding their black brother with the chains of cruel -bondage. Thus the naked savage was taken from his freedom -and from his gods and chained to the chariot wheels of Christian -(?) civilization to be coerced, dragged into new observations, -new experiences, and a new life.</p> - -<h3>CHANGES.</h3> - -<p>In order to give a glancing look at the progress and decline -of slavery in the North, and at the sort of fruit the gospel was -bearing in the soul and conduct of the slave, I copy the following -from the “Baptist Home Missions in America” (Jubilee -volume):</p> - -<p>“By 1776 there were about 300,000 slaves in America. -In 1793 there were comparatively few slaves to be found in -the Northern States. * * * In 1790 there were 697,897 -slaves in the United States; of this number there were 17 in -Vermont, 158 in New Hampshire, 2,759 in Connecticut, 3,707 -in Pennsylvania, 11,423 in New Jersey, and 20,000 in New -York. * * * Before 1830 slavery disappeared from all the -Northern States. In Vermont it was abolished in 1777; in -Massachusetts in 1780; while acts for the gradual emancipation -of slaves were passed in other States—in New York, -1799; in New Jersey, 1804. The final act of abolition in New -York being passed in 1817, declaring all slaves free on July -4, 1827.</p> - -<p>“The native African, fresh from his fetich worship, and -incapable of comprehending even common religious statements, -seemed an unpromising subject even for the Christian philanthropist. -But, though degraded, he is recognized as human, -sinful, accountable, in need and capable of redemption through -Christ. The obligation to bring him to a knowledge of the -truth as it is in Christ, is practically recognized by many -Christian ministers as well as by many pious masters and -mistresses. At family devotions in many Christian households -the domestics are called in to hear the Scriptures read and -bow reverently as prayer is offered to God. On Sunday in -the same meeting house master and slave listen to the same -sermon. Those who give evidence of conversion are received -into the church on relation of their experience after baptism, -and sit with their masters at the Lord’s table.</p> - -<p>“The First Colored Baptist Church of Savannah, Ga., -dates its organization from 1788. Other colored Baptist -churches appear in various parts of the country; in Portsmouth, -Va., in 1798; the Second African of Savannah, in -1803; the Abysinian Church of New York City, in 1803; the -African or Independent Church, Boston, Mass., in 1805; First -African of Philadelphia, Pa., in 1809; the First African of -St. Louis, in 1827; the Ebenezer of New York City, in 1825; -the Union Church of Philadelphia, and a church in the District -of Columbia, in 1832.” One in Mobile in 1839, of which -in 1848, it is said: “They have a fine house of worship built -by themselves, and some excellent leaders or licensed -preachers among them.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_019" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_019.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Hon. A. H. Curtis, Ex-Senator to Alabama Legislature from Perry County. - </div> -</div> - -<p>We have it on good authority, that in 1850, there were in -America about 150,000 negro Baptists. Thus we see that in -230 years the gospel of Christ, though hampered by the institution -of slavery, had done much to redeem the fetich worshiper -from his midnight darkness and consequent spiritual -ruin—had done much to induce the black man to obtain and -retain God in his knowledge.</p> - -<p>Often we come upon plants which refuse to give out their -sweetness so long as their parts are unbroken and unbleeding, -but which will quickly yield up their odors when bruised. So -it is with men. It is worthy of notice that these dark days of -slavery gave birth to some strong colored preachers. Among -others, the following are mentioned by their white brethren: -Rev. George Leile, of South Carolina, who visiting Savannah, -Ga., about 1782 or 1783, baptized the famous Rev. Andrew -Bryan, of whom the Savannah Association, (white) in 1812, -made the following mention: “The association is sensibly -affected by the death of the Rev. Andrew Bryan, a man of -color, and pastor of the First Colored Church in Savannah. -This son of Africa, after suffering inexpressible persecutions -in the cause of his Divine Master, was at length permitted to -discharge the duties of the ministry among his colored friends -in peace and quiet, hundreds of whom through his instrumentality -were brought to the knowledge of the truth as it is -in Jesus.”</p> - -<p>In 1820, the Board of the Baptist General Convention of -America adopted as their missionaries Revs. Collin Teague and -Lot Cary, brethren of color, from the Baptist church of Richmond, -Va. These men sailed from Norfolk, Va., to Liberia, -Africa, in January, 1821. Rev. Thomas Paul, who was pastor -of the church in Boston from 1805 to 1830, is spoken of after -a very praiseworthy manner. Touching our own State, we -begin at Mobile.</p> - -<h3>MOBILE.</h3> - -<p>The rise of the work in the Southern section of Alabama -appears in the following, copied from Brother Holcombe’s -work, and originally written for the <i>Christian Index</i>, March -10, 1836:</p> - -<p>“About 120 years ago a few Frenchmen came here and -made the first little opening in the pine forest. Previously to -1817 it was occupied principally as a place of deposit and -trade with the Indians. Now its population is not far from -10,000. Eighteen years ago a single steamboat found her way -to this port, now forty-five are employed in the Mobile trade. -The Baptist church was constituted March, 1835, by J. G. -Collins, R. L. Barnes and P. Stout with ten members. Rev. -G. F. Heard was called to begin the pastorate February 14, 1836.</p> - -<p>“At that time they had no house of worship, but met in -the court house, and for a time they met in the house belonging -to the African Baptist Church. The African Church is in -a prosperous condition; their number is about 90.”</p> - -<p>In this city and county the colored people had more -liberty and better treatment than in any other section of the -State. The free people and those who hired their time often -supported schools for the education of their children. Revs. -Wm. Dossey, P. Stout, A. Travis, J. H. Schroebel, Mr. Hawthorne -and Mr. Spence (all white) are mentioned as pioneers -and fathers of the work at this point. Near this old French -town, June 13, 1845, the writer was born, and in this county -and city he spent the first fourteen years of his life, and many -years since. For some years prior to the late civil war, the -Stone Street and St. Louis Street churches (colored) were both -noted for their numbers and their financial strength.</p> - -<h4>STONE STREET CHURCH.</h4> - -<p>This is the “mother church.” The father of the Rev. J. -B. Hawthorne, in the early part of their history, served them -as pastor, receiving a regular salary of them. At the close of -the war, Mr. Spence was their pastor, since which time they -have been under the leadership of the Rev. B. J. Burke, a man -who in many regards is as strong as he is peculiar. This -church, however, has not done much in the way of missions, -and not a great deal for education. One of the peculiar -customs of the pastor is to “bless children.” Standing in the -pulpit, he holds the child up in his arms while he prays God’s -blessings upon it.</p> - -<p>A case of discipline which came up in this church many -years ago, led to the formation of the St. Louis Street -Church, and I am sorry to say gave birth to a very bitter sectional -feeling between the two bodies, which feeling has long -been a blight to the Baptist cause in South Alabama.</p> - -<p>This church is stubbornly set against all secret societies, -so that no secret society people are allowed in its membership. -The pastor is elected for life. For the support of its poor it -has a fund which is called the “Church Treasury.”</p> - -<h4>ST. LOUIS STREET CHURCH.</h4> - -<p>This church was for many years especially noted for its -missionary enterprise. To this church Alabama owes many -of her pioneer preachers. The late Rev. Charles Leavens, who -was pastor just after the close of the war, sought to send a -pioneer, an organizer, into every section of the State. Their -present house of worship cost, I am told, about $24,000, and is -a two-story brick structure. Since the war their pastors have -been: Revs. Charles Leavens, I. Grant, A. Butler, C. C. -Richardson, and the present occupant, Rev. Mr. Frazier. This -church seems now in full sympathy with its past missionary -record, over which no one rejoices more than the writer, since -it is from this church that he, under God, received his commission -to preach the gospel of the Son of Righteousness.</p> - -<h4>ST. ANTHONY STREET CHURCH—NOW FRANKLYN STREET.</h4> - -<p>This church deserves honorable mention. Rev. A. F. -Owens led to the purchase of the property on St. Anthony -street, and served as pastor for several years—1878 to 1889. -Rev. A. N. McEwen, the present pastor, advised the church to -sell and purchase at a more desirable point. They are now -buying a building on Franklyn street. This church has had -an earnest class of workers, who have made great and painful -sacrifices for the cause.</p> - -<h4>UNION CHURCH.</h4> - -<p>This church is another secession from Stone Street. It, -too, has some strong people in it. Rev. A. F. Owens is pastor.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>There are other churches around worthy of mention. So -much is said only to show the rise and progress of the Baptist -cause in this section of Alabama. The great need here is -more brotherly love, instead of the bitter prejudice which -withers every hope of united effort. Of course, many of the -good people are already free from its fearful influence, but -far too many are still slaves to it.</p> - -<p>Among the founders, or ante-bellum members of the colored -Baptist work in Mobile, we find the names of Rev. -Charles Leavens and wife, James Somerville, Judge Europe, -Thomas Sawyer, Rev. B. J. Burke, and Crawley Johnson.</p> - -<h3>HUNTSVILLE, MADISON COUNTY.</h3> - -<p>Here is where our Statehood was born, the Constitution -being formed here in 1819. Huntsville is our State’s first -capital. Taking Mr. Hosea Holcombe as authority, the first -Baptist church organized in Alabama was constituted within -a few miles of Huntsville, in 1808. Their constitutional -membership was eleven, and Rev. John Nicholson was their -first pastor. The first negro Baptist church constituted in -this section of the State was the African Baptist Church of -Huntsville, organized about the year 1820. I say 1820, for -the reason that in 1821 they are recorded as entering into the -Flint River Association, with seventy-six members. Rev. -William Harris, “a free colored man,” is mentioned as their -first pastor. It seems that Brother Harris soon fell under the -influence of a white preacher, William Crutcher, and became -established in the faith of the Primitive Baptists. Over -seventy years have passed away, and still Rev. Bartlett -Harris, a grandson of Rev. William Harris, is preaching the -“election of grace.” Instead of seventy-six Missionary members, -there are now about two thousand Primitives. The -Rev. W. H. Gaston is the leading educator among them. He -is a man of quiet and humble spirit, and is now trying to -establish a school at Huntsville. How we Missionaries need -a school in Madison county! Our little Missionary church -seems bound hand and foot. At this writing, Rev. Oscar Gray -is pastor, and he seems to do as well as circumstances allow.</p> - -<p>Perhaps I cannot close this notice of Madison county -more profitably than by directing the attention of the reader -to the vast consequences, in the form of false views and false -practices, which came of one man’s decisions. Rev. William -Harris decided to follow Mr. Crutcher, and now thousands of -people walk in his track as anti-Missionaries.</p> - -<h3>PERRY AND HALE COUNTIES.</h3> - -<p>At Salem Church, near Greensboro, the Alabama State -Convention (white) was organized October, 1823, not quite -forty-five years before the organization of the Colored Baptist -Convention in 1868, and its first anniversary was held at -Marion, in Perry county.</p> - -<p>Reference is made to these facts in order to introduce -other facts bearing a closer relation to ourselves. Within a -circle of twenty-five miles of Marion—and Greensboro, is near -this point—some of the mightiest influences in support of -Baptist views have risen up and gone forth upon the colored -Baptists of Alabama. The colored people of Marion, and -throughout the country around, are hardly less noted for their -refinement than they are for their Baptistic opinions. In this -section arose those colored men of power and of pioneer -fame—Revs. James Childs, the first pastor of the Marion -Church (colored); Henry Stevens, first pastor of the Greensboro -Church, and John Dosier, so long pastor of the church -in Uniontown. This point, till right recently, has been the -educational center of our white brethren, and here in Marion, -the first colored State Normal school began, as the result of -the influence of the late Hon. A. H. Curtis, of Baptist fame.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_026" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_026.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Mrs. A. A. Bowie, Instructress in Dressmaking, Selma University. - </div> -</div> - -<h3>MONTGOMERY CITY AND COUNTY.</h3> - -<p>Baptist principles manifested themselves in this part of -Alabama about 1818-19 in the constitution of the Elim -Church, near the city of Montgomery, and Messrs. J. McLemore, -S. Ray, and W. J. Larkin, are mentioned as pioneers.</p> - -<h4>A STRAW WHICH SHOWS WHICH WAY THE WIND BLOWS.</h4> - -<p>In Dr. Riley’s “History of Alabama Baptists,” we have -the following: “A negro slave, named Cæsar, a bright, smart, -robust fellow * * * was ordained to preach. His ability -was so marked, and the confidence which he enjoyed was so -profound, that Rev. James McLemore would frequently have -Cæsar attend him upon his preaching tours. He was sometimes -taken by Mr. McLemore into the pulpit, and never failed -of commanding the most rapt and respectful attention.”</p> - -<p>To the credit of the Alabama Association, it is written -that they bought this man and gave him his liberty that he -might preach among them the gospel of Christ; and it is said, -that though he was as black as a crow, he traveled alone and -unharmed on the mission of life. Thus the negro appears in -the foundation of gospel operations in Central Alabama. -Here also appear the victories of the gospel leaven, the -triumphs of the love of God over those hearts wherein Christ -was king.</p> - -<p>The price paid for Brother Cæsar Blackwell is given as -$625. Catching inspiration from the encouragement before -them in the form of their brother Cæsar Blackwell’s success, -and the good will of the Christian white people to whose fellowship -they belonged, Nathan Ashby and Jacob Belser (colored) -soon became active workers.</p> - -<h3>TUSCALOOSA AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.</h3> - -<p>Perhaps the first church (white) organized in Jefferson -county was organized about the year 1818. Dr. Holcombe’s -history tells us that in 1823 the “Rock Creek Church,” in -Tuscaloosa county, received into its membership from South -Carolina an African preacher, Job Davis. Mr. Holcombe says -of him: “He was an acceptable preacher, a man of deep -thought, sound judgment, and was well skilled in the Scriptures -of Divine Truth.”</p> - -<p>The venerable Mr. A. J. Waldrop, of Birmingham, informed -the writer that when a little boy he heard Job preach -in a camp meeting. He said: “The meeting had been in -progress a week or so, and mother and father went to the -camp on Sunday morning. The meeting was very cold. -Brother Holcombe was wondering who would be the fit -preacher to open the day’s services, as Job, now free from his -daily toil, walked into camp. As Brother Holcombe saw him, -he remarked: ‘There is our man.’ Job was led up to the -stand and invited to go up and take a seat. Job replied: -‘No, I’ll stand down here in front of it.’ Job then reached -back to the top of the stand and took off the Bible and opened -it. I can never forget the deep thrill of devotion which Job’s -person and manner turned in upon the audience that day; -something of the feeling is with me yet. He had hardly -parted his lips before men and women began to sob. When -he was through with his sermon, it was plain to all that the -meeting was no longer a dead meeting. This was the beginning -of a revival which affected much of Tuscaloosa county.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Holcombe says of Job, in another place in his book: -“Job was brought from Africa to Charleston, S. C., in 1806; -professed religion in 1812; soon learned to read and write; -taught Sunday school for two summers in Abbeville district, -S. C.; licensed to preach in 1818; came to Alabama in 1822; -died November 17, 1835, in Pickens county. He lived the -Christian, he died a saint.”</p> - -<p>Further, Mr. Holcombe says: “In those days we had but -few better preachers than Job.”</p> - -<p>Thus it appears that not only in wars for independence, -but in gospel labors as well, the negro is in the foundations of -this country.</p> - -<p>Rev. Prince Murrell, who had bought himself some time -before the days of the Emancipation, opened the work at -Tuscaloosa on the dawn of freedom. Rev. Messrs. M. Tyler -and M. D. Alexander came into the van at Lowndesboro.</p> - -<h3>LEE, MACON, BULLOCK AND BARBOUR COUNTIES.</h3> - -<p>At Tuskegee, in Macon, was the Rev. Doc. Phillips (a -blacksmith), a man who, it seems, refused to accept his -freedom at the hands of his white brethren in order that his -preaching might be more acceptable to his people in slavery.</p> - -<p>At Auburn, in Lee, was the Rev. Thomas Glenn, a man -respected and trusted no less by his white neighbors than by -his own people for his genuine piety and honorable life.</p> - -<p>In Barbour and Bullock, Revs. Jerry Shorter, M. Coleman, -William McCoo and Deacon J. E. Timothy possessed the spirit -of leadership, and moved forward in the work of organization -upon the appearance of liberty. Rev. E. Thornton soon appears.</p> - -<h3>GREENVILLE, BUTLER COUNTY.</h3> - -<p>In this town and county the Rev. Stewart Adams is the -pioneer. In 1872 or 1873, he was appointed missionary under -the American Baptist Home Mission Society, and was thus -enabled to extend his operations, which resulted in the organization -of one of the first associations (Union).</p> - -<h3>SELMA.</h3> - -<p>Somewhere between 1840-45, a colored church was organized -in Selma, the first colored leader of which was a Mr. -Samuel Phillips, a man who obtained his liberty (so the late -Mr. A. Goldsby reported) by some service he rendered the -country in the Mexican war. A. Goldsby and Charles White -(late treasurer of our Convention) were principal persons in -the organization.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>So much has been said to show the ante-liberty growths. -It seems fitting to close this chapter with the appearance of -freedom as the writer saw it.</p> - -<p>From the days of my earliest recollection, freedom’s -shadowy forms moved before the eyes of the Southern slave. -He felt or thought that he felt—he saw or thought he saw—the -touch and visage of approaching liberty. In subdued tones -it was whispered upon ears that could be trusted, that slavery, -with all its accompanying horrors, was soon to be a thing of -the past. Praying bands were organized and met in distant -groves to pray for liberty. Gathered beneath the sighing trees -and nightly skies, they whispered their agonies upon the ears of -the Almighty—whispered <i>lowly</i>, lest the passing winds should -bear their petitions to the ears of the overseer or master. -And often—as with Daniel and his companions in Babylon—the -God who reveals secrets to them that love him, uncovered -before our minds coming events, which caused us to laugh -and cry. But we kept these things in our hearts, and it was -a wonder to all around that the slave could sing in his furnace -of hot afflictions. God, in unfolding hope, was with us -in the fire, and so we were sustained.</p> - -<h3>DREAM TELLING.</h3> - -<p>They fall to dreaming: Contending armies are seen in -battle, and the one favorable to the liberty of the slave is seen -to prevail. Old trees appear to wither and disappear before -trees of new sort.</p> - -<p>The war cloud bursts and the slave mingles his prayers -with the roar of the booming cannon, tarrying on his knees -while the American soldiery contend in mortal strife. It -was understood to mean liberty. At last the deadly struggle -ceased, and emancipation was declared. It was only the -dawning, and therefore the light was dim.</p> - -<h3>THE BITTER BUD.</h3> - -<p>One of the saddest mistakes of the slave was, that he -thought <i>so much</i> of the <i>pleasures</i> of freedom and <i>so little of its -weighty obligations</i>. To him, freedom meant mansions, lands, -teams, money, position, educated sons and refined daughters, -with the liberty to go and to act as he pleased. If he might -have burdened his mind with thoughts of his sore destitution -of heart, of intellect, of purse; if he might have thought of -his poverty as to skill in the arts, sciences and professions of -life, as to social status, as to domestic relations, as to opportunities -to succeed in a wrestle for life by the side of the victorious -white man—if he might have seen that to make himself -a <i>strong manhood</i> was his first and his most important duty—if -his mind might have been full of these thoughts, it had -been a thousand fold better for him. But, as his mind was on -pleasures, he was disappointed when they proved only phantoms, -and hence the bud of liberty was bitter.</p> - -<p>Indeed, to those who had the ability to discern, the first -view of liberty was frightful in proportion as it was seriously -considered. Naturally, as the shackles suddenly fell off, -there was such a forcible rebounding of life, as in many cases -made liberty mean license to live idle and lewd.</p> - -<p>I can never forget my first impressions at the full view of -freedom. O, what helplessness appeared in our condition!</p> - -<p>Every day, for weeks, shoeless and hatless men and -women, with half naked, hungry children, passed through the -little town where I lived, not knowing whither they went, -what were their names, nor what they sought. A certain -man, when I first met him, was introduced to me as -Mr. M——. A little after this, I was surprised to find that -he was not Mr. M——, but was Mr. R——. And my ability to -be surprised was considerably lessened when I finally learned -that Mr. R—— was now Mr. H——.</p> - -<p>Long and anxiously I waited for the appearance of some -<i>great</i> colored men to assume leadership in matters of religion -and education, but I waited in vain. My heart ached as though -it would break, and was at last only partially relieved of its -weight when my brother (Rev. J. Gomez) and I had built an -humble house in which to worship God and teach the children. -Into this we, boys though we were, called the people to meet -to hear the reading of the Scriptures and to pray.</p> - -<h3>ORGANIZATION IN ALABAMA.</h3> - -<p>In 1864 there were four Colored Missionary Baptist -Churches in Alabama, owning property worth about $10,000. -Two of these were located in Mobile city—the Stone and the - -St. Louis Street Churches. Another was located in Selma, -and is now known as the First Colored Baptist Church.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_033" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_033.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. L. S. Steinback in the Act of Baptism. - </div> -</div> - -<p>Of course there was no association, no convention, no -graded school of learning. The colored people of Mobile -enjoyed superior advantages over those of other sections of -the State and hence many of them had made fair attainments -in letters. But in all the State there was but one Baptist -preacher, to the writer’s knowledge, in April, 1865, who could, -with any degree of honesty, claim to be an educated Baptist -negro preacher. This was one Rev. Moses B. Avery. I think -he is now in Mississippi. Anyhow I know that soon after the -close of the war he joined the Methodist brethren and left the -State. It will be seen, therefore, that he was no help to the -Colored Baptists of Alabama.</p> - -<p>The change which the war had wrought as to the civil -status of the black man, changing him from slave to freedman, -affected his church standing, so that ex-master and ex-slave -did not quite fit each other in the old “meeting house,” as they -had done in days of yore. There was restlessness on one side, -and suspicion on the other. The black man wanted to go out -and set up housekeeping for himself, while the white man in -most cases feared and hesitated to lay on the hands of ordination. -We did not know each other. The “negro preacher” -on one side of the river had but little opportunity to know his -brother on the other side. Truly our beginning was dark -and chaotic.</p> - -<p>It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. In -all ages of the world, and with all peoples, want—a sense of -need—has gone before human creations. The black man of -the South was like, in this, the balance of human kind. -When set at liberty, he was for some time lost in looking upon -the wonderful changes that had passed over him. But when -he came to himself he began slowly to realize his needs. He -began, for example, to feel the need of church and of school, -and out of this feeling of want on these lines there arose -thought, discussion, plan, action. Those who were of like -faith and gospel practice began to meet for prayer and for -conference, and at last to unite in church covenant, forming -churches. Then churches, under the leadership of progressive -men, were joined in associational compacts. They met first -only to sing and pray, and listen to talks from white brethren. -Want increased; burdens increased; the horizon of duty and -possibility widened. Under a sense of duty and repeated -exercise, mind and heart developed into greater strength and -into greater capacity for thought, plan, speech, and execution. -Kindred spirits sought each other’s fellowship and counsel, -and talked about the work which might be done. Soon it was -felt by some that a general State Convention was both necessary -and possible. The desire, plan and call for such an organization -ripened among the brethren at and around the -Capital City. Perhaps Montgomery was foremost, for the -reason that here was the legislature, and here the colored -people saw most of deliberative bodies, and heard most about -their needs and opportunities.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_036" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_036.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Mrs. Dinah Smith Jordan, Birmingham, Ala. - </div> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="II_THE_STATE_CONVENTIONS"> - <i>II. THE STATE CONVENTIONS</i></h2> -</div> - -<h3>FIRST SESSION.</h3> - -<p>THE Colored Baptist Convention of Alabama was constituted -December 17, 1868, in the Columbus Street Baptist -Church, in the city of Montgomery.</p> - -<p>The officers elected were: Rev. Nathan Ashby, president; -Rev. J. W. Stevens, of Montgomery, vice-president, and Bro. -H. Thompson, secretary.</p> - -<p>The following appear in the roll of this session: Revs. N. -Ashby, J. W. Stevens, Jacob Belser, J. Epperson, and Bro. H. -Thompson, of Montgomery county; Revs. E. Wright and S. -Adams, of Greenville; Rev. W. Farris, of Monroeville; Rev. -S. Weaver, of Dallas county; Revs. P. Gill and Samuel Morse, -of Notasulga; James Finly, of Fayette; Revs. I. Glenn -and A. Blackburn, of Auburn; Rev. M. D. Alexander and M. -Tyler, of Lowndesboro; Rev. B. Nelson, of Lee county; Rev. -Mr. Wood, of Macon county; Rev. H. Coleman, of Union -Springs; Rev. W. H. McAlpin, of Talladega; Revs. John -Dosier and Henry Stevens, of Uniontown; P. Underwood, -Thomas Smith, Ned Atkinson, and Rev. D. M. Phillips, of -Tuskegee.</p> - -<p>About twenty-seven churches were represented. About -$150 was collected, and Rev. Washington Stevens was made -Missionary.</p> - -<h3>SECOND SESSION.</h3> - -<p>This session was held in Montgomery in 1869, and the -officers of the previous year being re-elected to their several -positions. Revs. Wm. McCoo, of Bullock county; P. Murrell, -of Tuskaloosa; John P. Lucas, pastor of Mt. Meigs; Henry -Clark, of Opelika; B. Burke, of Mobile; Frank Quarles, of -Georgia, and H. E. Talliaferro (white), agent for the American -Baptist Home Missionary Society; Lewis Brown, of Sumter -county; A. Cunningham, of Conecuh county, and James -Caldwell, of Marengo county, appear in the roll of this session. -Fifty or sixty churches were represented; several hundred -dollars were raised; the missionary was short in his collections; -Home Mission Society was endorsed.</p> - -<h3>THIRD SESSION.</h3> - -<p>This session was also held in Montgomery on October 5, -1870. As Rev. N. Ashby was sick, Rev. W. Stevens, the -Missionary, was elected president, and Rev. M. Tyler vice-president. -Rev. Charles Leavens, of Mobile, and Senator A. -H. Curtis were enrolled. The ordained ministers present -were: N. Ashby, James A. Foster, W. Stevens, F. Brooks, T. -Glenn, Chas. Leavens, S. Adams, H. Stokes, C. Blunt, Wm. -McCoo, J. Caldwell, S. Weaver, J. Cole, J. W. McLeod, M. -Tyler, B. Burke, P. Murrell, J. Dosier, D. M. Phillips, J. Wood, -Ned Watkins, B. Bibb, H. Stevens, R. Mason.</p> - -<h3>FOURTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Selma November 1-4, 1871. Brother W. H. McAlpine -was prominent. The officers elected were: Rev. P. -Murrell, president; Rev. Stewart Adams, vice-president; -Rev. W. Stevens, recording secretary; and H. Thompson, -clerk.</p> - -<p>Revs. D. Alexander, B. Bibb, J. Caldwell and J. Belser -have passed away.</p> - -<p>About $300 sent in by the churches: twenty-eight churches -report Sunday Schools; three Associations appear by their -messengers.</p> - -<h3>FIFTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Selma, November, 1872. Officers of previous -year re-elected. A committee is appointed to confer with the -white Convention in session in Eufaula. Two more Associations -are enrolled. $300 or $400 collected.</p> - -<h3>SIXTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Tuscaloosa, November, 1873. The officers elected -were: Rev. J. A. Foster, Montgomery, president; Rev. M. -Tyler, Lowndesboro, vice-president; Rev. P. Murrell, treasurer; -and Bro. H. J. Europe, of Mobile, clerk. Three other -Associations reported. Rev. A. Butler, Mobile, joined at this -session. Rev. W. H. McAlpine introduced the following, -which was adopted:</p> - -<p>“<i>Resolved</i>, That we plant in the State of Alabama a theological -school to educate our young men.”</p> - -<p>This threw life and aim into the Convention and the signs -of activity immediately appeared. Four other Associations -entered. Lively discussions ensued. The white Baptist Convention -assembled in the same city at the same time advised -against the educational scheme. The question whether God -needed help in preparing his ministry—the question which -fifty years before had agitated the white Convention of Alabama—was -now stirring the souls of black men. Sunday -Schools were allowed representation in the body.</p> - -<h3>SEVENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Mobile, in the St. Louis Street Church, November, -1874. Officers of previous year were re-elected. Brother -McAlpine’s school resolution was endorsed and ordered on the -minutes. On motion of Brother McAlpine the following persons -were appointed a committee to manage the school project: -Revs. A. Butler, W. H. McAlpine, H. J. Europe, H. Thompson -and the writer. Brother McAlpine was authorized and requested -to spend six months as missionary and agent of the -Convention. Much praying.</p> - -<h3>EIGHTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Mobile, November, 1875. The officers elected -were as follows: Rev. J. A. Foster, president; Rev. M. Tyler, -vice-president; Rev. J. W. Stevens, corresponding secretary; -Rev. Thomas Smith, treasurer, and Rev. C. O. Boothe, clerk. -Ten Associations were enrolled this year. Brother McAlpine -reported $90 in favor of the Convention as the result of six -months’ work. The body was never so much aroused as during -this session. Some trouble arose over contentions among the -churches in Mobile. Rev. W. H. McAlpine was appointed -missionary and agent of the Convention for the ensuing conventional -year. Rev. C. O. Boothe was appointed, with Brother -McAlpine, to aid in searching for a suitable location for the -proposed school, and was authorized to call the attention of -our Northern brethren to our needs and operations regarding -educational facilities in Alabama. Never did any set of men -appear to be more earnest and enthusiastic. Every eye was -on McAlpine as the leader.</p> - -<h3>NINTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held with the Mount Canaan Church, Talladega, November -15-20, 1876. Officers: Rev. M. Tyler, president; Rev. B. -J. Burke, vice-president; Rev. I. Smith, treasurer; Rev. G. -C. Casby, Montgomery, corresponding secretary, and Rev. -C. O. Boothe, at this time pastor in Talladega, was continued -as clerk.</p> - -<p>This session of the body may be denominated “The -Eventful Session.” Here the sainted Woodsmall was met for -the first time, and bore the Convention the following:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p> -“<span class="smcap">Indianapolis, Ind.</span>, November 11, 1876.<br /> -</p> - -<p>“<i>Dear Brethren of the Convention</i>: On behalf of the -Indiana Baptist State Convention, I greet you with this -epistle, bearing their congratulations and sympathy. We are -engaged in a common cause with you—the cause of our blessed -Lord and Master. * * * So we strike glad hands with you -for a renewal and continuance of the gospel warfare till Jesus -comes.”</p> -</div> - -<p>This bore the signature of Dr. Wyeth, editor of the -<i>Journal and Messenger</i>, and the Secretary of the Indiana Convention. -This was <i>good</i> tidings, and the information that -Brother Woodsmall had come to hold Ministers’ Institutes -among us was still <i>better</i> tidings. Thenceforward we were to -drink from a very high type of manhood.</p> - -<p>Revs. W. J. White, F. Quarles, and Bryan, of Georgia, -came with propositions from the Georgia Convention that -Alabama should give up her school project and join Georgia -in building a school at Atlanta.</p> - -<p>A letter received from Dr. S. S. Cutting, corresponding -secretary of the Home Mission Society, to the clerk, informed -the Convention that his board had no help for our school enterprise -in Alabama, and favored our union with Georgia.</p> - -<p>A communication from the white Baptist Convention containing -the following, was read before the body:</p> - -<p>“<i>Resolved</i>, That we deem this a suitable occasion to express -to our colored brethren an abiding interest in their welfare, -both temporal and spiritual.</p> - -<p class="right"> -“<span class="smcap">John Haralson</span>, President.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>Brother McAlpine turned over $1,000, which he had raised -for the proposed school, and again took the field.</p> - -<p>The clerk, as committee on location of the proposed -school, reported that if the school should be located at Marion, -Ala., our students could obtain scientific and literary training -in the State school at that point, in which case, the Convention -would only be obliged to furnish theological instruction. -The Convention did not decide as to the course it would be best -to pursue. Brothers Pettiford and Barton joined the work in -this session, and the former took a prominent position at -once.</p> - -<h3>TENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Eufaula, November, 1877. The officers of the -last convention were re-elected. The school project was -turned into the hands of the Board of Trustees elected at the -session of 1875. The report of the Board of Trustees recommended -that the school be located at Montgomery. When a -motion by Hon. A. H. Curtis to substitute Marion had been -lost, Rev. E. K. Love, of Georgia, moved to substitute Selma, -which was carried by a majority of three. The Board was -authorized and instructed to begin operations. Revs. W. H. -McAlpine and W. J. Stevens were put out as missionaries. -Before leaving Eufaula, the Board appointed a committee to -act on their behalf with regard to the management of the -school. At a meeting of the Board held in Selma, December -20, the committee reported: “Your committee has been unable -to find a suitable house for rent in which to commence -school for less than $27 per month. There are one or more -buildings here that may be purchased at quite a reasonable -figure. W. H. McAlpine, J. Blevins, H. Stevens, committee.”</p> - -<p>At this meeting there were present the following trustees, -besides those above mentioned: M. Tyler, C. Blunt, J. W. -Stevens, J. Dosier and A. H. Curtis. Revs. W. H. McAlpine -and J. Blevins, with Bro. A. H. Curtis, were empowered to act -as Executive Committee of the Board. After some discussion -as to whether to rent or purchase, it was voted to rent, and -not to pay over $15 per month. The Committee was so instructed, -and was further instructed not to assume over $50 -per month for teaching force. The Committee elected Mr. H. -Woodsmall, of Indiana, and he at once opened the school in -the St. Phillip Street Baptist Church.</p> - -<p>On May 30, 1878, the Board held another meeting in -Selma. Present: Revs. M. Tyler, J. Blevins, G. C. Casby, -Thomas Smith, J. Dosier, H. Stevens, W. H. McAlpine and -C. O. Boothe. At this meeting the Committee were authorized -to purchase the “Old Fair Grounds” for $3,000. The -<i>Baptist Pioneer</i> was started, with W. H. McAlpine, editor; J. -Dosier and C. O. Boothe as assistants. The Committee, to -the great satisfaction of the Board, reported that the St. -Phillips Street Church had donated to the school the use of -their audience room, the oil for lights, and fuel, and also that -the services of Bro. W. R. Pettiford had been secured at a -cost of $20 per month, allowing him time to take lessons in -theology.</p> - -<p>The following financial report was submitted:</p> - -<table summary="Financial Report"> -<tr> - <td colspan="2" class="center allsmcap">RECEIPTS.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>Uniontown Association</td> - <td class="right">$150 00</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>Alabama District Association</td> - <td class="right">40 00</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>Rev. A. Cunningham, Conecuh county</td> - <td class="right">30 00</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>Deacon A. Scott, Montevallo</td> - <td class="right">15 65</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>Rev. Thomas Smith, Treasurer Convention</td> - <td class="right">100 00</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>Mr. H. Woodsmall, for tuition</td> - <td class="right">82 10</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>Rev. W. H. McAlpine</td> - <td class="right">20 00</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2" class="center">Donations from the North were also reported.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<h3>ELEVENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Marion, November, 1878. The officers of the -previous year were re-elected, with the exception of Rev. C. O. -Boothe, who had been appointed Sunday school missionary -for the State, under the American Baptist Publishing Society. -Bro. N. R. Nickerson was elected clerk.</p> - -<p>The Trustees reported that the Old Fair Grounds had -been secured, and that the school was in operation. One -thousand dollars had been paid on the grounds; $545 had -come from the North. Three teachers were supported without -charge to the State—Misses Emma Jordan and Emma -Heustis, and Mr. M. W. Alston.</p> - -<p>Thus the school began. About $2,000 reported.</p> - -<h3>TWELFTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Opelika, November 12-15, 1879. In this session -Rev. A. F. Owens joined, and Revs. A. Butler and B. Burke -forsook the Convention. Rev. D. M. Phillips, of Tuskegee, -had left the cross for the crown.</p> - -<p>The second $1,000 had been paid on our campus, and $700 -worth of improvements had been added to the buildings. A -missionary society organized by President Woodsmall and -operating in the St. Philip Street Church, is reported as giving -partial support to Profs. Alston and Pettiford, and to students -D. T. Gulley and J. C. Curry.</p> - -<h3>THIRTEENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Marion, November 17-20, 1880. The officers -elected were: M. Tyler, president; J. A. Foster, vice-president; -N. R. Nickerson, clerk; G. C. Casby, corresponding -secretary, and C. White, treasurer. Except a small balance -due Brother Woodsmall the school was now free from debt, -besides owning thirty-six acres of land and temporary buildings.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_044a" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_044a.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Shiloh Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala., Rev. T. W. Walker, Pastor. - </div> -</div> - -<p>Rev. S. Adams had gone to the other world.</p> - -<p>Aided by the Selma Missionary Society, Bros. M. W. -Alston, L. Ellington, D. T. Gulley, D. L. Prentice, C. Travis, -C. R. Rodgers, L. J. Green and J. C. Curry had done effective -missionary work.</p> - -<p>Brother Woodsmall reported that the <i>Baptist Pioneer</i> is -free of debt and has $321.03 in cash. He had received $2,399—$899 -had come from Alabama in tuition and donations, and -$1,500 from the North.</p> - -<p>The American Baptist Home Mission Society at this time -adopted the school and engaged to give it $2,000 during its -session of 1880-81. About $400 were spent on improvements -of school grounds. Rev. Wm. A. Burch, late of Philadelphia, -now pastor of the First Baptist Church in Selma, and Rev. -W. W. Cully, a returned African Missionary, were members -of this Convention. Brother McAlpine had raised from all -sources $1,976.85. Before the next session Brother McAlpine, -at Brother Woodsmall’s request, became president of the school.</p> - -<h3>FOURTEENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Mobile, November, 1881. The officers of the -previous year were re-elected. Revs. A. Cunningham, Belleville, -J. Blevins, Selma, and J. Cole, Montgomery, are no -longer on earth.</p> - -<p>The Home Mission Society gave $3,000 to the present -school session. Dr. M. Stone, of Ohio, taught in the school -without cost to the board of trustees.</p> - -<p>Before the next session Rev. H. N. Bouey, from South -Carolina, became State Sunday School Missionary.</p> - -<h3>FIFTEENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Tuscaloosa, November, 1882. Former officers re-elected, -except that Rev. J. Dosier was made vice-president.</p> - -<p>This year, the same as last, Brother McAlpine was retained -president of the school.</p> - -<p>Total receipts from Alabama, including tuition fees, were -$2,588. Donation from Home Mission Society $3,350. The -last session made Brother Pettiford financial agent, and the -present session was greatly encouraged in view of his excellent -success.</p> - -<h3>SIXTEENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Selma, November, 1883, in the First Colored Baptist -Church, of which the writer was pastor. Rev. E. M. Brawley, -late of South Carolina, was made president of our school, -Rev. W. H. McAlpine having resigned in his favor.</p> - -<p>Alabama paid $2,511 towards our educational work. -Bro. Woodsmall was not present. Rev. A. N. McEwen, late of -Tennessee, now pastor of Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery, -was present this session. Rev. H. N. Bouey was -made financial agent.</p> - -<h3>SEVENTEENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Mobile, November, 1884. Officers of 1882 and -1883 were re-elected; $3,224 reported as coming from the -State.</p> - -<p>Before the next session “The Minister’s Union” was organized -in Talladega, with Rev. C. O. Boothe as secretary, and -W. H. McAlpine, president.</p> - -<h3>EIGHTEENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in the Sixteenth Street Church, Birmingham, November, -1885. Officers of previous session re-elected. On the -10th of November, one day prior to the sitting of the Convention, -the Ministers’ Union met and appointed a committee -on the character of the author of this pamphlet, and which -reported the following:</p> - -<p>“We, your committee appointed on Bro. C. O. Boothe, beg -leave to submit the following: On account of the complications -of his marriage relations, his oppositions to the State work, and -on account of his want of loyalty to truth, we recommend that -we withdraw from him the hand of fellowship as a minister. C. -S. Dinkins, J. Q. A. Wilhite, J. Dosier, committee.”</p> - -<p>The brother, who was excluded (?) by the adoption of this -report, asked and was allowed to put in the minutes of the -Convention the following: “To all who may read the resolution -passed by the Alabama Baptist Ministers’ Union bearing -upon me, I affirm my innocence of each and all the charges -therein presented, and appeal to the King of Kings, whose -just judgment I patiently await.</p> - -<p> -“<span class="smcap">C. O. Boothe.</span>”<br /> -</p> - -<p>Dark times follow upon the work and upon many individuals. -The total receipts for this year, as reported by Bro. -Bouey, were $2,200. Rev. J. P. Barton was made State missionary, -and Rev. J. Q. A. Wilhite was made financial agent of -the school.</p> - -<p>The school was getting into debt, and serious losses -threatened. The founders of the work were not sufficiently -willing to confer with each other.</p> - -<h3>NINETEENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Opelika, November, 1886. The same officers were -re-elected, except Rev. J. A. Foster replaced Rev. John Dosier -as vice-president. Rev. C. L. Purce was made president of -the school, Dr. Brawley having resigned. The school was -$6,000 or $7,000 in debt. A resolution looking toward moving -the University from Selma was adopted. Marion was -proposed instead of Selma, and the larger cash donation was -to fix the location. The contest was heated, and here and -there rather ugly. The <i>Baptist Leader</i> favored Marion. Finances -were rather short. Revs. G. W. Berry, from South -Carolina, and E. J. Fisher, of Georgia, were present at this -session.</p> - -<h3>TWENTIETH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Montgomery, in the Columbus Street Church, -July, 1887. The Ministers’ Union rescinded their vote passed -in Birmingham in 1885, bearing upon the character of Rev. C. -O. Boothe. Rev. W. R. Pettiford, of Birmingham, was elected -president, and Rev. R. T. Pollard, clerk. Rev. William J. -Simmons, of Louisville, district secretary of the American -Baptist Home Mission Society, and Bro. Woodsmall, were -present. Mrs. M. A. Boothe, president of the State W. C. T. U., -addressed the Convention. Mrs. C. Thompson, agent in Alabama -for the Women’s Home Missionary Society of Chicago, -also spoke. Stormy time, and no small amount of bitter feeling. -The financial vote sustained Selma, and the University -remained at the home of her childhood.</p> - -<p>Debts were threatening our property. Mr. Purce endeavored -to prevent any increase of debts.</p> - -<h3>TWENTY-FIRST SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Tuscaloosa, July, 1888. Officers of previous year -were re-elected. About $4,000 was raised this year. Dr. W. -J. Simmons, district secretary of the Home Mission Society, -was present with plans for missionary co-operation with our -State, which were endorsed. Some of the school grounds had -been sold to meet debts, six acres having gone to meet the -$7,000.</p> - -<p>Rev. W. R. Forbes, of Virginia, pastor at Eufaula, was -present. The board recommended Rev. W. H. McAlpine as -State Missionary under the joint plan with the Home Mission -Society.</p> - -<h3>TWENTY-SECOND SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Selma, July, 1889. Officers of previous session -were re-elected. Rev. C. S. Dinkins, having severed his connection -with the faculty of the University, was successfully -operating an academy at Marion in connection with his pastorate. -This project the Convention, on motion of Rev. A. N. -McEwen, endorsed. Rev. C. O. Boothe was appointed General -Missionary of Alabama on the joint plan with the Home -Mission Society. This year our women, under the leadership -of Miss S. A. Stone, gloriously rallied to the support of the -University. About $5,700 was raised in the State. Rev. -Washington Stevens, Montgomery, and Deacon D. Lane, -Greensboro, had passed away. Time of session was again -changed to November. Brethren R. T. Pollard and D. T. -Gulley made Sunday Missionaries under the Publication -Society on the joint plan. During this year, in May, a jubilee -meeting was held in Selma and over $2,000 was raised. In -this jubilee meeting we met Rev. H. Stevens the last time on -earth.</p> - -<h3>TWENTY-THIRD SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Sixth Avenue Church, Birmingham, November, -1890. The officers of the previous session and all the missionaries -were re-elected. The Home Mission Society gave about -$6,000 to Alabama, including $2,600 given for University -buildings. The financial agent, President Purce, and the -missionaries all made very encouraging financial reports—thousands -of dollars having been collected ($5,400). Dr. W. -J. Simmons and Rev. Henry Stevens crossed the dark river -this year. Drs. Clanton and Brawley were present. This was -a good session—debts fast disappearing under the industrious -and wise financiering of President Purce and Agent Wilhite. -The missionaries were continued.</p> - -<p>The <i>Baptist Leader</i> (once <i>The Baptist Pioneer</i>), which for -several years had been successfully run by Editor McEwen, -was continued under its old management.</p> - -<p>This year, in July, a Baptist Congress was held in Montgomery -in the Dexter Avenue Church. It was entertaining -and instructive. Also in August a State Sunday School Convention -was organized in Union Springs, with Rev. S. Jones -as president, and is still doing a grand work, Brother Wells -being still presiding officer.</p> - -<h3>TWENTY-FOURTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Peace Baptist Church, Talladega, November, 1891. -The same officers were re-elected, and also the same missionaries, -except that Rev. C. R. Rodgers was chosen to fill the -place made vacant by Bro. Pollard’s resignation. A grand -session—never before in our history had our business seemed -to be so much in the hands and hearts of wise, cultivated men -and women. The Rev. Mr. Parks and Hon. James White, of -Chattanooga, were with us. The mayor of Talladega, pastors -of white churches, and everybody else, gave us a word of encouragement -and expressed themselves as pleased and profited -by our presence. Prof. Peterson, a recent member of the faculty -of Selma University, was introduced to Alabama Baptists. -One hundred and fifty churches and forty associations, besides -Sunday school conventions and Sunday schools, were represented -by two hundred messengers. The year’s income from -all sources was reported by financial agents as footing up to -$12,440. Statistical secretary reported as follows: “Seven -hundred and eighteen churches and fifty-eight associations. -Twenty-eight of the associations give an aggregate membership -of 83,000. Thirty associations have failed to report their -numbers.”</p> - -<p>Dr. C. S. Dinkins had been operating an academy at Marion, -for the use of which he had paid $1,000. Our school -property increased in value from $3,000 to $30,000. The president -of our Convention, W. R. Pettiford, was at this time -president of a successful banking enterprise. Last, and perhaps -least, one of our number had made an humble contribution -to the literature of the denomination in the form of a -little book entitled “<i>Plain Theology for Plain People</i>.” Thus -had we grown in twenty-four years.</p> - -<p>Before the next session Dr. McAlpine was made teacher -of institutes, under the Southern Board.</p> - -<h3>TWENTY-FIFTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Franklyn Street Church, Mobile, November, 1892. -Dr. Dinkins was elected president, and Rev. J. P. Barton, vice-president. -With these exceptions, the old officers, as well as -missionaries, were continued. Editor W. H. Stewart, of Kentucky; -Dr. Clanton, of Louisiana; the Rev. Mr. Luke, field -secretary of the Foreign Mission Convention; Revs. T. L. -Jordan and C. L. Fisher, of Mississippi, were present. For -the most part, this was a good session. However, there were -signs of a rising stormcloud, which, it was feared, foretold -approaching evil; and perhaps a clogging of our educational -and missionary operations would then soon come. A good -money showing was made, and new financial plans were -adopted. Dr. Pettiford was appointed financial agent and -secretary. It was decided to attempt to establish two academies—one -in Mobile and the other somewhere in Northern -Alabama. Before the next session of the Convention, Rev. C. -O. Boothe resigned his position as general missionary of the -State and pastor at Meridian, Miss. Dr. Purce severed his -connection with the University, and Dr. C. S. Dinkins was -elected president in his stead. A division of the denomination -was threatened in consequence of the presidential changes.</p> - -<p>Again our debts were beginning to be a menace.</p> - -<h3>TWENTY-SIXTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Eufaula, November, 1893. Rev. J. P. Barton, of -Talladega, was elected president, and Rev. R. T. Pollard, secretary. -Hon. Ad. Wimbs, of Greensboro, was a member of -this Convention. Drs. Morehouse and McVicar, of New York, -were with us; also Dr. Crumpton, who represented the Southern -Baptists. Many changes were made upon the Board of -Trustees. A committee was appointed to plan a change in -our school charter. The session was stormy and far from -pleasant. Dr. Pettiford made a good financial report. Rev. -S. L. Ross was Sunday school missionary. Dr. Dinkins made -a good beginning as president of Selma University. Rev. -Lewis Brown was elected treasurer.</p> - -<h3>TWENTY-SEVENTH SESSION.</h3> - -<p>Held in Mt. Zion Church, Anniston, Ala., November, -1894. Rev. J. P. Barton was again elected president, and -Rev. R. T. Pollard continued as secretary. Times peculiar -and money scarce. President Dinkins had prevented any -increase of the debt of the university, and continued to grow -in favor with all sections. The session, however, was not so -orderly as it might have been, if there had been less personal -feeling and ambition, and more real humility and consecration.</p> - -<h3>COMPARISONS.</h3> - -<p>True, our white brethren were hindered by the wild -forests, which were pathless and bridgeless, fieldless and cribless, -and by the savage beasts and friendless red men, as well -as by the slowness of travel, but after all, we may be permitted -to compare our progress with our white brethrens’ -struggles on educational and missionary lines; and I think -the foe will feel more hopeful of us, while the friend will see -reason for encouragement and pleasure. The white Convention -organized in Salem Church, near Greensboro, in October, -1823, but they did not begin a school till 1834—eleven years. -We organized in 1868 and started a school in 1878—ten years. -Their school continued only about five years, when their -property was sold to pay their school debts. Our school still -continues at this writing—1895. In 1839, they passed a resolution -to encourage young men to study for the ministry under -capable pastors, and the money of the Convention was ordered to -be paid out in support of operations on this line.</p> - -<p>They now owe on Howard College, so I am informed, -some $30,000 or $40,000 in the form of a bonded debt, the -interest on which they find it hard to pay. Indeed, I very -much regret to hear that they are thinking of making an assignment -in the interest of their creditors. On careful examination -of the records of the Convention, we come upon the -following important facts and lessons:</p> - -<p>1. <i>The blindness of the leadership as to the work to be done.</i></p> - -<p>In the jubilee meeting, Rev. H. Stevens, said: “When I -resolved in 1868 to meet the call of the Montgomery Church -for a Convention of delegates, I didn’t see what we could do. -I went only out of some sort of curiosity to meet other brethren -and to look on. I got a little light before I reached Montgomery, -as I listened to some things Brother McAlpine had to -say along the way. And I was not much better off when the -Convention closed. I did not know what they were talking -about one-half the time.” But few saw one inch ahead. The -horizon increased only as we advanced. We grew up with the -growth of the work.</p> - -<p>2. <i>The power of faith to give form and fixedness to ponderous -enterprises.</i></p> - -<p>We vacillated till Brother Woodsmall appeared, so far at -least as our school project was concerned. As the queen bee -draws together her wandering swarm and fixes them in settled -habitation and orderly toil, so did this saintly man do for -the colored Baptists of Alabama. And his spirit is still -among us.</p> - -<p>3. <i>Progress is born of progress.</i></p> - -<p>Because we gained one step, we gained another step. Because -we made it to the top of one mountain, we could therefore -make it to the top of another.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowe-colophon" style="max-width:8em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_054.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="III_ASSOCIATIONS"><i>III. ASSOCIATIONS.</i></h2> -</div> - -<p class="center"> -[Under this head appear many points and facts of local interest.] -</p> - -<h3>ALABAMA DISTRICT.</h3> - -<p>This District was organized in 1869 by Revs. N. Ashby, M. -Tyler, W. Stevens, J. A. Foster, Wm. Jenkins and other -leading men of Montgomery and Lowndes counties. From -their birth to this time, as an Association, they have been -leaders in missionary and educational operations.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Among the leading men of this body we may mention: -Rev. M. Tyler, Lowndesboro; Revs. R. T. Pollard, M. D. -Brooks, E. W. Picket, A. Moore, G. McKinney, A. Campbell, -and D. Ware, Montgomery; Revs. M. C. Merrell, James Davis, -and A. J. Knight, Fort Deposit; Revs. P. Gilchrist and B. -Moss, Hayneville: Revs. C. H. Payne, S. M. Reeves, and C. P. -Cain, Letohatchie; Revs. J. H. Smith and E. Elias, Tallassee; -Revs. E. W. Jones, M. Snowdon, L. Barnett, A. Dansey, M. C. -Williams, L. Calvary, D. Hall, J. Morris, H. W. Tarrant, W. -Harris, D. S. Adams, M. E. Pleasant, postoffice unknown.</p> - -<p>They report about 12,000 members. Their annual donation -for general purposes averages $300 or $400. This body -contributed largely toward the purchase of our school property, -and now liberally supports the school. Rev. S. Jones, Mt. -Meigs, is a strong man in this Association, and no man in -Alabama has done more for the education of his parishioners -than he. Rev. J. C. Curry, also of Mt. Meigs, is one of their -most scholarly men and most able preachers. They talk of -dividing into two bodies, hoping thereby to accomplish more -for the furtherance of the gospel.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_056" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_056.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. F. R. Kennedy, Pastor Galilee Baptist Church, Anniston, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<h3>ALABAMA MIDLAND ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1889, is a small body operating chiefly in -Montgomery county. They report six churches. Could not -ascertain the membership.</p> - -<p>Revs. B. Bible, B. Coles, W. Harrison and T. L. Lewis lead -them. I submit the following as good supplementary matter -to what has been said of the above Associations:</p> - -<h3>MONTGOMERY.</h3> - -<h4>THE FIRST COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH</h4> - -<p>Was organized in the basement of the white Baptist -Church (First Baptist Church) just after the close of the war. -The corner stone of their present building on Columbus street -was laid in 1867. Their first pastor was the late Rev. Nathan -Ashby, who, prior to the war, had preached to the colored -membership on Sundays in the afternoon, in the basement of -the white church. Mr. Ashby being stricken down by paralysis, -closed his pastorate in 1870. Under his pastorate this church -issued the call for the first session of the State Convention in -1868; hence this church is the source—the mother—of our -Convention.</p> - -<p>For a few months the Rev. J. W. Stevens supplied the -pulpit.</p> - -<p>In 1871 the late Rev. James H. Foster was called to the -pastoral office, which he served for the space of twenty years, -leaving it only to answer the summons of his Master to appear -in purer and higher spheres. Under his administration the -church increased its membership from a few hundred to -several thousand. He expended some $10,000 or $12,000 on -the present edifice. Under his pastorate the Foreign Mission -Convention was organized in 1880.</p> - -<p>After Mr. Foster’s death, December 1, 1891, Rev. A. J, -Stokes, then pastor at Fernandina, Fla., was called to their -pulpit, and now serves with great success, having added within -the last two months about 500 by baptism. So far, his success -is a wonder to the people of Montgomery. The special item -under his administration is the organization of the young -people for training and work.</p> - -<p>Old Brother Boykin (about 85 years old) in speaking of -the work about Montgomery, said: “The first colored preacher -I saw after coming from Charleston, was Bro. Cyrus Hale. He -came from South Carolina. He was an old man when I first -met him. He was well read, was a good preacher, and the -white people ’lowed him to go anywhere there was a call for -him. He was the father of the work in this section. Following -him, was Bro. Jacob Belser, and then came Bro. Nathan -Ashby. Brother Hale must have been ordained, for he used -to baptize in slavery time.</p> - -<p>“While we were worshiping in the white church, we had -some ’sistant deacons—Bros. Fayette Vandeville, Jerry Fye, -Peter Miles and Abe Blackshear.”</p> - -<p>Rev. William Jenkins relates the following: “I was born -in Montgomery in 1835, and have been here every since. I -began to speak in public in 1852, and continued to speak in -the city and on neighboring plantations all the while. I was -allowed to read the Bible, but I had rather been caught with a -hog than with a newspaper; because, for the hog, I was likely -to get a whipping; but for the newspaper I might get a hanging. -And there was some faith them times. On a plantation -out here where I used to preach, there was a balloon coming -down one day. The overseer and the people saw it, and -as that was a new thing with them, it frightened them, and -everybody fled except one brother, who, on seeing the man in -the balloon, and believing that it was the Lord, ran towards -the descending balloon, exclaiming as he looked up: ‘Lord, -I’s been looking for you for so long a time, and now you’s -come at last!’ The balloon man said: ‘Go away, boy; I’m -nothing but a man.’”</p> - -<p>Montgomery is no longer what it was when, thirty years -ago, Bro. Ashby spoke in the afternoon in the basement of the -white church. Six colored Baptist churches now worship -within the city and suburbs of Montgomery. The edifice of -Dexter Avenue Church, standing near the first capital of the -ex-Confederacy, is one of the most substantial and neat brick -structures in the city, and the congregation which worships -therein are people of money and refinement. Messrs. H. A. -Loveless, the coal dealer, William Watkins, the contractor, -and Charles Steers, the upholsterer, are owners and managers -of large affairs, involving thousands of dollars.</p> - -<p>The colored people of this city own many hundred thousand -dollars in real estate. Mr. Billingslea, the barber, is said -to own $300,000. Dr. Dorsett runs a successful drug business -in one of the lower departments of a two-story brick -building owned by himself. The widow of the late Hon. -James Hale has built and is maintaining an infirmary for the -sick poor people of her race.</p> - -<p>Contrast this state of things with thirty years ago, when -the colored people, like “dumb driven cattle” before hound -and lash, wended their way in the “death march” of slavery, -and ask if the negro of to-day is the negro of thirty years -ago. There is on Dexter avenue, in the city of Montgomery, -an old brick building wherein the “negro trader” -used to pen his slaves to await his purchasers. Herein the -writer organized the Dexter Avenue Church. Compare the -occupants of the slave pen with the audience in Dexter Avenue -Church.</p> - -<h4>DEXTER AVENUE CHURCH.</h4> - -<p>This church is a secession from the Columbus Street -Church, occurring in the latter part of the year 1877. Its -first meeting, with a view to organization, took place in the -parlor of Mr. Samuel Phillips. The chief persons in the constitutional -membership were Messrs. Samuel Phillips, John -Phillips, Alfred Thomas (the father of Mrs. S. H. Wright), C. -Sterrs, William Watkins and H. A. Loveless. The meeting -for the recognition of the church was held in a hall on Dexter -avenue, January, 1878, which in former days had been used -as a slave trader’s pen. Dr. J. B. Hawthorne, pastor of the -First Church (White), with his deacons, represented the white -brethren, and Rev. J. A. Foster, pastor of the Columbus Street -Church, represented his church.</p> - -<p>The writer was the first pastor, but owing to embarrassments -which soon followed, he did not remain long in charge -of the work. Revs. J. W. Stevens, F. McDonald, J. C. Curry, -A. F. Owens, T. Fryerson, A. N. McEwen, Dr. Langridge, and -others followed in the pastoral charge. The progress of the -church was rather slow till the time of Mr. McEwen, under -whom their present beautiful building was erected. The -present pastor, Rev. R. T. Pollard, seems to be appointed the -task of leading not so much on lines of material development -as in lines of spiritual growth. Many other good and pious -persons have been added to their number, so that no church -in the State can now boast of a people more thrifty, aspiring -and refined.</p> - -<h3>AUBURN ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1870 by Revs. T. Glenn, D. Phillips, I. M. -Pollard and others. This body operates chiefly in Lee, Macon -and Tallapoosa counties. In the beginning of Selma University -they contributed largely toward its establishment, and have -since given it liberal support. Lately, however, they are -struggling, under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Wells, to -plant a school in Opelika. They number about 8,000 members.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_060a" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_060a.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Selma University, Selma, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. Glenn and Phillips have left the cross for the crown. -Among the present leadership we have the names of Revs. J. -R. Howard, M. M. Archer, A. Walton, K. T. Young, T. N. -Huguely, J. Wood, G. Germany, H. Clark, A. M. McArthur, G. -Moore, H. Jones, J. Thomas, J. T. Torbert, E. L. Goer, M. M. -Ross, E. White, E. L. Simms, F. T. Holmes, D. Upshaw, C. -Young, E. Cain, R. Burton, J. David, P. Davis. Rev. I. T. -Simpson, one of the strongest men in the State, is now in this -body as pastor at Opelika.</p> - -<p>The school project in Opelika speaks well of its supporters -and deserves to succeed. May God bring them in the path of -success. The writer regrets to record that he saw something -at one session of this body that was by no means creditable to -it. It was this selling business. The grounds about the -church were almost covered with cake stands, etc., and the -sermons could scarcely be heard for the noise made by the -salesmen. Associations ought not to meet with any church -which does not pledge itself to keep such off the grounds. -The Associations of our white brethren are not troubled with -such ugly conduct. The communities in which religious -bodies convene should do all in their power to bring about the -devotional spirit, the spirit of sincere worship.</p> - -<h3>AUTAUGA COUNTY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1882, reports about 2,000 members.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<ul> -<li><i>Jones’ Switch Post Office</i>—Rev. M. Clark.</li> -<li><i>Milton</i>—M. Underwood, J. C. Parker, D. Love, H. Taylor.</li> -<li><i>Independence</i>—William Mims.</li> -<li><i>Prattville</i>—William McLinn.</li> -<li><i>Verbena</i>—C. Price, P. Dejarnet, D. Gresham.</li> -<li><i>Birmingham</i>—E. Goodson.</li> -<li><i>Deatville</i>—A. C. Roundtree, A. J. Jones.</li> -<li><i>Autaugaville</i>—E. Nun.</li> -<li><i>Bozeman</i>—J. H. Brumby.</li> -</ul> - -<p>Messrs. J. Coles, W. Cooper and J. W. Carroll have served -as clerks. They, too, are recorded as contributing for educational -purposes.</p> - -<h3>BETHLEHEM ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>This association was organized in 1868, and has given -more students to Selma University than any other association -in the State, nor has any other been more liberal in its gifts -of money. A calculation would, perhaps, show that they had -not paid so much as the Alabama District and the Uniontown, -but it will be remembered that those are the <i>giant</i> associations, -having 10,000 or 12,000 members, while this body has -not more than 6,000. Rev. C. Roberts, one of the founders of -this body, in his opening speech before the session of 1892, -said: “When we began, not one among us could write. We -organized in Tuscaloosa, and when the work was done, it -seemed so insignificant an idea that we had attempted to constitute -and operate an <i>association</i> that it took us two days to -accept and recognize what we had done. But see what we are -now, and what we have done! Of our own sons and daughters, -we have with us to-day teachers of the State schools, -teachers in universities, teachers of music, persons of character -and of learning. I never in my life, thought I would see -so much education in black people.” The “Jones Creek -Church,” the church with which the association had convened -in the above named session, was the name borne by the white -church organized about 1830, which long ago had become extinct. -Rev. L. Brown, who now owns a good part of his old -master’s plantation, presided at this session, and Rev. I. Dawson -was clerk.</p> - -<p>Their minutes give the following churches and ministers:</p> - -<ul> -<li><i>Sherman Post Office</i>—Galilee, Antioch, Little Zion, Mount Tabor.</li> -<li><i>Warsaw</i>—Mount Pleasant, Union Grove.</li> -<li><i>Cahaba</i>—Christian Valley, Friendship, Mt. Tabor, Mt. Pleasant.</li> -<li><i>Whitfield</i>—Ebenezer.</li> -<li><i>Boligee</i>—Mt. Zion, Bethlehem, St. Paul, St. James, Mt. Olive.</li> -<li><i>Eutaw</i>—Elizabeth, Eutaw, Zion, Friendship.</li> -<li><i>Ramsey</i>—St. Mark, Dowsey, Mary Winston, Jerusalem, Livingston, Shiloh, Pine Grove, New Prospect.</li> -<li><i>Sumpterville</i>—Sumpterville, Mt. Zion.</li> -<li><i>Mt. Hebron</i>—Mt. Zion, St. John.</li> -<li><i>Vianna</i>—New Providence.</li> -<li><i>York Station</i>—Rock Chapel, York Chapel, Mt. Harmon.</li> -<li><i>Curl’s Station</i>—Mt. Zion, Fourth Creek.</li> -<li><i>Gaston</i>—Friendship.</li> -<li><i>West Green</i>—Pleasant Valley.</li> -<li><i>Tishabee</i>—Christian Valley, Little Zion.</li> -<li><i>Gainsville</i>—Gainsville Second, New Bethel, Longford, Spring Valley, Gainsville.</li> -<li><i>Epes Station</i>—New Hope, Jones Creek, Miller’s Hill.</li> -<li><i>Clinton</i>—Mt. Common.</li> -</ul> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. G. Young, T. Grant, G. Lowe, J. S. Boatright, I. -Dawson, L. Brown, C. Roberts, E. Grant.</p> - -<p>There are other strong men among them whose names I -could not obtain.</p> - -<p>Rev. Daniel Griffin, pastor at Gainsville, has especially -commended himself for his studiousness, spotless name, and -earnest work. Many of our best young men, teachers and -preachers, come of this association.</p> - -<h3>BIBB COUNTY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1885, report a membership of about 3,000. -The post offices of their several churches are given as follows: -Calera, Jemison, Strasburg, Lomax, Clayton, Shiloh, Randolph, -Traveler’s Rest, Maplesville, Briarfield, and Ashley.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>The list which the writer found was not full, but we have -the following: Revs. H. Zimmerman, Clanton; H. E. Doake -and A. Thomas, Calera; C. Gentry, Randolph. I am informed -that Revs. J. R. Scott, J. S. Printice, J. W. Witherspoon and -W. T. Goodson are also members of this body.</p> - -<h3>BLADEN SPRINGS ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1876, reports about 2,000 members.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Bladen Springs, Cunningham, West Bend, Rescueville, -Coffeeville, Dead Level, Mt. Sterling, Frankville, Ararat, -Campbell, St. Stevens.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. C. Long, of Bladen Springs, P. D. Alford, of Cunningham; -R. Lewis, F. White, R. Whitley, O. S. Yorke, J. -Whigman, B. White, E. A. Reed, B. Woodson, A. S. Cessions, -C. L. Davis, and L. W. Morris. The writer baptized Rev. P. -D. Alford about twenty-five years ago, while doing mission -work in Mississippi.</p> - -<p>Rev. Charles Long was one of the first colored men to begin -teaching and preaching after the war. He stands as an honest -business man, as well as preacher of the gospel.</p> - -<h3>BROWNVILLE ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1883, is a small body composed of about -twenty churches, which have the following post offices: -Phenix City, Gerard, Motts, Columbus, Ga., Hatchechubbee, -Ladonia, Crawford, Uchee.</p> - -<h4>OFFICERS LAST REPORTED.</h4> - -<ul> -<li><i>Moderator</i>—Rev. L. D. Harris, Gerard.</li> -<li><i>Clerk</i>—Rev. J. F. Torbert, Hatchechubbee.</li> -<li><i>Treasurer</i>—Bro. H. Dixon, Phenix City.</li> -</ul> - -<p>They number about 2,000 members.</p> - -<h3>CANAAN (PICKENSVILLE) ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1876, is operating chiefly in Fayette county. -The writer cannot give their membership, but they report -eighteen or twenty churches.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. G. H. Prewett, W. Bozelle, J. P. Neal, J. M. Maddox, -S. Clements, G. W. Brent, A. G. Johnson, J. H. Evey, I. Bizzell, -L. W. Bridges, R. L. Gorden, L. Neal, A. B. Richardson.</p> - -<p>Revs. J. M. Maddox and J. W. Glasscox seem to be at -least the peers of any in their ranks.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_066" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_066.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Mrs. M. D. Duncan, Principal Female Academy, Demopolis, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<h3>THE COLORED BETHLEHEM ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1871, reports about 3,500 members. This is -the body so long guided by the late Rev. Armstead Cunningham, -Bellville. This aided in the purchase of our property -at Selma.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Eustis, Grove Hill, Dixon’s Mill, Whatley, Thomasville, -Glover, Atkerson, Choctaw Corner, Myrtlewood, Putman, Clifton, -Octagon.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. C. L. Robertson, H. W. Mitchell, C. L. Davis, E. P. -Yow, W. Thomas, P. Kimbrough, J. Williams, M. Dosey, J. M. -Houston, R. F. Forman, F. Johnson, A. L. Cleveland, A. -Charles, W. M. Kimbrough.</p> - -<h3>DALLAS COUNTY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized 1872, is a large body, operating in the “Black -Belt.” They have about 4,000 members. Support educational -enterprises.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF THEIR CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Crumpton, Gee’s Bend, Lasso, Linden, Cylonia, Orrville, -Portland, Cahaba, Lower Peach Tree, Selma, Brown’s Station, -Gaston, Rehoboth, Hazen, Uniontown, Martin Station, Boguechitto, -Hamburg.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>D. Boyd, W. C. Richards, G. W. Jones, T. Mosely, P. -Underwood, W. Sprague, H. Robertson, R. D. Vassar, T. B. -Goldsby, E. B. Smith, H. Willer, A. C. Collin, S. Thompson, -A. Hardaway, D. M. Coleman, A. Waller, J. Watts, N. Jones, -R. Murry, L. Bryant.</p> - -<p>Rev. D. M. Coleman deserves praise for his persistent -struggles after education. In spite of every hindrance he, at -rather a late point in his young manhood, started and completed -a course in Selma University.</p> - -<h3>EAST PERRY COUNTY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1885, is a small body, and the writer has -learned but little of them.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. J. A. Jemison, C. Casby, G. S. Bolling, F. Chandler, -S. Morse, C. McCord.</p> - -<h3>EVERGREEN ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized 1878, reports about 3,500 members. They -liberally support educational and missionary enterprises.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF THEIR CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Evergreen, Dunham, Joyville, Fairfield, Red Level, Mason, -Brooklyn, Grovella, Garland, Andalusia, Castleberry, Brewton, -Williams’ Station, Pollard.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. L. and N. Hawthorne, G. Donald, J. Wallace, R. -Monroe, A. Clairborne, S. Union, J. McCrery, S. I. Shannon, Z. -Michael, J. Salter, R. McCrery, D. May, R. Ingraham, D. -Shepard, C. C. Lucious, and C. Jackson. They want to establish -a high school at Evergreen, where Rev. L. Hawthorne is -now engaged in teaching and preaching.</p> - -<h3>THE EUFAULA ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1867, is perhaps the oldest Colored Association -in Alabama. Its chief founders were: Revs. William -McCoo and Jerry Shorter, and Deacons J. E. Timothy, of -Eufaula, and Byrd Day, of Glennville. This body is peculiarly -organized on some lines. For example: Their Sunday School -work is divided into districts, which districts, under their -several leaders, hold so many meetings a year at different -centers of the population. A carefully prepared program is -carried out, led on by certain persons who have been previously -named and informed. And they have a preachers’ association.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Eufaula, Clayton, Glennville, Hurtsboro, Lofton, Pittsboro, -Midway, Hatchechubbee, Seale, Jerigan, Cowikee, Oatston, -Oswichee, Coal Ridge, Louisville, Hawkinsville, Guerryton, -Abbeville, Three-Notch, Enon, Cochran, Batesville. Eufaula -is the leading point in the district.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. G. W. Webb, J. D. Maddox, Wm. Williams, James -Peterson, L. F. O’Bryant, I. Bostic, N. Bostic, Eufaula.</p> - -<p>Revs. W. R. Forbes, E. A. McCall, Columbus, Ga.</p> - -<p>Revs. Wm. Pattrick, E. P. Pattrick, Wm. Blakely, Clayton.</p> - -<p>Rev. J. Q. A. Wilhite, Selma.</p> - -<p>Revs. J. H. Upshaw, T. H. Mitchell, Hatchechubbee.</p> - -<p>Revs. A. A. Rivers, J. J. Young, Midway.</p> - -<p>The author has been unable to obtain the post office address -of the following names: Revs. S. Allen, R. H. Wright, -T. Thomas, C. H. Ammons, P. Shorter, J. Torbert, M. Davis, -P. Battle, G. W. Moore, L. B. Mitchell, R. Turpin, P. Johnson, -E. R. Joseph, E. Crawford. For several years Rev. L. P. Foster -has been the missionary for this body.</p> - -<p>Bro. Byrd Day, a pioneer in this part of the State, relates -the following interesting story: “As I could read in the days -of slavery, and as the people on the place wanted to know the -sayings of God, as they called the Bible, they bought me a -Bible and got me to read for them. We slaves were allowed -night farms in those days. An acre or so of land was given -to each person wanting to work at night. Well, in order that -I might study the Bible, the other slaves on the place worked -my patch for me. So I studied the book and read it to them.”</p> - -<p>The writer once spent a month in Eufaula giving Bible -instruction to ministers, and was paid by the “Ministers’ Association.”</p> - -<h3>FLINT RIVER ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1884, is a small body of less than 1,000 -members, and is the result of a secession from the Muscle -Shoals Association. Rev. F. A. Chapman is its principal -founder and perhaps is their strongest man.</p> - -<h4>MINISTERS.</h4> - -<p>Revs. F. A. Chapman, C. M. Davis, C. C. Matthews, Flint -Station; G. W. Garth, Crowton; R. Wilhoit, Cedar Plains; B. -M. Key, D. Ward, S. M. Robinson, Somerville; A. Brown, S. -Gains, A. R. Eason, Huntsville; C. Davis, Whitesburg; W. T. -Connor, Madison; E. Powell, Hillsboro.</p> - -<p>The writer has greatly enjoyed their quiet spirit and -earnest labors. However, he saw at their last session (1894) -a rather ludicrous point or gesture in the pulpit exercises. A -brother, who is known to be an upright man, as well as a very -earnest and industrious man, was making some remarks on -the closing sermon of the session, when, becoming very happy, -he made a leap upward, which caused his brethren to fear lest -there would be a bruise, either in the ceiling, or on top of the -minister’s head. I would have, if I could have done so with -propriety, urged the brother to remember that “bodily exercise -profits little, while godliness is profitable unto all things,” -and that “the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet,” -and “let all things be done decently and in order.” However, -I remember the day when most of the white preachers in -Alabama had in their sermons what some people are disposed -to call “the holy tone,” which was often accompanied by quite -a lot of physical exercise. This has become a thing of the past -with them in proposition, as they by culture, have been raised -to see that Christianity is Christly believing and Christly -living. By the same process, the same conditions will come -upon us. So, we will still labor and still wait.</p> - -<h3>FRIENDSHIP WESTERN UNION ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1891, is a small body operating in a section -lying south of Anniston and Oxford.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF THEIR CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Wedowee, Lineville, Rockdale, Graham, Beason’s Mill, -Heflin, Louina, Micaville, Lamar, Edwardsville, Truet, Gay.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Rev. A. M. Crawley, Iron City, moderator; and J. W. Goss, -Wedowee, clerk. Revs. S. A. Banks, L. Dotson, C. T. Early, -J. C. Byrd, J. D. Austin, J. R. Heard, D. Welsh, C. Sterling, C. -Terry, and J. Culbertson, are mentioned among the principal -pastors.</p> - -<h3>GOOD SAMARITAN ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized 1881, has some eighteen or twenty churches. -The copy of the minutes in the hand of the writer fails to -give the membership of the churches.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Farmersville, Gordonville, Selma, Bragg’s, Furman, Montery, -Haynesville.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. Wm. Moss, W. Baskin, H. J. Kelly, M. Lewis, E. -Crawford, J. H. Hartman.</p> - -<h3>HOPE HILL ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1886, reports a membership of about 1,500.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Van Dorn, Gallion, Demopolis, Old Spring Hill, Dayton.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. F. Gilbert, J. W. Belle, Wm. Allen, W. Reese, A. -Wilson, W. H. Rone, G. C. Roney, W. E. Sharp, A. Collins, -and G. V. Spenser.</p> - -<h3>LEBANON ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Operating in Pickens county, was organized in 1874, and -has a membership of about 2,000.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN AND THEIR POST OFFICES.</h4> - -<p>Revs. J. C. Archibald, Bridgeville; D. C. Salmon, Bridgeville; -R. Richey, Pickensville; J. Goodwin, Raleigh; J. T. -Atty, Memphis, Ala.; J. G. Johnson, Carrollton; J. Clark, -Ehren; James Howard, Pickensville. Brother Archibald is -liberally educated, teaches school, and is a progressive man on -all lines.</p> - -<h3>LILY STAR ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1885, contains only about 1,000 members.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Trio, Brierfield, Centerville, Harrisburgh, Scottsville, -Green Pond, Blocton, Vance.</p> - -<h4>PASTORS.</h4> - -<p>Revs. T. M. Parker, W. A. Parker, John Bolden, J. A. -Foster, S. Page, H. S. Thompson, G. W. Glenn, G. Calhoun.</p> - -<h3>MOBILE SUNLIGHT ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1887, operates chiefly in Mobile, Baldwin -and Washington counties. The St. Louis Street Church, -Mobile, constituted in 1859, is the principal church in this -body. They have churches at the following points: Whistler, -Chastang, Calvert’s Station, Scranton, Miss., Gondola, Four -Mile Post, Moffitsville, Citronelle, Mount Vernon, Chunchula, -Cleveland, Cottage Hill, Kushla, Vancleve.</p> - -<h4>MINISTERS.</h4> - -<p>Revs. J. L. Frazier, C. C. Richardson, T. H. Morgan, G. W. -Cephas, H. Sims, G. Lewis, A. J. Bolton, E. M. Matthews, S. -A. Johnson, M. J. Thompson, T. Benson, C. L. Roberts, C. -Reed, W. S. Forbes.</p> - -<h3>MOUNT PLEASANT ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Marengo county, was organized in 1878. They number -about 2,500 members.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES.</h4> - -<p>Gallion, Linden, Faunsdale, Dayton, Magnolia, Van Dorn, -Demopolis, Uniontown, Providence, Spring Hill.</p> - -<h4>MINISTERS.</h4> - -<p>Revs. J. Lawson, H. Shade, James Emmerson, J. Shaw, -N. P. Anderson, B. Glover, D. S. Thompson, M. D. Agee, -James Brock.</p> - -<h3>MORNING STAR ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1874, is operating in Coosa and Elmore -counties. Their membership is about 2,000. They have been -rather separated from the general work, but perhaps it is -owing to the fact that their location has made it rather difficult -for those who have represented the enterprises of the -denomination to reach them.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. L. W. Whitaker, Rockford; M. C. Crosby, A. L. -Swindall, A. M. Snowdon, A. Jones, J. A. Baker, E. D. Howell, -L. W. McNeely, R. T. Lewis, J. H. Smith.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES.</h4> - -<p>Lockford, Irma, Central Institute, Dexter, Syke’s Mill, -Pentonville, Equality, Lauderdale, Nixburgh, Weoka, Crewsville, -Goodwater.</p> - -<h3>MOUNT PILGRIM ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1874 by Revs. W. H. McAlpine, J. R. Capers, -and William Ware, with other leading men; occupies the chief -mining regions of Alabama. Their last minutes give the following -churches and ministers:</p> - -<h4>CHURCHES.</h4> - -<ul> -<li><i>Birmingham</i>—Sixteenth Street, Shiloh, Sixth Avenue,</li> -<li>Hopewell, Sardis, First Baptist, North Birmingham, Mt. Olive,</li> -<li>Mt. Pilgrim, Healing Springs, Spring Street, St. James, Bethlehem,</li> -<li>Bethel, Vernon.</li> - -<li><i>Bessemer</i>—Jerusalem, Canaan, Red Mountain. -</li> -<li><i>Pratt City</i>—Mt. Hebron, Pleasant Hill, Rising Star, St. James.</li> -<li><i>Coalburg</i>—Coal Chapel.</li> -<li><i>Patton</i>—Mt. Nebo.</li> -<li><i>East Lake</i>—Mt. Zion, St. Peter.</li> -<li><i>Helena</i>—Mt. Moriah.</li> -<li><i>Dolomite</i>—St. John.</li> -<li><i>Avondale</i>—Mt. Calvary.</li> -<li><i>Blossburg</i>—Mt. Hebron.</li> -<li><i>Woodlawn</i>—Jackson Street.</li> -<li><i>Warrior</i>—New Bethel.</li> -<li><i>Rosedale</i>—Walnut Street.</li> -<li><i>Trussville</i>—Mt. Joy.</li> -<li><i>Compton</i>—Mt. Olive.</li> -<li><i>Oxmoor</i>—Shady Grove.</li> -</ul> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_075" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_075.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. J. P. Barton, Pastor Peace Baptist Church, Talladega, Ala.<br /> - President Baptist State Convention. - </div> -</div> - -<h4>MINISTERS.</h4> - -<p>Revs. T. W. Walker, T. L. Jordan, G. W. Parks, William -Ware, G. S. Smith, W. A. Shirley, A. J. Fikes, R. Donald, P. -C. Caddell, W. T. Bibb, J. A. Peele, S. D. Sanders, William -Walker, E. E. Perryman, R. H. Vogle, M. C. Adams, J. P. -O’Riley, A. A. Scott, L. V. Ellison, J. E. A. Wilson, V. Huntington, -F. M. Miller, B. P. Palmo, H. Neally, F. C. Chandler, -S. M. Hall, H. Zimmerman, S. L. Belser, W. E. Craddock, J. B. -Gardner, S. A. Latham, Van B. James, P. Woollen, L. J. Green, -R. Johnson, L. W. Wells, J. M. Anthony, L. C. Jones.</p> - -<p>As educators, they have Messrs. T. H. Posey, J. C. Barker, -F. P. McAlpine, and A. J. Edwards.</p> - -<p>Rev. L. D. James is missionary of their district. Their -membership is about 6,000, and their church property is worth -not less than $50,000.</p> - -<h4>BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>The oldest church in the city is the Spring Street Church, -Rev. L. J. Green’s church, but the Sixteenth Street, Sixth -Avenue, and Shiloh Churches are the most influential -churches. The Sixteenth Street Church was organized in -1873, it appears, and her pastors appear in the following order: -Revs. J. Readon, W. Reed, A. C. Jackson, W. R. Pettiford, and -T. L. Jordan. In a property point of view they owe much to -Rev. A. C. Jackson, under whom they obtained the present -church lot, three other lots, and a small frame building, say -about $5,000. This $4,000 or $5,000 went toward the erection -of their brick edifice, erected under the pastorate of Rev. W. -R. Pettiford. They owe about $3,000 on their building, the -payment of which has been much hindered by the scarcity of -money. In all the most progressive plans of gospel work in -this section, this church has led the way; and their advance -on these lines is chiefly due to the presence of Dr. Pettiford -and the missionary ladies. The Sixth Avenue Church is the -next to appear. Its pastors have been: Revs. Silas Jones, T. -W. Walker, J. W. White. They have recently offered the -pastoral charge to Rev. J. Q. A. Wilhite, who is expected to -assume management this month (May, 1895). They are in -debt also.</p> - -<p>The church that is the marvel of the city is the Shiloh, -under Rev. T. W. Walker. This church was organized May 3, -1891, as the result of preaching service supported by a society -known as the “Christian Relief Association.” They now -have the smallest debt, the largest house and the largest congregation -in the city. Often when 1,200 or 1,500 people are -in the house, a good part of the street is full of persons who -are anxious to approach near enough to hear. Of course the -pastor is the source and center of this successful church, but -he has been fortunate in drawing about him some very business-like -as well as very agreeable people. The following -anniversary program, etc., will give an idea of the church’s -operations and system. (This program, with facts like it, is -given for its suggestiveness):</p> - -<div> -<p class="alignleft smcap">May 3, 1891</p> -<p class="alignright smcap">May 3, 1895</p> -</div> -<div style="clear: both;"></div> - -<h3>FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF SHILOH BAPTIST -CHURCH, OF BIRMINGHAM, ALA.</h3> - -<p>The anniversary of the above named church will be held -on Friday, the above date, at the church on Avenue G, between -Eighteenth and Nineteenth streets.</p> - -<p>All churches in the city and vicinity are cordially invited -to be present and take a part in the exercises, as those present -will have the privilege to speak on the subjects after they -have been submitted to the assembly. The following will be -the programme for the day.</p> - -<p>9:30 to 10 A. M.—Opening.</p> - -<p>Devotional exercises and responsive Scripture reading.—Psalm -24.</p> - -<p>10 to 10:30—“The Work of the School,” by Mrs. Laura -Emmons. Discussed by Rev. J. A. Peel, of North Birmingham.</p> - -<p>10:30 to 11—“The Work of the B. Y. P. U.,” by Miss -Georgia Battles. Discussed by Rev. J. E. A. Wilson, of Pratt -City.</p> - -<p>11 to 11:30—“The Work of the Missionary,” by Miss A. -L. Bowman. Discussed by Rev. V. B. James, of Avondale.</p> - -<p>11:30 to 12—“Children’s Mission Band Society,” by Miss -Sallie Bates. Discussed by Rev. L. V. Ellison.</p> - -<p>12 to 1 P. M.—“The History of the Church,” by J. M. Ross. -Discussed by Rev. T. W. Walker.</p> - -<p>Adjourn to reassemble at 3 P. M.</p> - -<p>3 to 3:15—Devotional exercises by Rev. William Winters.</p> - -<p>3:15 to 3:45—“Christian Relief Society,” by J. W. -Sampson. Discussed by Rev. G. W. Parks.</p> - -<p>3:45 to 4:30—Sermon on “The Progress of the Baptists,” -by Rev. W. E. Perryman, of Pratt City.</p> - -<h4>COLLECTION.</h4> - -<p>4:30 to 5—“Church Unity,” by Rev. L. J. Green. Discussed -by Rev. T. L. Jordan.</p> - -<p>5 to 5:45—“The Church in the Present Struggle,” by -Rev. S. L. Belser. Discussed by Syl. D. Jones.</p> - -<p>Adjourn to reassemble at 7:30.</p> - -<p>7:30 to 8—Devotional exercises by Rev. C. H. Hopkins.</p> - -<p>8—Anniversary sermon by Rev. J. Q. A. Wilhite.</p> - -<h4>COLLECTION.</h4> - -<p>All are requested to bring their Bibles, as they will be -needed.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">J. W. Sampson</span>,<br /> -<span class="smcap">J. M. Ross</span>,<br /> -Committee. -</p> -<p><span class="smcap"> -Rev. T. W. Walker</span>, Pastor. -</p> - -<p>The above exercises took place on Friday, and the author -of this book was present to gather evidence of progress.</p> - -<p>Closing the chapter on the Mount Pilgrim Association, I -submit the following programs in order to give further light -on the general operations in their field.</p> - -<h3>MT. PILGRIM WOMEN’S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<h4>Topics.</h4> - -<table summary="Topics"> -<tr> - <td>1894. </td> - <td>November—Women of the Bible.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>December—The Mother’s pledge.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>1895.</td> - <td>January—Our State work.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>February—How to make happy homes.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>March—Our duty to our country.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>April—Ways of elevating of our race.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>May—Our duty to the heathen.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>June—What should we teach our children.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td class="hanging2">July—Qualifications needed for Christian usefulness.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>August—Economy.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>September—Fireside schools.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td>October—Review of the year’s studies.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>The above gives the topics of the local monthly meetings.</p> - -<h3>WOMEN’S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p class="center"> -<span class="smcap">Jackson Street Baptist Church, Woodlawn, May 3, 1895.</span> -</p> - -<h4>PROGRAM.</h4> - -<table summary="Program"> -<tr> - <td class="right">9:00 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—Praise service.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">9:30 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—President’s address.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">9:45 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—Hinderances to Christian usefulness.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">10:15 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—Best methods for governing children.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right top">10:45 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td class="hanging2">—Has each Christian a responsibility in bringing the world to Christ?</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">11:15 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—Reports of local societies.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">2:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Praise service.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">2:15 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—The true women.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">2:45 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Africa’s need.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">3:30 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—The model missionary society.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">4:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Business.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>In this meeting the following names appear: Mesdames -P. F. Clark, Sallie Hall, R. Callier, A. McKesson, L. Tyrus, E. -C. Bellmy, L. Dean, S. Ceephas, A. L. Billheimer, S. A. Donald, -M. J. Walker, with the names of the missionaries, Misses -Knapp and Boorman.</p> - -<h3>FIFTH GENERAL MEETING OF THE BAPTIST YOUNG -PEOPLE’S UNION OF MT. PILGRIM ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p class="center">December 7, 1894.</p> - -<table summary="Schedule"> -<tr> - <td class="right">10:00 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—Praise service.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">10:15 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—President’s address.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">10:30 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—What is necessary to Christian growth?</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right top">11:00 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td class="hanging2">—How to make a success of B. Y. P. U. in country churches.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">11:30 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></td> - <td>—The importance of good reading matter.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">12:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Literature.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">2:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—A model meeting.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right top">2:30 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Address: The work of the B. Y. P. U. in evangelizing the world.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">3:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Best methods for promoting temperance.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">3:30 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Report of local Unions.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">4:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Business.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">7:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Praise and conference and collection.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="right">8:00 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span></td> - <td>—Echoes from the Toronto Convention.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>These topics, etc., show the lines of thought upon which -the mind is working. How different things are now from -what they were in 1835, when Job Davis, the African preacher, -toiled by the side of his fellow slaves all day and dreamed at -night of his far off home over the great sea! Now in the -valley where his famous camp-meeting sermon melted the -heart of the white people into a condition of submission to -Jesus and into hope of the coming world—where the black -man knew only spade, plow and hoe—we have the Negro M. -D., Negro druggist, Negro dentist, Negro banker, Negro author, -Negro merchant, Negroes worshiping in brick churches, Negro -scientists, and white people using Negro inventions. Here are -Banker B. H. Hudson, Druggist I. B. Kigh, Drs. Goin, Brown, -and U. G. Mason, Inventor Andrew Beard, with orators and -educators many. “What shall the harvest be?”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_082" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_082.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Miss Hardie Martin, Teacher in Public School, Montgomery, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<h3>THE MULBERRY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1882, is composed of only a few churches, -chief among which we may mention: New Zion, Mt. Pleasant -and Spring Hill, Elba post office; Mt. Calvary, Damascus and -Antioch, Rose Hill post office; Friendship and Pleasant Ridge, -Henderson post office; Mt. Olive and St. John, Luverne post -office. They have between 1,200 and 1,500 members.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. G. Stringer, M. H. Henderson, G. B. Gibson, C. P. -Larkin, D. F. White and J. S. Lee.</p> - -<h3>MUD CREEK ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1873, is a small body of very poor churches, -located in Jackson county. There were a few rich slaveholders -in said county, among whom was the Rev. Charles -Roach, Sr. On his plantation there were three preachers, one -Methodist and two Baptist. The Baptist preachers were -Thomas and Perkins. Like many other ex-slaves, they -retained the name of their master, and became known as Revs. -Thomas and Perkins Roach. Rev. Robert Caver, at an early -date after the close of the war, came into the county a Baptist -preacher. These men became the organizers of the work in -this county. The county is no longer so full of colored people -as once it was, and hence the churches are very small and -can’t support their pastors. Revs. James Larkin, Lewis Roach, -T. J. Roach, Lewis Henshaw, F. Cobb, C. L. Lovelady, J. -W. Robinson are doing what they can to keep up the work -but they labor under great difficulties. It is the purpose of -some to attempt to establish a school at Hollywood. If this -project should mature there is a prophecy of better conditions -in time to come.</p> - -<h3>MUSCLE SHOALS ASSOCIATION</h3> - -<p>Is among the largest and oldest Associations in the State, -having been organized in 1869 by Revs. Henry Bynum, Wm. -Coleman and W. E. Northcross, aided by Dr. Joseph Shackelford -(white), of Trinity. I was with them as they met in the -session of 1893 in the Courtland Church. In 1827, a Mr. D. -P. Bestor, a white minister, preached in this section and began -the work of organizing among the whites. I was told that -the white church, constituted in Courtland in 1827, had long -passed away and that of their building “one stone was not -left upon another.” Only the vacant church lot remained to -tell of what had been. The white people were gone we knew -not how nor whither, but that the gospel which they had -preached was blooming like a green bay tree in the hearts of -their ex-slaves, this large Association was tangible evidence. -The Rev. John Belle reminded his brethren that the time had -been when he was the only man in the body who could write -and when committees went out to consult and agree, and then -returned to submit verbal reports, which he as clerk was expected -to formulate. He compared this state of things with -the present condition, wherein the <i>writer</i> was the <i>rule</i> and the -<i>non</i>-writer the <i>exception</i>.</p> - -<p>This body is noted for church building. The people in -Huntsville and Sheffield owe their buildings to the plan and -liberality of this Association. The Rev. Paul Jones, for many -years their moderator, was full of missionary zeal and wise -plans, and pushed things in all directions. His death caused -them a great loss.</p> - -<p>Their minutes give the following churches and pastors: Tuscumbia -church, Rev. W. E. Northcross; Courtland and Sheffield, -Rev. G. B. Johnson, of Courtland; Red Bank and Iuka, Rev. -John Belle, of Courtland; Pleasant Grove, Mt. Zion and Little -Zion, Rev. E. M. James, of Courtland; Russellville and Florence -churches, Rev. E. C. White, of Tuscumbia; Mount Olive, -Rev. L. Warren, of Leighton; Palmetto, Rev. M. Jones, of -Russellville; Galilee and Mount Pleasant, Rev. B. King, of -Leighton; Town Creek and Moulton, Rev. A. J. Owens, of -Moulton; Mount Moriah, Rev. H. R. Baker, of Tuscumbia; -Macedonia, Rev. A. Troupe, of Town Creek; Elm Grove, Rev. -William Weaver, of Oakland; Mount New Home, Rev. William -Morris, of Leighton; Huntsville Church, Rev. O. Gray, -of Huntsville; Cave Springs, Zion and Bethel, Rev. James -Hampton, of Leighton; Zion No. 2., Rev. J. H. Betts, of Florence; -Cater’s Branch, Rev. A. Davis; St. Peter’s, Rev. H. L. -Ellis, of Flint; Jerusalem and Salem, Rev. D. Jackson, of -Tuscumbia; Mt. Olive, Rev. G. S. Ricks, of Leighton; Decatur -Church, Rev. M. J. Hooks; Hillsboro, Rev. B. Swoope; Baptist -Chapel, Rev. James Young, of Florence; St. Paul and -Hopewell, Rev. S. Wadkins, Tuscumbia.</p> - -<p>They report church property worth about $25,000. Their -principal work has been in the way of starting missions and -building churches. They have 6,000 members, and an excellent -territory, but they greatly need a school. Professors H. -H. Stewart, of Courtland, and J. P. Gettis, of Decatur, and -Dr. Sterrs, of the same place, are the most advanced men of -their fellowship. Dr. Sterrs is a successful young physician -as well as preacher.</p> - -<h3>NEW PINE GROVE ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1878 and is a secession from the old Pine -Grove. They have, perhaps, about 2,000 members in the following -churches: At Troy—Pine Grove, Holly Springs, -High Ridge, Mt. Olive; Union Springs—Sardis, Low’s Field, -Lime Creek; Brundidge—Post Oak, New Hope, Mt. Pilgrim.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Rev. A. Martin, Union Springs; Wm. Mullen and M. -Flournoy, Troy; W. H. Copeland and E. Mayer, Brundidge.</p> - -<h3>NEW CAHABA ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1871, has about 2,000 members, and are -generous supporters of missionary and educational enterprises. -Their work is managed by such men as Revs. P. S. -L. Hutchins, B. N. Tubbs, R. E. Brown, L. Abercrombie, T. -Chandler and A. L. Huggins.</p> - -<p>They have churches at or near Marion, Hamburg and -Selma. The copy of their minutes which came to the writer’s -hand is not sufficiently full to make a good record, as is the -case with regard to other minutes in hand.</p> - -<h3>OLD PINE GROVE ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>With headquarters at Union Springs, Bullock county, was -organized in 1870. No section of Alabama affords better talent -than is found within the territory of this Association. The -people of Union Springs are noted for their ability and skill -in business affairs—merchandise, etc.</p> - -<p>The brick church edifice recently erected by Rev. W. C. -Bradford and his church in Union Springs, as well as the -large and successfully operated stores, is testimony on this -line.</p> - -<p>The officers of this body are: Rev. E. Thornton, Union -Springs, moderator; Prof. F. L. Todd, Union Springs, clerk; -Rev. W. C. Crawford, treasurer.</p> - -<p>They have about 2,000 members, and the following -churches:</p> - -<ul><li><i>Aberfoil</i>—Elizabeth.</li> - -<li> -<i>Union Springs</i>—First Baptist, Mt. Pleasant, St. John, and Mt. Hilliard.</li> -<li><i>Cotton Valley</i>—Elizabeth.</li> -<li><i>Thompson Station</i>—Mt. Pleasant and Second Baptist.</li> -<li><i>Fitzpatrick Station</i>—Greenwood.</li> -<li><i>McLemore</i>—Mt. Common.</li> -<li><i>Bug Hall</i>—Bethlehem and Mt. Carmel.</li> -<li><i>Indian Creek</i>—Mt. Calvary.</li> -<li><i>Goshen Hill</i>—Mt. Zion.</li> -<li><i>China Grove</i>—Mt. Zion.</li> -<li><i>Linwood</i>—Mt. Pleasant.</li> -<li><i>Flora</i>—Mt. Sinai.</li> -<li><i>Suspension</i>—Mt. Canaan.</li> -<li><i>Orion</i>—Bethlehem.</li> -</ul> - -<p>They have the following pastors:</p> - -<ul> -<li><i>Union Springs</i>—Revs. W. C. Bradford, E. Thornton, L. Lawson, and E. Moore.</li> -<li><i>Aberfoil</i>—Revs. C. H. Thornton and J. C. Jett.</li> -<li><i>Flora</i>—Rev. R. Allen.</li> -<li><i>Fitzpatrick</i>—Rev. William Thompkins.</li> -<li><i>Cotton Valley</i>—Revs. M. Ellington and W. Crawford.</li> -</ul> - -<p>For general purposes the Association raises from $50 to -$100 a year.</p> - -<p><i>Post Offices Unknown</i>—Revs. T. Hendrix, G. Youngblood, -P. Johnson, S. M. Dawson, J. M. Faison, R. Jole, S. Barnes.</p> - -<p>Rev. J. W. Jett, a man of Virginia birth, is the oldest -member of the body; he was associated with those pioneers -of this section, Revs. Peter Johnson and William Townsend. -Mr. Jett is still strong and active, and is ready for any good -work. Rev. E. Thornton leads this body, and it could not be -otherwise, as no man among them is a mightier and more conspicuous -individuality.</p> - -<h3>PEROTE ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1880, is not so well known as some other -bodies. From the minutes of 1888 I glean the following: -They have a church at Perote, one at Mt. Andrew, one at -Fresco, two at Victoria, one at Midway, and one at Pine -Grove. Their membership at this time was small, and the -names of some of their chief men appear as follows: Rev. -J. H. Burks, W. B. Grubbs, C. G. Wheeler, R. Allen, and R. Dix.</p> - -<h3>PIKE COUNTY ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1887, rose, it seems, in Pike County.</p> - -<h4>PASTORS.</h4> - -<p>Revs. J. S. Adair, T. Diggs, G. Whaley, W. S. Pollard, H. -Broxton, M. Stinson, W. F. Williams, J. O. Davis, and others.</p> - -<h4>CHURCHES.</h4> - -<ul> -<li><i>Troy Post Office</i>—Troy Church.</li> -<li><i>Clayton</i>—Mt. Moriah.</li> -<li><i>Burk’s</i>—Antioch.</li> -<li><i>Buck Horn</i>—Mt. Olive.</li> -<li><i>Elba</i>—Friendship and Harmony.</li> -<li><i>Linwood</i>—Benevolent.</li> -<li>They endorse educational enterprises.</li> -</ul> - -<h3>RUSHING SPRINGS ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1870. Revs. Henry Woods, W. H. McAlpine, -and Isham Robinson were the chief founders of this body. -Talladega county is their main territory, though they have -churches in Coosa, St. Clair and Calhoun counties.</p> - -<p>Rev. E. C. Rivers has been for years their efficient moderator, -and Rev. A. A. Battle is clerk. They report their churches -and ministers as follows:</p> - -<ul> -<li><i>Jenifer Post Office</i>—Shady Grove and Shiloh.</li> -<li><i>Renfroe</i>—New Salem, Antioch and Bethel.</li> -<li><i>Talladega</i>—Pleasant Grove, Mt. Pilgrim, Mt. Cleveland, Rocky Mount, Sycamore, Mt. Canaan, Mt. Moriah, Mt. Zion.</li> -<li><i>Eureka</i>—Pleasant Hill, Rushing Springs.</li> -<li><i>Kilnulga</i>—Mt. Carmel.</li> -<li><i>Goodwater</i>—Marietta.</li> -<li><i>Kelley’s Creek</i>—Mt. Zion.</li> -<li><i>Sylacauga</i>—Harper Springs, New Hope, Rising Star.</li> -<li><i>Silver Run</i>—Sweet Home.</li> -<li><i>Cropwell</i>—Cropwell.</li> -<li><i>Regan</i>—Macedonia.</li> -<li><i>Sycamore</i>—Mt. Olive, Pleasant Hill, Salem.</li> -<li><i>Sedan</i>—Blooming Light.</li> -<li><i>Birney’s</i>—African Church.</li> -<li><i>Lincoln</i>—Pine Grove.</li> -<li><i>Mt. Olive</i>—New Shiloh.</li> -<li><i>Alpine</i>—New Maryland, Kingston.</li> -<li><i>Rendalia</i>—Zion Hill.</li> -<li><i>Oxford</i>—Rocky Mount.</li> -<li><i>Eastaboga</i>—Salem.</li> -<li><i>Anniston</i>—Mt. Zion.</li> -<li><i>Ironaton</i>—Ironaton.</li> -<li><i>Stewardsville</i>—Union.</li> -<li><i>Miles</i>—Lebanon.</li> -</ul> - -<h4>MINISTERS.</h4> - -<p>D. Savage, of Mumford; A. Z. Wilson, N. Jemison, B. -Jackson, A. Bibb, S. Rivers, P. Jordan, C. C. Curry, R. Garrett, -A. J. Vincent, A. O’Neal, A. G. Walker, James Headen, M. H. -Cunningham, H. Wood, J. Chapman, A. A. Battle, S. Burt, R. -B. McClellen, J. L. Looney, A. Bryant, A. Davis, S. Marbry, J. -P. Barton, M. C. B. Oden.</p> - -<p>This body is led chiefly by men who have attended Talladega -College, some of whom are not only graduates and -scholars, but are strong preachers of the plain old gospel story.</p> - -<p>They number about 6,500 members. Talladega and Anniston -are their chief points. Talladega is the “Old Indian -battle ground,” and here the white Baptists formed a church -in 1835. Sister Cain, a member of the Mount Canaan Church, -Talladega, said to the writer: “There was no town here when -I came. The Indians lived here and it was all nothing but -wild woods.” As she was talking, the Talladega College bell -loudly rang out some orders or notice upon the ears of Negro -students. I mused: “How the world changes! About the -years 1820-1830, negro slavery is established in Talladega -county. In 1835 a white church rises up and, unknowingly, -begins to prepare to give birth to a Negro church, which will -give birth to a Negro Association. In 1865 the slave is free, -and in 1870 the white church constitutes the Mt. Canaan -Church (colored), out of which comes the Rushing Springs -Association. And Negro men and Negro women are carrying -diplomas from buildings erected by white Baptists for the -education of white people. All this in less than fifty years.”</p> - -<h3>THE AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH.</h3> - -<p>In Talladega county, has a rather peculiar history. The -lot was donated in 1849, it appears, by a Mr. William Jenkins, -a wealthy slave owner, who lived about eight miles south of -the town of Talladega. It is said that in addition to the gift -of land and building, he paid a man to teach the catechism to -the colored children, and paid annually $150 toward the salary -of a minister for the colored people who worshiped with this -church. Samuel Jenkins, a slave from South Carolina, was -one of their first deacons.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_091" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_091.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. W. R. Pettiford, D. D., President Penny Savings and Loan Co., President -Alabama Publishing Co., Birmingham, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><i>Pastors.</i>—It appears that the following brethren served -the church at different times in the capacity of pastor: Revs. -D. Reynolds, S. Boils, D. Peeples, W. H. McAlpine, Phil. Davis, -A. Lawler, and Jordan Chapman.</p> - -<p>The origin of this church is full of suggestion. It shows -that in spite of the brutalizing influences of the horrible institution -of slavery, humanity and Christianity in the master -often triumphed in deeds of love and mercy in behalf of the -helpless slave. The memory of such men as Mr. Jenkins inscribed -upon such times will be fragrant forever. The plantation -to which the above named lot belonged has changed hands -several times, but this lot is fixed on the records as the property -of the African Church.</p> - -<p>Honorable mention is made of Rev. Chesley Johnson and -Joe Walker. The latter, it is said, was allowed to give Bible -lessons on his master’s plantation. The manliness which -characterizes Mr. Henry Barclay (Mr. Walker’s son) and other -descendants, marks Mr. Walker’s rare talent.</p> - -<h3>SANDY RIDGE ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1887, is composed of the following churches:</p> - -<ul><li><i>Burnesville Post Office</i>—Lily Zion and Lily Grove.</li> -<li><i>Selma</i>—St. James, New Liberty, Cahaba, and Elyton.</li> -<li><i>Vine Hill</i>—Pleasant Grove and Mt. Pilgrim.</li> -<li><i>Stateville</i>—New Mt. Moriah, Autaugaville, New Hope, Pleasant Valley, and St. Paul.</li> -<li><i>Jones’ Switch</i>—New Providence.</li> -<li><i>Augustine</i>—Oak Grove.</li> -</ul> - -<p>Revs. A. Clay, J. and E. Mixom, M. Bishop, H. W. Peeples, -and E. W. Deampart are mentioned among their leading men. -Their church property is reported at $8,000.</p> - -<h3>SALEM ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1871, is a small body in southeast Alabama. -I have been unable to obtain data from this body. I learn -that they have churches at the following points: Brundidge, -Clintonville, Enterprise, and Cox Mills.</p> - -<h3>SHELBY SPRINGS ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Was organized in 1869. Rev. Berry Ware, it seems, was -one of its leading founders. They have a membership of about -3,000. They have some excellent men, among whom may be -mentioned: Revs. B. M. Mallory, F. Youngblood, H. D. -Leathers, of Childersburg; Rev. D. L. Prentice, Aldrich; Rev. -J. P. Barton, Talladega; Rev. E. E. Perryman, Helena; Revs. -G. R. Nash, F. R. Kenedy, B. F. Singleton, and P. Caddell, -Columbiana; Rev. F. Cahill, Harpersville; Revs. J. L. Looney -and P. Fancher, Fayetteville; Revs. W. C. Owens and J. H. -Moseley, Calera.</p> - -<p>The minutes of 1890 give the following post offices and -churches:</p> - -<ul> -<li><i>Childersburg</i>—Enon.</li> -<li><i>Kymulga</i>—Mt. Olive.</li> -<li><i>Aldrich</i>—Hepzibah.</li> -<li><i>Blocton</i>—Liberty.</li> -<li><i>Talladega</i>—Peace Baptist.</li> -<li><i>Wilsonville</i>—Bethlehem, Scott Grove, Mt. Grove, and Dry Branch.</li> -<li><i>Harpersville</i>—Mt. Olive.</li> -<li><i>Helena</i>—Mt. Pleasant.</li> -<li><i>Fayetteville</i>—Shady Grove, Friendship.</li> -<li><i>Columbiana</i>—Zion, Friendship, and Macedonia.</li> -<li><i>Mt. Pinson</i>—Mt. Bradford.</li> -<li><i>Siluria</i>—Union Hill, Liberty No. 1.</li> -<li><i>Shelby</i>—Providence.</li> -<li><i>Long View</i>—Galilee.</li> -<li><i>Calera</i>—Moseley Chapel, New Mt. Moriah, Bethel.</li> -</ul> - -<p>Rev. D. L. Prentice, Aldrich, is doing a very effective -work in the school room, and the people of his town bear the -marks of his pedagogic labors. Their meetings, I mean associational -meetings, are enjoyable and they give evidence of -piety, promise and power.</p> - -<p>This body liberally aided in the purchase of Selma University, -and has ever been ready for any and every good work.</p> - -<h3>SOUTHEAST ALABAMA ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>This Association operates in the extreme southeast portion -of the State. I have not been able to secure a full statistical -table from them.</p> - -<p>They report thirty churches, with a membership of about -2,000. From a mutilated copy of their minutes for 1892 the -following names are given as the ordained ministers of the -body: J. Craddock, G. Christinar, J. Stith, Thomas Slaughter, -M. Spencer, E. P. Langston, J. Cotton, E. Alford, T. Rollins, -A. L. Koonce, J. C. Green, Wm. Carter, A. Powell, J. Foston, -J. Sampson, James Humphrey, G. R. Hall, R. C. Liferedge, -and A. Turner.</p> - -<p>Part of the statistical table is torn away, but the following -appears as the list of their post offices: Cowarts, Otho, -Crosby, Balkum, Headland, Gordon, Shorterville, Halesburg, -Zornville, Hardwicksburg, Brackins, Choctawhatchie, Columbia, -Lawrenceville, Abbeville, Fort Gaines, Cottonwood, Dothan, -Hilliardsville, Ashford. I give this list because to know the -post offices of the churches is better than to know nothing at -all. They are all right on temperance, and they say they will -license no man to preach who cannot read the New Testament.</p> - -<h3>SNOW CREEK ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Is chiefly located in Calhoun and Etowah counties. At -present their officers are as follows:</p> - -<ul><li>Rev. H. W. Whatley, White Plains, moderator.</li> -<li>Rev. William Munds, Anniston, assistant moderator.</li> -<li>Prof. Lydden Green, Oxford, clerk.</li> -</ul> - -<p>This body was organized in 1869 by Rev. Burrell Snow -(whose name it bears) and a few others, aided by the late -Rev. Mr. Jinkins, a white Baptist minister, whose heart and -hand seemed ever ready to help on every good work among -the colored people.</p> - -<p>Rev. H. J. Hoke, the efficient missionary of Arkansas, -went out from this association. They have something above -2,000 members belonging to the following churches:</p> - -<p>Ohatchee, Ohatchee; New Mount Gilead, Markston; New -Prospect, Choccolocco; Oconee, New Hope, Oxford; Spring -Hill, Bynum; Bates Springs, Cane Creek, Greensport; Mount -Olive, Oxanna; Mount Zion, Coat’s Bend; Galilee, Friendship, -Anniston; Bethany, Iron City; New Mount Silla, Peaceburg; -Shiloh, Dukes; Zion Hill, White Plains; Antioch, Friendship, -Gadsden; New Hope, First Colored, Jacksonville; New Hope, -Rock Run; Pleasant Gap, Stock’s Mills; Pine Grove, Knotville; -Bethel, Alexandria; Mount Sinai, Weaver’s Station; -Patona, Piedmont; St. Jacob, Tecumseh, and beautiful Borden -Springs.</p> - -<p>The following are the pastors: Revs. H. Middleton, J. J. -Johnson, B. Jackson, H. Green, Thomas Ivory, A. F. Alexander, -T. L. Douglass, S. Walker, J. S. Simmons, Gadsden; H. -W. Whatley, White Plains; William Munds, N. P. Pullum, -Anniston; C. Pyles, Oxford; G. W. Brewton, Alexandria; -James Denson, Talladega.</p> - -<p>These brethren are all O. K. on the leading issues of the -day. Brother Whatley is, in many regards, a very strong -man, hospitable as a host, and genial as a companion, a good -citizen and successful business man.</p> - -<h3>SOUTHEAST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Confined chiefly to Crenshaw county; was organized in -1879. The writer has attended one of their sessions held east -of Greenville, a few miles from Luverne.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. James Barrett, Bolling; E. Dunklin, J. H. Henderson, -Greenville; M. C. Lowery, E. D. Wallace, Bolling; S. M. -Ransom, Oak Streak; S. M. Lowery, Salsoda; Bro. Walter -Williams, Glascow and Bro. Henry McLain, Oaky Streak.</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Luverne, Greenville, Glascow, Oaky Streak, Salsoda, Rutledge, -Pontus, Shell, Bradleyton, Pigeon Creek. They hope -to begin a high school, for which purpose they have raised -about $300. It is to be hoped that they will secure their -money against loss. Far too many times money has been -raised for church and school purposes and put into the hands -of men who lost it (?) or loaned it out. Such loose management -of funds destroys the confidence of the people and injures -the cause of Christ. I regret to say that they, at the -session referred to, did not unanimously endorse the temperance -movement of the day, though there was a strong sentiment -in the right direction. They number about 2,000 members. -I was impressed with the natural power of some of -their leaders. In their number I saw some rising young men, -who I think will attain to knowledge of books.</p> - -<h3>SPRING HILL ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Operating south of Montgomery, was organized in 1874 -by Brethren W. W. Lane, Lewis Witherspoon, George Jones, -D. Carter, O. Blue, and others.</p> - -<h4>CHURCHES IN 1891.</h4> - -<ul> -<li><i>Pine Level Post Office</i>—Spring Hill.</li> -<li><i>Woodley</i>—White Cloud.</li> -<li><i>Center Point</i>—Mt. Pleasant and Macedonia.</li> -<li><i>Helicon</i>—Mt. Gilead and Ramer.</li> -<li><i>LeGrand</i>—Little Roxanna.</li> -<li><i>Snowdown</i>—Snowdown Valley.</li> -<li><i>Meadville</i>—Pilgrim, Hickory Chapel, Galilee.</li> -<li><i>Pine Level</i>—Warrior Hill, Bethlehem, and Elizabeth.</li> -<li><i>Shellhorn</i>—Israel.</li> -<li><i>Montgomery</i>—Columbus Street Church, Baptist Lily.</li> -<li><i>Fitzpatrick</i>—Philadelphia, Mount Moriah.</li> -<li><i>Woodley</i>—Jerusalem.</li> -<li><i>Chambers</i>—Calvary.</li> -</ul> - -<h4>MINISTERS.</h4> - -<p>Revs. S. Adams, T. Ervin, A. Garner, R. Borden, M. Jackson, -F. Nichols, William Rollins, William Day, O. Blue, J. -Mitchell, W. Mullens, D. S. Adams, I. Davis, John Smith, and -E. M. Burkett.</p> - -<p>Dr. A. J. Stokes, of Montgomery, has for several years -been their moderator. In the session of 1891 they rejected the -temperance report; but this year (1893) they vote by a large -majority in favor of it. A few, however, claim that they -“have a right” to use alcohol if they desire to do so. They -have a membership of 5,000 or 6,000. A Rev. Mr. Pollard has -been in their employ as missionary, so the writer is informed.</p> - -<h3>STAR OF HOPE ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1877 and operating chiefly in Wilcox county, -presents the following roll of churches:</p> - -<p>Antioch, Magnolia, New Hope No. 2, New Hope No. 4, -Ruk West, Emanuel Street, and Union Baptist, Camden Post -Office; Cedar Grove and Starling, Furman; Little Rock, Tilden; -Little Zion, St. Emanuel, St. Peter, Nellie; Mt. Gilead -and Magnolia, Bell’s Landing; Morning Star and Shady Grove, -Miller’s Ferry; New Hope No. 3 and St. Wisdom, Canton’s -Bend; New Hill, Butler’s Springs; Oak Valley, Monterey; -Pine Flat, Tinela; St. Francis, Caledonia; St. Peter, River -Ridge. Antioch of Camden, Cedar Grove of Furman, and -Little Rock of Tilden, are the oldest churches in this body, -having been organized in 1868.</p> - -<p>Their number is between 1,700 and 2,000. Their pastors -are Revs. S. B. McCall, George Earl, M. Boykin, V. Pruit, K. -Wolfe, F. Williams, W. H. Ray, Jr., L. D. Johnson, M. Lewis, -L. Jefferson, S. Boyd, C. L. George, J. C. Blackburn, John Poe, -N. Hill, George Earl, M. Ervin, W. G. King, J. A. Lawson. -The venerable Henry Allen has been in this section as “a -father in Israel.”</p> - -<p>They are trying to support a high school at Camden. -Rev. J. A. Lawson is especially active in educational matters, -and all seem ready for any and every good work.</p> - -<h3>TOWN CREEK ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Is a new body, organized in 1889. The minutes of 1891 -give the following:</p> - -<p>Magnolia Church, Warrior Stand, Rev. E. Moore, pastor; -Bethlehem Church, Cotton Valley, Rev. M. Ellington, pastor; -Sweet Pilgrim Church, Union Springs, Rev. E. Thornton, -pastor; St. Paul Church, Cotton Valley, Rev. C. Johnson, -pastor; Town Creek Church, Union Springs, Rev. J. Germany, -pastor; Antioch Church, Columbus, Ga., Rev. E. A. McCall, -pastor; Mt. Nebo Church,——, Rev. J. Germany, -pastor; Mt. Pisgah Church, Dick Creek, Rev. W. M. Walker, -pastor; Perry Hill Church, Warrior Stand, Rev. J. S. Tatum, -pastor; Mt. Calvary Church, Union Springs, Rev. H. Jones, -pastor; Oak Grove Church, Cotton Valley, Rev. Mac. Wright, -pastor.</p> - -<p>They have a membership of about 1,500.</p> - -<p>Rev. E. Thornton, of Union Springs, is moderator, and -E. A. McCall, of Columbus, Ga., is clerk.</p> - -<p>The writer has been unable to ascertain all desirable facts. -Judging, however, from the character of the men whose names -appear in the lead of their work, we may feel sure that they -have organized the Association in order to advance educational -and missionary interests.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_099" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_099.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. J. L. Frazier, Pastor St. Louis St. Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<h3>UNION ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Was organized in 1874 of churches which seceded from -the Alabama District Association.</p> - -<p>They have the following churches and ministers: Greenville—First -Colored, Pine Top, Salem, Old Elm, Pine Level; -Pineapple—Arkadelphia, New Virgin; Monterey—Ridgeville, -Spring Hill, Mt. Moriah, Rosemary; Bugville—Friendship; -Dunham—Long Creek; Simkinsville—Pleasant Hill; Starlington—Pine -Level; Allenton—Siloam and Mt. Zion; Minter—Hopewell; -Pleasant Hill—Good Hope, Cedar Grove; -Snow Hill—Shiloh; Georgiana—Friendship; Furman—Antioch; -Manningham—Mt. Olive; Luverne—New Hope; Daisy—Union; -Vidette—Star of Hope; New Providence—Mt. Ida; -Farmerville—Cedar Grove; Oakfield—Oakfield; Forest -Home—Rockwest; Sepulga—Spring Hill; Camden—St. -Mary. Rev. J. Nichols, Greenville, is moderator; Rev. J. W. -Smith is treasurer, and Mr. I. N. Carter, of Monterey, is clerk.</p> - -<p>Their sessions are rather stormy, as may be said of other -bodies.</p> - -<h4>LEADING MEN.</h4> - -<p>Revs. L. Adams, H. Thompson, I. Young, W. Morast, S. -Albrighton, J. Beverly, Q. C. Craig, J. Scott, L. McKee, W. -Anderson, J. Barrett, G. Pugh, J. Henderson, S. Skanes, R. -Palmer, E. Perdue, M. McLowery, J. Ricks, J. Moss, E. Wallace, -E. Stallworth, William Scott, E. Pickett, J. Blackman, R. -C. Crane.</p> - -<p>Prof. I. N. Carter is a strong man in this body, whose -confidence and good will he seems still to hold. They have -many naturally fine young men, but they need a school very -much.</p> - -<h3>UNIONTOWN ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1872 by the late Revs. Henry Stephens, John -Dosier and John Blevins, is reported to be next numerically -to the Alabama District, containing a membership of about -11,500. They raise annually for general purposes from $200 -to $400. Their “Statistical Table” gives the following list -of churches and ministers:</p> - -<h4>POST OFFICES AND CHURCHES.</h4> - -<p>Selma—St. Philip Street, Tabernacle, Mount Zion, Little -Rock, St. Paul, New Center, Mount Ararat, Beach Island, -Everdale, Providence, Elbethel, Mount Zion; Newbern—Newbern, -Holly Chapel, Oak Grove; Greensboro—St. John, St. -Peter, St. Paul, Mount Moriah, Willow Springs, Salem, Pleasant -Grove, Mount Zion; Safford’s—New Hebron, Mount Lebanon, -Concord; Boiling Springs—First Baptist, New Boiling -Springs; Hamburg—Green Liberty; Brown’s—Trinity, Good -Hope; Sawyersville—Bethlehem, Springfield, New Hope; -Perryville—Pleasant Hill, Perryville; Uniontown—Mount -Calvary, Woodlawn, St. James, Uniontown; Kimbrough—Jerusalem; -Prairie Bluff—St. Mitchell; Catherine—Salem, -Dixon Grove, Mount Olive; Marion—Second Baptist, Springfield, -Willow Grove, Hopewell, Bethel, Eagle Grove; Lamison—Macedonia; -Scott’s Station—Green Leaf, McKinley, -Bethel Hill; Faunsdale—Faunsdale, Camden, Rehoboth; Summerfield—Macedonia, -Orrville, Peace and Love; Alberta—Macedonia, -Christian Light; Felix—Center, Bethany, Marion -Junction, Pernell, Colerine, Shiloh; Pleasant Hill—Bethel, -Whitsets, Pickens.</p> - -<h4>MINISTERS.</h4> - -<p>Selma—Revs. C. J. Hardy, I. T. Simpson, D. M. Coleman, -L. J. Green, G. H. Hobdy, Q. C. Craig, C. J. Davis, J. B. Russell; -Newbern—W. H. Reddick, G. Frost. W. H. Huckabee; Greensboro—Wm. -Madison, P. Cottrell, P. Umphrey, S. Abrams; -Marion—C. S. Dinkins, D. D., A. Billingley; Uniontown—Rev. -A. F. Owens, H. Alexander, Wm. Boon; Faunsdale—F. -A. E. Beck; Gallion—P. S. L. Hutchins, A. M.; Marion Junction—A. -W. Ragland; Hamburg—Y. R. White; Prairie Bluff—W. -H. Green; Boiling Springs—E. Slone; Kimbrough—A. -Gladen; Camden—J. A. Lawson; Lamison—R. Estridge; -Brown’s Station—W. L. Lawson; Pleasant Hill—J. R. Scott; -Perryville—R. Z. Deyampert; Sawyersville—I. J. Jones; Orrville—G. -M. Jones; Post Offices unknown—R. Christian, J. G. -Flood, L. E. Hobson, A. Gladen, W. W. Richardson, R. T. -Bowden, E. C. Borroughs, W. H. Hatcher, G. M. Jones, G. -King, and others. This body has quite a number of pastors -from Selma University.</p> - -<p>Too much cannot be said in praise of these brethren for -the manner in which they have stood by the Selma University -under all its changes. And yet we would have been surprised -if such a grand set of men as lead this body should have acted -otherwise. Rev. J. Dosier, quite an old man, reads Greek fairly -well. Rev. C. B. Davis is a young man of much ability and -promise. Rev. F. A. E. Beck appreciates the value of education, -is a natural magnet, and draws the people after him. -Rev. A. W. Ragland is loved by all for his brotherly, quiet -manners. But space fails me or I would speak of Revs. Y. R. -White, R. Z. Deyampert, J. R. Scott, and others, who are -pillars in this organization.</p> - -<h3>SALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, GREENSBORO.</h3> - -<p>The white Baptists had for many years prior to the late -war a prosperous church at this place, with a large membership -of white people and colored people—the slaves of their -masters. Just about the time of the war the larger portion -of the white membership moved away, and from one cause -and another, the close of the war found but a few white members -remaining, but a large colored membership.</p> - -<p>The white members, to whom the property belonged, sold -the building and donated $2,000 of the proceeds to the colored -members for them to build a church with. This church is -the same church that the white people had organized more -than fifty years ago.</p> - -<p>Rev. H. Stephens was the first pastor of the colored congregation, -after they moved their church site, and was pastor -for twenty years.</p> - -<p>Rev. L. J. Green was pastor for about four years, and Rev -W. M. Madison, the present pastor, has been there five years, -has built a nice parsonage and greatly increased the membership.</p> - -<p>There were 300 members (colored) when the church -moved to its present site. They have now a membership of -800.</p> - -<p>This is the mother church of nearly every church in Hale -county and they have a great many large and prosperous -churches in the county. The church property is worth -$2,500.</p> - -<p>This is saying good things for the white Baptists of -Greensboro. Deacon Dock Lane, one of the most honorable -and consecrated among men, deserves mention as a pillar in -this church. Among the leaders of this church appears the -name of Mr. A. Wimbs.</p> - -<p>Desiring to make honorable mention of this worthy -young man, I requested of him something of his history, and -he sends me the following:</p> - -<p>“I was born in Greensboro, Ala., September 23, 1860. -My mother was named Josephine; she was brought from -Washington and sold to Mr. A. L. Stollenwerck, of this town. -My father was named Addison Wimbs and resided in Washington; -he was a slave on account of his mother being a -slave, but his father was a free man, and had bought nearly -all of his children and sent them to Canada. What education -I have, I received at the town school here—Tullibody -Academy—under the management of Prof. W. B. Patterson. -I have served my church in the capacity of superintendent of -the Sabbath School and clerk of the church; was secretary of -the Sabbath School Convention of the Uniontown Association; -am a member of the Executive Board of the Convention. I -was at one time editor of a small paper here called the -<i>Voice</i>.</p> - -<p>“I have been for many years the bookkeeper and general -clerk in the law office of Governor Seay. I was, I am quite -confident, the first Negro in Alabama, if not in the entire -South, to operate on the typewriter, and now I think, I am -the first Negro to manage the Edison phonograph for busi-purposes.”</p> - -<p>I know of no ex-slave and ex-slaveholder, between whom -there is more confidence on one side and high regard on the -other, than exist between Governor Seay and Addison -Wimbs. This means for Brother Wimbs quietness of spirit -and solid worth, as well as a conservative, genial soul in Governor -Seay.</p> - -<h3>THE ST. PHILLIP STREET CHURCH, SELMA.</h3> - -<p>This church was organized about the year 1845. The -church was composed of the white membership and the church -which was composed of the colored membership, agreed to -build together, with the understanding that the former should -occupy the upper story and the latter should occupy the basement. -This agreement was kept until some time after the -close of the war, when the white brethren bought the claims -of the colored church, paying $2,000 for possession of the -basement. Their first colored pastor was the Rev. Samuel -Phillips, a man who had received his liberty as a reward for -his services in the Mexican war. Deacon A. Goldsby told the -writer that Bro. Phillips was a very earnest, worthy man. -Nothing is known of the time and place of his birth, and -nothing special is said of his death.</p> - -<p>The Rev. John Blevens, who was born in Madison county, -Ala., was the next pastor, and served from 1866 to 1878. -Under his administration the present property on St. Phillip -street was obtained. The Rev. Mr. Blevens was followed by -Rev. G. J. Brooks, who, after a short pastorate, resigned, and -was followed by Rev. W. A. Burch, from Philadelphia, Pa. -Mr. Burch gathered a larger congregation than any other -previous pastor, and did more than any other man in teaching -the people to give for the support of the church. After two -years, he was called to a pastorate in Boston, Mass., and was -followed in the Selma pastorate by the writer, who remained -with the church during 1882-87. Except the addition of -about 350 members and the secession of the Tabernacle -Church, nothing transpired that merits mention. The writer -was followed by Rev. S. S. Sisson. At this writing, the Rev. -C. J. Hardy, late of Florida, is their successful leader, under -whose strong administration they have just completed a two-story -brick structure on Sylvan Street. Their property is -worth not less than $20,000—finest colored church edifice in -Alabama.</p> - -<p>It is worthy of mention and praise that the Selma University -came to its birth under the fostering care of this -church. In the old frame building on St. Phillip street the -sainted Woodsmall began to turn upon the negro Baptists of -Alabama the morning light, the early dawning, of our denominational -school. And this church gave him quarters, fuel -and lights without money and regardless of costs, so that in -May, 1878, it was reported that the school had paid out nothing -for these things. What a good deed is set down to their -credit on high! But, in addition to this, they organized a -missionary society, which gave regular contributions for support -of teachers and other workers in the school.</p> - -<p>Deacon A. Goldsby related the following to the writer: -“Forty or fifty years ago we organized a prayer band to pray -for our freedom. We met outside of the little town, under a -large oak tree, on every Friday night. That we might know -when a friend came beneath the tree, we agreed upon a password, -which was ‘The hindering cause.’ Each uttered this -softly as he came under the boughs of the tree, and was -answered by any other who had come ahead of him. Then -he seated himself in the bushes to await the hour for united -supplications.”</p> - -<p>If in years to come the University should desire a -picture of itself as it made its advent from the world of hope -to the world of fact, it may paint this: A frame structure, -the roof of which is supported by a row of upright posts extending -the whole length of the building, which is seventy-five -or eighty feet in length. On the morning for opening, there -enters this building a white man, whose face bears signs of -suffering, but is all aglow with the rays of faith and love. He -is the faculty. Also, there enters a short, fat, brown-skinned -young man, with high, broad forehead. He has heard of the -purpose to begin a school on this day at this place, and, hungering -for learning, he has come up to enter. This teacher -and this student usher in our beloved institution.</p> - -<p>It was good for the denomination that our lot was cast -among such a people, and that we had in Bro. Woodsmall a -man who did not faint in “the day of small things.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_106" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_106.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. P. S. L. Hutchins, Pastor Churches at Newberne and Gallion, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<h3>WILL’S CREEK ASSOCIATION.</h3> - -<p>Organized in 1873, and operating in “Will’s Valley” and -St. Clair county, reports the following churches and ministers:</p> - -<p>At Collinsville Post Office—Pleasant Grove Church; -Lebanon—Lebanon; Fort Payne—Fort Payne; Valley Head—Bethlehem; -Attalla—Mt. Zion, Pilgrim, Bethlehem; Keener—New -Hope; Beaver Valley—Pleasant Hill; Ashville—Mt. -Zion; Springville—Springville; Whitney—Evergreen; Guntersville—Bethlehem -and Hooper Chapel; Trenton—Trenton; -North Alabama—Clogville. Rev. G. Neeley, Ashville, is moderator; -Mr. J. R. Dean, Ashville, is treasurer; and Prof. P. R. -Sibert, Keener, is secretary. Their pastors are: Revs. N. -Kerley, R. Berry, M. Edwards, of Fort Payne; G. W. Brewton, -of Alexandria; H. Massey, J. Griffin, A. Jackson, and James -M. Stevens. They have about 1,500 members.</p> - -<p>Elder A. Kerley and his brother are the chief founders of -this body. They greatly need an infusion of light from without. -Rev. James Kerley, the pastor at Springville, is an ex-student -of Talladega College. While they were in session in -Ashville in 1892 the white people gave them the use of their -church, and pastors, mayor of the city, and other leading people, -turned out to encourage them and to financially strengthen -their enterprises. While there, a white minister related to -the writer the following story: “When the late Dr. Renfroe -was a young man he was very poor, though, as later in his -life, he was a powerful preacher. In the height of a glorious -revival, the grass in his crop called him to his field. A colored -brother who wanted the meeting to continue, requested his -master to allow him to prolong the meeting. His master -replied: ‘Jim, you can’t read, you can’t preach.’ The slave -replied: ‘I can <i>plow</i> and <i>kill grass</i>—can do these <i>for Brother -Renfroe</i>.’”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Gleaning from the associational chapter, we obtain:</p> - -<p>1. The origin and field of each Association.</p> - -<p>2. The names of the pioneers in each section in the State.</p> - -<p>3. The location and something of the history of churches -and communities.</p> - -<p>4. Something of the lines of thought and action prevailing -in the various gospel enterprises of the denomination.</p> - -<p>It was not thought well to try to tell the same things -many times over; hence, some things are given in connection -with <i>one</i> Association and other things in connection with -<i>another</i>—all aiming at the same end, namely: <span class="smcap">The giving of -a true picture of the Colored Baptists of Alabama</span>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_110" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_110.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. W. T. Bibb, A. B., Pastor Baptist Church, Oxmoor, Ala. - </div> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="IV_BIOGRAPHICAL_SKETCHES"><i>IV. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.</i></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Adams, Rev. Stewart</span>, of Greenville, Butler county, -was the chief leader and organizer in that section of -the State for the first seventeen or eighteen years of freedom. -He was a pure-blooded Negro, and was possessed of a fine -personal appearance. His forehead was large and broad, and -the sparkle of his eye indicated the presence of mental power. -He could read and write fairly well, and in his speeches always -succeeded in conveying his thoughts to others. He was -for some years missionary in that part of the State under the -American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York, during -which time he organized many churches, which were united -to form the Union Baptist Association. His neatness in dress -and caution in the use of words were everywhere noticeable. -It was sometimes thought that he was rather tenacious of his -opinions, but I think all his brethren credited him with honesty -of purpose, and hence he died in the love and respect of -the denomination.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Allen, Rev. Wallace</span>, of Greenville, was a very pious, -hard-working preacher in the Union Association. The young -men delight to honor his memory. The author has been unable -to learn anything of his history or lineage.</p> - -<p> -<span class="smcap">Anderson, Rev. N. P.</span>, is pastor at Ensley City. -</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Ashby, Rev. Nathan</span>, of Montgomery, was born in Fredericksburg, -Va., August 5, 1810. He knew nothing of his -parents, and to the age of 16 he was under the care and direction -of his grandmother. At this point in his life he was sold, -with some horses, to traders, who brought him to Alabama. -He says of this trip: “At first I was not aware that I was -sold, but thought (as I had been told so) that I was only helping -the man to put his horses well into the way. When informed -that I was among the stock sold, I wept bitterly at the -thought that I could see my dear grandmother no more. While -in this state of grief, an old cake woman came on, selling cakes. -She, looking into my hand, professed to read as follows: ‘Don’t -cry, for you are born for good luck. The man who will buy -you will be more a brother than a master. Fear God and be -obedient, and you will do well.’ This counsel, no matter -whence it came, removed my fears, and I left off crying.”</p> - -<p>When about 32 years of age he bought his liberty, paying -for the same the sum of $900. His good wife, Mrs. Nancy -Ashby, had been freed a few years before by a Mrs. Tate. -Both being of an intellectual, industrious and economical turn -of mind, it was not long before they were well under way to -notoriety and prosperity. Touching her experience in servitude, -Mrs. Ashby tells the following: “When I was 16 years -old, my mistress, in urging me to be pure and faithful, promised -that if I would obey I should serve no one after her. So, -when I was 24, she set me free, giving me a daughter that had -been born to me.”</p> - -<p>Bro. Ashby was baptized by Mr. Shrovell in Monroe -county, Ala., and was ordained to the full charge of the gospel -ministry just after the close of the war, by Rev. I. T. Tichenor, -D. D., and others. His labors in the ministry, however, began -about the year 1845, from which time he increased in favor -with God and man to the day of his death, in 1887. He led -to the organization of the First Colored Baptist Church (Columbus -street) of Montgomery, in which, under his presidency, -the Colored Baptist State Convention was constituted -in 1868. The last seventeen years of his life he was an invalid -from paralysis, and four years of this time he was blind. -During this time the writer frequently visited him, and it -would seem that his faith in God was mightier in the days of -his weakness than in the days of his strength. Heavenly -sunshine illumined all the way of the dark valley, even to the -day of his departure.</p> - -<p>Bro. Ashby was a man of naturally fine parts. His sermons -and speeches were characterized by order, thought and -doctrine. He was not an emotionalist nor dreamer; with him -Christianity was faith in the gospel and right-doing. It affords -the writer much pleasure to record that each member of -his family not only receives, but also contributes honor to his -valuable life and honored name.</p> - -<p>Mr. Ashby was by trade a carpenter, by which means he -was able to earn fair wages, and was not long in coming into -the possession of valuable real estate.</p> - -<p>In order to show the condition of a free colored man in -Alabama prior to the close of the late civil war, I submit a -legal document here, bearing upon the good man whose name -is now before us:</p> - -<p class="allsmcap center">A STRAW WHICH SHOWS THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p> -“<span class="smcap">The State of Alabama,</span> }<br /> -<span class="smcap">Montgomery County.</span> }<br /> -</p> - -<p>“<span class="smcap"> -Know all men by these presents</span>, That whereas, heretofore, -to-wit: on the 1st day of April, A. D. 1859, Charles T. -Pollard sold and conveyed to Wm. B. Bell, as guardian or -trustee for Nathan Ellis (now called Nathan Ashby), a certain -lot in the city of Montgomery, State and county aforesaid, -which is described in the deed of said Pollard as ‘Lots number -three and four in square number fourteen, Scott’s plat, in -the city of Montgomery.’</p> -</div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“And, whereas, the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), is now -capable in law of holding property in his own name, and -desires to hold the title to said lot and premises in his own -name; and the said William B. Bell also desires to relinquish -and give up the duties and responsibilities devolved on him -by the said deed as the trustee or guardian of said Nathan -Ellis (or Ashby);</p> - -<p>“Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises and for -the further consideration of five dollars, to the said Wm. B. -Bell in hand paid by the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), at or -before the sealing and delivery of these presents (the receipt -whereof is hereby acknowledged), I, the said Wm. B. Bell, do -hereby release, relinquish, transfer and convey by quit-claim -unto the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), and unto his heirs and -assigns, all my right, title and interest both at law and in -equity of every kind or description whatever, in and to the -said lot and premises herein above described.</p> - -<p>“In witness whereof, I, the said Wm. B. Bell, have hereunto -set my hand and seal, this —— day of January, A. D. 1872.</p> - -<p> -“Attest: -</p> -<p class="right"> -“<span class="smcap">William B. Bell.</span>” -</p> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">A. R. Bell.</span>” -</p> -</div> - -<p>This manuscript is recorded in “Book 4 of Deeds, page -314,” March 26, 1872.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Note.</span>—Seven years elapsed after freedom was declared -before Mr. Ashby received from his “trustee” the transfer of -his property. He had been free ever since 1842, but his -“trustee” must hold and manage both him and his.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Archer, Rev. Maurice M.</span>, son of Mr. A. and Mrs. Mary -Archer, was born in Camden, Ala., in 1858. He and his -parents were the property (?) of Mrs. R. J. Adams. He entered -the free public schools at an early age, but did not long -remain, because of his father’s death and because of the demands -made upon him as the eldest son in a large family. Mr. -and Mrs. J. S. McBryde, seeing that he was a very capable -boy, kindly aided him in his studies while he was in their employ. -Thus he learned to read and write. At 14 Mr. Archer -left Mr. McBryde determined on securing an education. Advancing -by various means, he was soon able to teach school. In -November, 1881, he was baptized into Siloam Church by Rev. A. -Gould, which church he served as clerk and superintendent of -the Sunday School. Feeling a call to the ministry and desiring -to prepare himself for the same, he entered Selma University -October, 1883, and passed the session of 1884-5, as he -says starting with only 20 cents. By severe sacrifice, by push, -pluck and self-reliance, he pressed onward, till in May, 1887, he -graduated at the head of his class. He was ordained at -Opelika, September, 1889, Revs. G. C. Casby, C. R. Rodgers -and others officiating. He has been principal of the Auburn -City School. Mr. Archer is one of our clearest thinkers and -most fluent speakers, and his language is especially good.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Barker, Joseph C.</span>—This patient and cool-headed young -man was born December 20, 1863, near Laneville, Hale county, -Ala. His parents, Sherrod and Caroline Barker, are both living -and members of the Spring Street Missionary Baptist -Church, Birmingham, Ala. They are living monuments of -temperance, patience and obedience. Young Joseph was sent to -school when still quite young. Filled with self, family and -race pride, and feeling grateful toward his parents for their -strenuous efforts to educate himself, his sister and brothers, -and desiring to help them in return, at their consent, he -sought employment with a benevolent merchant, who, after -noting his higher qualities, gave him every advantage and -privilege available. After three years of pleasant and profitable -services, he left his beloved employer (Mr. J. M. Manders), -who gave him a final settlement accompanied by a -worthy recommendation and valuable presents. He is widely -experienced in mercantile enterprises.</p> - -<p>He had two years experience on the United States jetty -and log boats under Capt. J. McKee Gould, who gave him -such an honorable and flattering recommendation as would -have been more suitable for a pilot than for a cabin boy. By -studying at home and attending summer schools, he was -prepared to enter Selma University in the session of 1884, -remaining two scholastic years. Under President E. M. Brawley, -D. D., he won a prize for map-drawing over forty-eight -competitors. He has taught successfully in the schools of -Jefferson and other counties. Was four years secretary of the -Jefferson County Teachers’ Institute. Re-entered Selma University -in 1893, and won the only prize offered for drawing -over twenty or thirty competitors under President Dinkins, -D. D. He is now preparing specimens to exhibit at the Atlanta -Cotton Exposition in September.</p> - -<p>He is employed by the Monarch Book Company, of Chicago, -Ill. To know him, is to know a man possessed of a great -soul, affable, and naturally gifted in making friends. He is a -financier, and is rapidly acquiring means. As an artist and -penman, he is a prodigy. In the session of 1884 he was converted -to the Christian religion, and was baptized in the University -pool by Rev. E. M. Brawley, D. D., and joined the St. -Phillip Street Baptist Church under Rev. C. O. Boothe, D. D. -On removal to Birmingham in 1886, he united with the -Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, of which Rev. Dr. Pettiford -was pastor.</p> - -<p>Last term, he was principal of the Oxmoor public school. -He is now corresponding secretary of the Mt. Pilgrim Sunday -School Convention. On all lines of manhood, Mr. Barker is a -genuine success.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Barton, Rev. J. P.</span>, of Talladega, comes of Virginia -parentage, and was born in Colbert county, Ala., October, 1844.</p> - -<p>In 1871 he united with the Little Zion Baptist Church in -said county, and was baptized by Rev. W. E. Northcross, of -Tuscumbia. In 1877 he entered the work of the gospel ministry -in his native section, doing valuable service within the -bounds of the Muscle Shoals Association, especially in line -with the Sunday School work. He has led to the organization -of two Sunday School Conventions and eight churches, and -built five houses of worship. His speeches before our State -Convention have been largely conducive of the sentiment and -system which have given birth to our women’s work and State -mission operations. He has held official positions in connection -with our State Convention and University, and is now -chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Colored Deaf and -Dumb Asylum of Alabama. He is easy in society and pleasing -in address. He carries the youth and the masses, and so uses -everything at his command as to impress one that he is an -excellent general as well as a successful pastor. He is full of -movement and plan, and is quick of discernment and clear in -expression. He is a lover of science. He obtained his education -in the Talladega College. Mr. Barton says that he owes -much to his wife, whom the writer would honor as one of our -noble women. Mr. Barton is still full of life and growth.</p> - -<p>Our general work has always found in Brother Barton a -ready and generous helper. He deserves credit for his industry -and enterprise—in material as well as in church affairs. -He relates the following: “In the winter of 1876-77 I chanced -for the first time to meet the late Harry Woodsmall in one of -his Ministers’ Institutes. He remarked: ‘On to-morrow we -will discuss the subject of sanctification; and here is a little -book worth only 15 cents which will be of service to you.’ I -said to myself: ‘What is <i>sanctification</i>?’ I never heard of -such a thing before. I bought the book from Brother Woodsmall, -and, coming upon my subject, I read till late at night, -in order that I might be in line with things next day. When -the hour came I was up on the subject of sanctification, much -to the pleasure of the teacher.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Barton is ever ready to contend for his views, but is -remarkably free from bitterness in discussion, is hardly ever -wrong in his opinion on things, and is a remarkably winning -preacher with the masses. Mr. Barton is now president of -our State Convention.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Bacotes, Rev. Mr.</span>—As the Cyclopedia goes to press the -Rev. Mr. Bacotes comes to the charge of the Marion Academy -and Marion Church. The writer wishes he knew something -of the history of one so much favored and so highly recommended -as Mr. Bacotes is. He has important trusts in hand.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Battle, Rev. Augustus A.</span>, of Hurtsboro, Russell county, -the son of Deacon A. A. and Mrs. Jennie Battle, was born in -Tuskegee, July 4, 1860. As his parents were pious people, he -was very early the subject of religious impressions, which in -1881 culminated in a public profession of faith in Christ. On -the third Sunday in August he was baptized by the Rev. -Richard Lloyd, of Georgia. In the year 1879, aspiring for a -liberal education, he entered the Talladega College, in which -he graduated from the normal and the theological courses.</p> - -<p>He is a young man of high moral tone, and his agreeable -manners have won for him many friends. At present he is -pastor at Sylacauga, and teacher of the city school in Talladega.</p> - -<p>P. S.—Since the above was written, our good Bro. Battle -has been called to the Mt. Zion Church in Anniston, and under -his industrious and wise leadership his people have constructed -a two-story brick edifice. To do what he has done -in these hard times, in the way of raising and expending -money, is to prove himself a man of no ordinary parts. The -writer has enjoyed the hospitality of his quiet Christian -home, where he has learned that the young minister has -found helpful companionship in the person of a modest, intelligent -wife.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Batts, Rev. J. H.</span>, of Florence, is an aspiring young man, -and is very active in the enterprises of the Muscle Shoals Association -and Sunday School Convention. Evidently, he has -not enjoyed early access to books and schools, but his thoughts -are orderly and clear, and he does not hesitate to give expression -to his views.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Beavers, Rev. Jasper</span>, was born May 9, 1825, in St. Clair -county, Ala. His father and mother were slaves, and of -course, he inherited their lot. He now lives at Easonville, in -the county in which he was born, and is still a useful, as well -as a very pious man. In 1851, he was baptized by the Rev. -Jesse Collins (white), and in 1868 was ordained to the work -of the gospel ministry by Revs. Henry Wood, J. Collins and -T. Bush.</p> - -<p>He was the first moderator of the Rushing Springs Association. -In spite of the laws of the master forbidding such -things, he, in slavery time, learned to read and write. By his -industry and economy he has obtained real estate worth about -$2,000. Brother Beavers is a man of fine personal appearance, -is modest, genial, industrious, honest, firm. In the -early days of our work, there was no more efficient man in -St. Clair County than he. A large family of children are the -support of his old age.</p> - -<p>Since the above was penned, Brother Beavers has passed -to the world that lies beyond. He was the most self-possessed -and of the most commanding figure of any man in the Rushing -Springs Association, though no man among them was -more modest and humble.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Belle, Rev. John</span>, of Courtland, was born in the State of -Georgia and came to Alabama after the close of the war. He -says: “In Stuart county, Ga., in the first part of 1861, I followed -the white preacher to his different preaching stations, -and he would preach to the white people in the morning and -I would speak to the colored people in the evening. I -could not say anything about Moses and the children of -Israel.</p> - -<p>“I went on preaching without any trouble for some little -time, till at last, as I could read a little, it was decided that I -should be hung. As I was ready for execution, and as I was -praying God for help, a dispute arose between the white people -which resulted in my release. I again went on, till on one -occasion when I had displeased my mistress with reference to -some garden work, and when, as she started to strike me -with the rake, and I fled, she reported to her husband that I -had tried to kill her and that she only saved her life by running -into the house out of my reach. Of course, it was decided -at once that I ought to and should die. On the night -before I was to be executed, the lady became very ill and -owned that she was only angry with me for getting out of her -way, and that I had done nothing. She died that night. -However, her dying words had set me free and so I returned -to my work for God, feeling that I could not die till my work -should be accomplished.”</p> - -<p>Brother Belle has labored in different States, but his -principal labors have been in Northern Alabama, where he -has been one of the chief organizers of our work in this section, -beginning his operations here in 1868.</p> - -<p>It appears that Brother Belle was ordained in Helena, -Ark., sometime in 1867, the late Rev. J. T. White, who was -then pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church, being one of -the officiating presbytery.</p> - -<p>He is still a strong man. For several years past he has -been pastor at Iuka, Miss., and of the Red Bank Church in -Lawrence county. His pleasant manners have always made -him an agreeable companion to his brethren.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_120a" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_120a.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Belser, Rev. S. L.</span>, pastor of the First Church, Bessemer, -deserves the respect and love of the denomination for his -beautiful brotherly spirit and unassuming manners.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Berry, Rev. G. W.</span>—Although this good man is no longer -among us, his name is still fragrant with his exalted faith and -pious life. Like his stay on earth, his stay in Alabama was -short, but useful and endearing. He was the son of Pickens -and Mary Berry, and was born in Edgefield county, S. C., in -1859. Having studied some time in the Benedict Institute in -that State, he, after doing some effective work in that State, -came to Alabama to take the pastoral oversight of the church -in Eufaula. Here it was that after a short illness he exchanged -the cross for the crown, singing as his soul retired from the -earth, “My Lord calls me and I must go.” To know him was -to love him, for his gentleness of spirit was beautiful to look -upon.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Betts, Rev. J. W.</span>, of Huntsville, Ala., son of John and -Edith Betts, was born June 4, 1851, near Courtland, in Lawrence -county, Ala. In the fall of 1873 he was baptized into -the Courtland Church by the Rev. Gabriel B. Johnson. Brother -Betts is among the younger men of the Muscle Shoals Association. -He is a clear thinker and a lover of books. He is a -business man, industrious and economical, and does not live -of the donations of his people, but the labors of his own -hands. His style is rather didactic for the masses, but it is -plain and his doctrine is in line with the teachings of the -“Good Book.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Berry, Prof. J. S.</span>, son of Jack and Clara Berry, of Uniontown, -is one among the most proficient Sunday School workers -in Alabama. He is president of the Sunday School Convention -of the Uniontown Association. His happy, unselfish -spirit fills all his work with pleasantness and sunshine. He -is now about 35 years of age.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Blevins, Rev. John</span>, long the leading man and pioneer of -Dallas county, the first pastor of the St. Phillip Street Church -after the close of the war, was for his opportunities and times -a very strong man in the work of organization. May it ever -be told of him that he led his people—his church, to become -the foster mother of Selma University in the time of its infancy -and weakness. This fact is one of the brightest spots -upon his memory, and should never be forgotten.</p> - -<p>The buildings in which the St. Phillip Street and the -Green Street Churches now worship were built by Mr. Blevins. -He died eight or ten years ago at the age of 65.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Bibb, Rev. Wm. T.</span>, son of Linzy and Caroline Bibb, was -born in Montgomery, Ala., in 1853. Brother Bibb is one of -the most worthy of our rising young men. He is not noted -for brilliancy, but for constant application in the race for -knowledge, for pushing things to a finish in search for truth, -for the purest life and loftiest piety, he is hardly to be excelled. -Already he has been entrusted with various pastorates, including -one at Marion and another near Birmingham. I had -the best opportunity to learn him while I was pastor at Selma. -Here he was superintendent of my Sunday School and aided -me in my ward prayer-meetings. He completed two courses -at the Selma University, graduating with the title of A. B., -and with the highest confidence of all the faculty. In looking -upon his open countenance one instinctively feels the impress -of an honest, earnest man—a man free from hypocrisy and -guile.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Bradford, Rev. William C.</span>, pastor of the First Colored -Baptist Church, Union Springs, son of Henry and Elizabeth -Bradford, was born in Montgomery, Ala., in 1862. His early -years were spent in the Swayne school in said city, in which -he succeeded in laying the foundation of a liberal English -education. In his eighteenth year, and two years after his -father’s death, he was baptized into the fellowship of the -Columbus Street Baptist Church, Montgomery, by the late -Rev. James A. Foster. Feeling a call to the work of the gospel -ministry, he, with a view to fitting himself for this solemn -charge, entered Atlanta Theological Seminary. In school as -well as out among his brethren, he has managed to occupy a -place with those who formed the van.</p> - -<p>In the person of his good wife, once Miss M. H. Allen, of -Georgia (daughter of Rev. T. M. Allen, ex-member of the -Georgia Legislature), whom he wedded in 1884, he has found -happy and efficient help in his studies as well as in his calling. -For a while Mr. Bradford followed the tailor’s trade, but at the -call of the Gilfield Church in Wetumpka, the Dexter Avenue -Church, Montgomery, in 1886 set him apart to the work of the -gospel ministry. At Wetumpka he built a church edifice -worth about $700. While pastor at Clayton he led to the -erection of a building worth $1,000, and just now is rejoicing -with the good people of Union Springs on his entrance into -the new brick structure which was dedicated on the second -Sunday in October, 1892. He was principal of the city school -while in Clayton, and now holds several positions of honor -and trust. Mr. Bradford is one of the strongest and is among -the most successful young men in Alabama. His affable manner -commends him to all. He is now at Tuscaloosa.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Brooks, Rev. G. J.</span>, of Selma, Ala., son of Joseph and -Nancy Brooks, was born in 1830 near Richmond, Va., in which -city he lived till his eighteenth year, when he was carried to -New Orleans, La., and from thence to Texas. 1849 was spent -in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1850 he was brought to Huntsville, -Ala. In this same year he was baptized into the Primitive -Baptist Church of Huntsville by Rev. Wm. Harris (colored). -<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> -Of this period of his life Mr. Brooks says: “By the will of -a Mr. Kenedy I was left free, but as the administrator of the will, -a Mr. Clark, refused to execute this point in the will, I remained -a slave.” In 1867 he united with the Marion Church, under -the pastorate of the Rev. James Childs. Near this town he -taught school, till in 1872 he went to Kentucky, where, in -1873, he was ordained to the work of the ministry. After -serving various offices in the work in Kentucky, he came to -Selma in 1875, where, after a few years, he became pastor of -the St. Philip Street Church. By the assistance of the white -family he learned to read at the age of 14. In Marion he extended -his studies under Prof. Card, and under Presidents -Woodsmall, McAlpine and Brawley he further prosecuted his -studies in the Selma University. Brother Brooks has held -various offices of trust under the State Convention and the -Uniontown Association. His health is now rather below his -usual strength, but his love for the Master’s cause seems -nothing abated. His wife, Mrs. Anna, is among the leading -women of Alabama.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> -It appears that this denomination, Primitive Baptists, had some one or two -ordained colored ministers.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Brown, Rev. Lewis</span>, of Epes, Sumter county, was born -near St. Louis, Mo., March 23, 1835, and came to Alabama in -his tenth year. He united with the church in 1863, and was -baptized by a Mr. Edmonds into the fellowship of the Jones’ -Creek Church, by which church he was called to ordination in -the fall of 1868. The chief persons in the presbytery were -Revs. Abner Scarber (white) and Mr. Wright. Mr. Brown’s -main pastoral charges have been Jones’ Creek, nine years; -Sumterville, thirteen years; New Bethel, thirteen years; and -Mount Olive, four years. He has long been moderator of the -Bethlehem Association, and is known and recognized as a firm -and tried friend of education and missions; and his children -give evidence of pure and wise aspirations.</p> - -<p>Mr. Brown was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, a slave -girl on the same plantation with himself, in 1852. Seven sons -and one daughter are the fruit of the marriage. He is a very -industrious and economical man, and has possession of valuable -property, worth $15,000. Seven or eight hundred acres of -his farm once formed part of the plantation on which he (with -500 others) worked as a slave till 1865. He says that his -master, Mr. Brown, was a Christian, and that after the close -of the war this plantation gave to this county most of its religious -leaders.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Burwell, L. L.</span>, M. D., the son of Charles and Amanda -Burwell, was born in Marengo county, Ala., October 25, 1867. -At the age of seven years he was given to his brother, Charles -A. Burwell, of whom the Doctor says: “To him my success -is largely due.” For quite a while he lived with this brother -on a farm in Perry county. He attended the county schools -till he entered Selma University in the winter of 1883-84. -His love for books and his quickness of apprehension were -early manifestations of native talent which, if properly cultivated, -would unfold to his own honor and to the profit of his -people. Each vacation found him upon the farm, earning -money with which to re-enter school. During his entire course -at Selma University his mother was able to spend upon him -but $30. In 1886, he graduated from the above named school -with the honors of valedictorian, and in the fall of the same year -he entered Leonard Medical College, Raleigh, N. C., to take a -course in medicine. The course extended through four years, -but he completed it and received his diploma at the close of -the third year, again receiving the honors of valedictorian of -his class. In 1889, he passed an examination before the State -Board of Medical Examiners of Alabama, and began the practice -of medicine in the city of Selma, where he now resides -amidst many friends, a paying practice, and a successful drug -business. Commencing without a dollar, he has saved from -his income about $4,000. In school he was called artist, -orator, scholar. He says: “As a doctor I have for my motto: -<i>Crurare Cito</i>.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Brown, Rev. R. E.</span>, of Selma, the pushing, energetic -leader of several associations, deserves honorable mention as -a man of pluck and push—a man of courage and observation.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Bynum, Rev. Henry</span>, of Leighton, Ala., was born in Baltimore, -Md., January, 1820. In 1851, in Colbert county, Ala., -he was led to exercise faith in Christ by the humble conversation -and pious life of a fellow-slave by the name of Isaac. As -his master did not believe in the Bible and its Christianity, -his baptism was delayed till 1854. In 1867 he was set apart -to the office of the gospel ministry by two white ministers, -one of whom was Dr. Joseph Shackelford, of Trinity, Ala. He -and Rev. Steven Coleman were the first ordained colored -preachers in northern Alabama. He was married the first -time in 1857, but his family were soon taken from him and he -has never seen them since. His present wife is a most excellent -lady, and affords him that help which only a good woman -can bestow. He has good property, and he and his wife keep -one of the most hospitable homes in northern Alabama. Bro. -Bynum was the first colored minister in this section to administer -the rite of baptism. He is now awaiting his change -with triumphant hope, and still enjoys fair health.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Caddell, Rev. Perry</span>, pastor in Shelby, Ala., son of Edmond -and Edie Caddell, was born September 9, 1859, in Centreville, -Bibb county, Ala. He was baptized into the Bethel -Baptist Church, Calera, by Rev. John Trainholm, in February, -1873, and was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, -December, 1877, by Revs. Henry Wood and Mack Jackson. -He learned his letters at the age of 12 years, and, though he -has never had any help from teachers except such as he could -get at night school, he has been a steadily growing man till -the present time. He feels that he owes his beginning in -letters to his mistress (Mrs. Caddell), who, after the close of -the war, taught him to read, and to write his name. Of his -father he says: “He was, no doubt, a believer; but in slavery -time he refused to unite with the church for the reason that -he felt that master and slave all the week could not be brothers -on Sunday. And after the close of the war, he would not -join for the reason that there was no colored Baptist church -near his home.”</p> - -<p>Bro. Caddell is an exemplary man in his family. I have -found no family where the mother and children study the -Word of God with more system and regularity. He has a -ready command of language, both in speech and with pen, -and is sociable and genial everywhere.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Capers, Rev. J. R.</span>, of Elyton (since gone to Oklahoma), -was born in Camden, S. C., April 22, 1828. In 1845 he was -baptized into the Marion Baptist Church (white) by the Rev. -Mr. Devotie, and in 1869 he was solemnly set apart to the -sacred office of the gospel ministry by Revs. Henry Wood, of -Talladega, and Arthur Hall, of Jonesboro. He, with Revs. W. -H. McAlpine, Berry Ware, Jasper Beavers, and others, organized -the Mt. Pilgrim Association, in Mt. Pilgrim Church, in -1868. Of this association he was the moderator for eleven -years. Bro. Capers is known among his brethren and neighbors -as an intelligent, industrious, thoughtful, faithful, Christian -man and earnest gospel preacher. He is a successful -carpenter, and by industry, skill and economy has attained to -the possession of a good deal of choice property. No doubt -he owes much to his good wife, whom he married in 1850, -and by whom he has a large family of thrifty children. Bro. -Capers was an organizer in the Jefferson county work, and -has left the impress of his decided character upon the workers -of this section. He is now in Oklahoma Territory.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Chapman, Rev. F. A.</span>, of Flint, Morgan county, Ala., was -born in the county and State in which he now lives, November -12, 1843. In 1861 he was baptized into the Sand Hill -Church by Rev. M. A. Verser, and in April, 1868, he was set -apart to the work of the gospel ministry by a presbytery -which was presided over by the brother who about eight years -before had administered the rite of baptism.</p> - -<p>Mr. Chapman is one of the most sober, quiet, pious, earnest, -hard-working preachers in the valley of the Tennessee -river. He aided in the organization of the Muscle Shoals and -Flint River Associations. Most of his time has been spent in -mission and pioneer operations. In 1868 he was wedded to -Miss Alabama Garth, by whom he has a large family of interesting -children. Their home is a retreat for weary preachers -and a Christian example in their community.</p> - -<p>In a speech which he made before our last State -Convention, he said: “The brethren ordained me in 1868, -not because of my fitness for the work, but in recognition of -a necessity. There was need for a Negro to baptize Negro -believers, and I was chosen as an answer to this want without -any examination.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Chandler, Rev. F. C.</span>, is pastor of Walnut Street Church, -Rosedale, and bears a good name.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_129" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_129.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. S. L. Belser, Pastor Red Mountain Baptist Church, Bessemer, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Clark, Rev. Henry</span>, of Opelika, son of David and Patience -Clark, both of Virginia birth, is one of the fathers of -the work in Lee county.</p> - -<p>Brother Clark was baptized at Auburn, Ala., by Rev. H. -C. Toliver, of Tuskegee, in 1860. He was set apart to the -work of the gospel ministry June 27, 1868, by Revs. W. E. -Lloyd, D. D., and Thomas Glenn, since which time he has -been busy going about and doing good. He has been a harmless, -industrious, pioneer preacher, laying foundations upon -which others have builded. He is a tried and faithful friend -of missions and education. The writer has always felt that -his every pledge was worth every cent it promised. Notwithstanding -he has had no educational advantages, still he has, -by study of books and by association with men of letters, obtained -no inconsiderable store of knowledge.</p> - -<p>The churches of Lee county and the Alabama Association -owe much to the faithful, efficient labors of Brother Clark. -His loving heart ever adorns his face with the smiles of peace -and good will. Truly, he is a harmless man, ever ready to do -a brotherly deed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Colley, Rev. Moses</span>, of Talladega, son of Rev. Boney -Sawyer, who was a preacher over fifty years ago, is about 55 -years of age. He has never had any school advantages, but -has attained to a fair knowledge of books. He is a remarkably -clear headed man, dignified and self-possessed. Mr. Colley -is a hard working, successful farmer, and by this calling, -he has obtained a comfortable support for himself and family. -He was baptized by Dr. Renfroe in 1856, and was ordained to -the ministry in 1872. He held several important pastorates -in Talladega, and was once moderator of Rushing Springs -Association. He is guarded in speech, but his manners are -always affable. No act of folly or crime mars his good name. -For many years he has held the pastorate at Mardisville, -where he is esteemed no less for his piety than for his sound -doctrine.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Collins, Rev. Asa Cyrus</span>, of Hazen, Ala., was born -November 1, 1861, in Dallas county of this State. Lost both -parents at the age of 8 years. Was baptized by Rev. A. Waller -in his sixteenth year, and soon began preaching. In -September, 1881, he was officially set apart to the work of the -gospel ministry. Mr. Collins has been pastor at various points, -and is held in high esteem by his brethren. For several years -he has been moderator of the Dallas County Association, over -which he presides with credit to himself and with pleasure to -the body. Brother Collins is still a rising young man.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Curry, Rev. J. C.</span>, of Mount Meigs, Montgomery county, -the son of Rev. Philip and Venus Curry, was born in Marion, -Ala., October 17, 1852. He was baptized at Felix, Ala., by -Rev. D. R. Willis in 1873. On the occasion of his call to the -pastorate of the Friendship Church, Shelby, Ala., he was -ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. P. Caddell, -M. Jackson, and Henry Scott. Mr. Curry is liberally -educated, having been among the first students of Selma -University. He is a close, clear thinker, a forcible speaker -and a good preacher. He has been pastor at Shelby, pastor of -the Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery, and is now pastor -at Mt. Meigs and Tuskegee.</p> - -<p>At different times he has been engaged in the newspaper -business; and I am informed that he is now assisting Prof. B. -T. Washington in collecting certain statistics for the Tuskegee -school. Mr. Curry is a man of rare energy and will force, -and being endowed with good intellectual gifts there is no -reason why he may not become one among the strongest men -of the State.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Curtis, Hon. A. H.</span>, of Marion, Ala., was born in Raleigh, -N. C., December 29, 1829. He came to Alabama in 1839 with -the Haywood family. He was the property (?) of E. Haywood, -and served as a waiting boy in the store of Stockton & Hunt -for many years. He moved to Marion in 1848 and was the -body servant of R. T. Goree for two years. After this he was -barber for some years. Succeeding by industry and economy -in obtaining some cash, he, in 1859, paid Mrs. E. Haywood -$2,000 for his freedom, and during the same year went to New -York and was emancipated. After the war he engaged in -mercantile pursuits and the barber business. In 1870 he was -elected to the lower house of the General Assembly of Alabama, -and in 1872 he was elected State Senator from the Twenty-second -senatorial district. No other colored man ever presided -over the Senate of Alabama. He was connected with -the legislature of the State for eight years, and not only enjoyed -the respect of his fellow legislators of all parties but -closed his service in this connection with growing confidence -in his integrity. He was baptized in 1851. In 1850 his marriage -occurred. His wife was a suitable helper for him and is -still alive enjoying the honors and success which justly crown -their offspring. The Curtis brothers and sisters are a praise -to their parents. The senator was a strong man in society, in -church, in State. He died near Marion, July 20, 1878, as the -result of a bruise from a fall from his buggy. Three of his -sons are successful physicians; two are north; Dr. A. J. -Curtis is in Montgomery.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Davis, Rev. Philip</span>, late of Talladega, was born in 1813, -in the State of Virginia, near the North Carolina line. He -was baptized in 1841, and about the year 1843 he began to -speak to his neighbors of the doctrines and hope of the gospel. -Early in life he married, and became the father of a large -family. After he was brought to Calhoun county, Ala., he -continued his labors in the ministry of the gospel, as he had -opportunity, constantly increasing in favor with both God -and man; and this was true of him to the day of his death, -which occurred December 30, 1881. I first met this pious -man in December, 1875, in Talladega. He was not a learned -man, but he knew the holy scriptures, and was wise in the -things of salvation. The more he was known the better he -was loved; and his unassuming, gentle, chastened, self-forgetting -spirit, as exhibited at home and abroad, was simply -charming. As I have looked upon this unmixed, full-blooded -representative of the Negro race, arrayed in the beauty of the -Christian spirit, I have felt proud of him as a witness for my -people. He was not fully installed in the ministry until the -close of the war. The late Dr. J. J. D. Renfroe was the leading -man in the presbytery who officially set him apart to the -sacred office. His last words were: “Like one of old, I have -finished my course and am now ready to be offered, and the -time of my departure is come.” He left a pleasant home for -his family.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Davis, Rev. C. M.</span>, of Flint, Morgan county, was born in -the State of Tennessee. He was led to faith in Christ and -was baptized by the Rev. F. A. Chapman. He says that his -early life was rather wild, but when his eyes were opened he -turned with all his heart. In 1885, in May, he was set apart -to the ministry by Revs. F. A. Chapman and C. C. Matthews. -Mr. Davis is one among the most promising young men in the -Flint River Association. He is a discerning, aspiring man, -who believes in studying to know the truth, so that he may -not have reason to feel ashamed of his teaching, nor spend his -time and energies without producing effects. The writer had -special opportunity to know him at the State school, where -the former was teacher and the latter was student. He is -clear-headed, kind and conscientious.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Dawson, Rev. Iverson</span>, of Eutaw, is a man rich in natural -endowments, both of body and mind. Upon no man in -Alabama has nature been more profuse in the bestowment of -choice gifts. He is tall, well proportioned, kind hearted, genial, -sociable, magnetic, clear-headed and ever sanguine. He -is, no doubt, the strongest man in the Bethlehem Association, -of which body he has been clerk for many years; and in -every section of the State, and in every phase of business, he -is recognized as a man of power and character. As a public -speaker, he is both pleasing and instructive.</p> - -<p>The vote, which in 1887 retained our university at Selma, -was largely owing to his influence and labors.</p> - -<p>Mr. Dawson has a pleasant home and an interesting -family in the town of Eutaw, where he now serves as pastor. -His home is placed on the roll of asylums for tired missionaries. -He is a brave, fearless opponent and a true and trusty friend. -At this time, he is editing a paper in his town in the interest -of the republican party. The writer sincerely wishes that -every motion of his strong manhood might be laid wholly -upon the church’s altar, and that he could consent to leave the -running of political papers to others.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Dinkins, Charles Spencer</span>, D. D., general Sunday School -missionary of Alabama for the American Baptist Publication -Society, was born September 15, 1856, near Canton, Miss. Mr. -Dinkins never knew his father, and his mother, Mrs. Sarah -Dinkins, died when he was only 13 years of age. One year -prior to her death, he was led to faith in the salvation of God -as presented in the gospel, under the preaching of Rev. Jordan -Williams, by whom he was baptized into the fellowship -of the Mount Zion Church, Canton, in the fall of 1868. For -such a boy, at such a time, to make the favorable acquaintance -of such a man as Mr. Williams, was a peculiar providence. -As in the cases of Saul and Ananias, and Philip and the -eunuch, God brought the parties together.</p> - -<p>Mr. Williams, perceiving the superior talents of the -youth, privately inquired of him whether or not he desired to -educate himself, and when the affirmative reply was obtained, -he at once influenced his church to provide the means.</p> - -<p>On Friday night, January 28, 1870, Mr. Dinkins took the -cars for Nashville, Tenn., arriving at that point on Sunday -morning. That day he met the good Dr. Phillips, who cordially -accepted him at once, and remained his admiring friend -to the close of his (Dr. Phillips’) long and useful life.</p> - -<p>In referring to his early life, Mr. Dinkins says: “When -I was 9 years old, my mother bought me a blue back speller -and taught me the alphabet, which I learned in one night. -My first teachers were Mrs. and Miss Highgate, of Philadelphia, -and Hon. J. J. Spellman, now of Jackson, Miss. Before -leaving the old plantation, I saw something of the horrors of -slavery, which I can never forget.”</p> - -<p>At the age of 16 he began teaching, which work he pursued -during summer, returning to Nashville to continue his -studies in the fall and winter. He graduated from the classical -course of the Roger Williams University, Nashville, in the -spring of 1877, as valedictorian of his class, among whom -were Messrs. N. H. Ensley and H. M. G. Spenser. In 1878 he -returned to take a post-graduate course and was appointed a -member of the faculty. In the latter part of this same year -he entered Newton Theological Seminary, near Boston, Mass., -where, during the time of a full course, from which he graduated -in 1881, he was associated with some of the most prominent -educators of the country. In this course he took theology, -church history, Hebrew, Greek, homiletics, etc. How Mr. -Dinkins was seen by this institution, the following story may -be allowed to signify:</p> - -<p>Just before the death of Dr. Phillips, the writer met him -in Nashville.</p> - -<p><i>Dr. Phillips</i>—How is Brother Dinkins?</p> - -<p><i>The Writer</i>—He is well and <i>doing</i> well.</p> - -<p><i>Dr. P.</i>—He is a very capable and worthy person. Dr. -Hovey, the president of Newton, said to me on one occasion -when I asked after some students who had gone from us to -him, “Mr.—— is very <i>sensitive</i>, but Mr. Dinkins is very -<i>sensible</i>.”</p> - -<p>Dr. Dinkins has held various prominent positions, among -which may be mentioned: Member of the faculty of the State -University of Kentucky; pastor York Street Church, Louisville, -Ky.; teacher of languages in Selma University; pastor -Second Baptist Church of Marion, Ala.; and principal of the -Marion Baptist Academy; and has been tendered the presidency -of the University of Kentucky, and many times he has -been earnestly solicited to return to the faculty of Selma -University. His examination for ordination before the ministers -of Louisville, Ky., in 1883, was an occasion of much comment -by both white and colored pastors, in praise of his -ability. The writer has had occasion to watch him very -closely since his entrance upon work in Alabama, and he does -not hesitate to write that Charles S. Dinkins, in point of -scholarship, industry and high sense of honor, is not excelled -by any man we have had among us. In 1890 the State University -of Louisville, Ky., then under the presidency of the -late Dr. W. J. Simmons, conferred on him the title of D. D. -On the day which closed his twenty-fifth year, the 15th day of -September, 1881, he was wedded to Miss Pauline E. Fears, the -friend and classmate of Miss M. A. Roach (now Mrs. M. A. -Boothe), by his fatherly instructor and faithful friend, Dr. D. -W. Phillips. The marriage took place in the Roger Williams -University, Nashville, Tenn., a school of which they are both -graduates. Perhaps some future historian will write of Mr. -Dinkins: “An eventful life, not the least eventful point in -which is the finding and wedding of a woman so well suited -to a man of such rare gifts.”</p> - -<p>Five children—two boys and three girls—grace their -home as the fruit of the marriage.</p> - -<p>Closing this sketch, the writer would remark that if Mr. -Dinkins has a fault, it may be described thus: <i>An exceeding -tenderness of conscience</i>, whereby one may be so entirely -possessed by present views of law and duty as to forget that -new light and other views may modify appearances.</p> - -<p>P. S.—He is now the trusted president of Selma University, -and none of his predecessors have made, in the same -length of time, a better mark than he has made. His personality -moves in lofty purposes and is a source of pure thoughts -and pious emotions which affect all his surroundings.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_136" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_136.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Dr. U. G. Mason, Physician and Surgeon, Birmingham, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Dosier, Rev. John</span>, the founder and for twenty years -pastor of the church in Uniontown, was a man of great moral -worth. I once heard a politician who was associated with -him in the legislature of Alabama, remark:</p> - -<p>“John Dosier was an honorable man <i>everywhere</i>, and I -never saw a man who did not believe <i>every word he said</i>.”</p> - -<p>He, like Mr. A. H. Curtis, passed through his political -preferments with stainless reputation.</p> - -<p>He was a very old man at the time of his death, which -occurred only a few years ago. He was born somewhere near -the beginning of the present century. By some means he, -during the days of his bondage, learned to read Greek, which -knowledge he turned to good results upon his study and interpretation -of the Scriptures. He was one of Alabama’s -most worthy pioneers. He was a temperance man. Upon -one occasion in a session of the Uniontown Association, some -one complained that he smelled a very disagreeable whiskey -odor in the house.</p> -<p>Mr. Dosier remarked: “With the consent of the body I -will find the man who has been drinking.” It was agreed -that he might make the search. Accordingly, he passed from -man to man, requesting that he might smell his breath. He -located the man, who, for lying about it, was excluded from -the body.</p> - -<p>The writer never met a man for whose veracity he had a -higher regard.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Donald, Rev. R.</span>, of Birmingham, was born in Alabama -June 10, 1854. He is the founder of the Tabernacle Church, -Birmingham, and the builder of the First Church, Pratt -Mines. He has worked hard and sacrificed much for the -cause. His name will remain in many churches. He owes -much to his noble, patient wife.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Edwards, Rev. A. J.</span>, of Lowndes county, is a teacher as -well as a preacher, and in different sections of the State he -has labored with good results in the interest of morality, education -and religion. Mr. Edwards is blessed with much body -as well as with much soul. Good health and jovial spirits -abound, and hence he is ever an enjoyable companion. He is -still a young man, full of manly pride, commendable ambition, -and a love for the pure and charitable, in view of which -we may hope that his day is only in its dawning, and that a -brighter noon and evening are before him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Ellis, Rev. Henry</span>, of Flint, Morgan county, son of William -and Martha Ellis, was born in May, 1856. He was baptized -in 1871, and in 1875 he was ordained to the ministry by -Revs. Charles Davis and M. J. Hooks. He is now pastor of -St. Peter’s Church, which is composed of some of Morgan -county’s best citizens. He deserves special praise for his attention -to his Sunday School. Mr. Ellis also preaches to a -church near Courtland. This brother is a warm friend to -missionaries and delights to aid good causes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Fisher, Rev. C. L.</span>, B. D., son of Alexander and Elizabeth -Fisher, was born in St. Bernard parish, twenty miles below -New Orleans, La., February 16, 1866.</p> - -<p>On the first Sunday in February, 1875, he was baptized -into the Broadway Street Baptist Church, New Orleans, La.</p> - -<p><i>Ordained</i>—He was set apart to the work of the gospel -ministry by the Second Baptist Church in Evanston, Ill., -September 29, 1887, where he was student-pastor.</p> - -<p><i>Educated</i>—He graduated from the college department of -Leland University, New Orleans, La., May 28, 1884, with the -degree of B. A., and graduated from the Baptist Union Theological -Seminary, Morgan Park, Ill., May 5, 1887, with the -degree of B. D. On May 27, 1891, he received from Leland -University the degree of Master of Arts.</p> - -<p><i>Positions</i>—In 1888 pastor of Mt. Zion Church, Little -Rock, Ark. In 1889-92 he is teacher of languages and instructor -of ministers in Selma University, Selma, Ala. For -the last two years of this time he is pastor of the Tabernacle -Church of the city of Selma. In the office of State Sunday -School Missionary, under the American Baptist Publication -Society of Philadelphia, he has for several years rendered very -profitable service for the Baptists of Alabama as well as Mississippi. -He has recently been recalled to the pastorate of the -Tabernacle Church, Selma.</p> - -<p>Than is Charles Lewis Fisher, Alabama Baptists have no -more thorough scholar, profound logician and industrious -pastor. His physical form is a little frail. Should this not -hinder length of days, early future years must present him to -the world as one of our greatest theologians and metaphysicians. -He is not less modest than he is learned, not less -benevolent and respectful than he is self-reliant and dignified.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Fykes, Rev. A. J.</span>, of Pratt City, is the much beloved -pastor of the Canaan Church, Bessemer.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Fluker, Rev. Solomon</span>, of Sylacauga, Talladega county, -was born in March, 1833; was baptized in 1866 by a Rev. Mr. -Smith (white), of Talladega. He soon began to preach, and -ere long he had become a leading minister in his section of -the country. For nine years he was pastor of the church in -his town. He is a very meek, unassuming man, careful for -the welfare of his family, and hospitable towards his brethren. -Of late he has been a great but patient sufferer, and hence has -been compelled to cease from active labors in the ministry. -We owe much of our success in this section of the State to -the industry and exemplary character of this faithful man. -He has left the cross for the crown.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Foster, Rev. L. P.</span>, of Selma, was baptized by Rev. Jerry -Shorter in Eufaula in 1876. Mr. Foster, some time after his -marriage and mature manhood, moved to Selma and graduated -from the normal course of Selma University. He is a -stirring, industrious, self-reliant man, who purposes to make -his own way in the world without striding the back of any -other man. He has occupied different pastorates and has -served as missionary of the Eufaula Association. He has a -comfortable home—free of debt—and lends a helping hand to -missionary and educational enterprises.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Foster, Rev. James A.</span>, late of Montgomery, was born in -the State of Kentucky, in which he grew to young manhood. -He died in the city of Montgomery in December of 1891—died -as he had lived, in love and honor with men and in peace -with God. Twenty-five of his fifty-four years had been spent -in the gospel ministry, from the sacred offices of which he retired -in great joy. He was ordained to the work of the gospel -ministry by Revs. I. T. Tichenor, D. D., Nathan Ashby and -Jacob Bellser, in the city of Montgomery, in the year 1867. -His first pastoral charge was the church at Mt. Meigs, which -he served till he resigned to accept the call of the Columbus -Street Church in 1871. He was the first recording secretary -of the State Convention, and was the next man to Mr. Ashby -to preside over the Convention as president. He was trustee -of the State Normal and Swayne Schools, and moderator of -the Spring Hill Association.</p> - -<p>Mr. Foster was a man whom nature had variously and -richly endowed. Had he possessed early educational advantages—advantages -suited to his rich natural resources—he -would have held a place among the sons of the giants. His -sermons were always earnest, and frequently his vast audiences -were melted into weeping by a pathos that was as mysterious -as it was mighty. He was loved, honored, followed, -and obeyed. In the two churches in which he was pastor he, -it is said, baptized 10,000 persons, married 600 couples, and -preached 4,000 sermons. His loving, courtly manners won -and maintained for him such a tender regard as few men ever -possess. Nor was this confined to his own flock and race, but -it was shared more or less by the whole people, white and -black. The following will show something of his liberality:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p class="right"> -“<span class="smcap">Montgomery</span>, May —, 1891.<br /> -</p> - -<p>“<i>Dear Bro. Boothe</i>: On hearing that you need some -money for your work, I look over my account with the Lord -and find that I owe him five dollars. Enclosed you will find -this amount. May God bless you.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The last letter I received from him, one month before his -death, contained a donation to the mission work.</p> - -<p>His wife says of him: “Some time before his sickness, -he talked of nothing but heaven. I could plainly see that his -mind had left the world. I tried to interest him in house and -home affairs; but he would talk of nothing but of God’s grace -and of the home of the saints.”</p> - -<p>He was a model husband and father, and is sadly missed -from his home, as well as from his church and community. A -good man has gone from labor to reward—from cross to crown. -He was thoughtful of the welfare of his loved ones, and hence -carried an insurance on his life, the payment of which has -rendered them some assistance since his death.</p> - -<p>He was one of the original incorporators of Selma University, -and was a life member of the Home Mission Society.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Servant of God, well done;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Rest from thy sweet employ.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Forbes, Rev. W. R.</span>, now of Columbus, Ga., is still associated -with our Alabama work. He is now about 37 years of -age, is possessed of a fine personal appearance, is affable, studious, -sociable and industrious. He is a Virginian by birth -and came to Alabama in 1889 to begin work at Clayton and -Eufaula.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Franklin, Rev. Samuel</span>, of Mt. Meigs, was born June 4, -1849. He was converted to the Christian faith January, 1866, -and ordained to the work of the ministry March, 1876. -Brother Franklin is among the energetic enterprising men of -his part of Montgomery county. Notwithstanding he earns -his living at farming, he is busy in the interest of the affairs -of the house of God. At present he is pastor at Pike Road -Church.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_144" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_144.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. J. P. O’Riley, Trussville, Ala., Pastor Compton Baptist Church. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Franklin, Rev. William</span>, of Mt. Meigs, was born October -30, 1852. He was baptized by the late Rev. Washington -Stevens, of Montgomery, July, 1871. He was ordained in -1881 by Revs. P. Lucas, W. Stevens and his brother, Rev. -Samuel Franklin.</p> - -<p>He is a thoughtful, enterprising man, and has the pastoral -charge of several country churches. Being self-reliant, -persevering, as well as economical with time and means, he has -risen somewhat above the crushing heels of poverty and want. -At the age of 25 years, he did not know the English alphabet, -but by persistent application to study, he now reads and -writes and keeps his own accounts.</p> - -<p>His face bears those hospitable marks which make one -feel easy and at home in his company and restful amid his -family.</p> - -<p>On a trip to Mobile, our train stopped at the bridge of the -Tensas River to allow a freight train to clear the track. Mr. -Franklin’s gaze upon the bridge led the writer to think he -was frightened. As the freight train left the bridge, Mr. -F. remarked: “If it will hold up that train, it will ours, too.” -I said: “Maybe that train has just put it into the condition to -let us through.” “Yes, and I’ll pull my shoes off now in time -to swim,” said Mr. F.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Freeman, Rev. James H.</span>, of Moulton, Lawrence county, -is one among the very worthy young men of our State. He -has had comparatively no advantages for learning, and yet his -sober and comprehensive views of life have spurred him onward -in search of information, till now we have but few -young men in Alabama who use better language, have clearer -ideas of the Christian life, and make a more orderly speech -than Mr. Freeman. Better still, his neighbors speak of him -as a <i>good man</i>—a man whose conduct is a living epistle of the -faith which he professes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -French.</span>—Of the many substantial people of Talladega -county who deserve honorable mention, none are more worthy -in all regards than the French family. Messrs. Emanuel, -William, and Prince French would be an honor to any race of -people, no matter what the degree of their civilization and the -purity of their moral culture. The two first named teach in -the public schools; the latter is a preacher, and all of them -are prosperous land owners, as well as faithful members of -the Baptist church.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Gachet, Rev. Adam</span>, of Barbour county, Ala., was born -in Randolph county, Ga., March 10, 1837. At the age of 16 -he was carried to the county and State in which he now lives. -His childhood was wholly deprived of parental love and care, -and he says he never knew anything of a relative. Depressed -by his loneliness, he early felt the need of the friendship -of God, which he sought and soon obtained, to the great -joy of his heart. With this sweet peace soon came an impression -that he was called upon to speak of this wondrous love -to his fellow-slaves. In April, 1854, he was baptized into -Enon Church. On June 7, 1869, he was set apart to the work -of the gospel ministry. He is one of the pioneers in the work -of the Eufaula Association, having preached the introductory -sermon of the first session of that body. From the first till -now he has been a member of their executive board, and is -now a member of the board of trustees of Selma University. -Notwithstanding Bro. Gachet has had no educational advantages, -he reads intelligently and writes some. He has labored, -and now labors, in some of the most important churches in -his section of Alabama. He is still active on all lines of -progress. He has a large family, who seem to do him honor. -Bro. Gachet is no more.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Goldsby, Alexander</span>, was born February 6, 1819, in -Edgefield district, S. C. He came to Alabama in 1830. His -father, who was a native African, was born on the ocean while -his mother was on her way to America. His mother was born -in Maryland. In 1844 he was baptized into the white church -at Selma, Ala., by the Rev. Mr. Collins. In 1845 he was ordained -to the office of deacon, in which position he served for -thirty-eight years. He was a very honorable man, and was -not less respected by the white people than he was loved and -followed by his own. He was a successful blacksmith, usually -hired his time, and hence he was to a very considerable degree -his own master. In 1843 he married Miss Nicey Goodwin, -and a large family of children is the fruit of the marriage. -His massive head and deliberate manner, his strong will and -dauntless spirit, his good sense and genuine piety, made him -a leader of the people and a pillar in the house of God. A -man more capable of friendship at great personal costs, I have -never known. Especially from him, aided by Deacons Charles -White, Nick Claiborne, Tall Underwood, and E. Ross, our -cause in Dallas county has risen up. At or near the close of -his seventy-third year, “Father Goldsby” bravely, triumphantly -and peacefully passed from the earth to that city which -knows no night and needs not the shining of the sun. He -was one of the chief leaders of the band which met on Friday -night, near Selma, forty or fifty years ago, to pray for freedom. -His name is honored in his children.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Green, Rev. Lawson J.</span>, son of Lawson and Martha -Green, was born near Livingston, Sumter county, Ala., August -4, 1859. Though he was so young, he says his heart still -bears the impress of the horrors of slavery. Under his -father’s direction, he soon learned how to farm. Notwithstanding -the colored people of this county were greatly hindered -by the kuklux, Mr. Green utilized every educational facility -within his reach to attain to a knowledge of letters. -After he had gone as far as he could in the schools in and -around Livingston, in 1879 he entered the Selma University, -then under the management of Rev. H. Woodsmall, of Indiana. -From this institution, he graduated in 1884 under the presidency -of Dr. E. M. Brawley. At different times and places -he has followed the work of teaching. He taught in his own -county, was principal of Tullabody Academy at Greensboro, -was a member of the faculty of Selma University, and was also -of the faculty of the Baptist Academy at Marion. His principal -pastorates have been at Greensboro, Ala., and Selma, of -the same State. As Brother Green is full of good health, -pluck and mental energy, there is no reason why he should -not have a long and useful life as a Christian leader. He -has held various honorable positions in the general work, and -is now secretary of the Board of Trustees of Selma University.</p> - -<p>P. S. He is now in Birmingham, pastor of the Spring -Street Church and principal of an independent school on the -south side of the city. He will long be a power in the -denomination, if watchfulness and temperance attend him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Gulley, Daniel T.</span>, of Selma, son of John L. and Amy -Gulley, was born near Snow Hill in Wilcox county, Ala. He -was the property of James Gulley, whom he served as “waiting -boy” till the close of the war. Doubtless this position -was favorable in the direction of refinement and culture. A -taste and relish for the study of books would naturally come -of such environments. Utilizing some school advantages -which came to hand, he soon, as the result of hard work, attained -to such a beginning in letters as enabled him to officiate -as clerk of the Antioch Church.</p> - -<p>At the opening of Selma University on January 1, 1878, -he, at 9 o’clock <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span>, was the only student on the ground. -He completed a course in this institution with the class of -1884. On the fourth Sunday in February, 1873, he was baptized -into the Antioch Baptist Church by the Rev. Willis -Stalworth. Here he served as clerk of the church and as -superintendent of the Sunday School. From the beginning, -he has been a substantial friend of ministerial education. He -was ordained in the session of the State Convention held in -Selma in November, 1883, Revs. M. Tyler, W. H. McAlpine, -J. Dosier, E. K. Love, E. M. Brawley, W. R. Pettiford, H. -Stevens and the writer, officiating as presbytery. He has held -various pastorates and different positions in the general work, -and is now Sunday School missionary under the Publication -Society.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Hampton, Rev. James</span>, of Leighton, Ala., was born and -reared near where he now lives. On July 25, 1858, he began -life’s journey a slave, in line with the condition of his race. -In 1869—in September—he was baptized into the Mount -Pleasant Church by “Father” Henry Bynum, and on June 18, -1882, he was solemnly set apart to the work of the gospel -ministry by Revs. B. King, H. Bynum, O. Jackson and T. W. -Morris. Brother Hampton is one of the leading men of the -Muscle Shoals Association, and justly so, for added to his -natural talent are many graces of character which come only -of labor, aspiration, study, faith, and exalted purpose.</p> - -<p>Without the aid of schools, he has attained to a creditable -knowledge of letters. He is a builder, an organizer, a pastor -and business man. With him and his family, the tired missionary -may find a place for rest and refreshment. He lives -upon his own fruitful farm near Leighton, in Lawrence county, -and is a light which shines upon all the Christian enterprises -around him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Hawkins, Prof. D. D.</span>, of East Lake, Jefferson county, -deserves honorable mention for his services for religion and -education. The people of East Lake are comparatively prosperous -and progressive, and to no man are they more indebted -for this condition of things than to Deacon and Professor -Hawkins. As church officer and as school teacher he has long -and faithfully served his church and his community, and his -spirit and labors have been like the leaven which the woman -hid in the meal.</p> - -<p>The writer has ever found him a quiet, industrious, -hospitable brother, with ready heart and open hand in support -of every good work. He is an honor to his school—Selma -University.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Hall, Rev. S. M.</span>, pastor of the First Colored Baptist -Church at Warrior, Ala., is one of our most robust, handsome -and spotless young men. He was born in Walker county, -Ala., October 26, 1867. Attended the public schools of his -community for five years. In October, 1885, he joined the -Oak Grove Church in Walker county, receiving baptism the -same month. He has attended the Birmingham Institute two -years, and has given three years to the work of teaching. He -is one of those jovial, happy, friendly souls which one always -enjoys. His hard work in the study of books shows that he -sees and appreciates the value of knowledge, and recognizes -that there is no easy, lazy road to learning, to culture and -refinement.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_151" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_151.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Miss Ella Knapp, Missionary, Birmingham, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Hawthorne, Rev. Lambert</span>, of Evergreen, was born -March 15, 1859, in Pine Apple, Wilcox county, Ala. When -he was only six years of age his mother, Mrs. Sarah Hawthorne, -died and left him and two other sons to such cold -charities as might chance to fall in their way. From the time -of his mother’s death till he was 18 or 20 he was an apprentice -to Col. J. R. Hawthorne, of his native county. This gentleman -sent him to school, sometimes paying $2 per month to -his teacher, thus enabling him in his early years to lay an -educational foundation upon which he has continued to build. -As might be expected of any person possessing his native -talent and industrious turn of mind, he has successfully -drawn upon every literary opportunity that has fallen in his -way, to increase and beautify his store of knowledge and wisdom. -He studied in Talladega College, entering that institution -1875 and leaving in 1879.</p> - -<p>In 1879 he was induced, doubtless by denominational influences, -to enter Selma University.</p> - -<p>Both as teacher and as preacher he has been a very busy -man. At different times he has been principal of the city -schools of Opelika and Union Springs, and now he presides -over the Evergreen High School. His most prominent pastorates -have been the First Church, Union Springs, and the -Bethel Church, Evergreen. For the latter church Mr. Hawthorne -is now completing a good church edifice. In 1873 he -was baptized at Pine Apple by Rev. W. Allen. In 1883 he -was ordained to the ministry in Opelika by Revs. Thomas -Glenn, H. Clark, N. B. Robie, D. D. (white), and others. In -1880 he was wedded to Miss Laura E. Drake, of Opelika, an -affable lady, by whom he has six children. Mr. Hawthorne is -energetic, sociable and full of work.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Holloway, Rev. W. H.</span>, who spent two years in the -Presbyterian Theological School at Tuscaloosa, is preaching -and teaching at Thomas. Affable and industrious, he is making -friends and followers.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Hunter, Rev. Henry</span>, of Faunsdale, son of Reuben and -Abigail Hunter, is now (June, 1892) about 77 years of age. -He was baptized by Rev. James Caldwell since the close of -the war, and in 1866 he was set apart to the work of the gospel -ministry in a council of which the Rev. James Caldwell -was chairman. Speaking of his education Brother Hunter -says: “By chance I learned to read the Bible.” He is one of -the pioneers of Marengo county in the work of the colored -Baptists. He is naturally talented, is unassuming, deeply -pious, and is known by his brethren as being sober, upright -and honorable. He has property worth about $1,000. He is -quietly expecting a peaceable end to his earthly career, and -like Abraham, has his eyes upon another country where the -wicked shall cease from troubling and the weary shall be at rest.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Hutchins, Rev. P. S. L.</span>, of Gallion, son of Reuben and -Sylvia Hutchins, was born October 13, 1862, in Barbour -county, Alabama. In 1879 he was baptized into the Eufaula -Baptist Church by the Rev. Jerry Shorter. He, in youth, was -a person of observing, active mind, and hence by the time he -came to early manhood he had fairly prepared himself for the -position of school teacher. He took the college course in -Selma University, from which institution he graduated with -the degree of A. B. in May, 1890. On May the 31st, of the -same year, he was publicly and officially set apart to the work -of the gospel ministry, Revs. M. Tyler, C. L. Puree, C. L. -Fisher, J. Q. A. Wilhite, R. T. Pollard, L. J. Green, A. N. -McEwen and the writer, officiating as presbytery. At the -time of this writing Mr. Hutchins is pastor at Gallion and -also at Newberne. At both these points he has succeeded in -leading his flocks to the erection of good church edifices. He -is full of energy and pluck as well as of literary aspiration. -Like O’Bryant and other rising men among us, he is a <i>moving</i> -man, and has muscles as well as brains.</p> - -<p>He is physically as well as mentally strong, and so, if -wisdom, prudence and Providence shall continue to be his -companions, a long life, a growing life, a useful life, an honorable -life is to be his.</p> - -<p>P. S.—Since writing the above Mr. Hutchins has been -abundant in labors in building houses of worship at different -points. Great physical strength is proving to be a very -convenient instrumentality under the powers of a strong -mind.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jackson, Rev. A. C.</span>, the son of Roderick and Ellen Jackson, -was born in Pickens county, Alabama, December 13, 1848. -He was baptized into the African Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, -Ala., by the late Rev. Prince Murrell.</p> - -<p>He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at -the request of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, -by Revs. J. R. Capers (one of the most worthy organizers -of the Alabama work), Henry Wood and N. G. Scurlock. -The writer first met Brother Jackson in Mobile, in 1875, in -company with Rev. P. Murrell. His Birmingham work was -crowned with success. Beside what he did in the matter of -increasing the membership, he laid at the hand of his successor -in the pastorate of the Sixteenth Street Church about -$3,000 worth of salable land and the present church site. He -is accepted by his brethren as being an honest, earnest, industrious, -studious man, especially noted for his hospitality to -his brethren. Beside the pastorate above mentioned, he has -been a builder and leader of other churches. He is now president -of the Sunday School Convention of the Mt. Pilgrim Association -and chairman of the Ministers’ Conference of Birmingham. -He has had sore trials, but in all his changes his -love for Jesus has been manifest to all.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jackson, Rev. John W.</span>, pastor of the First Colored Baptist -Church of Eufaula, was born at Whitesville, Ga., about thirty -years ago.</p> - -<p><i>Educational Advantages.</i>—He has enjoyed only such advantages -as the free public schools of Atlanta, Ga., afforded -him, but because of his native talent and studious application -to the study of books, and his association with men of thought, -he is possessed of a fair education. His unassuming manner -and happy, brotherly spirit win and hold for him the love of -his brethren in the ministry as well as the tender, confiding -respect of his flock.</p> - -<p>He was led to faith in Christ in his sixteenth year. In -December, 1890, he was installed into the work and office of -the gospel ministry by a council, in which Revs. W. H. Tilman -and E. J. Fisher, of Atlanta, Ga., officiated. He was called to -labor in Alabama May, 1892. The Eufaula Church, of which -he is pastor, was organized about the year 1867, and is therefore -one among the oldest churches in the State. This church -began on the river bank in a little board shanty, but they now -worship in a nice large frame building on a main street of the -city. Mr. Jackson follows in this pastorate Revs. J. Shorter, -J. Q. A. Wilhite, G. W. Berry, Mr. Forbes, and Mr. Bassett; -and he feels gratified with the assurance that he leads a church -from which have gone forth some of the best people in the -country. “<i>Be thou strong, therefore, and show thyself a man.</i>”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jackson, Rev. Dennis</span>, of Tuscumbia, is an honest, industrious -man who has a large place in the love of his brethren.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -James, Rev. Lewis D.</span>, son of James and Priscilla James, -was born in Sumter county, Ala., December 24, 1859. Baptized -by Rev. A. Gordon, of Gainesville, Ala., in August, 1875. -Had limited educational advantages in youth, but has since -his manhood increased his stock of information by study, in -which labor he has been aided by Prof. E. D. Lord and Dr. A. -F. Owens, of Mobile, and Dr. Pettiford, of Birmingham.</p> - -<p>He was ordained to take charge of the Bethel Church at -Warrior, Ala., October, 1888, by Revs. A. C. Jackson, J. W. -White, A. D. Jemison and W. R. Pettiford, D. D. His brethren -of the Mount Pilgrim Association have laid on him various -positions of honor, such as president of the Sunday School -Convention, district missionary, etc.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -James, Rev. Van B.</span>, pastor at Avondale, is a brother of -Rev. L. D. James. He is a progressive, industrious young -man, whose breast is filled with longings for a higher life for -his people. His preaching is characterized by thought rather -than by emotion. In all the interests of the devotion he shows -himself substantially concerned.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Johnson, Rev. Gabriel B.</span>, of Courtland, Ala., son of -Beverly and Sophia Johnson, was born in King George -county, Va., in 1849. Two years before the beginning of our -civil war, the subject of our sketch, with three other children -and his mother, were brought to Alabama as slaves. He -was led to seek Christ in consequence of a revival conducted -near Courtland by Revs. F. Bowman and S. Watkins. In -1867, in February, he was baptized by a white brother. -Shortly after his baptism, he began to speak for Jesus in the -public meetings under the authority of a license from his -church. In 1873 he was solemnly set apart to the sacred -office of the gospel ministry, Revs. G. Garrett, J. Belle, B. -Swope and C. S. Gibson officiating, after which he was called -to the pastoral charge of the Courtland Church, in which capacity -he now serves. His first marriage was to Miss Millie -Davis, daughter of Harry and Susan Davis. As the fruit of -this marriage, there were seven children born to him, four of -whom still live. In 1887, and some time after death had -robbed him of this good woman, he was wedded to Miss -Mariah Jarman, daughter of John and S. Jarman, of Leighton, -Ala.</p> - -<p>He has had but poor educational advantages, but has -used to considerable effect such as have come within his -reach. He has had some access to the free public schools -and a few months in the Roger Williams University, Nashville, -Tenn.</p> - -<p>He has been Sunday School missionary under the joint appointment -of the Muscle Shoals Association and the American -Baptist Publication Society, has for several sessions assisted -Prof. H. H. Stewart in the Courtland public school, and is at -present the moderator of the Muscle Shoals Association. He -has the confidence and love of his brethren, and will doubtless -ascend into still greater things. Being physically strong, -he will be a young man for years to come. His kind manner -and polite disposition readily commend him to the favor of all -persons who are inclined to be friendly, and hence a host of -friends follow him with good wishes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Johnson, Rev. Daniel</span>, Oakland, Lauderdale county, Ala., -son of Lewis and Martha Johnson, was born near Florence, -Ala., November 11, 1844. Baptized by Rev. H. Beckwith in -1872. Ordained by Rev. H. Beckwith, Thos. Bruhes and A. -Davis, in January, 1880.</p> - -<p>Brother Johnson has been pastor of Zion No. 1 for some -time past and is a cheerful supporter of all the general enterprises -of the denomination.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Johnson, Rev. Richard</span>, pastor of St. James Church, Birmingham, -is one of our worthy pioneers, in the Macon county -churches.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_158" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_158.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. J. H. Eason, A. B., Professor in Selma University. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jones, Rev. C. P.</span>, pastor Tabernacle Church, Selma, hails -from Arkansas. We have nothing of his history. He comes -to us highly recommended by those who knew him best, and -so far he is making an excellent impression in his praise. Beside -his moral worth and fine intellectual talents he has other -personal graces very rarely seen.</p> - -<p>The writer loves especially his earnest devotion to his -sacred calling. He is of Georgia nativity, is about 27 years -of age and is a good scholar. He has been in Alabama only -three months. What he has accomplished in books is proof -that he is a man of studious habits.</p> - -<p>P. S.—Since the above was written Brother Jones has -gone to Mississippi, forcing from Alabama Baptists an acknowledgment -of his exalted piety, child-like faith, sound -sense and superior pulpit power. Brother Jones is now in -Mississippi, still growing in grace and popularity.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jones, Rev. Silas</span>, of Mt. Meigs, Montgomery county, -son of Jupiter and Caroline Jones, was born May 1, 1847. -He was baptized into Elam Church, May 1, 1866, by Rev. -John Holmes, (white). Was ordained to the work of the gospel -ministry May 29, 1870, under the auspices of the white -Baptist Church, of Wetumpka, Ala., by Revs. A. Carleton, J. -Cole and Thomas Smith. The writer first met Brother Jones -in Mobile in 1875—has been with him in his pastorates at -Wetumpka, at Sandy Ridge, at Mt. Meigs and at Calhoun. -He did not learn the alphabet until after he was about 18 -years of age, and hence his very manly struggles for a knowledge -of books have not been attended with the perfection -which comes of early training. But he is a man of natural -ability and rare tact, and what he knows is most thoroughly -utilized. His home Christianity includes a system of regular -Bible study for children as well as for hired help. He is an -exemplary pastor. He is an industrious Bible student and -preaches the truth with telling effect. His urbanity and other -elements of personal magnetism bind his people about him -with strongest cords of confidence and affection. No one -man has done more for the education of his people than he, -as the schools at Mt. Meigs and Calhoun must show. Brother -Jones is still young and strong and promises a long life. -He has good property. His family does him honor. He is a -strong man and coming days will give him the honors due -him as a man great in service for home and country.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jones, Rev. Pope</span>, of Russellville, was born near Tuscumbia, -Ala., June 15, 1839. He was baptized some time between -1862 and 1866, and was set apart to the work of the gospel -ministry in 1869 by Revs. Joseph Shackelford, D. D. (white), -and W. E. Northcross. Brother Jones was in many respects -a very remarkable man—no man in the Muscle Shoals Association, -no man in Northern Alabama, had so much power over -the masses of the ministry and the great body of the laity as -he. He was an executive man and a natural magnet, and men -gathered about him and cheerfully submitted themselves to -the sway of his opinions. He was as affable as he was firm, -as joyous as he was earnest. He peaceably passed from this -life in 1888.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jones, Rev. Wm. B.</span>, of Demopolis, was born in 1847 in -Marengo county, Ala. Was baptized June 16, 1867, by Rev. -John Scott. He has accomplished some work in the churches.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Kennedy, Rev. F. R.</span>, of Columbiana, was born December -20, 1864, in this State. He was baptized at Calera by the Rev. -Henry Clay in 1881, and in 1886 he was set apart to the work -of the gospel ministry by Revs. P. Fancher and John Tranholm. -Mr. Kennedy at the age of 18 did not know his letters, -but perceiving at an early age the value of book learning he -resolved at the time named to attain to some knowledge on -this line. He has availed himself of such facilities and opportunities -as have fallen in his way, and in consequence he now -reads and writes fairly well. No doubt much of his advancement -and general success are due to the knowledge, aspiration -and persistence of Mrs. Kennedy, whose educational advantages -have been superior to her husband’s. Brother Kennedy has -been pastor in his own town, in Birmingham, at Calera, and -now he preaches in Anniston.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Kennedy, Rev. Samuel</span>, once pastor Union Church, Mobile, -is one of those unassuming, modest, friendly men whose heart -pours forth in kindness upon everybody. Like many others -his chief misfortune is that he bears the marks which declare -his want of early school advantages. However, he deserves -praise for many good qualities and commendable labors.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -King, Rev. Boling</span>, of Leighton, Ala., was born in Orange -county, Va., August, 1836. He was converted to faith in Christ -under the ministry of Rev. Henry Bynum, by whom, aided by -Dr. Shackleford, he was baptized into the Mt. Pleasant Baptist -Church near Leighton. In 1868, in same church and by the -same brethren, he was solemnly set apart to the work of the -gospel ministry. Though he never attended school he can -read and write, and is a natural leader. He is pastor of some -of the largest churches in the Muscle Shoals Association. He -is an industrious, honorable man and has accumulated about -$1,700 worth of real estate. He is one of the pioneers of the -work in this section of Alabama. He is still of youthful vigor -and leads in the Sunday School the same as in the church.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Koyton, Prof. Abner C.</span>, of Tuscaloosa, son of Henry and -Susan Koyton, was born in Marietta, Ga., but was reared in -Summerfield, Ala. Mr. Koyton graduated from the State -Normal School, Marion, Ala., in 1880, and delivered the first -annual address to the alumni of this institution.</p> - -<p>Under his principalship, and on his plans, so the writer is -informed, the city schools (colored) of Tuscaloosa began to -operate under their present graded system. He is now just -inaugurating the Tuscaloosa Baptist Academy. He is young, -but studious and progressive. His youth is dignified by his -gravity and piety.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Lawson, Rev. A. J.</span>, of Camden, son of Mr. A. and Mrs. -Julia Lawson, is doing a good work at Camden. His chief -educational advantages have come of the Camden schools, and -what he has accomplished in the way of letters, is evidence of -his vigilance and application with reference to the opportunities -which came to his hand. He was baptized by Rev. David -Small, of Clark county, in 1886, two years after which time he -was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry at Camden -by order of the Camden Church, which was then under the -pastoral care of Rev. J. W. White. His labors are well spoken -of by his brethren.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Lawson, Rev. A.</span>, of Union Springs, the pastor of Mount -Pleasant Church, now about 45 years of age, is one of the -leading men of the “Old Pine Grove Association.” Like most -of the men of his time, his education has been hindered. -However, he is a very clear-headed man and, having a large -following, has done much good in Bullock county.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Leavens, Rev. Charles</span>, the man who led to the erection -of the brick structure in which the St. Louis Street Church -now worships, was of Virginia nativity, and was born about -1805. The writer is of the opinion that no man in Alabama -did so much in pioneer days to organize the Negro Baptists -in the State as Mr. Leavens. At the close of the war he was -not ordained, but was the most enterprising, pushing, sanguine -and influential man in his church. Naturally, therefore, -the work of guiding the flock fell upon his shoulders. As he -could not get ordination of his white brethren, he sought it in -New Orleans. Finding himself now possessed with the commission -of a gospel minister, he sought to touch and commission -men for the other cities and towns of the State. The Rev. -Philip Gambrell was ordained about the same time. Calling -in this man’s services and assistance, Mr. Leavens ordained -Messrs. P. Murrell, of Tuscaloosa; J. Bleavens, of Selma; -James Caldwell, of Demopolis; the writer, and a great company -of others, who went out into the various sections of the -State to organize the people into churches. Of course, as -might have been expected, he sometimes put out the wrong -man, but it was a time to do and dare. His excuse for hasty -action was: “This is a peculiar time whose peculiar circumstances -call for bold methods.” His chief questions to applicants -were: “Can you and do you read the Bible? Do you -believe it, pray about it, and practice its teachings? Are you -a good, whole Baptist? Are you a republican?”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Leach, Rev. James</span>, of Birmingham, son of Alfred and -Elizabeth Leach, was born July 16, 1832, in Marengo county, -Ala. In 1846 he was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Fox, of Uniontown, -and on November 26, 1867, in the African Baptist -Church of Tuscaloosa, he was set apart to the work of the -gospel ministry by Revs. P. Murrell, P. Bowler and James -Caldwell.</p> - -<p>In 1855 he was married to Miss Mary Martin. He was -once pastor of the African Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, and -one time presided over the Bethlehem Association (organized -in 1877) as moderator. Mr. Leach has held various pastorates, -is a hospitable man, and has a very pleasant family.</p> - -<p>The writer has often found—when weary and sick—a -pleasing and invigorating refuge within the quiet home of -these good people.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Leftwich, John C.</span>, of Montgomery, once editor and now -manager of the <i>Baptist Leader</i>, is noted especially for energy -and independence. He is, at the time of this writing, temperance -lecturer for the State of Alabama under the “National -Temperance Society.” Doubtless he inherits his push -and ambition from his father, who was at one time a member -of the Alabama legislature. He is quite a young man, -and if wisdom shall rule over his purposes and plans in years -to come, he will write himself upon the men and the occasions -of future years.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Lewis, Rev. C.</span>, is pastor of Macedonia Church, Birmingham. -He appears ready for any good word and work.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Looney, Rev. J. T.</span>, of Fayetteville, Talladega county, -was born in Coosa county, Alabama, May 2, 1847. He was -baptized into the Fayetteville Church by Rev. Berry Ware in -1867, and in 1885 he was set apart to the work of the ministry -by Rev. H. Morris and others. At the time of this writing -Mr. Looney is pastor at Alpine. He is a quiet and unassuming -man, ever friendly to education and missions, and hospitable -toward his brethren.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Lofton, Rev. J. B.</span>, is pastor at Smithfield, near Birmingham.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Lovelady, Rev. C. L.</span>, of Hollywood, Jackson county, is -noted among his brethren for his interest in missions and education. -He followed Rev. Lewis Roach in the moderatorship -of the Mud Creek Association. He helps in the building of -churches, and is a liberal supporter of schools.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Low, Rev. Green</span>, of Livingston, is one of the most matter-of-fact -sort of men with whom the writer has ever had -any business. No man can beat him wearing his whole heart -right on his face. He is uncovered, outspoken and fearless, -and yet all seems so natural, so honest and so kind, until -what would otherwise appear hard and ungenial, is really enjoyable. -Mr. Low is among the leaders of the Bethlehem Association.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_165" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_165.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Miss A. L. Bowman, Missionary, Birmingham, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -McAlpine, Rev. W. H.</span>, at present teacher of Ministers’ -and Deacons’ Institute, under the appointment of the Southern -Baptist Mission Board, was born in Buckingham county, -Virginia, June, 1847. At the age of three years, he, his -mother and a younger brother were brought to this state by -a “Negro speculator,” who sold them to a Rev. Robert McAlpine, -of Coosa county. At the age of 8 years and on the occasion -of the death of this Presbyterian minister, he became -the property (?) of Dr. McAlpine, with whom he remained till -the close of the war. In this family he was the nurse of the -white children for about ten years. As Mrs. Dr. McAlpine -was very anxious and cautious as to the quality of the first -moulding influences touching the childhood of her children, -and as the schools around were hardly up to her ideal, she -had her children instructed at home. As the nurse’s position -placed him and kept him in constant association with the -children, and as he was possessed of a literary turn of mind, -he soon began to imbibe a knowledge of letters, advancing -into reading, writing, grammar, geography and arithmetic. -From 1855 to 1874 he saw nothing of his mother, and for sixteen -years of this time did not know where she was. Naturally -this incident started a train of serious reflections touching -the facts and hopes of human life. About the year 1864 -or 1865 he was converted to Christianity and some time after -was baptized into the Talladega Church (white) by his friend, -Dr. Renfroe. At the close of the war Mr. McAlpine first -worked at the carpenters’ trade, which he left for school teaching. -In the winter of 1866 he entered the Talladega College, -supporting himself by laboring during the morning and evening -hours—before the opening and after the close of the -school. In 1873 he severed his connection with this institution, -having been aroused to undertake the establishment of a -similar institution for his own denomination. In 1871 he was -ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, and accepted a -call to the pastorate of the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Talladega, -which he resigned in 1875 in order to give his whole -time to his school project.</p> - -<p>To no man in Alabama has been committed trusts more -varied and more weighty. While connected with the Talladega -College he occupied the position of State canvasser under -the appointment of Mr. Cravath. He has been pastor at Talladega, -Jacksonville, Marion and Anniston, and president of -Selma University. His special excellence is not of that mental -style which gives birth to fine psychological and metaphysical -discernments and distinctiveness: it is that sort of mental -something which strikes with broad side and ponderous weight. -The breadth of his rear head would seem to indicate that all -his faculties are driven forward by a force that starts from a -broad base. The writer first met Dr. McAlpine in Mobile, in -November, 1874, the year following that in which he brought -forward, at the Tuscaloosa session of the Convention, his -school idea. My first impression of him was that he was a -man of special mission, and I immediately sympathized with -him and with the school project, throwing myself fully into -line with his plans.</p> - -<p>In referring to his childhood life, and while talking with -reference to the power of secret prayer, he once remarked to -the writer: “Upon one occasion, though without my knowledge, -Dr. McAlpine had resolved to punish me for a trivial -matter on my part which had caused him some displeasure. -I had gone to feed the horses, and in the crib I was on my -knees at prayer. The doctor had followed me with his whip. -I was not aware of his presence or purpose, and hence as he -did not speak I got through with my prayer and fed my horse -and returned to the house. I learned afterward that my -prayer had subdued him, and that he had expressed himself -as being ashamed of his purpose.”</p> - -<p>Alluding once to some mistakes he had made, he observed: -“We grow wiser as we grow older.” He has been happily -married twice. By his last wife he has a large family of beautiful -and promising children. The Rivers family, into which -he married, are a people of very sterling qualities, and no -doubt these happy associations have conduced to his success -in all regards.</p> - -<p>The act of the University in conferring upon him the -honorary title of D. D. is evidence of the high esteem in which -he is held by the trustees and faculty of the school. He is -now theological instructor in the school and is supported by -the Southern Board.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -McAlpine, F. Percy</span>, son of J. D. and Jane McAlpine, -was born August 1, 1865, in Forkland, Ala. He entered the -world amid that good heritage which can come only of the -exemplary life of parents. Though his early life was spent -on the farm, his youthful days were blessed with some educational -facilities, which his discerning, appreciative mind -turned to good advantage. After completing primary grades -in his home schools, he, against the wish of his mother and -protest of brothers, entered the State Normal School at Marion, -Ala., with only $15 to begin the course of study prescribed. -The next year he entered Selma University, studying -during the school session and teaching in summer till -1888, when his mother, his only support since the death of -his father, fell asleep. He says of this time of struggle:</p> - -<p>“I owe a lasting debt of gratitude to President Purce, -who never left me without an encouragement which it was -possible for him to bestow.”</p> - -<p>In 1890 while in his junior college year, financial straits -forced him to give up study and go out to work. Applying -for the principalship of the Bessemer City School, he made -an almost perfect mark in his examination and obtained the -position. While in this capacity, aided by Mr. J. C. Barker, -he edited a paper known as “<i>The Marvel Age</i>.” In 1893, he -and Mr. Barker operated a bookstore.</p> - -<p>The writer knows but few young men who equal Mr. -McAlpine in modesty, industry, courage, push and beauty of -moral character. An honorable future awaits him, and of -friends he shall have many. Talented and studious, he must -still advance in scholarship. He became a member of the -Missionary Baptist Church in 1885, and lives according to his -profession. He expects to complete his university course in -1896.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -McEwen, Rev. A. N.</span>, pastor of Franklin Street Church, -Mobile, lately editor of the <i>Baptist Leader</i>, is a native of the -State of Mississippi, where he was born April, 1849. When -he was about 18 years of age he went to Nashville, Tenn., in -search of better things than those to which slavery had introduced -him. Here he entered the Roger Williams University, -remaining only a very short while. Here also he found -and wedded a wife. Being controlled by industry and economy -he soon saved enough from his small wages to purchase -a horse and wagon. This was the first of a series of financial -successes by means of which he soon rose above poverty and -want into comfortable circumstances for himself and family. -While attending the services of Mt. Zion Church in Nashville -in 1870 he was led to faith in Christ which he professed by -receiving baptism.</p> - -<p>Shortly after he began religious work, and in 1876 he was -ordained to take charge of the pastorate at Tullahoma, Tenn. -Five or six years after this he came to Alabama to take charge -of the Dexter Avenue Church. Mr. McEwen, since his entrance -into Alabama, has been intimately connected with all -our state operations, educational and missionary, and no man -among us has been more successful as a church financier. He -has bestowed special care upon the education of his children, -all of whom he has reared for the most part without their -mother’s aid, as she died when they were young. The Dexter -Avenue Church building was constructed under his leadership.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -McCall, Rev. E. A.</span>, at present pastor in Columbus, Ga., -the son of Rev. H. A. McCall, was born May 15, 1855, in Russell -county, Alabama. In 1872 he was baptized into the Hawkinsville -Baptist Church by the hands of his father. In September, -in the twentieth year of his age, he was set apart to -the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. A. Gachet, S. Fantroy, -J. Daniel, J. H. Davis and H. A. McCall. It will be seen -that he entered the sacred office at a very early age—at an age -rather soon in most cases—rather early for the good of the -minister as well as for the good of the people and the cause. -But though in youth he was possessed of very poor educational -advantages, by talent, push, courage, ambition, observation -and application to books, he has made surprising advances. -He is strictly a self-made man. He speaks with -ease and performs well on the organ.</p> - -<p>He has had a wide range of operation, having been pastor -at different times of eleven different churches, some of them -equaling the best pastorates in the country. Among them the -church at Union Springs may be mentioned. No man in Alabama -is more companionable than he.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -McCord, Rev. C.</span>, of Selma, was set apart to the work of -the gospel ministry by the St. Phillip Street Church while the -writer was pastor in 1884. He started the study of books late -in life, but by associating with men of advanced ideas and -close application to books he is now considerably ahead of the -masses of the ministry. He is a sober, judicious man, peaceable -and ever ready for work.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Maddox, Rev. J. D.</span>, the son of Daniel and Tabitha Maddox, -was born in Barbour county, Ala., near Midway, in 1854. -His father was sold away from him when he was only three days -old, and his mother when he was three years old, and hence he -came up without knowing anything either of father or -mother.</p> - -<p>This friendless condition early impressed him with the -desire to obtain the friendship of God, which in his eleventh -year, he sought and found. He was baptized into the Rama -Church by the Rev. Mr. VanHoose (white) during the same -year.</p> - -<p>In his seventeenth year, a desire to read books came into -his mind. By good fortune, he came into possession of 25 -cents which he invested in a “blue back speller.” In order -that his book and purpose might not come to the notice of -the white people he decided that he would tear out and learn -one leaf at the time. Thus he began to spell, aided by a -more fortunate fellow slave. The widow of a Baptist minister -encouraged him with the statement that if he could read -she would give him a hymn book and a Bible. On <i>one</i> Sabbath -he learned the Ten Commandments. Doubtless he owes -much of his success to his excellent wife, who is no less enterprising -than she is devout and faithful. He said to the -writer: “My wife <i>makes</i> me study.”</p> - -<p>In 1879 at the call of the Friendship Baptist Church of -Barbour county, he was set apart to the ministry by Revs. J. -Shorter, A. Gachet and E. Alexander. Brother Maddox is a -good man, a faithful preacher, and a successful builder—a -leading man in the Eufaula Association, and is as gentle as a -woman, and simple hearted as a child.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_172" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_172.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. M. Tyler, D. D., Lowndesboro, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Maderson, Rev. William</span>, of Greensboro, was born in -Virginia in 1849, and came to Alabama in 1866. In the fall of -1872 he was baptized into the Second Baptist Church at Marion, -Ala., and in the following year began to enter upon the work -of the ministry, speaking in public as he had opportunity. -While the Convention was in session in Marion in 1880, the -hands of ordination were laid upon his head by order of the -Marion Church, and by the same presbytery that ordained Dr. -Pettiford. He spent some time in study in the Selma University, -under the presidency of the late Rev. Harry Woodsmall. -Mr. Maderson is a man of fine natural gifts which, -considering his early, meagre advantages, have been well -developed. He is remarkably capacitated for imbibing what -is pure and elevating in good men and good books. He is -dearly beloved no less for his stainless character than for his -refinement and wisdom. After serving various other important -pastorates, he was called to the pulpit of the Salem Church -at Greensboro, where he now serves with success, greatly increasing -the membership and purchasing a neat parsonage. -For the past seven or eight years he has been the moderator -of the Uniontown Association—the largest Association in the -State. Should he continue as he has begun, coming years -must increase his power with God and man.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Merrell, Rev. Mason C.</span>, of Fort Deposit, son of M. C. -and Harriet Merrell, was born in Dallas county, Ala., June 26, -1849. As his parents were poor, he was apprenticed to the -Rev. H. Talbird, D. D., of said county, who sent him to the -schools of the neighborhood. By such means he was early -placed in conditions where he was able to lay the foundation -of a liberal English education. Much of Mr. Merrell’s time -for many years has been spent in teaching in the State schools. -The money thus earned has been a supplement to the meagre -support given him by the small churches of which he is the -efficient pastor. He was baptized into the fellowship of the -Carlowville Church October, 1867, by the hands of his benefactor. -In 1879 he was set apart to the work of the gospel -ministry in the city of Montgomery, Revs. J. A. Foster, W. J. -Stevens, Wm. Jinkins and R. Aarons officiating as presbytery. -Brother Merrell is a sociable, genial companion, a careful -speaker, an earnest Christian, and a firm believer in missions -and education. On all the moral questions of the times he is -as straight as a shingle. He, by his various pastorates, is associated -with the Alabama District and the Union Associations, -and in both bodies he is held in high esteem by all the -thoughtful and pious persons.</p> - -<p>Indeed, he is respected by all who know him, white and -black. Because of his quietness and sunshine, as well as for -his musical talent and skill, he is in special demand at our -annual and extra meetings.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Murrell, Rev. Prince.</span>—Rev. Prince Murrell was born -in Savannah, Ga., January 1, 1817. His mother, who -descended of a Congo prince, was born in Providence, R. I. -His father was the son of an Englishman, of the name of -Murrell. Some of his youthful years were spent with his -parents in South Carolina. In the year 1838, his mother with -seven children, he being the youngest, moved to Tuscaloosa, -Ala. At this time no member of the family knew anything -of the Christian life. In 1839 his mother was baptized, which -incident excited such serious impressions in her son as resulted -in his baptism in August, 1842. About this time he -began to speak and exhort as he had opportunity. At the -close of the war he had been a member of the Tuscaloosa -Church (white) about ten years, and was the only colored -Baptist preacher in Tuscaloosa. This brother has had a -rather remarkable career. In the year 1855 he bought his -freedom, and in 1856 started to Liberia, Africa, going as far as -Savannah, Ga. His aspiration for liberty, his unaided toiling -for the mastery of letters and books, his tact and perseverance -in organizing the colored Baptists of his section into -churches and associations, and his success in accumulating -property with many other things, mark him as no ordinary -man. His marriage to Miss Mary Drisdell in the year 1842, -was no doubt largely conducive to his energy and success, for -she—even up into old age—was a woman of strength and -industry. The first colored school ever taught in Tuscaloosa -was taught by him, and taught at a time when to teach a colored -school was to put one’s life at the muzzle of the shot gun. -Touching this phase of work, he related to the writer the following -stories: “When we were just set at liberty I went to -a white Baptist who had in times of slavery shown himself -friendly toward black people, and said, ‘Mr. S——, we need a -school teacher, can’t we secure you?’ He replied, ‘Do you -think I would disgrace myself by teaching a negro school? -Besides this, it would be only throwing into the waste my -time, my talent and my strength. I might as well drive into -a room a drove of sheep or a herd of swine, and put books before -them as to put books before kinky-headed nigger children.’</p> - -<p>“On one occasion, two white men who had come into -town to bring a prisoner, walked into my school room with -their ropes and chains in hand, and teacher and school, feeling -sure that the ropes and chains were for their necks, were -so dismayed as to excite the pity of the dreaded visitors, and -they sought to remove our fears and to encourage us to continue -on in our good way.”</p> - -<p>Speaking of the organization of colored churches in the -South, he remarked to the writer: “I was in Savannah when -the white people were discussing the propriety of organizing -colored churches.” He opened the first Sunday School for -colored people in the city of Tuscaloosa the first Sunday in -December, 1866. He claimed to owe most of his success in -the study of divine truth to the Rev. Chas. Manly. On July 1 -he organized the African Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa with -25 members. As he did not begin reading till he was 22 -years old he was not faultless in his mastery of the English -language, but was a good speaker, self-possessed and ready in -words. Mr. Murrell was one of the leading fathers of the -Alabama work. His children were a pride to him in his old -age.</p> - -<p>In the last years of his life he spoke tenderly of his old -mistress who encouraged him to learn to read, and of his -maiden mistress, who in many ways saved him from oppression -and aided him in securing his liberty.</p> - -<p>Since the above sketch was commenced Mr. Murrell and -his good wife have exchanged the cross for the crown.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Nichols, Rev. James</span>, of Greenville, moderator and missionary -of the Union Association, was born in Virginia May -10, 1842, and was brought to Alabama September, 1856, locating -at Selma, where he joined the church and was baptized by -the Rev. Mr. McCraw, who was then pastor both of the colored -and of the white churches of that city. At this time, as -the dates will show, he was a young man. It was in this same -church and city that he began the work of the ministry during -the days of slavery.</p> - -<p>His first marriage was to Miss Emma Allison, of Dallas -county. The fruit of this marriage was two sons and one -daughter, neither of whom is now living. His present wife -has two living children. He has an humble home of his own.</p> - -<p>Mr. Nichols is a man of energy, industry and decision of -character; he has opinions and has the courage to express -them. No man has any trouble in times of controversy to -locate him, and yet in his rulings as presiding officer of the -above named association, the writer has seen evidences of -prudence and commendable flexibility.</p> - -<p>His early life was robbed of literary environments, and -hence he is not an extensive reader of books; but his knowledge -of things is superior to many whose advantages have -been far better than his have been. He says that he knew absolutely -nothing of letters till since the close of the war, when -he had a little opportunity to attend night school at Uniontown.</p> - -<p>He was ordained in 1873 at Georgiana, Butler county, by -Revs. Dan Shepard, Nelson Briggs, Jesse Holens and others, -and he has done a good work in his section.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Northcross, Rev. W. E.</span>, of Tuscumbia, Colbert county, -was born in Colbert county, Ala., in 1840, and ordained to the -gospel ministry in 1867 by Rev. Mr. Slater (white) and Rev. -Henry Bynum.</p> - -<p>Mr. Northcross is strictly a pioneer. He, Rev. Stephen -Coleman and Rev. Henry Bynum, aided by Dr. Joseph Shackleford -(white) laid down the foundation stones in Morgan, -Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties.</p> - -<p>He is a peculiar man. He is a man of very positive nature—with -him it is yea and amen.</p> - -<p>To those who do not know him as well as to those who -vacillate and pretend, his sternness is repelling. But behind -and below external appearances there is a heart that is as tender -as it is brave, and as kind as it is firm. Except a little -time spent in the Roger Williams University, he has had no -school advantages, but he reads and writes fairly well.</p> - -<p>The Tuscumbia, Barton and Sheffield churches were built -up under his labors. In the formation of the Muscle Shoals -Association at Tuscumbia in 1869, he was one of the leading -spirits. He relates the following incidents:</p> - -<p>“Before the close of the war I was captured by the Federal -troops and carried to Decatur, where I joined their army. -As I had a crippled foot I was allowed to remain with the -commissary department. While we were camped at Athens, -General Forest came upon us and defeated, captured and -killed until we were almost literally wiped out of existence. -I had been kind to some little white children by which I had -won their love and, of course, the love of their parents. Therefore, -in the time of danger, I rushed to this house, and the -good people hid me and changed my clothes. Hence when I -was found, I was taken for one of the gentleman’s slaves. -When I was permitted by the man to try to return to Tuscumbia -and had gone some distance, I was caught by deserters -from the Southern army, who voted to shoot me. -They bound me and kept me over night, intending to do -away with me the next day. It was in a lonely desert on -the Tennessee river. I could not sleep, and so all night I -prayed to God, and all night the wives of the men prayed for -“the poor nigger”—prayed to their cruel husbands. Their -cries and tears prevailed, and I was robbed and let go after I -had vowed not to reveal their whereabouts. I left loving God -and believing in his faithfulness to his people as I had never -done before.”</p> - -<p>For years Mr. Northcross has been the trusted treasurer -of the Muscle Shoals Association. He is the pastor of the -largest church, and has the best edifice, in northern Alabama.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Oden, Rev. M. C. B.</span>, of Sylacauga, was born in Charleston, -S. C., December 24, 1839. He was baptized by Rev. J. J. -D. Renfroe, D. D., in September, 1865, and in 1873 he was set -apart to the work of the gospel ministry, Rev. W. Wilks, and -others, officiating as presbytery. He, in speaking of the rise -of the work in this section, says: “I came from South Carolina -in 1858, a Methodist. There were nineteen or twenty -other slaves on our place beside myself. I, and one other, -professed to be Christians. The master of the place permitted -us to hold prayer services, and allowed the slaves of his kin -people to attend. The Lord blessed these meetings and at the -close of the war this humble beginning was ready to unfold -into the Harpersville Church. At the close of the war, I -began to teach night and Sunday Schools, and thus introduced -the study of letters, though in the Sunday School as well as -in the night school, we had nothing but the ‘blue back speller.’” -Brother Oden is an honorable, outspoken, industrious, prosperous -man, whose hospitality is known far and wide. His home -has often been an asylum of rest to the writer, as well as to -other missionaries of Alabama of all denominations.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_179" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_179.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Mrs. Rebecca Pitts, Member Board of Trustees Woman’s State Convention, -Uniontown, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -O’Bryant, Rev. L. F.</span>, of Eufaula, the son of Frederick -and Rose O’Bryant, was born on the Dent plantation in Barbour -county, Ala., in the year 1860. In 1879 he was converted -to the faith of the gospel under the preaching of Rev. Jerry -Shorter, and was baptized into the Pleasant Grove Baptist -Church. At the call of the above named church, he was set -apart to the work of the gospel ministry in 1885 by Revs. J. -Q. A. Wilhite, A. Gachet, J. D. Maddox, E. May and J. A. -Alston, of Arkansas. Notwithstanding his educational advantages -have been very meagre, he has, by constant study -and observation, advanced to a fair knowledge of books. He -is a loving husband, a successful pastor, a strong preacher, a -genial associate, and carries sunshine everywhere. The writer -was associated with him for some weeks in the institute work -at Eufaula, and was truly delighted with his urbanity and innocent -wit. He is a young man of hopeful prospects—if his -present wise course should continue to the end. His father -before him is a Baptist minister, whose life is held in high -esteem, and hence the subject of this sketch comes into his -public career having his own excellent personal graces savored -by the good name of his revered ancestor.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Owens, Rev. A. J.</span>, of Moulton, is an ex-student of Selma -University; he is an agreeable companion, a kind father, an -orderly thinker and a forcible preacher. The writer has -greatly enjoyed the hospitalities of his home and the abundance -of his good humor.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Owens, Rev. Albert Franklyn</span>, editor of the <i>Baptist -Leader</i> and pastor at Mobile, was born in Wilcox county, -Ala., January 1, 1854. Early in life he left Alabama for -Louisiana, in which state he was led to exercise faith in the Son -of God and was baptized into Little Mt. Zion Church by the -Rev. G. Stemley, of Avoyelles Parish. In April, 1873, he was -licensed to enter upon the work of the gospel ministry. At -the call of the Third Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala., he was -ordained to the functions of the ministerial office by the Common -Street Baptist Church, New Orleans, La., May 28, 1877, -by a council of which Rev. Marsena Stone, D. D., of Ohio, -was chairman, and Rev. A. M. Newman was secretary. His -longest and hitherto most prosperous pastorate has been with -the church who called for his ordination, and whom he led to -the purchase of their neat brick edifice on St. Anthony street.</p> - -<p>Beginning with them in the spring of 1887, he left them -for Uniontown, September, 1890, in excellent quarters and -free from debt. This he did at such patient self-sacrifice as -may be found in only a very few men of his age.</p> - -<p>In 1873 he entered Leland University, New Orleans, -where he remained four years pursuing the classical and theological -courses under Drs. Gregory and Stone.</p> - -<p>While in Louisiana he was engaged in teaching school -and was intimately associated with the general Baptist work, -being at one time editor of their state organ, the <i>Baptist Messenger</i>. -In 1884-85 he was editor of the <i>Baptist Pioneer</i>, located -at Selma, Ala., and has served as general superintendent -of missions for the State of Alabama. For many years he -has been on the Board of Trustees of Selma University, and -in recognition of his solid worth and general information he -is now the bearer of our denominational standard.</p> - -<p>Mr. Owens is a typical, Christian gentleman. No other -man among us has a library so select, so varied and so valuable -as he has, nor has any man in Alabama a clearer evidence -of literary talent and literary relish. He is a many-sided man, -and the beauty of his solid personal qualities is greatly enhanced -by his indigenous vivacity, unstinted hospitality, and -perennial benevolence. In the hovels of the poor and in the -times of the sources of disease, no man among us is more -welcome than he, neither is there one of his brethren whose -duty renders more heedless of danger or blind to personal -privations and material losses. Whether he builds houses of -worship, preaches, lectures, teaches, writes—whatever may be -the engagement of the hour, that engagement focuses the -whole man. The following incidents will show something of -the style of his mind: On one occasion when severely tried -in administering discipline, and when he had allowed his feelings -of indignation to run too high, he was so distressed that -for many nights sleep almost entirely forsook him. The -writer overheard him on this occasion, saying, “Against -thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.”</p> - -<p>Upon another occasion in the midst of a session -of the Convention, and as one of the policemen of the town -walked in and was seated, he arose and remarked: “Brother -president, I see in our assembly a policeman of the city in -which we are convened. I think this a fit time to give notice -to any who may feel inclined to be unruly that they must observe -good order or I’ll have them arrested.” This came in -just at a condition of the meeting when a bit of humor was -just the thing most needed.</p> - -<p>The St. Anthony Street Church, Mobile, is a tangible memorial -of his energy, self-sacrifice and patient industry. Beside -the pastorate of the St. Anthony Street Church (the -Third Baptist), he has served in the pastorate of the Dexter -Avenue, Montgomery, and in the pastorate of the church at -Uniontown.</p> - -<p>His speeches are characterized by originality, clearness, -force and dignity. He is still a growing man—growing in -worth of manhood and in the confidence and love of the denomination; -and should his health and life continue, the historian -who will write of a brighter day than this—a day not -far in the future—will point with pride to this man of rare -gifts, giving more space than is here accorded him. With -special pleasure the writer records the name of Albert F. -Owens, D. D., high upon the roll of his personal friends.</p> - -<p>And this short notice of a worthy man can hardly close -at a point of greater beauty than in an humble tribute to his -other self, Mrs. Mary Mims Owens (once Mrs. Taylor), whom -he wedded in 1882, and who is held in high esteem as a leader -in church and educational circles.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Pettiford, Rev. W. R.</span>, D. D., son of William and Matilda -Pettiford, was born in Granville county, N. C., January 20, -1847. He was, when a boy, of an industrious turn of mind, -working faithfully at whatever his hands found to do. At one -time he was with the tanner, and at another time he was -running his father’s farm.</p> - -<p>At the age of 21 years he united with the Baptist Church -of Rocksboro, Person county, N. C., and was immersed by the -Rev. Ezekiel Horton, of Salisbury. While he was serving -this church as clerk, he told his mother, as a secret which he -greatly desired she would not reveal, that he felt called to the -gospel ministry. As Brother Horton often put up at their -home he soon got possession of the secret. Dr. Pettiford now -says: “When I was called into an examining council and -learned that my secret was out, I was very much frightened; -but the advice given upon this day has ever been helpful to -me.” The writer met the subject of this sketch for the first -time at the session of the State Convention held in Talladega -in November, 1876. He and the late Senator A. H. Curtis -were messengers from the church at Marion. At this time -the only traits that were especially noticeable were the frankness -of his countenance and the geniality of his manners. -At the commencement of Selma University in the winter of -1877-78, he joined Brother Woodsmall, becoming a member -of the pioneer faculty of the school. It was here that he was -seen as the studious, patient, industrious man—loved no less -by tender youth than he was trusted by riper years. He was -called to ordination by the Marion Church, Marion, Ala., and -dedicating hands were laid upon his head in Marion, Ala., in -the midst of the conventional session held there in November, -1880. After this he severed his connection with the school as -teacher and as financial agent, to enter the pastorate in Union -Springs. His open, earnest face, tact, and urbanity of speech, -made him one of the most successful financial agents the -University has ever sent upon the field. He relates the following -incident in connection with his field work for the -school: “I was about thirty miles southeast of Greenville, Ala. -A colored man by the name of Turner had just been mobbed -in Clark county. The colored people along the road were exceedingly -frightened at the threatening attitude of the whites, -and hence refused to entertain any stranger. I knew not -where I was and it was now dark. My horse was broken -down. Family after family turned me off. At last one man -agreed to entertain my tired horse. Thankful for this little -drop of kindness, I stopped and fed my animal. Then I -started off—I knew not whither. After awhile I saw through -the boughs of the pines a dim light, which seemed far away. -Turning towards this light I wended my way through sage -field and bush, until I stood beside an old log hut, a rickety -relic of an old time Negro quarter. With ease this tiny spark -peeped through the great opening in the dirty cabin full into -my weary face. Herein, with husband and wife and babies, -and a lot of dirt, I was allowed to rest my tired limbs and -heavy heart till morning.</p> - -<p>“Upon one occasion while Bro. D. T. Gulley and I were -on mission work together, we were delayed in Marengo county. -Waters were up, Brother Gulley was sick, and the people had -no money to give for educational purposes. I went to begging -milk cows and succeeded in getting the people to donate -six.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Pettiford married his present wife, Miss Della Boyd, -of Selma, Ala., November 22, 1880. She is an excellent -woman and comes of a fine family. As might have been expected -the marriage has been a happy one for both parties.</p> - -<p>Dr. Pettiford is a clear thinker, a concise speaker, a firm -friend, a lover of his race, and a fine presiding officer. Every -feature in his bearing is indicative of the true gentleman and -earnest Christian. He is a firm friend of Selma University, -and by this school he has been honored with the degree of -D. D. He is at this time (1892) president of the “Alabama -Penny Savings Bank” and of the Baptist State Convention -of Alabama. He is further noticed in connection with the -chapter on “State Convention” and “Selma University” as -well as in other chapters.</p> - -<p>Closing this sketch, it seems fitting that I should remark -that though he excels in many virtues, he is especially peculiar -in these:</p> - -<p>1. He is abundant in plans and measures, so that the -variety of his operations almost wholly exclude the monotony -so often felt in church work.</p> - -<p>2. He is in a peculiar degree a patient man. In all conditions -he seems to possess his soul in patience.</p> - -<p>Since the above was written, he has been elected financial -secretary of the State work.</p> - -<p>He is now organizing the Alabama Publishing Company. -He is full of enterprise.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_186" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_186.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. W. C. Bradford, Pastor First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Phillips, Rev. D.</span>, of Tuskegee, was a “Father in Israel.” -Those who are old enough to remember him as a slave, -say that he sat in council with the white ministers and was -permitted to speak in their associational gatherings. Nothing -seemed to disturb his peace; no amount of heated discussion -ever caused him to break from his strong hiding place of pious -humility. He was a large man with strong will, but every -“jot and tittle” of his ponderous being was under submission -to his consecrated will, which ruled all like the helmsman -steers the great ship. He was about the age of Mr. John -Dosier, eighty years. He refused to accept freedom till all -were free.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Peels, Rev. J. A.</span>, pastor of the First Colored Baptist -Church in North Birmingham, is a rising young man in the -Mount Pilgrim Association. His church, though a new enterprise, -is a success, and all plans for gospel aggression find in -him a ready and substantial friend. His brethren love him -because he is peaceable and benevolent in his dealings with -them.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Pollard, Rev. Robert T.</span>, son of Rev. R. T., Sr., and Mrs. -Mary F. Pollard, was born in Gainesville, Ala., October 4, 1860. -A few years after the close of the late civil war, Rev. R. T. -Pollard, Sr., moved with his family to Enterprise, Miss. There -the subject of this sketch received his first impressions—impressions -which were to serve as the foundation of his future -character. At the age of 12 his mother left him for the better -country. The boy, reflecting over his sad loss in the death of -his mother, turned unto the Lord, and was baptized into the -fellowship of the Mt. Pleasant Church, in which he immediately -became clerk and Sunday School teacher. Thus, -starting right, we are not surprised at the righteousness of the -course he now pursues.</p> - -<p>By studying at night under his father’s instruction, he, at -the age of 12, could read and write. At 16 he was known as -“the boy preacher.” At the age of 20 he entered a school -taught by Prof. Paul D. Jones in Meridian, Miss., in which -school he studied arithmetic, algebra, English grammar and -Latin. He remained here two years. In 1882 he entered Selma -University, under Prof. Woodsmall. Of this good man he -says: “His consecrated life did much toward fixing my character -in the spirit and doctrines of Christ.” From this institution -he graduated with the class of 1884 as valedictorian. In -the same school and in the same year he entered upon the -college course and completed the freshman and sophomore -years. During this time he was assistant teacher in the University. -By all, and throughout all, he has been and is now -accepted as a student, a thinker, a rigid moralist and faithful -Christian. In March, 1885, he was ordained to the gospel -ministry in Selma, Revs. E. M. Brawley, D. D., W. H. McAlpine, -H. N. Bouey, A. N. McEwen, C. L. Price, and C. R. Rodgers, -officiating as presbytery. After this he entered upon and -served acceptably different important pastorates in Perry -county. With credit to himself and with profit to the denomination, -he has, as teacher, as moderator, as recording clerk of -the State Convention, and as district Sunday School missionary, -served the Baptists of Alabama. At this time he is the -successful pastor of the Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery. -Thus this quiet, hard working young man has risen up till -there are but few that go before him. Mr. Pollard is a -philosopher, clothed with the spirit of a child. In him a full -heart balances a well stored head.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Pollard, Rev. I. M.</span>, of Loachapoka, is one of the few men -of whom we sometimes feel that they are Nature’s <i>favored</i> -children. So evenly balanced are all his tempers and passions, -hopes and fears, that we are almost compelled to think that -so much self-government must have come largely as the gift -of nature. The writer has reasons to know him as an honest -man—as a man who can handle the money of his neighbor -without fault to himself or loss to his friend. Mr. Pollard is -held in high esteem by all who know him—white and black. -He was born about the year 1840. He possesses a fine personal -appearance, a gentlemanly bearing, and is a good -preacher of the plain old gospel.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Posey, Prof. Thomas H.</span>, of Bessemer, the son of Wesley -and Patience Posey, was born September 15, 1854, at Bessemer, -Ala. He was baptized into the Canaan Baptist Church -about the year 1872 by Rev. William Ware. Brother Posey -deserves honorable mention for his faithful services as an educator. -He graduated from the normal course in Selma University -in the spring of 1884, and has proven himself to be -not only a power in the affairs of secular education, but a very -efficient, faithful worker in the church and Bible school.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Prentice, Rev. D. L.</span>, of Selma, Ala., son of James and -Caroline Prentice, was born in Shelby county, Ala., December -25, 1852. The home of his youthful days, like that of the -writer, must have been in a wild country infested by wolves; -for he, in speaking of how he had to go after wood and water -into the thick swamps before the break of day, says: “On -one morning as I found myself surrounded by wolves, I cried -to God for help and was delivered. In my prayer for deliverance -I made a vow of consecration, which was the beginning -of a new life.” In 1875 he was baptized by Rev. Berry Ware. -About the year 1865-66 he began studying Webster’s speller, -and sought information, he says, of every person that he -thought had any information to give. He learned to read and -write and began figuring under the instruction of a Mr. J. W. -Strong, a man, so it is said, who used to be mayor of Selma, -Ala. The writer first met the subject of this sketch while he -was student in the Talladega College, and since his graduation -from the Selma University, his course and success as pastor, -teacher, missionary and lecturer, has been watched with -pleasing interest. He was ordained to the ministry May, 1882, -by Revs. Joe Smith and Henry Scott. He is a genuine friend -of religion and education and being young and strong he has -a large opening for future usefulness and fame.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Prince, Rev. J. T.</span>, of Gallion, Ala., son of John and Mary -A. Prince, was born March, 1853, in Marengo county, Ala. -He was baptized into the fellowship of the Bethlehem Church -by Rev. D. R. Willis the third Sunday in April, 1871. In -1884 in the St. Philip’s Church, Selma, he was set apart to the -work of the gospel ministry by Revs. E. M. Brawley, H. N. Bouey, -C. R. Rodgers, L. P. Foster and the writer. He attended Selma -University under the different presidents—H. Woodsmall, W. -H. McAlpine, and E. M. Brawley. He began his education by -studying under a white man, whom he paid $1.00 a week. Attended -a public school after he was 23 years of age. He taught -in the State school. Is now district missionary. He is an industrious -man and owns good property.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Pullum, Rev. H. P.</span>, of Anniston, son of Lawrence and -Caroline Pullum, was born in Pickensville, Ala., March 23, -1862; baptized at Carrolton August, 1882, and entered immediately -upon the work of the ministry, but was not ordained -until March, 1889. At the request of the First Colored Baptist -Church at Bessemer, which he had organized and built -up, Mr. Pullum received the hands of ordination from Revs. P. -Murrell, W. A. Shirley, S. Page, A. J. Austin, D. M. Sewell, -and J. C. Crawford. He has a large following wherever he -goes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Purce, Rev. C. L.</span>, ex-president of Selma University, is noticed -in this work only so far as other authors have not been -able to see him in his peculiar relations to the work in Alabama.</p> - -<p>It was in 1886, I think, in the most trying period of our -history, that Dr. Purce was unexpectedly called (upon the -resignation of Dr. E. M. Brawley) to assume the presidential -office in the Selma University. The school was burdened -with $7,000 of debt, its credit was about gone, its debtors -were impatient, its supporters divided, and denominational -strife was at white heat. The former president was not only -a peculiarly brilliant and cultured man, but had enjoyed -special advantages looking toward fitness for the presidential -chair. Many feared for Mr. Purce.</p> - -<p>However, it was thought by some that caution and -economy were the special characteristics called for by existing -conditions. We needed a man who could shun the strife -of factions, keep cool under severe pressure, and cause the -school’s expenses to drop below its income. Some who had -watched Mr. Purce, were willing to trust him with the difficult -duties of this trying hour, and the writer records with -much pleasure, that he kept clear of the quarrels, and meanwhile -did much to remove the debt by putting the school on -plain and well regulated fare.</p> - -<p>Dr. Purce has done the Baptists of Alabama very praiseworthy -service, not only as an educator, but as an example -in the matter of school management; and those who follow -him will profit by heeding his caution and economy. And, to -his honor it may be said, we have had no president who has -been more generally loved by the school.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Pyles, Rev. Carter</span>, of Oxford, Ala., born in Talladega -county, Alabama, December 15, 1845, of Christian parents. -He was baptized in 1865 by Rev. Mr. Jenkins, a white minister, -who devoted much of his time to evangelical work among -the colored people. In 1876 he was officially set apart to the -work of the gospel ministry by the Rev. Mr. Jenkins, William -Taylor and B. Snow. Mr. Pyles is among the leading men of -the Snow Creek Association. His pastorates at Jacksonville, -Choccolocco and other points prove him to be a leader of -ability. He is now undertaking a new work at Oxanna, Ala.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Rivers, Rev. E. C.</span>, of Talladega, Ala., was born January -5, 1847. He is the eldest son of Mr. Edward and Mrs. H. J. -Rivers, two very worthy old citizens of Talladega. In his -twenty-fourth year he was married to Miss Jane Moore, of -Talladega, by whom he has a large family of children.</p> - -<p>He has a fair English education, having attended the Talladega -College for parts of five sessions. In 1867 he united -with the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Talladega, and was baptized -by the late Rev. Phil. Davis.</p> - -<p>He was called to ordination by the Salem Baptist Church -in 1884, Revs. J. P. Barton and Moses Colly officiating in the -rites. He is an industrious, prudent man, and has accumulated -property worth $3,000 or $4,000. At this time he is the -moderator of the Rushing Springs Association, over which he -has presided with dignity for several years. He is a model -citizen and substantial man, sociable and aspiring.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Rivers, Rev. S. A.</span>, of Talladega, the son of Mr. Edward -and Mrs. H. J. Rivers, was born in Talladega, November 10, -1854. In a series of meetings, held by the writer in Mt. -Canaan Church, he was led to exercise faith in the religion of -Jesus Christ in 1876. In the same year he was united with -the church by baptism.</p> - -<p>He immediately began laboring as a leader in Sunday -School work, in which he at once proved himself to be a very -capable person. He was soon appointed Sunday School Missionary -for the Rushing Springs Association, in which position -he was remarkably successful. In 1877 he married Miss -Elizabeth Walker, by whom he has three promising daughters. -He is a graduate from the theological department of the -Talladega College. He is an industrious business man, a -Christian gentleman, a clear thinker, a ready speaker, a social -genius. No man among us of his age has brighter prospects -than he, none more admired and loved. The manner in which -he has succeeded, under trying circumstances in the Mt. -Canaan Church, is simply amazing. Toward God he is faithful, -toward man he is kind, gentle and full of service. He was -ordained in 1889 to take charge of the Mt. Canaan Church.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_194" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_194.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. H. Woodsmall, of Franklin, Ind., First President Selma University. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Rivers, Rev. Alexander A.</span>, of Midway, Ala., the son -of John and Violet Rivers, was born near Glennville, Ala., in -the year 1851.</p> - -<p>In his twentieth year he was baptized into the Spring -Hill Zion Church by the Rev. A. Gachet, under whose preaching -he had been led into repentance toward God and faith in -our Lord Jesus Christ.</p> - -<p>It was not long before he felt that he was called of God -to the work of the ministry. At the call of the Enon Church -he was set apart to the sacred office by the Revs. A. Gachet, -P. Johnson and F. Randall. Brother Rivers is one of the -strong preachers and successful pastors of the Eufaula Association. -He has had very limited educational advantages, but -he is a constant reader of books and a close observer, and -hence he has made considerable educational attainments. He -is quiet, unassuming, even and hospitable. The writer enjoyed -a very pleasant stay with Brother and Sister Rivers at -their home in Midway. He once held a very fine pastorate in -Texas, which he had to give up because of the poor health of -Mrs. Rivers and return to his old home in Alabama.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Roach, Rev. Perkins</span>, of Stevenson, father of Mrs. M. A. -Boothe and of Rev. Thomas Jefferson Roach, was born in -Tennessee. He, with Rev. Thomas Roach (who was the first -ordained colored minister in Jackson county), and Rev. Robert -Caver, organized the work in northeast Alabama. He was -noted for his magnanimity and joyfulness of heart. It is said -that his life was as one continuous song of gladness. When a -child he was a house boy, which position brought him into -continual contact with persons who knew books. He so far -utilized this advantage as to learn to read, but his knowledge -of writing was delayed till since the close of the war his -daughter (now Mrs. Boothe) had sufficiently advanced in her -studies to instruct him. This story is told of him: During -the war his mistress, the widow of Rev. Charles Roach, Sr., -fearing the Federal soldiers, left home and fled across the -Tennessee river into Sand Mountain. The slave remained at -home to care for things about the place. With the view of -preventing want to the widow and those who were with her, -he, regardless of the dangers of his undertaking, and while -the shades of night hid his operations, would bear across the -river and up the mountain such things as he thought they -might need.</p> - -<p>He has been dead some eighteen years. His widow, Mrs. -Charlotte Roach, has done nobly in rearing and educating -the children.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Roach, Rev. Lewis</span>, of Fackler, deserves mention as a -hard working, poorly paid gospel preacher. Many years he -led the Mud Creek Association as moderator. He, Rev. James -Larkin, Rev. Lewis Henshaw, and others, are trying to build -an academy at Hollywood, Ala. They deserve success.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Roach, Rev. T. J.</span>, of Hollywood, is an industrious and -honorable man. He has served the Mud Creek Association as -missionary, has been pastor at Bridgeport, and now preaches -at Paint Rock.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Robinson, Rev. Isham</span>, of Eureka, Talladega county, was -born in Greenville, S. C., October 10, 1814. While he was the -property (?) of Mr. John Truss (in 1833) he took to wife Miss -Aggie Truss, by whom there has been born unto him a large -family of sons and daughters, who are now grown and are -honorable members of society. Brother Robinson was baptized -by a Rev. Mr. Joseph Byers in 1840. He said to the -writer: “I was licensed in 1850, but could not preach except -when I could secure the presence of two slaveholders. I was -licensed by the Mount Joy Church, the first church organized -in our section of the State. I was ordained in 1865, by a -council over which Rev. A. J. Waldrop presided. I was so -hindered in my ministry in slavery time that Brother Henry -Wood and I covenanted together to take our case to God and -beg for liberty. We agreed that we would go at sunrise at -least once each week and pray to God for freedom. It was -eighteen years before the victory came, and often appearances -caused our faith to waver.” Mr. Robinson is now quite old, -but is still in fair health. His sons are leaders in the Baptist -church and helpers in every good cause.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Rodgers, Rev. C. R.</span>, missionary for the western district -of Alabama under the American Baptist Publication Society, -was born at Hamburg, Perry county, Ala., August 4, 1859.</p> - -<p>In early life he had opportunity to attend the country -school of his neighborhood, beginning under the instruction of -Rev. G. J. Brooks, now of Selma.</p> - -<p>Living on the farm, his early activities were in line with -his calling. He was a farmer boy, and hence he drew his -bread and bed from the handles of the plow and the hoe.</p> - -<p>In November, 1878, he entered Selma University, graduating -from the normal course in 1884, with Messrs. R. T. -Pollard, L. J. Green, R. B. Hudson, D. T. Gulley,—Hines, -Miss S. A. Stone and Miss Eliza Washington (now Mrs. R. T. -Pollard). The next year he began the college course and completed -with Messrs. Pollard and Hines the sophomore year.</p> - -<p>Mr. Rodgers was converted in his fifteenth year, and was -baptized by Rev. R. Windham September, 1874.</p> - -<p>On June 11, 1884, he was set apart to the full work of the -gospel ministry in the St. Philip Street Church, Selma, by -Drs. E. M. Brawley, C. L. Purce and C. O. Boothe, aided by -Revs. H. N. Bouey and G. J. Brooks. From the time of his -ordination till December, 1890, he served the pastorate of the -First Colored Baptist Church, Tuskegee, but since this last -date he has been successfully operating in his present position.</p> - -<p>In January, 1889, he was wedded to Miss Lily B. Foreman, -of Opelika. Bro. R. is a man of excellent spirit, quiet, -unassuming, and makes changes in men more on the order -of the sunshine than in the manner of the storm spoken of in -the fable of the contest between sun and wind. Perhaps no -man among us has so few enemies as he has.</p> - -<p>From 1889 to 1892, he has presided over the Auburn Association. -He is an easy, pleasant speaker, and a choice -man.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Ross, Rev. S. L.</span>—It was March 9, 1861, when the subject -of this sketch was born of slave parents—Luckie and Emily -Ross—near Rehoboth, Wilcox county, Ala.</p> - -<p>He had the advantage of a pious, Christian mother, and -was hopefully converted at the age of 12 years, and united with -the Pine Grove Baptist Church by baptism, Rev. Wallace -Richardson, pastor, officiating.</p> - -<p>He was taught his “A B C’s” by his mother and grandfather. -As soon as free schools opened he was placed in -school, which were simply poor, <i>for schools in those days were -kept, not taught</i>.</p> - -<p>In December, 1879, he was sent to Selma for the purpose -of attending school. He united with the St. Philip Street -Baptist Church—Rev. W. A. Burch, pastor. For a number -of years he was clerk of the church and superintendent of the -Sunday School.</p> - -<p>It was while he was superintendent of the Sunday School -that Mr. Ross felt called to the gospel ministry, in order to a -better preparation for which he entered (1883) the Alabama -Baptist Normal and Theological School (now Selma University), -where he spent a number of years.</p> - -<p>Having received a call to the pastorate of the Hamburg -Baptist Church, near Marion, Mr. Ross was accordingly ordained -March 31, 1889. Ordaining council: Revs. Charles L. -Purce, president Selma University; R. T. Pollard, Sunday -School Missionary; William Madison, J. H. Hunter and L. J. -Green. Dr. C. O. Boothe and Rev. Charles L. Fisher were -also present and participated.</p> - -<p>Rev. Ross was married to Miss Emily C. Boyd, of Selma, -August 7, 1889. October 1, of the same year he resigned the -Hamburg Church, the Forkland School, which he had taught -for a number of years, to accept the principalship of the -Eutaw public schools, Eutaw; Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Boligee, -and Liberty Baptist Church, Blocton.</p> - -<p>Owing to her thorough training and long experience as -instructress in the city schools of Selma, Mrs. Ross has contributed -much to the success of her husband.</p> - -<p>Against the wishes of friends, patrons and churches he -resigned his school of 350 pupils and the two churches -named, to accept the position as treasurer and instructor in -the State Colored Normal School, Normal, Ala.</p> - -<p>July 1, 1893, he severed his connection with that school -and became pastor of the Steele Street Baptist Church, Huntsville.</p> - -<p>October 1 of the same year he resigned the pastorate of -the Steele Street Church to take charge of the Sunday School -Missionary work in the State under the American Baptist -Publication Society, Philadelphia, Pa., which position he -now holds.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Savage, Rev. Daniel</span>, of Mumford, pastor of several -large churches, deserves to be mentioned among the praiseworthy, -busy men of the Rushing Springs Association. He is -held in high esteem for his self-reliance, stainless reputation, -agreeable manners, public spirit and earnest Christian labors. -He preaches for Shady Grove Church, Jenifer, and Sycamore -Church, Talladega. The writer has seen him during the past -fifteen years—in many meetings where there were hot words -and hotter feelings and yet with him there was the same -quiet spirit, the same smiling face. “He that ruleth his own -spirit is better than he that taketh a city.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Sampson, Mr. James William</span>, son of Rev. Green Sampson, -of Wetumpka, is a young man of high rank in the order -of the Knights of Pythias, but is no less a solid efficient member -of the Shiloh Baptist Church, of Birmingham. He deserves -consideration as a man of discernment and enterprise -concerning racial questions and denominational interests.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Scott, Rev. John</span>, late of Demopolis, led to the erection -of the edifice in which the First Colored Baptist Church of -Demopolis now worships. After the Rev. James Caldwell, -Rev. Scott was the chief leader of the people in his section. -He died five or six years ago at about 50 years of age, and -his pastorate is now filled by the Rev. Mr. Wallace.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Scott, Rev. Anderson</span>, is at this writing pastor of the -Tabernacle Church, in Birmingham, but began his ministry at -Selma, where he appears among the organizers of the work. -He has undergone a good many changes, but because of the -presence of a very large amount of vitality and will force he -is still pushing on among his brethren. His life may give this -useful lesson, namely, “keep the face to the lion, never give -the back to the foe”—forgetting the things that lie behind us, -vigorously reach for the good that lies before us. Brother -Scott is one of the pioneers and his name lies in the foundations.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Scott, Rev. Henry</span>, of Blocton, is of Maryland parentage. -He is a man of piety, of integrity and industry. He has -labored as a missionary of the Shelby Springs Association, and -has rendered valuable services in support of Selma University. -He is an uncompromising foe of low morals. Recently -his health has been poor, and hence his work has been hindered.</p> - -<p>When Selma University existed only in purpose he very -substantially aided the purpose toward materialization. He -and Rev. D. L. Prentice collected over a hundred dollars from -one church and sent it up to the writer in Talladega in 1876.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Shirley, Rev. W. A.</span>, was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., June -12, 1857. He began the work of mastering letters in his -native city at the age of seven years, by attending the public -schools provided for by the State. Later he attended three -sessions (of nine months) of the city school in Columbus, -Miss. For seven years he worked in a whiskey saloon, where, -he says, that while at work behind the bar, he was converted -to the faith of the Christian religion. Joined the church in -1878 in Mississippi, under the pastorate of Rev. T. L. Jordan. -Studied theology in the Presbyterian school at Tuscaloosa. -Was ordained in the African Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa -under the pastorate of the Rev. J. M. Mason. His pastorates -have been at Hull’s and Birmingham, Ala.</p> - -<p>For ten years he served the Antioch, Bethlehem Association, -as clerk. He has built three church edifices.</p> - -<p>Mr. Shirley is possessed of that easy, joyous, friendly -turn in manners and address, which make him agreeable to -all classes of reasonable people. He is studious and observing, -which fact, coupled with his native talent, offers him an ever -broadening field of operation as the years shall come and go -“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Simmons, Rev. J. S.</span>, at present pastor of the Gadsden -Church, son of James and Annie Simmons, was born in Alabama -August 16, 1859. He was baptized by the Rev. Henry -Stevens into the Greensboro Church May 27, 1878. Mr. Simmons -is a man of talent, and is a graduate of the Lincoln -University, once located at Marion. He was set apart to the -work of the gospel ministry by the Sixteenth Street Church, -Birmingham, in April, 1889, Revs. W. R. Pettiford, D. D., A. -C. Jackson, and R. Donald, officiating as presbytery. Since -his ordination he has served the Galilee Church at Anniston, -and now serves the church at Gadsden, where his labors have -been especially successful. Everywhere he has borne the -reputation of an honorable and pious man. He has been fortunate -in finding and winning a helpmeet for him in his -spiritual and intellectual labors in the person of a very excellent -lady.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Simpson, Rev. I. T.</span>, of Selma, Ala., was born in this State -August 1, 1858. He was baptized into the Belleville Church -December, 1876, and in 1883, he was ordained to the work -of the gospel ministry by Revs. D. Shepherd and C. Travis. -He attended the State University at Montgomery and is now -soon to close a course in Selma University. Brother Simpson -is a man of fine sense, is a good speaker, and with heed on -his own part, sympathy on the part of his people, and blessing -from above, his opportunities for increasing usefulness -and honor are very encouraging. Already he has attained a -reputation as a pastor and builder as well as orator.</p> - -<p>P. S. Since the above was written, Brother Simpson has -completed his course at the University, and is now pastor at -Opelika, where he is already the peerless preacher and successful -leader.</p> - -<p>The writer has the good fortune to know something -about the good order of his home, and of the hospitality of -his refined and agreeable wife. He is peculiarly himself and -not another—clear headed, comprehensive, reasonable, self-reliant, -genial, in his home as well as in the public harness. -Doubtless the historian who comes after, will tell of the fruits -which shall hang upon the ripened years of this strong man. -May God help him to remember that Sampson’s strength was -the source of his ruin. “Eternal vigilance is the price of -liberty.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_203" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_203.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. J. E. A. Wilson, Pastor Rising Star Baptist Church, Pratt City, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Smith, Rev. G. S.</span>, is pastor of the Red Mountain Church -Bessemer.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Steinback, Rev. L. S.</span>, ex-pastor African Baptist Church, -Tuscaloosa, was born in Marengo county, Ala., March 12, 1852. -He was set free at 12 years of age.</p> - -<p>He says: “One year, all the wages I received above my -scanty meals and rough clothes, was one dozen apples. Often -I was glad to obtain a good meal of parched corn. At 19 I -worked in Uniontown for 50 cents a day.”</p> - -<p>It was at this time that he learned his alphabet, studying -at night school. He says that as he went to his meals and -to his work, his spelling book was ever with him. He attended -school after he had married—using such time as he -could spare after crops were “laid by.”</p> - -<p>He was ordained to the ministry in October, 1883, Revs. -John Scott, F. Gilbert and A. Wright officiating as presbytery. -By industry and perseverance, he has been able to teach in -the free public schools of the State, has been missionary in -his association, and is now pastor of one of our largest -churches. He lives, he says, on his own plantation, for -which he has paid three thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>This is an example which is well calculated to encourage -poor, struggling young men to overcome difficulties and rise -anyhow—rise in spite of difficulties. Brother Steinback has -served the pastorate of the Tuscaloosa Church and also edits -a newspaper, <i>The Christian Hope</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Stevens, Rev. Henry</span>, of Uniontown, son of Harry and -Agnes Stevens, was born near Port Royal, Va., May 5, 1820. -At the age of 21 he was baptized into Flat Run Church, -Orange county, Va., by the Rev. B. Hodge. He came to Alabama -in 1843, at which time he began to speak concerning the -grace of God in the redemption of sinners. In 1845 he began -for the first time to read the sacred Scriptures, and in the same -year he married Miss Clarissa Clay, by whom ten children -were born to him.</p> - -<p>Mr. Stevens was one of nature’s noblemen. He was an -honest, outspoken man, an orderly citizen, and a very forcible -preacher of the plain old gospel.</p> - -<p>In 1868 he was fully set apart to the work of the gospel -ministry by his white brethren, Revs. T. M. Bailey and Drs. -McIntosh and Curry.</p> - -<p>His every word was believed by all who knew him, and -his perfect honesty no man doubted. For nine consecutive -years he was moderator of the Uniontown Association. He -was one of the founders of the State Convention, and also of -the Selma University. In 1890 he exchanged the cross for -the crown, dying as he had lived, loved and respected by all. -He left his family in possession of good property, worth about -$5,000, and, above all, a name that has no blemish. Often our -school sought refuge from want in the purse of Elder Stevens. -He was two years older than his brother Washington, who -died before him in Montgomery.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Stokes, Rev. A. J.</span>, pastor of Columbus Street Church, -Montgomery, was born in Orangeburg county, S. C., July 25, -1858. He was led to exercise faith in Christ at the age of -twelve and a half years. He entered the work of the ministry -in the Methodist church, but soon became convinced of the -correctness of Baptist views, and, joining the Baptist people, -he was baptized by Rev. Edward Green, of Branchwell, S. C., -May, 1871. After studying two terms in Crafting University -and two terms in the State University, he entered Benedict -College, from which he graduated in 1884. In 1874 he was -solemnly set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. -E. Green, Jacob Govan, Henry Harvey, and Harry Reeves. -Brother Stokes has been missionary, editor and school commissioner, -and is one of the most successful preachers and -pastors in all the land. During the two months in which he -has been preaching in Montgomery he has added, by baptism, -about 500 members. The writer tried to learn something of -his methods, by visiting his meetings and young people’s -classes, and the following points seem worthy of mention; his -preaching is characterized:</p> - -<p>1. By the idea of salvation by grace through simple -faith.</p> - -<p>2. By narrative and portraiture and illustration. There is -no cold obtruse reasoning nor loud emptiness in his speeches.</p> - -<p>3. By pointedness and sympathy. Each man seems to -feel that the pastor is talking to him and that the heart that -speaks has a care and tenderness for all.</p> - -<p>Then he is sociable, approachable to all, from the lowest -to the highest, old folks and children, rich and poor, great and -small, wise and otherwise—all seem to find in him a ready echo. -In view of his power and of his youth, prayer spontaneously -rises to God that he may be kept in watching, in humility, in -faith and in faithful service.</p> - -<p>It is worthy of remark that during his short time with -Columbus Street Church, he has bought a neat and valuable -parsonage for the church from means raised above the necessary -expenses.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Taylor, Rev. William</span>, Choccolocco, was born in April, -1836, in the State of Georgia. He was the property (?) of a -Mr. B. Jenks, whose daughter married a Mr. Taylor. He says, -“When in my ninth year my mother bade me farewell with -this charge: ‘Don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t keep bad company, -don’t be impolite to old people, don’t be disobedient to those -who own you, and you will never be abused.’ I have never -seen her face since, but her words have ever been with me to -confirm me in the right way.” Brother Taylor has now been -in the ministry about twenty-four years, having entered upon -his public career 1868. He is one of the leading men of the -Snow Creek Association, and has attained to a fair knowledge -of letters, though he has had no educational advantages. -Brother Taylor has been careful of the welfare of his family -and interested in the affairs of the house of God. He lives on -his own farm near Choccolocco, respected by his neighbors, -both white and colored.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_206a" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_206a.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. W. A. Shirley, Pastor Sardis Baptist Church, Enon Ridge. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Thornton, Rev. Elbert</span>, of Union Springs, son of E. -Thornton and Matilda Thornton, was born in the State of Georgia, -December 8, 1838. In 1853 he was moved into Barbour -county, Alabama, where he remained till he was emancipated -in 1865. In June, 1861, he was baptized into the white Baptist -Church at Midway, Ala., by the Rev. Mr. Brooks. In -1868 he was united with the church at Union Springs, and -was one among the colored brethren who drew out from the -white church to organize a colored Baptist Church in Union -Springs—the first colored church in Bullock county. He was -chosen one of the first deacons. It was not long ere his brethren -urged him to enter the work of the ministry, which, under -a deep sense of duty and after some hesitancy, he did. On -the 5th day of June, 1874, at the call of his church, he was -solemnly set apart to the sacred office of the gospel ministry -by Revs. C. H. Thornton, B. Clark and others. When he took -charge of the church it was in debt, but this debt was soon -removed and the membership was increased, during six -years pastorate, from 48 to 188, and the pastor’s salary was -raised from $30 a year to $25 per month. From 1874 to 1881 -he was moderator of Pine Grove Association, and since his -return from his gospel labors in Arkansas he has been re-elected. -Brother Thornton is no less commanding in his personal -appearance than he is in his strong, clear intellect. He -is a strong leader.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Thornton, Rev. C. H.</span>, of Aberfoil, Bullock county, was -born in North Carolina, in 1842. He was baptized in 1862 by -a Rev. Mr. Brooks, of Midway. In 1869 he was ordained to -the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. R. Wright and J. C. -Jett. He organized and built up the Aberfoil Church. For -several years he was moderator of the Pine Grove Association. -Mr. Thornton is a strong, industrious, economical, persevering -man. He has obtained property worth about $3,000. The -people whom he serves at Aberfoil are honorable and aspiring, -and hence each—pastor and people—finds in the other the -elements of success.</p> - -<p>It was within his comfortable home that the writer, -weary from overwork and exposure in constant travel, found -in February, 1890, a quiet retreat in which to finish “Plain -Theology for Plain People.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Troupe, Rev. Aaron</span>, of Town Creek, Lawrence county, -was born February 14, 1851, in Morgan county, Ala. Immediately -after the close of the war his parents moved to Courtland, -Ala., where Aaron was brought up. He was baptized in -1869 by Rev. John Bell, the pastor of Red Bank Church. -Feeling that it was his duty to preach the gospel, and not -willing to enter upon such a responsible mission without previous -preparation, he, for about four sessions, attended the -Selma University, known at that time as the Normal and -Theological School. On his return home he taught in the -public schools. On May 16, 1886, he was ordained to the work -of the ministry by Revs. G. Garth, M. J. Hooks, A. J. Owens -and M. James. Brother Troupe has served in the church at -Huntsville, and is now the successful pastor of Macedonia, -near Town Creek. In 1882 he labored as district missionary -under the Publication Society. He promises well. He and -his brother, Deacon Troupe, are in the bone and sinew of the -north Alabama work, and in them every good thing finds a -ready echo and a tangible response.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Tyler, Rev. Mansfield</span>, of Lowndesboro, was born about -twelve miles from Augusta, Ga., in the month of November, -1826. When very young he was moved into the city of -Augusta and lived in the family of his great aunt, the wife of -Rev. Jacob Walker. He was early brought under the influences -of the Springfield Baptist Church of that city—a church of -colored people, which as early as 1845 was reported as numbering -1,100 members, and it was added: “This large community, -with the pastor and a large corps of exhorters, are all -of the colored race.” Rev. M. Tyler remained in this Christian -family and attended the services of the above named church -till he was 18 years of age. He says: “I was with them -when the stars fell.”</p> - -<p>At this time, as he was a slave, he was removed by his -master to the State of Alabama, where he has remained until -this writing. In April, 1855, he made a public profession of -faith in Christ and united with the people of God by baptism. -Shortly after this he felt impressed with a call to enter the -work of the gospel ministry. This call he tried to obey as far -as his condition and fitness would allow. “The work,” he -says, “was exceeding difficult, as we were not allowed to know -books and might receive only oral instruction on religious subjects.” -When a very young man he married his first wife, with -whom he lived for twenty-six years—till her death.</p> - -<p>At the close of the war he located at Lowndesboro, where -he went immediately to work to organize a colored Baptist -church. Success attended his ministry and many were brought -to faith in Christ. In 1867 he succeeded in organizing the -colored Baptist church in Lowndesboro. On June 27, 1868, he -was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, since which -time he has baptized 1,000 persons into the Lowndesboro -church and 500 at White Hall.</p> - -<p>When the Alabama District Association was organized in -1871, he was elected moderator, and is moderator at this time. -He was a leader in the organization of the Baptist State Convention, -over which he presided from 1876 to 1886. He is one -of the originators, stockholders, and trustees of the Selma -University, and is now, and from the beginning of the University, -has been the chairman of the board of trustees. He -is a man dearly beloved.</p> - -<p>In recognition of his Christian manliness, his faithful -labors, and his knowledge of the word of God, the above -named university in 1890 conferred upon him the honorary -title of D. D.</p> - -<p>He is studious, industrious, devout, urbane; and though -he is now about 68 years of age, he is still so full of sunshine -as to be acceptable to youth as he is to old age. His present -wife heartily joins him in every good word and work.</p> - -<p>He has succeeded in accumulating considerable property, -and is greatly to be praised for the care he has bestowed upon -the culture of his sons. He has been among the chief financial -supports of all the worthy measures of the denomination. -He is very sociable, and possesses rare powers as a preacher. -No man in Alabama has so much power over the Alabama -Baptists as Dr. Tyler; his works as well as words make him -the beloved.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Walker, Rev. William</span>, of Avondale, was born November -30, 1848, near Jacksonville, Ala. In August of 1866 he -was baptized into Bethel Baptist Church, Alexandria, by Rev. -George W. Brewton. Mr. Walker’s ordination took place in -August, 1876, Revs. G. W. Brewton, S. L. McLean and James -Miller officiating as presbytery. It was late in life ere he came -upon opportunities for book learning, but finally some good -white friends, seeing his desire to learn, assisted him in making -a beginning upon which he has made a fair improvement. -His preaching is characterized by self-abnegation, application -to the subject, and earnestness of style. Indeed in several regards -he is really a strong preacher. He is no less forcible in -the pulpit than he is agreeable in the parlor. He has served the -pastorates at Gadsden and Anniston, and now presides over the -church at Ashville. The following will give some evidence of -his standing among all classes: While the Wills Creek Association -was in session a few weeks ago in Ashville the white -Baptists allowed him the use of the house of worship for the -session, and the Rev. Mr. Montgomery (white), of this town, -informs me that the white people aid in his support, some of -them constantly attending upon his services.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_212" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_212.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. L. S. Steinback, Pastor Second Baptist Church, Demopolis, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Walker, Rev. T. W.</span>, of Birmingham, the son of Rev. -Emanuel and Charlotte Walker, the property (?) of Benjamin -Walker, of Coosa county, Alabama, was born in Coosa -county, Alabama, September 5, 1852.</p> - -<p>He joined the old Elam Baptist Church, Montgomery -county, Alabama, in May, 1879, and was baptized by Rev. -Jerry Cole in the same month. On February 26, 1884, he was -ordained to the gospel ministry at the call of the Sixth Avenue -Church, in the city of Birmingham, by Revs. W. R. Pettiford -and J. R. Capers. His success has been marvelous.</p> - -<p>The writer first met the subject of this sketch in Montgomery -county in the year 1879, when, though he was not a -Christian, he was acting as Sunday School superintendent. -He says that on this occasion the question, “How can you lead -others in the road to heaven when you, yourself, are not walking -therein?” destroyed all his carnal security and false ease, -and was the beginning of a change in his life.</p> - -<p>I doubt if any man among us has had more power over -the masses than he. While he was building the Sixth Avenue -Church there was a constant demand for more room for his -audiences. And since he has been serving at the Shiloh -Church, the writer has seen not only the building filled to its -utmost capacity, but hundreds of eager listeners standing -without at the door.</p> - -<p>Those who know him best feel that his power over the -masses is largely owing to his common sense, goodness of -heart, and his simple, steady faith in God, his cool self-reliance -and his hard work for and among the masses of the people.</p> - -<p>Future historians will no doubt find reasons for recording -his name high on the best pages of their books. -<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> - -<p>He relates the following incidents of his early childhood: -“When I was five years of age, I, for the first time, enjoyed a -ride to town. When I got off the wagon Mr. Harrison rolled -up my shirt sleeves and the legs of my pants and placed me -on a block on the street in the middle of a great crowd of -people. I enjoyed it, as I seemed to be the person especially -noticed by all. I saw my mother and father weeping, but I -could see no reason for it. When I came down from the block, -I, with two sisters and a brother, went home with a Mr. -House, where the crack of the whip, the yelp of the hound -and the howl of the wolf were the most frequent sounds that -fell upon my ear. The fact and horrors of slavery were first -branded into my heart by the tying and whipping of my -father before my eyes. When I asked father what it meant, -he replied: ‘The lash which I fear will soon fall upon yourself, -my son, will too early explain what is meant.’”</p> - -<p>A white man to whom he hired himself taught him at -night his alphabet, and started him to spelling and reading -during his eighteenth year, and now he reads, writes, and -manages his own figures in business. He is a grand man.</p> - -<p>He has organized a building and loan association with -about 2,000 members.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> -See chapters on Sixth Avenue and Shiloh Churches, Birmingham, and the -Mt. Pilgrim Association.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Ware, Rev. William</span>, of East Lake, Jefferson county, -Ala., was born in said county October 5, 1837. He was converted -to Christianity in his thirteenth year, and was baptized -into Union Church, near Birmingham—that is, where the city -now is—by the Rev. Willis Burns (white). He was ordained -to the work of the gospel ministry November, 1868, by Revs. -Edmond Burris and Allen McAlpine.</p> - -<p>The Rev. A. J. Waldrop (white) says of Bro. Ware: “We -never had in Jefferson county a man of more stainless character. -He is not an educated man, but he is earnest, honorable -and upright.”</p> - -<p>The writer has found Bro. Ware to be one of the meekest -and gentlest of men. He, with Rev. Henry Wood, organized -the Mt. Zion Church in 1878, and he was the first moderator -of the Mt. Pilgrim Association. He has held various pastorates, -and has held them always with credit to himself and -profit to the cause.</p> - -<p>He lives on his own pleasant home and quiet farm a few -miles northwest of East Lake. He is still an active worker, -and enjoys the love and confidence of the people among whom -his light so long has shone to the glory of God.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Ware, Rev. Berry</span>, was one of the pioneers of the work -in Shelby, Jefferson and Talladega counties. Few men in -those early days had more power over the masses than he. -He died some sixteen or seventeen years ago, and I have nothing -of his history or nativity. He baptized the Rev. D. L. -Prentice, and started the church at Aldrich.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Webb, Rev. George W.</span>, of Eufaula, Ala., was born in -Russell county, Ala., in 1844. Fortunately for him, Capt. W. -H. Redd carried him, while he was still quite young, to Columbus, -Ga., where his perceptive mind was permitted to -imbibe such ideas of refinement as did not exist on the plantation. -Here, under the advice of his parents, he entered upon -a sort of irregular course of study, which led to some success -in book knowledge. As Gen. Wilson’s army was passing -through Georgia, he enlisted as a soldier, remaining in service -till he was mustered out in 1866.</p> - -<p>He was baptized into the fellowship of the white Baptist -church at Abbeville, Ala., by the Rev. L. R. Sims. In 1868 he -married Miss Eliza Collins, and in 1869 was among those who -led in the organization of a colored Baptist church at Abbeville. -In 1870 he assisted in organizing the “East Alabama -and West Florida Association.” In 1873 he moved to Eufaula. -He was ordained to the gospel ministry about 1874-75. Mr. -Webb is a very energetic man and a successful builder of -churches. He took a leading part in the organization of the -Eufaula District Sunday School Convention, and much of its -success is due to his missionary labors. He is a friend of education -and missions, and believes in progress on all lines.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Whatley, Rev. W. H.</span>, of White Plains, is of Georgia -nativity, but came to Alabama while young. Without doubt -Mr. Whatley is the most influential man in Calhoun county, -and yet no man in the county is more modest, deferential and -unassuming. He is a man of power, and yet he does not seem -to know anything about it. For years he has been the moderator -of the Snow Creek Association, and except something unusual -shall occur he will continue to preside for years to come.</p> - -<p>I know of no moderator who has better government in -his association than Mr. Whatley, and yet there seems to be -no effort to command. He exercises an oversight over every -branch of his associational work, appearing in all the general -meetings, whether the interest at stake pertains to local church -work, to missions, to education, or to Sunday School. He is -an ex-student of the Georgia school, and attended while it was -located at Augusta. And it is a fact, much to the credit of -his white brethren, that they made it possible for him to attend -school. He lives on his own valuable farm amid his children, -who are now maturing, his son Charles being now a young man.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -White, Rev. E. C.</span>, of Tuscumbia, was born about the -year 1842 in Chester county, S. C. In 1859 his master brought -him to Alabama, where he has since resided. He was converted -the fourth Lord’s day in October, 1869, and in the same -month was baptized into the Russellville church by the late -Rev. P. Jones.</p> - -<p>Brother White says: “In April, 1868, my wife was baptized -by the Rev. W. E. Northcross, and her devoted life constrained -me to desire peace with God. My wife overthrew all -my old ways and lovingly compelled me into the ways of the -Lord.” At once he became zealous for the cause of Christ, -and soon began to speak as opportunity offered itself, first at -Russellville and then at Tuscumbia. At the request of a -church which he had built up near Tuscumbia, Rev. W. E. -Northcross called a council, and on October 8, 1873, solemnly -set him apart to the office of the ministry. He has attained -to some knowledge of books, of which he is still an industrious -student. Before his whole time was employed in the ministry -he taught in the public schools.</p> - -<p>The good people of Russellville and Florence have long -held to him as pastor.</p> - -<p>Brother White owes much to his excellent, Christian wife, -who has been a helpmeet for him since 1865. He is a hospitable -brother and faithful Christian minister.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -White, Rev. J. W.</span>, the son of Claburne and Elizabeth -Hatcher, was born in Dallas county, Ala., in October, 1839, -eleven miles south of Selma, on the Alabama River. He takes -his name from the Mr. White who owned his mother. He was -baptized into the St. Phillip Street Baptist Church, Selma, by -Rev. John Blevins, in September, 1868. He was ordained to -the work of the ministry by the above named church, in -August, 1875, Revs. J. Dosier, J. Carter, Henry Stevens, and -John Blevins, officiating presbytery. Bro. White was at one -time moderator of the Uniontown Association; was for some -months missionary under the American Baptist Publication -Society; was pastor, at different times, of the Mt. Zion, the -Summerfield, the St. Paul, and the Providence Churches, near -Selma; was pastor at Camden, Ala., and recently retired from -the pastorate of the Sixth Avenue Church, Birmingham. He -has from the first been officially connected with the Selma -University, in which he studied for about three sessions, being -the first ministerial student who was enrolled. He is an -earnest preacher and a studious man, so that it may be said -of him that he is an elevator of the people on all lines. He -relates the following story: “During the war, and at a time -when things looked rather dark for the South, my stepfather -and I were attending a Presbyterian meeting, when he was -called on to pray God to ‘drive back our enemies.’ Father -prayed: ‘O Lord, drive back our enemies.’ When we were -at home alone I told him that I found fault with his prayer, -for it was really against the interest of his people. The old -man answered: ‘The <i>our</i> meant the colored people, and the -word <i>enemies</i> referred to our oppressive chains.’”</p> - -<p>At this time, extending from a time long before, there -was an organized prayer circle in Selma, which met on every -Friday night beneath a great oak tree in the woods to pray to -God to bring liberty to the slave. Brethren Alex. Goldsby -and Charles White were among the leaders of this meeting. -Doubtless Bro. J. W. White knew of this meeting and of its -purpose, and hence was hardly prepared to hear a prayer so -seemingly contrary to the wishes and needs of his people.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Wilhite, Rev. J. Q. A.</span>, of Selma, was born August 13, -1854, in Louisville, Ky. He was baptized in 1866, and in 1878 -was ordained to the office of the gospel ministry in his native -city. The presbytery of the occasion was Revs. C. C. Stamm, -D. A. Gaddie, W. W. Taylor and others. Shortly after this -he entered the gospel work in Alabama, beginning as pastor of -the Second Baptist Church, Eufaula. He came to supersede -the Rev. Mr. Bassett, who for some reason had returned to -Indiana. Under his administration the Eufaula Church rose -into success and beauty unequaled by anything that had -passed before. Beginning with 1886 he was for several consecutive -years financial agent for Selma University. Resigning -this work he was for sometime pastor of the church at -Uniontown, where he was attended by his usual prosperity, -both in gathering the people and in raising finances. This -position he resigned in order to assume once more the office of -financier for the University. At the present writing he is -treasurer of the University.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wilhite’s success is largely owing to the following: -Self-reliance, industry, tact, perseverance, adaptability of himself -and methods to the condition of the people.</p> - -<p>He is an ex-student of the Roger Williams University, -Nashville.</p> - -<p>In 1872 he wedded Miss Kate Talbert, who has presented -him with a large family of promising young folks, to whose -education he is giving special attention. He is to be commended -for that economy, as well as industry, which has enabled -him to possess a comfortable home for himself and -loved ones. He has not been forgetful of the welfare of them -over whom God has made him guardian. Like very few -preachers, he is a good business man as well as a good -preacher.</p> - -<p>P. S.—He has recently built a brick edifice at Uniontown. -He is now a successful pastor in Birmingham.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Wilson, Rev. J. E. A.</span>, pastor of the First Colored Baptist -Church, Pratt City, comes to our denomination from the -Methodist Church. He was born January 1, 1861, in Fayette -county, Alabama, and was led to submit to Christ as his Savior, -September, 1882. He was regularly inducted into the -Baptist ministry, September 27, 1887, by the laying on of the -hands of a council consisting of Revs. A. C. Jackson, V. -Huntington and others. He has served acceptably at Patton, -Corona and Jasper. He is unpretending, quiet, brotherly and -has a good report from all circles. His school advantages -have been rather meagre, but with his youthful vigor and -self-control, coupled with the abundant facilities for an increase -of knowledge common to these times, he may yet be a -man of learning and a leader in letters. Of course no man -can hope to attain to knowledge beyond his ability to study -forever and without any thought of tiring or despairing.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding he is a man of strong emotions, he has -rare executive ability and is hard to equal as a leader.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Wood, Rev. Henry</span>, of Talladega, was born August 15, -1825, in Greenville, S. C. His father was a lawyer in South -Carolina. He came to Alabama with his mother when eleven -months old, and was settled in Jefferson county, near Elyton.</p> - -<p>He was baptized into the white church by Rev. Joseph -Bias, who, at the time, gave it as his opinion that “Henry” -would be a preacher. Ordained to the work of the gospel -ministry just after the war (1867), he was a timely instrument -in the special mission of organization. Mr. Wood has been -one of the pioneers of our work in Jefferson, Talladega, Calhoun -and St. Clair counties. In speaking of his struggle after -knowledge in slavery time, he says: “I had been reading for -some time and had begun to learn to write fairly well, when -the fact came to the notice of the white people. They tied me -up and laid 600 lashes on my back; and, I tell you, I lost all -my knowledge of writing after this.” Referring to his missionary -and pioneer work since freedom, he relates the following: -“For the most part the white people have treated me -well. Sometimes, however, I have been troubled with drunkards -and ‘negro whippers.’ As I was riding on my missionary -work in Blount county, I once met a man who gave me such a -crack over my shoulders with his horse whip as almost broke -the skin; but as I did not so much as look toward my abuser, -he let me go with no further harm. I passed on, thanking -God that it was no worse with me.”</p> - -<p>Brother Wood is a man of excellent spirit—is as jovial as -he is earnest. His life has been temperate and chaste, and he -is approaching the death shadows and the tomb with triumph -and in peace. He has occupied good pastorates and honorable -places in the associations. His first wife (Miss Dicey Truss, -whom he married in 1844), has preceded him to the goodly -land, and both their children have passed before him. He -now lives in Talladega with his second wife (the widow of -Mr. Thomas Barclay), in very easy circumstances, and still -finds plenty of work to do in the cause of the Master. Few -men are more widely known and more generally beloved than -he. For wrath and malice he is entirely a child. Nothing -could more surprise his brethren than to see him in a fit of -ugly temper, or to hear from his lips expressions of ill will. -Brother Wood speaks in praise of Revs. Messrs. McCain, -Mynett and Law (white) as friends to their colored brethren -in the time of the latter’s weakness and inexperience in -church work.</p> - -<p>P. S.—Our dear Brother Wood has gone to his crown on the -ever bright shore. Peace hover over thy dust, O thou man of -God!</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_220a" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_220a.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - St. Louis Street Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala., Rev. J. L. Frazier, Pastor. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Wood, Rev. R. T.</span>, of Huffman, pastor of Pleasant Hill -Church, and son of Mr. Henderson Wood, of the same place, -is the eleventh child of a family of thirteen children. While -he was still very small two older brothers were killed by the -“K. K. K.,” which clan terrorized the country after the close -of the war. In consequence of which sad incident, it is -thought, his father died of mental depression, leaving the subject -of our sketch without a father’s presence, guidance and -support. Nothing daunted by this host of sorrows and misfortunes, -Mr. Wood, industriously and with patient spirit, -notwithstanding his delicate constitution, gave himself to such -engagements as came to his hand, making horse collars and -brooms as well as aiding his widowed mother in spinning, -knitting and weaving. In his thirteenth year he was minded -to seek for peace with God, and, so at an early age, he began to -attain to experiences of grace which have increased with the -growth of years.</p> - -<p>Evidently the family is possessed of sterling qualities, as -may be seen in their aspiration and courage. The other members -of the family whom I have met live an independent home -life in the mountains near Huffman. Mr. Wood hopes he may -find an opening through which to enter the mission field in -Africa, and his name has been sent in to the mission authorities. -If his life should be spared for a maturer development -he will be a tower of strength in good things. He is a graduate -from the Grammar Department of Selma University, in -which institution he expects to take a higher course.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowe-colophon" style="max-width:8em;"> - <img class="w100" alt="decoration" src="images/i_222.jpg" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="BIOGRAPHICAL_SUPPLEMENT">BIOGRAPHICAL SUPPLEMENT.</h2> -</div> - -<p>It is to be regretted, perhaps, that this volume has in it a -feature which must be considered a supplement. But -doubtless the author will be excused when he tells the reader -that many have delayed till now—long after the completion -of the book—to send in their names. New men, strong men, -have lately come to us from other States—men whose names -could not well go into the main body of the book, for the -reason that this has been done for some time. Also, young -men of our own State have risen into such favorable notoriety -as to merit honorable notice.</p> - -<p>In the body of the book I have placed the names of persons -in their alphabetical order. Not so here: I have entered -the names as they came into my hands. The printer was -hurrying me, and I could not stay for proprieties.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Clark, Mr. Peter F.</span>, son of P. F. and Daphney Clark, was -born in Hale county, Ala., near Gallion, on the Taylor plantation. -He first attended what in his neighborhood was known -as the Vaughn Hill School, and afterward studied at a night -school taught, he says, “by one who would have been my mistress -had slavery continued.” Bro. Clark has been remarkably -successful in business, which is largely due to his industry, -economy and courteous manners. He is vice-president of the -Penny Savings Bank in Birmingham, as well as one of the -directors. In speaking of the line of work out of which he -derived his start in business affairs, he remarked to the -writer: “I remained with one firm twelve years.” As we see -his success in the light of this statement, we are reminded of -the old saying, “The rolling stone gathers no moss.” So many -fail on all lines because they move about so much. Mr. Clark -is sociable, hospitable, and courteous.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -O’Riley, Rev. J. P.</span>, pastor at Compton and Trussville, -gives the following sketch of himself: “I was born in Saint -Croix, Danish West Indies, August 1, 1850. In 1870 I entered -a Catholic school in Baltimore, with a view to preparing for -the priesthood. In 1874 I joined the Protestant church, and -in 1880 I was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist denomination. -My pastorates in Alabama have been in connection -with the St. Paul Church at Greenville, Coalburg Chapel, Mt. -Nebo at Patton, Mt. Joy at Trussville, and Mt. Olive at -Compton.”</p> - -<p>Bro. O’Riley is a vigorous worker, and is blessed with -social qualities which make him an agreeable companion.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Frazier, Rev. Jeremiah Lemuel</span>, son of Richard and -Phœbe Frazier, was born in Abbeville county, S. C., June 18, -1857. He says: “My parents were among the poorest of the -slaves.” In 1867 his parents moved to Florida, where, in -1874, their son was baptized into the Bethlehem Baptist -Church, near Madison county Court House.</p> - -<p><i>His Education.</i>—He has had no public school advantages, -but being possessed of a quiet, appreciative, observing, aspiring -turn of mind, he availed himself of such educational facilities -as came in his way. In the fall of 1874, he entered a -night school and continued his studies during the long nights -of the winter, paying the teacher one dollar per month. Being -called off from this advantage by the demands of the -farm, he sought knowledge in the Sunday School, and in the -study of such books as he could command. He speaks with -pleasure of the fact that his mother prayed that he might -learn to read the Bible, that he did learn to read it, and that -he read it to her in her weary hours of sickness. The affectionate -son is now the affectionate man.</p> - -<p><i>His Work, etc.</i>—On informing his pastor that he was -called to preach, he was advised to take up a course of study, -which he did, continuing it for about ten years, during which -time, 1878, he was wedded to Miss Ida Paul, a young lady -sufficiently skilled in letters to render him valuable service in -his books. He was ordained in March, 1885, to take charge of -the Zion Baptist Church, Enterprise, Fla., since which time he -has been pastor in Sanford, Fla. He is now the beloved, successful -pastor of the St. Louis Street Church, Mobile, Ala. He -is a good preacher, good pastor, good financier, good man. -The above named church was organized in 1854; their building -is worth $20,000.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Keller, Rev. R. H.</span>, of Birmingham. This young man -is brought into special prominence by his missionary operations -in the “Magic City.” He began at Avondale as pastor, -but seeing that so many people were absenting themselves -from the churches, he conceived the idea that where the -people would not or could not go to the gospel, the gospel -should go to them. Mr. Keller went to work at his idea, -speaking in empty store houses, etc., in the most ignorant and -most polluted neighborhoods or sections of the city, to such -of the people as he could induce to attend. At last he stirred -such interest in favor of his project and plans as influenced -many of the good people of the white churches to render substantial -aid.</p> - -<p>At present all the white and all the colored ministers of -Birmingham—except the Catholic and Episcopal—are united -in Mr. Keller’s support. It is rather a strange fact in gospel -work that this man should thus represent both races and all -creeds. His talks before the white people, so I’m informed, -have caused the white women of Birmingham to propose a -work upon their part that has for its object the betterment of -the home life of the colored people.</p> - -<p>“The Union Conference of the White and Colored Ministers -of Birmingham” is a result of Mr. Keller’s labors. Evidently -he is a man of strong hope in and strong grasp upon -his purpose as well as patience, amidst discouragements.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Loveless, Hon. H. A.</span>, of Montgomery, was born November -24, 1854, near Union Springs, in Bullock county, Ala. His -ex-master retained him on the old farm for five years after the -war was over on the plea that his mother was unable to assume -his management and support. Finally, however, he escaped -to Montgomery, where he found employment for small -wages. Being industrious and economical, he soon obtained a -little money ahead which he invested in the butcher’s business. -His business tact, push, courage, kindness of heart, -politeness and integrity soon won for him the confidence and -respect of his neighbors, who marked him as a youth of -merit and promise. He soon became an earnest, consistent -Christian man, from whose hands the poor and needy were -daily fed, and at whose house pastors and their families were -entertained for years without cost.</p> - -<p>Now (1895) in addition to his old business of butcher, he -operates a hack and dray line, a coal and wood yard, and an -undertaker’s establishment, giving constant employment to -about twenty-five persons at a daily outlay of about $25. His -wife, once Miss Lucy Arrington, whom he married in 1875, is -a suitable help for him, no less in his labors of love than in -his business enterprises. He is worth not less than $15,000. -His life is an inspiration to poor young men starting the -journey of life. Mr. Loveless is an honest man, which in the -language of another, is the noblest work of God. The character -of the man may be seen in his advice to his laborers: -“Pay your debts if it takes the last cent you have.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Eason, Rev. James Henry.</span>—Among the younger and -scholarly men of Alabama is Rev. James Henry Eason. This -energetic Christian worker and model of moral courage was -born October 24, 1866, in the “piney” woods, eight miles from -Sumterville, Sumter county, Ala.—fifteen miles from the -railroad.</p> - -<p>His father, Jesse Eason, has served as deacon in the Sumterville -Baptist Church for a number of years, and is highly -respected by both races in his community.</p> - -<p>His mother, Chaney Eason, is a faithful Christian worker -in the church, as well as a devoted wife and mother. Mr. -Eason’s strength of character, talent and success are, to a large -degree, heritages from this good woman. His mother taught -him his alphabet one Sabbath when he was only five years of -age. The early part of his life was spent with his parents on -the farm, and he attended public school near his home. His -first teacher was a Mr. Poe, a white man, who said to him, as -they were coming from school one day: “You will be a smart -man one of these days.”</p> - -<p>James did not advance very far in his books under this -teacher, who taught the old method of going through the -spelling book first, next the reader and then review. Besides, -the schools only lasted three months in each year. His marked -improvement was not made until his parents moved to Sumterville, -and he began studying under Rev. C. R. Rodgers and -H. D. Perry from Selma University. It was in the Wednesday -evening prayer meetings, held in the school by Rev. C. R. -Rodgers, he received a deep and effectual religious impression. -A year afterward—October, 1881—he was baptized into the -Sumterville Baptist Church by Rev. G. Lowe. In November -of the same year he entered the Alabama Baptist Normal and -Theological School at Selma, Ala., now Selma University. In -1885 he graduated from this institution with the highest -honors of his class—his class being the second class to graduate -from this institution. Along with the normal course he -took the college preparatory course, and began his college -course in the fall of 1885. After spending about two years in -this course he abandoned it on account of financial embarrassment -and other unfavorable circumstances. To this point he -had kept himself in school by working on the farm during -the summer months.</p> - -<p>In 1883 he took a little school at Ohio, Ala., and in 1886 -he canvassed and sold the <i>Colored Chieftain</i>. In 1887 he was -elected principal of Garfield Academy, Auburn, Ala. It was -in this position his noble qualities claimed the attention of the -public as a teacher and preacher—yes, as a leader. Here the -desire of higher education burnt again upon his heart and, -against the protest of patrons, he resigned this position and -entered Richmond Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va., in -1887. After three years of hard study he graduated ahead of -his class in 1890 with the degree of B. D., and returned to -Alabama and began work as professor of mathematics in Selma -University—a position he still holds. He was ordained in -Tabernacle Baptist Church, Selma, Ala., in 1891, and took -charge of Union Baptist Church, near Marion, Ala. He has -baptized one hundred persons. He is moderator of New Cahaba -Association, and managing editor of the <i>Baptist Leader</i>. -As a teacher he is admired by the pupils and respected by the -faculty. He is a hard student and takes high rank as a -preacher, and excels in persuasive oratory. He is original, -broad minded and good natured, and is much respected among -the brethren of the State.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_228" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_228.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. T. W. Walker, Pastor Shiloh Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. -Moderator Mt. Pilgrim Association. - </div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Mason, Dr. Ulysses Grant.</span>—We feel justified in saying, -that among the rising and foremost young men of Alabama is -the one whose name heads this article. He is the youngest -son of Mary and Isaac Mason; was born November 20, 1872, -in Birmingham, Ala., which city is still his home.</p> - -<p>Until the age of 16 his school advantages were limited to -the rural districts, where educational facilities were few. But -his desire to learn soon exhausted the shallow draughts of the -primary school, and therefore he entered the State Normal -School at Huntsville, Ala., now located at Normal, Ala., where -he drank more freely from the deeper springs of science and -art. Aside from his regular course, he pursued the carpenter’s -trade, at which his success was soon apparent; for, two -months after entering, he was advanced to the position of -foreman over some of his older colleagues. He graduated -from the above named school June 1, 1891. As a student and -teacher the thought uppermost in his mind was that of serving -his race by helping to lift it to a higher plane of intellectual -culture, for he was not slow to see the moral and physical -disadvantages under which it was laboring. To effect -this result, he dedicated all his energies to the social and -educational betterment of his race. After finishing the course -at this school, he taught, as a stepping stone to further usefulness, -having held with honor and respect the principalship -of the Calera public school. He resigned this position, much -to the regret of the school board and patrons, to enter the -Meharry Medical College, Nashville. His success as a student -of medicine surpassed even his previous career, causing -the surprise and even the envy of many who claimed to have -towered far above him in the literary world. He was appointed -prescriptionist for the clinic, and assistant professor -of clinical medicine in the absence of Prof. R. F. Boyd, B. S., -M. D., D. D. S., in which capacity he proved very efficient. He -refused the honor of valedictorian of his class, and was unanimously -elected treasurer.</p> - -<p>Dr. Mason is now located at his home, Birmingham, Ala., -and is one of our best physicians. His kindly and affable -manner has won to him the love and confidence of all. There -can be no question as to his future success, as this is assured -in his good qualities, skill, and the confidence of the people.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Sisson, Rev. Samuel S.</span>—The subject of this sketch was -born in the little town of White Plains, Calhoun county, Ala., -June 11, 1863. He lived with his parents on a plantation, -helping them in every possible way. He was converted and -baptized in 1871. He attended the public schools as opportunity -allowed him. In 1882, being convinced that he was called -to preach, he entered the Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological -School (now Selma University), under the presidency -of Dr. W. H. McAlpine. Here he studied hard, paying his -own way.</p> - -<p>In 1884 he was called as pastor of the Baptist Church at -Stock Mill, Ala., Cherokee county. He served this church -four years, during which time he baptized and added to the -church 250 persons. Not being satisfied with his education, -he returned to Selma University in 1888. He was in school -only two months when he was asked to supply the pulpit of -the St. Philip Street Baptist Church, Selma, Ala., as pastor -pro tem.</p> - -<p>He served them in this capacity three months, when he -was elected pastor, in which capacity he served the church -about five years. A great many doubted the ability of the -young Timothy to stand in the shoes of such noted theologians -as Rev. Wm. A. Burch and Dr. C. O. Boothe. He himself felt -that his task was very difficult. He could only trust in Him -whose power is inexhaustible.</p> - -<p>It was not long until his congregation outnumbered any -other in the city. He states that during his five years as -pastor he added 1,142 members to the church. Six hundred -and forty-two by baptism.</p> - -<p>He also laid plans to build a new church. Three thousand -three hundred and ninety-seven dollars, so he informs the -writer, was raised under his administration for the new church -building. Feeling that his work was about accomplished in -this field, he resigned as pastor in the fall of 1893. He was -then called to Milton, Fla., to pastor the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist -Church. He served the church only five months. His own -State, Alabama, not being willing to give him up, he accepted -a call by the Jerusalem Baptist Church, Bessemer, Ala. He -is now serving this church and is building up a strong congregation -for the Master. He is active in church work and -much loved by his brethren throughout the State.</p> - -<p>In 1888 he married Mrs. Roxie Drake, of Auburn, Ala., -and to this fortunate union is due much of his success. She is -to-day the organist of his church. Rev. Sisson has high hopes -for the future of his people and does everything possible to -advance them. He is friendly and, therefore, has friends -everywhere he works. He is a hard student of God’s word. -As a preacher he is sound in practice and doctrine.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Jordan, Mrs. Dinah Smith</span>, was born in Walker county, -Ala., March 26, 1869. Her early days were spent in Arkadelphia, -Blount county, and in 1883 she came with her mother -to live in Birmingham, Ala. Mrs. Jordan, from a child, loved -to read that Book of all books the best, the Holy Bible, and in -April, 1885, gave her heart to God. The new-found love in -her heart now brought new motives and new aspirations into -her life. She was in a new kingdom, and wanted to work for -her King. A sermon preached by her pastor, Rev. W. R. -Pettiford, on “Christian Growth and Usefulness,” very deeply -impressed this young Christian, and to this day is an inspiration -to her. Another one whom she dearly loved was Mrs. -M. A. Ehlers, a missionary under the Women’s Baptist Home -Mission Society, who was at that time in Birmingham, and -who she says will never know the help she has been to her -in her Christian life, until the lights of Eternity dawn upon -her. She began by doing the little things that came to her -hands to do—faithfully attending the services of her church, -bringing children to the Sunday school, and seeking in her -home to honor her Savior. As grand a motive may be had in -doing those things which in the eyes of the world seem small -as in doing that which the world calls great and admires; and -Mrs. Jordan, we believe, had this <i>true</i> motive, the love of -Christ constraining her.</p> - -<p>Her marriage, which took place on June 7, 1887, to Mr. -Andrew Jordan, had been made a subject of special prayer. -The husband thinks he has one of the best of Christians in -his wife, and through her consistent life he was led, in the -fall of 1892, to say, as did Ruth of old: “Thy God shall be -my God.” The Women’s Missionary Society opened up new -avenues of usefulness to her, and as they came she gladly -went forward—visiting the sick, doing religious visiting in the -homes of non-church-goers, and holding fireside schools for -the children in her neighborhood. She rejoices that in these -she has had the blessed privilege of directing the minds of the -little ones to Jesus. Her work as teacher in one of the industrial -schools conducted by the missionaries has been faithful, -earnest, and a means of great strength to them, and her gentle -ways have won the love of the pupils.</p> - -<p>She loves the work of the young people, and is a member -of the board of the associational B. Y. P. U. Her consistent -Christian life in her home and in the circles in which she -moves has made her life a blessing to all.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"> -Duncan, Mrs. M. D.</span>—This lady who began and is now -operating a female academy, was born in the year 1864, -March 8, in Jefferson county, Ala. She, for one, has made -her mark in life. She professed a hope in the Lord Jesus -Christ, in the year 1876—was baptized by Rev. E. T. Winkler -(white), and joined the Baptist church of Marion, Ala. -She worked her way in school. After she finished the -primary department (taught by Mrs. Frances Nickerson,) she -entered the Lincoln Normal University, where she was graduated -in 1882. Then she was thrown out on the great voyage -of life, to meet the many hindrances and obstacles that fall in -the pathway of life. But being a brave and persevering woman, -she triumphed over them all. She commenced teaching -school in 1879, in Marion, Perry county. In 1882, she taught -a three months’ term in Bibb county. She was then highly -recommended by the President of L. N. University to Tuskaloosa, -where she taught in the city school for two terms; then -removed to York Station, Sumter county, and there taught -two terms, and in 1889, taught one term in Forkland, Greene -county. She was then called to Demopolis, to take charge of -the Female Institute, where, for five years, and up to the present -time, she has given mutual satisfaction to the entire city -and community.</p> - -<p>The above is given to show the spirit of enterprise among -us and to excite others to work on the same line.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Closing the chapter which brings into prominence notable -individuals of the denomination, the author feels that it is -only just to remark that many of the most cultured and -deserving of our number are not mentioned. This comes of -the facts that limited means made the production of a large -book impossible, while, on the other hand, as the author was -hard pressed with other business, his survey of the field was -necessarily imperfect. Such persons as the learned and industrious -Prof. J. W. Beverly, of the State School at Montgomery; -Prof. A. H. Parker, principal of one of the city schools -of Birmingham; Prof. R. B. Hudson, principal of the City -School of Selma; Prof. E. W. Knight, of the faculty of -Selma University; Prof. Phillips, principal of one of the -city schools of Montgomery; Mr. Edgar A. Long, the business -manager of the “Alabama Publishing Company,” Birmingham; -Mrs. A. A. Bowe, teacher of the sewing department -of Selma University; Mrs. M. A. Boothe, the first president -of the Colored W. C. T. U. of Alabama, and Mrs. S. L. -Ross, the first secretary; Mrs. S. A. Hardy (once Miss Stone) -who led the women in their successful money effort in interest -of our brick school building at Selma; Mrs. C. Copeland -and Miss Octavia B. Boothe, who have been in the employ of -the Baptist Women’s Home Mission Societies as missionaries; -Mrs. Amanda Tyler, of Lowndesboro; Mrs. R. T. Pollard and -Mrs. S. H. Wright, of Montgomery; Mrs. Rebecca E. Pitts, of -Uniontown; Mrs. Alice Gray, of Talladega; Mrs. Lula Patterson -(once Miss Lula Watkins), the very capable teacher of -music in Selma University; Doctors Robert and Felix Tyler, -of Lowndesboro; Prof. Samuel Roebuck, of Elyton; Rev. T. -W. Robinson, of Gurleys; Rev. H. Zimmerman, the efficient -leader of Bibb County Association; Mrs. Nancy Nickerson, -the first teacher of colored children in Perry county; Rev. F. -L. Jordan, pastor of the Sixteenth Street Church, Birmingham—of -all these, with many other worthy persons, our book fails -to give any notice. Their absence from the biographic sketches -is to be accounted for solely in the reasons mentioned, namely, -that means were limited and the author’s time and energy -were divided between so many different lines of work as -necessitated an imperfect survey of the field.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowe-colophon" style="max-width:8em;"> - <img class="w100" alt="decoration" src="images/i_236.jpg" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="V_SUMMARY">V. SUMMARY.</h2> -</div> - -<p>We now turn our pen toward the conclusion, on our way -to which we will briefly consider: (1) From whence -we have come; (2) How we have come; (3) The point we -now occupy.</p> - -<h3>I. FROM WHENCE WE HAVE COME.</h3> - -<p>We have seen the tree—dwarfed and yellow-leafed—in the -sterile rock-bound soil of the mountain peak, and we have felt -that its life was a mere existence, a mere hair’s-breadth remove -from death. The fearful regime of slavery had reduced -the mental life of the Negro to the point where its activity -was a simple, natural struggle for existence. By the terms -mental life are designated especially the knowing faculties -and voluntary powers, as well as that part of the emotional -nature that has to do with character-making. I mean to say -that in his intellect, will, and moral sense, the Negro was, by -slavery, reduced to the minimum. It could not be otherwise -for these reasons: (<i>a</i>) It was unlawful for him to know -books; he must know nothing save what his master told him, -and must never ask for a reason. (<i>b</i>) He was not allowed to -have any will of his own except in minor points, with reference -to a brute or a fellow slave. His master’s will was substituted -for his, and out of his master’s choice his words and -deeds must proceed, even as concerned the most sacred relations -of life. At his master’s choice he took the wife, and at -his choice he gave up the wife. (<i>c</i>) He was not allowed to -have any conscience, except where his master had no choice. -Whatever the master <i>said</i> the slave must do, that he <i>must do</i>, -conscience or no conscience. Now this state of things had -gone on for over 200 years. From this condition we came -forth into liberty, and with this eking existence of wilted life -we must make a beginning as freemen. With nothing of that -sort of manhood which comes only of the well ordered domestic -circle, we had to put our shoulders beneath burdens which -come of the family institution. The duties of citizenship were -imposed upon us, notwithstanding we had never felt or studied -anything of the privileges and obligations which center in -individual sovereignty. Though we were ignorant of the -gospel for the most part and knew nothing of the order of -business in church meetings, we found ourselves suddenly -forced into the management of church affairs. We had now -to look to our own heads for light, to our own hearts for courage, -and to our own consciences for moral dictation. So much -for the hinderances from within ourselves.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_238" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_238.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. J. W. Jackson, Pastor Eufaula Baptist Church. - </div> -</div> - -<h4>CHANGE IN THE SOCIAL STATUS OF THE SOUTH.</h4> - -<p>The master and the slave were each pulled from his place -as by a mighty force—a force which did no little tearing on -both sides, especially on the side of master. For this reason -the master was sore. The South had grown rich in slaves. -This property the war pulled from its fists, and left in its -midst. The Southern people who were rich one day were poor -the next day. That the presence of the former slave, clothed -in the sovereignty of citizenship, amidst his ex-master’s -poverty, should chafe and madden the master, there can be no -wonder. Well, it did madden him, and because of this fact -the pioneer Negro leader often found himself “headed off” or -hindered with reference to some church or school project in -his mind. Often did he hide or turn from his course to escape -punishment or death by the hands of persons who suspicioned -him as a bad man to be among “the Negroes of the neighborhood.” -The writer has had many narrow escapes and painful -experiences.</p> - -<p>We needed help, but whither should we go to obtain it? -Thank God for the few white people who had grace in such a -time to extend a helping hand to us in our and in their time -of weakness.</p> - -<h3>II. HOW WE HAVE COME.</h3> - -<p>(<i>a</i>) Not long since a white merchant of this state remarked -to me: “No people have ever improved so much in so -short a time as your people have.” I replied: “I think no -people ever had a more faithful, self-sacrificing leadership.” -I think it may be said of us that we have done what we could. -The work began when we owned neither land for home nor -land for church house—when there was no church, no association, -no mission board to offer any pay for labor. I speak of -course of the rule. True, there were a few colored churches -in “slavery time,” three missionary and one primitive; but -what were three churches in the midst of such a vast population, -scattered over so much territory? What could they do -in their poverty and want of training to support 400 or 500 -pioneer organizers? We went to the battle at our own -charges. With homeless mothers and fathers, with homeless -wives and children, and with oppression on every side—with -all these burdens and much more which cannot be told, upon -us—we bravely undertook the work of building the walls of -Zion. The writer knows a minister who, (between 1866 and -1875, especially between ’66-’77, during the reign of the “K. -K. Klan,” when the people could not in many places be induced -to open their doors after dark for fear of being shot), has endured -some of the severest privations and performed some of -the hardest toils known to the ministry, at his own charges. -This case is only one in hundreds. Our ministry, whatever -the faults and imperfections which have attended them, have -wrought nobly and wrought to good results.</p> - -<p>The following will serve to show why the writer is inclined -to believe these early pioneers were often especially -favored of God in controlling the people for good: On one -occasion two preachers met for the first time. The younger -man spoke, and the elder was one of the hearers. The sermon -was ended. The two preachers, approaching each other and -grasping hands, spoke to each other thus: The younger man: -“I feel the Lord wants me to preach, but I am not able to -preach.” The elder man: “God has called you to preach the -gospel, but you are not now in the spirit of the ministry. You -are proud and ’pend too much upon yourself. You get self -out so God can fill you up with his spirit. Go and pray to -God for the spirit of the gospel ministry.” This advice was -heeded and the end revealed the correctness of the elder man’s -views. Another case:</p> - -<p>A young man of some attainment in letters, who taught -school under the “Freedmen’s Bureau,” being anxious to rid -himself of a sense of duty to preach the gospel, decided to go -off to another state where his church connections were unknown. -He did so. After he had quit the train and put down -his baggage at the home of a family who had consented to entertain -him, and as evening drew on, he was requested by his -hostess to attend the preaching which was to come off at a -neighbor’s house that evening (there was no church house). -The young man went. A pen picture of the preacher is given -after this fashion: Lean, brown skin man, whose shirt showed -much of his breast; whose feet were sockless and in shoes -which left the toes uncovered; whose stiff locks held a comb. -He told us of a wicked city that was laying beneath the pending -judgments of God.</p> - -<p>It needed a message of warning—only this, and it would -face about and clothe itself in humble penitence. God had -the message, and He imparted it to the messenger and ordered -him to go. Here the preacher drew a picture of Jonah: He -is shrinking from his glorious charge—has his back toward -Nineveh, and is fleeing in an opposite direction; is boarding a -ship that he may go to regions over the sea; is going down -into the hold of the ship; is fast asleep. Here the storm and -the raging deep receive notice: A cloud rises and quickly -covers the skies; winds attend it with a fury hitherto unknown -to the shipmen, who seem at once to discern in the -storm the tokens of judgment; the sea is wild; the sailors, as -a last resort, awake Jonah and cast lots; the lot falls upon -Jonah, and he is cast into the maddened sea, where a sea -monster swallows him. At this point, changing his voice -more into the imperative tone, the preacher said: “I ’spect -there is a Jonah here to-night, and I warn him to take the -message of his God and carry it to poor, lost sinners who do -not know their right hands from their left; I warn him to go -before he shall be in the belly of hell.” The reader is left to -imagine how this affected the young school teacher who was -fleeing from his duty. In some parts of Limestone county the -people use an improvised lamp, the oil vessel of which is a -snuff bottle. This is a rough vessel, but it holds the oil which -feeds the flame. This reminds us of Mr. Spurgeon’s beer-bottle -candlestick. Well, I want to say that God used these -men, whatever were their imperfections—they had power. -But we have had help from without.</p> - -<p>(<i>a</i>) Our white neighbors—some of them, at least—have -aided us. They have helped us build our church houses and, -in some cases, contributed to our schools. They have taught -in our Sunday schools, preached in our pulpits, helped us in -the work of organizing associations, etc. They have taught -ministers’ classes and held ministers’ institutes among us. -The writer once held the position of teacher of institutes -under the appointment and support of the white Baptist Convention -of Alabama, and Dr. McAlpine now serves under the -appointment of the Southern Board. Several of our best men -were enabled to attend the Home Mission schools on money -given by their white brethren.</p> - -<p>(<i>b</i>) We have been improved by our public schools. It is -a strange providence which, in our public school system, now -returns upon the black man something of the interest due -him in consideration of unrewarded labors. These schools -have given us some choice men and women, who are strong in -the work of the church. However, it is in place to say that -we have not derived from our public school system all the -good which it is capable of bestowing, first, because poor -teachers have far too often been put upon the people. But, -on the other hand, there has been loss because we have not -properly appreciated our needs and opportunities, as considered -from an educational point of view. The sessions of the -public schools could be supplemented and extended in most -cases so as to cover six or eight months of each year.</p> - -<p>(<i>c</i>) The Publication Society has rendered substantial aid -in the gift of books to our ministers and Sunday Schools as -well as by the personal touch and teaching of their Sunday -School Missionaries.</p> - -<p>(<i>d</i>) The Missionary Societies of the Baptist women of -Chicago and Boston have done a great work among us. Their -good missionaries, such as Misses Moore, Knapp, Voss and -others whose names will ever be precious to our people, have -given themselves to work among our women and girls. They -have breathed into our home life their beautiful piety, and -they have acquainted our mission bands and church workers -with the latest and best methods of labor. We have seen -with their eyes and felt with their hearts.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_244" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_244.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - First Baptist Church, Selma, Ala. -C. J. Hardy, Pastor. - </div> -</div> - -<p>(<i>e</i>) <span class="smcap"> -The Selma University</span>, with one exception, is the -source of our greatest blessing. It is simply impossible to -estimate the good that has come to Alabama Baptists out of -this institution. What it has done is beyond the power of -calculation. Only Omniscience can reckon up the good effects -of its power upon the people. God be praised for Selma University! -When we began the school in 1878, we hadn’t one -single graduate in our midst. Since that time graduates have -gone forth as follows:</p> - -<p class="center">1884.</p> - -<p>R. T. Pollard, S. A. Stone, W. W. Posey, T. H. Posey, R. B. -Hudson, L. J. Green, C. R. Rodgers, A. A. Bowie, D. T. Gully, -A. W. Hines, and Miss Washington, now Mrs. R. T. Pollard.</p> - -<p class="center">1885.</p> - -<p>J. A. Anthony, W. E Large, J. H. Eason and Mrs. Thompson.</p> - -<p class="center">1886.</p> - -<p>W. S. Matthews, H. L. Thomas, Dr. L. L. Burwell and -Mrs. H. M. Baker.</p> - -<p class="center">1887.</p> - -<p>M. M. Archer, S. H. Campbell, J. C. Copeland, W. T. Bibb, -W. A. Watson, F. P. Tyler, J. H. Culver, P. A. Kigh, C. H. -Patterson, Mrs. R. B. Hudson, Mrs. A. W. Hines, Vannie -Brooks.</p> - -<p class="center">1888.</p> - -<p>S. H. Abrams, D. A. Bible, R. D. Taylor, Mrs. M. F. Wilson, -E. J. Nelson and Mary F. Williams.</p> - -<p class="center">1889.</p> - -<p>R. M. Williams, E. L. Blackman, Mrs. P. F. Clark, Mrs. -W. T. Bibb, P. E. Gresham, D. L. Prentice, J. R. Willis and -Dr. W. R. Pettiford.</p> - -<p class="center">1890.</p> - -<p>W. J. Bryson, R. T. Payne, J. F. Payne, Dr. R. Tyler, Dr. -L. Roberts, E. W. Knight, J. C. Leftwich, L. A. Sinkler, -Mrs. W. B. Johnson, Mrs. G. A. Brown, Wm. Cooper, Emma -Garrett, M. Turner, Mary L. Smith, P. S. L. Hutchins.</p> - -<p class="center">1891.</p> - -<p>P. B. Taylor, C. E. Clayton, Mary Osborne, Lula Gray, -Ida M. Wilhite, Viola Hudson, Mamie C. Welch, A. M. Jackson, -J. McConico, J. H. Hutchinson, M. M. Porter, E. T. Taylor.</p> - -<p class="center">1892.</p> - -<p>R. L. Hill, G. P. Adams, E. M. Carter, W. T. Coleman, I. -B. Kigh, B. R. Smith, Chas. White Jr., M. J. Brown, A. E. -Gilliam, Pattie Richardson, Amelia Tyler and Maggie Johnson.</p> - -<p class="center">1893.</p> - -<p>J. A. Graham, W. M. Montgomery, H. E. Grogan, Eva -Green.</p> - -<p class="center">1894.</p> - -<p>I. T. Simpson, C. J. Davis, W. H. Wilhite, Annie Stone, -T. W. Calvary and Eliza Fuller (Mrs. Knight).</p> - -<p class="center">1895.</p> - -<p>Lula E. Ware, Annie L. Jones, Comer E. Carter, Benjamin -F. Sanders, Lila L. Jones, Julia L. Sanders, Mary F. McCord, -Emma P. Jones, Earnest W. Brown and Donnie E. -Hillson.</p> - -<p>We see very little that these names mean except we associate -them with the masses of the people in the various walks -of social and business life. But, associating them thus, we -see them as so many stars lighting up the dark places around -them. However, to do this is by no means to place ourselves -where we can see the <i>whole</i> truth. What has been wrought -upon the thousands of students who failed to finish the prescribed -course? They are elevated and they have borne their -elevation to their neighbors. From their teachers and from -the refining atmosphere of the school, they have drunken -purer thoughts, loftier aims and a stronger manhood. This -they have carried to others less favored than themselves, and -now it works as the leaven in the dough. Again, the school -has strengthened us by its weight upon our hearts and hands. -Labor, well directed, develops strength in the laborer. We -are greater because we have been compelled to care for that -institution, and it has caused us to have faith in ourselves. -We now know that it is possible for us to maintain an educational -work. It is needless to say that by means of it, we have -looked larger in the eyes of others. Somehow, he who can -<i>do something good</i> and <i>great</i> commands our respect.</p> - -<p>(<i>f</i>) <span class="smcap"> -The Home Mission Society.</span>—This society has -served us to greater results than any other agency. To this -society the university owes above half the money which has -given it support all these years. They have given us missionary -aid which has served to produce higher life and better order -in our churches and associations. And from their schools -beyond our state we have received many of our most capable -persons, among whom we may mention Drs. Dinkins, Purce, -Stokes, Owens, our eloquent Fisher, and Jones, our scholarly -Peterson, the urbane Jackson of Eufaula, the industrious -Bradford, and others whose names I cannot at this moment recall. -Mrs. C. S. Dinkins, as well as Mrs. C. O. Boothe, came -to us from the Roger Williams University, a Home Mission -Society School. But what has been said will suffice to show -us how we have come to be a wiser and a better people than -we were thirty years ago. And if we see what has blessed us -in the years gone by, no doubt we shall be able to see that the -same things may, if we will permit them to do so, bless us in -the years to come. May our steps not be forgotten by our -children.</p> - -<h3>III. THE POINT WE NOW OCCUPY.</h3> - -<p>Thirty years we have been beneath the opportunities and -duties of free manhood, which is to say that for thirty years -we have been associated with the family institution as husband, -as wife, as parent, as sister, as brother, as son, and as -daughter. Three decades with the family, developing affection -and making patience.</p> - -<p>Thirty years of business life has passed upon us, which is -to say that we have for this length of time been associated -with those facts which grow out of our physical wants, such -as labor, system, economy, competition, skill, etc.</p> - -<p>We have had thirty years over our own consciences, over -our own wills, over our own church affairs. We have had -thirty years with books and schools. We have had thirty -years under the duties of citizenship. What have we attained -to in this time? Have these years given us any fruits? Are -we where we were in 1865? Let us see.</p> - -<p>(<i>a</i>) <span class="smcap"> -Church Property.</span>—At the close of the war we -owned (?) two frame buildings in Mobile and owned (?) the -brick basement of the building now occupied by our white -brethren in Selma, worth—all told—about $8,000. We now -own nine brick buildings, worth not less than $100,000 above -their indebtedness. And we cannot make an estimate of the -church property whereon are frame structures. The property -of this sort in the city of Birmingham and vicinity is worth -$15,000, in Montgomery $26,000, in Mobile $12,000, in Talladega -$10,000, in Greensboro $3,000, in Eufaula $6,000, in Tuskegee -$2,500, in Opelika $2,500, in Eutaw $2,000, in Demopolis - -$3,000, in Decatur $1,500, in Florence $1,500, in Courtland -$1,200, in Gadsden $2,000. But, it is not intended, and is not -necessary, to mention every point, as the aim is to show that -throughout the State we have churches in their own quarters, -on their own land. Everywhere we have put our work not -only into mind but we have put it into dirt, brick and stone. -Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars worth of church property -scattered throughout the State, as it is, affords a good -foundation for future operation.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_248a" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_248a.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Miss Joanna P. Moore, Nashville, Tenn., thirty years Missionary to the -Colored People of the South. - </div> -</div> - -<p>(<i>b</i>) <span class="smcap"> -School Property.</span>—Our school at Selma is now -worth about $30,000. It was bought in 1878 for $3,000, and -has been in constant operation ever since, though at one time -a debt of about $8,000 threatened its life. We owe a debt -of a little over $3,000 at this time. The Howard College, -the leading school of our white brethren, owes it is said a debt -of about $33,000, and lately the report has come to the writer -that the management had thought of assigning, because they -could not see how they could raise money enough to meet the -interest. I mention this only to show that our struggles are -similar to the struggles of other good people, and that we have -abundant cause for rejoicing and hope.</p> - -<p>Well, we have in Selma University an educational foundation. -The Marion Academy, worth about $2,000, begins academies.</p> - -<p>(<i>c</i>) <span class="smcap"> -Educated Men and Women.</span>—Over one hundred -young people have received diplomas from Selma University. -Graduates have come to Alabama from other States. Baptists -have graduated from other schools in this State—schools like -Talladega and Tuskegee, the school at Huntsville, and the -school at Montgomery. This statement of facts is calculated -to turn our minds toward a possibility and prophecy of the -near approach—even on the part of the masses—of that state -of mind which lives and moves in the higher pleasures and -to the more sacred ends of life.</p> - -<p>(<i>d</i>) <span class="smcap"> -Homes.</span>—The wandering life which characterized the -masses of the people in 1865, is fast giving place to settled -home life. We have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars -in town lots and farm lands, where we are quietly and -contentedly rearing our loved ones, studying the good of our -community, and arranging for the prosperity of the house of -God. In other words, we are fixtures in the country and -fixtures in the cities and towns. We have attained to affairs—to -the possession of money and other forms of material value—so -that we have power in the world of exchange. Prof. B. T. -Washington is a wonder among men as the builder and manager -of the greatest school in Alabama, and his friend, Mr. -Logan, proves that the colored men can manage great money -schemes, while Mr. B. H. Hudson and others, of Birmingham, -establish the Negro as a banker.</p> - -<p>(<i>e</i>) <span class="smcap"> -Organizations.</span>—We are now together—acquainted, -organized. In the beginning of 1865, the minister in one part -of the State did not know the minister in the other part. -There was no union, no plan of agreement. Now there are -about 800 churches, all organized into associations. Each -church may be reached and affected through its association, -with regard to any line of work. We have created a strong -sentiment in favor of education and a strong sentiment against -intemperance, so that the masses of the people may be easily -led in right directions. The day of pioneering lies behind us, -and most of the pioneers are gone to their long home. We -are now at the point for action on new lines. As individual -Christians we need to turn our attention more directly upon -the one aim of human life, namely, <i>God-like character building</i> -in ourselves and in them with whom we have to do. As -churches, we need to see to it not only that we win souls, but that -we train them in Christian work also. All other points being -equal, the trained soldier is the man to trust with the battle. -The Sunday school work and the young people’s unions are -very available as training institutions. May God put it into -the hearts of the leaders of this new day and new chapter in -our history to see to it that these organizations shall serve the -ends for which they are so well suited. May their hearts -wholly enter into the possibilities and purposes of every -sacred organization!</p> - -<p>I take courage, and there arises in my mind glorious -prospects coming down the future, as I see the faith and push -of our Sunday school and our women’s conventions. If our -present Sunday school leaders should succeed in wrapping -their mantles about men who will be as faithful under the -midday light as they have been in the dawning, the future -must find an ever broadening compass of Bible influence, and -an ever-increasing beauty in our words and lives.</p> - -<h3>THE WOMEN’S CONVENTION—A HIGH POINT.</h3> - -<p>The Women’s State Convention organized in 1886, marks -a new era in the history of our denomination. The present -brick building on our school grounds owes its existence chiefly -to this organization. They came into the field in a dark -time, and at a time when the wheels of the school dragged -heavily. The circumstances which sent Miss S. A. Stone before -the people of the State seemed a providence. The time, -the conditions, needed the heart of a woman to control them. -And the Women’s Convention conquered the hardness of heart -and the division of opinion, prevailing among the people, by -sending Miss Stone among them. Most grandly did she conquer. -Well, what is the lesson here? It is this: let the women -still be encouraged, let them continue to operate. We -need all our forces in line.</p> - -<p>Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Mesdames G. -J. Brooks, R. T. Pollard, C. J. Hardy, A. A. Bowie, W. R. Pettiford, -A. J. Gray, M. Tyler, S. H. Wright, E. W. Armstead, -J. A. Craig and the other noble women associated with them, -for the services they have rendered the state in the support -they have given their Convention. The times demand that -this work shall still be faithfully continued. I am glad that -we are up in our ideas of woman, and the fact that we are -argues progress on our part.</p> - -<p>It is a praiseworthy fact that we colored Baptists occupy -advanced ground with regard to the questions which involve -the powers and rights of women. I remember that upon one -occasion just after the close of the war, my mother returned -from church rather disgusted because a woman had been -called upon to lead in public prayer. Now, too, the singing, -the reading and the praying in our congregations, are assuming -forms suited to our advanced or advancing state of mind. -The song is suited to the text and fewer stanzas are sung. -The music is not so slow and is rendered with more harmony -and life. In the sermon, the preacher aims to give his audience -<i>thoughts</i> rather than <i>feelings</i>, and longs to make his hearers -<i>wiser</i> rather than <i>happier</i>. He who reads the Bible to -others, whether he reads in family or church, reads by paragraphs—taking -in a single thought or fact at the time—in -place of the old custom of reading a whole chapter in connection -with which no one idea was raised into prominence. In -short our gospel reformers seem now to realize that saving -faith in the truth is that exercise of soul regarding truth that -satisfies the intellect, impresses the sensibilities and bows the -will beneath the gospel forms and gospel spirit. Of course -this is not true of all our teachers, but it is true of many of -them; and the tendency upon the part of the whole people is -in this direction. Individual human essence leavened with the -Divine essence, is the goal in the eye of the representative -leader of our people. Largely we have attained to the confidence -of our white brethren. In the union conference of the -white and the colored ministers of Birmingham, recently held, -I plainly saw that the white Baptist ministers were more at -ease with the colored brethren than the white ministers of -other denominations, except perhaps, the Presbyterian brethren. -And I think they were not so much disturbed about the -social question. I call attention to this fact in order to say -that their joint work with us has enabled them to see our -good qualities and concede to us the claims which belong to -intellectual and moral culture. And as our Christian culture -shall widen its radius and deepen its impressions upon all -who may be touched by us, the prejudice and barriers incident -to our color must retire behind the curtains of the past.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Were I so tall to reach the pole,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Could grasp creation in my span;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I’d still be measured by my soul—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">The mind’s the standard of the man.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>I delight to record that we are attaining to humility as a -Christian grace. This is the crowning grace. Some years -ago the writer called at the home of Dr. J. M. Pendleton, in -Upland, Pa. The doctor was upstairs. A servant answered -the door bell, and the visitor was conducted to the parlor -to await the famous man’s entrance. As the visitor was -in every way a very little man, and as he thought of Dr. -P. as being in every way a very large person, he feared the -sound of every footstep. He expected to be over-awed by the -majesty and dignity of the great man. As the door knob -turned he was almost annihilated. But how different the -sight! There stood the noted writer in the spirit of a child. -How mighty, yet, how meek and lowly! How charming, how -winning was this child-like simplicity and hospitality! With -the bewitching smiles and musical tones of childish innocence, -he repeated, “Brother Boothe, from Alabama, I suppose.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_254" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_254.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. C. J. Hardy, Pastor First Baptist Church, Selma, Ala. - </div> -</div> - -<p>Toward this end we, too, are coming. The time has been -when the best man among us would air his big words, hang -out his learning (?), strut because of a fine suit, boast of his -school advantages, laud his superior graces, gloat in his -empty titles. Not so now. To be meek and lowly in heart, to -be full of prayer and watchfulness, to be charitable and self-abasing, -to be pure and pious—these things are before us -now.</p> - -<p>The old plan of collecting money for church work regardless -of system and regardless of the duty associated with -Christian giving, must also soon retire to the past; for forces -are now appearing which will work as the leaven in the dough.</p> - -<p>Dr. Pettiford has recently brought out a book titled, -“God’s Revenue System,” wherein the author labors to bring -before the people the Bible methods of giving. Arguments -are presented and proof texts are given in their support. This -work is being widely circulated among the churches and ministers. -And the writer served a church where the following -plan prevailed: At the end of each year the church appointed -a committee to figure on the expenses of the ensuing year, -and to help the members and friends apportion the burden -among themselves according to their several abilities. Each -person took upon himself what he thought he might be able -to pay, and dividing his share as the church might have need, -he paid it in installments. Usually the money was collected -in the conference meetings. Another church came under my -notice that had in it “the tithe band,” which gave a tenth of -their income to the house of God. In a session of the Sea -Coast Association I witnessed the following, it was what they -called “Women’s Day:”</p> - -<p>One woman, holding her money in her hand, said: “I am -president of a mission band which meets once a month to learn -of our duty to missions. We tax ourselves one nickle a month, -and this is our donation to the work.”</p> - -<p>Another said: “I raise chickens. One hen in my yard -I’ve given to God. This money is from her eggs and chickens.”</p> - -<p>Still another: “In my orange orchard there are some -trees which I have dedicated to God. The money which comes -of the sale of the fruit grown on these trees goes to the cause -of Christ.” And she laid her donation on the table.</p> - -<p>In a Christian home I saw on the mantelpiece a little box -marked, “God’s bank.” Into this money was dropped at -stated seasons in order that there might never be any want of -consecrated money in the house. In a certain home sickness -had cut off income. The missionary secretary sent to this -home for money. In order that a donation might be sent in, -the family agreed to leave the sugar off the table for a certain -length of time. Thus a small amount was saved for the cause -of Christ. Thank God, that truth on all lines is finding an -echo in our souls! We are not only learning the value of -money and enterprise, but we are also learning that “a man’s -life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he -possesses.”</p> - -<p>Wedlock is becoming more sacred. More and more the -people are growing into a responsiveness to the sacredness of -the marriage relation. The husband has increased in knowledge -regarding his duty to his wife; the wife sees better her -relation to her husband; the parents more clearly perceive -what is possible and proper with reference to their children; -and, therefore, we can claim thousands of homes which are -sources of refinement, of love, and of purest pleasure. Music -is brought in, and in many homes the family choir contributes -to the enjoyment of children and parents, whose hearts feast -upon mutual, sweet affection. Not long ago the writer had -the pleasure of receiving the hospitality of a family in which -such a choir existed. Each member had his place somewhere -on the staff; either he was in the tenor, or in the alto, or in -the soprano, or in the bass. Mother, father and children delightfully -partook of the feast of song. Their Scripture lesson -was not a long, disjointed chapter, but a single thought, -namely: “The wisdom that is from above.” Its qualities -were considered—they were: (1) Pure; (2) peaceable; (3) -gentle; (4) approachable; (5) merciful; (6) fruitful of good -works; (7) impartial; and (8) honest. This lesson was in a -scheme on the blackboard, kept in the home for such purposes, -thus:</p> - -<table summary="Heavenly Wisdom, It's Qualities"> -<tr> - <td rowspan="8">Heavenly Wisdom,<br />Its Qualities.</td> - <td>{ 1. Purity.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>{ 2. Peaceableness.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>{ 3. Gentleness.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>{ 4. Approachableness.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>{ 5. Mercy.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>{ 6. Fruitfulness in good works.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>{ 7. Impartiality.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>{ 8. Honesty.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>This plan gave opportunity to discuss in a few words -each designated quality. Each person large enough to take -part was encouraged to do so. One part of the evening hour -was spent in amusing literary games, like the following:</p> - -<p>A word was suggested, and so many minutes were allowed -to elapse, during which time each member of the family -sought to make the greatest number of words out of the letters -composing the word suggested. At the close of this -allotted time, spelling was compared, and the difference as to -the number of words made by each was noted. The exercise -was pleasant, exciting and profitable. The writer mused: -“This is so much better than gossip, unsociableness, sullen -silence, and quarreling.” From the word <i>abatement</i>, for example, -came the words: At, mat, bat, bet, tab, mate, am, an, -ant, tent, beat, abate, Abe. At other times problems in -mathematics furnished the wrestling point; then points in -geography and history were entertained. “Name as many -cities as you can containing so many thousand inhabitants, -and tell where they are,” was proposed. Thus an hour or so -of the early evening was profitably passed away in shunning -evil and gathering knowledge for good.</p> - -<p>We dare hope that every home will seek to improve on -this line. Evil cannot be kept out of the home except in proportion -as we fill it with what is good. And the quality of -the home life must determine the quality of the social life, of -the church life, and of the political life, as well as of the business -life, of any people.</p> - -<p>As a further illustration of the influences and plans operating -among us—as a fitting conclusion—we present the following -from Miss Knapp, one of the faithful missionaries of the -Women’s Baptist Home Mission Society:</p> - -<h3>MISSIONARY WORK IN BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT.</h3> - -<p>Many are the blessings God has bestowed upon missionary -work in Birmingham and it is a real pleasure to state -briefly some of the methods employed which have given the -workers so much joy, and which our Heavenly Father has -used to advance his cause.</p> - -<p>Religious visiting in the homes of the people is a very important -part. God’s word never returns unto Him void, and -when it is carried into the homes and its truths taught and -heart to heart talks given only eternity will reveal its results -in leading lost souls to look to a loving Savior, and arousing -indifferent Christians to the fact that God has chosen them -and ordained them that they should go and bring forth fruit. -Again, the teaching of the children is a work never to be overlooked, -for the future of any race or nation depends upon the -moral and religious instruction given to the young. The Sunday -schools, children’s meetings and industrial schools are -means which are accomplishing great good. From two hundred -to three hundred meet each week in the industrial -schools during the school year. We have one session each -week in each of the schools. They are held in the different -churches. About one half of the time in each session is spent -teaching different kinds of sewing, and the remainder in giving -moral and religious instruction. The progress made by -many of the pupils in sewing and in gaining Bible knowledge -is often a marvel to the missionaries. The strong temperance -stand taken by many of the children is truly a delight, and -when one after another professes a hope in Christ we are led to -say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, -bless His holy name.” The welfare of the young people also -has a large place in our hearts and with the faithful co-operation -of pastors and the young people themselves, there are -about forty local B. Y. P. U.’s which are united in an Asssociational -Baptist Young People’s Union. Great things are expected -of these young people from the Bible knowledge they -are acquiring and instruction which they are receiving concerning -Christian work.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_259" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_259.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. S. L. Ross, Sunday School Missionary for Alabama, under Auspices Alabama -Baptist Publication Society. - </div> -</div> - -<p>Perhaps no richer blessings have been given than those -which have fallen on the efforts which the women are putting -forth. Well can we remember when there was but one missionary -society in Birmingham that was trying to obey our -Savior’s last loving words: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me -both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto -the uttermost parts of the earth.”</p> - -<p>They stood alone, but were inspired to go forward by their -pastor, Rev. W. R. Pettiford. Though few in number, the -blessings of God rested upon them. After a time they had a -public missionary meeting. The subject was “The Indians.” -It was held on Sunday night. Hearts were enlarged; the -work was better understood by the membership of the church, -and as a result new members were added to the society. The -sisters in one church after another organized and joined the -ranks. The society of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church -no longer stood alone.</p> - -<p>The object of the work is given as follows in Article II -of the Constitution: “Its object shall be to promote the -purity, intelligence and happiness of our homes, and to educate -the women of our Baptist churches in a knowledge of -missions, to cultivate in them a missionary spirit, and thus -lead them to help in mission work at home, in the State, in -our country, and in foreign lands.”</p> - -<p>The following blanks are used by the sisters in reporting -their work from month to month:</p> - -<p class="monospace"> -Report of................................................. <br /> -For the month of....................................189... <br /> -Have you read the Bible each day?......................... <br /> -Have you taken the Mother’s Pledge and kept it?........... <br /> -Number of religious visits................................ <br /> -Number of families helped................................. <br /> -Number added to the Missionary Society.................... <br /> -Number of meetings conducted.............................. <br /> -Number of new members brought into the Sunday School...... -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>On July 26, 1893, a day memorable in the history of the -work, the local societies were united in a “Women’s Missionary -Association.” Mrs. Cordelia Taylor was chosen as its president.</p> - -<p>The local societies number about twenty-five. We meet -twice a year, for a one day’s meeting. These meetings are -largely attended, well conducted and of real profit to the work.</p> - -<p>The study of the uniform subjects which have been prepared -for the use of the local societies have greatly helped the -mothers in their great work in the home, in the Church work, -and given a more intelligent knowledge of missions in ours -and other lands. The public missionary meetings are being -held on Sunday afternoons or nights in the different churches -and are proving the same blessing as the first one.</p> - -<p>Miss Moore’s paper, <i>Hope</i>, is being taken and read by -scores of the sisters, and is an untold blessing to all.</p> - -<p>The “Mother’s Pledge” has been signed by quite a company -and is rich in results to both mother and child.</p> - -<p>Several of the earnest, Christian women are having fireside -schools for the children in their neighborhoods, and the -books are being purchased by many, thus affording good and -helpful reading in many homes.</p> - -<p>Our hearts go up to God in gratitude as we call to mind -the co-operation of pastors and people in the plans suggested -by the former as well as the present missionaries, and the -bountiful way in which God has blessed the efforts which we -have together put forth, and we would say in the words of -the Psalmist: “Many, O Lord, my God, are thy wonderful -works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which to -usward, they cannot be reckoned up in order to Thee; if I -would declare and speak of them they are more than can be -numbered.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowe-colophon" style="max-width:8em;"> - <img class="w100" alt="decoration" src="images/i_262.jpg" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_262a" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_262a.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Ala., Rev. R. D. Pollard, Pastor. - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FINAL_REMARKS"><i>FINAL REMARKS.</i></h2> -</div> - -<p>We have done well, but we could have done better. -George Ruskin gives birth to a great river of thought -in the expression, “The more my life <i>disappointed</i> me, the -more <i>solemn</i> and the more <i>wonderful</i> it became to me.” We -have suffered, it is true, and still we suffer, beneath the -prejudice of a mighty people, the movings of whose will and -passions none but God can stay. But, as we remember that -the Almighty can rule the hearts of men, and that He has -promised that the meek (He doesn’t respect persons) shall -inherit the earth; that this prejudice about us is not a human -essence, but a mere accretion upon human life, rising from -abnormal social conditions which are passing away; that disappointment, -instead of cowering and disarming us, should -rouse us to nerve ourselves with a firmer resolution to endure -suffering, to toil, to economize, to increase in knowledge and -skill, to fill our homes with love and beauty, to be still more -pure in heart and upright in word and deed—as we remember -these things, we must confess that we could have done better.</p> - -<p>Our greatest needs now are: (<i>a</i>) A closer walk with God; -(<i>b</i>) more love and peace at home; (<i>c</i>) purer thoughts and more -prayer in our hearts; (<i>d</i>) a nearer approach to gospel plans -in all departments of our church work; (<i>e</i>) more race pride -and race confidence; (<i>f</i>) more of the spirit of Christ in our -annual meetings; (<i>g</i>) co-operation in business, such as banking -and mercantile enterprises.</p> - -<p>We earn millions of dollars, a large part of which we -ought to and can keep among ourselves, and thus strengthen -the financial standing of the Negro Race.</p> - -<p>We need to establish and maintain money operations -among ourselves, especially for the following reasons:</p> - -<p>(1) No moneyless people have any power or voice in the -solid things of life, in those facts which command homes, -farms, store houses, railroads, live stock, steamship lines, -furnaces, manufactories, merchandise, banks, and the like. -We need plans of co-operation which will enable us to come -together with our little savings until they aggregate to an -amount that is large enough to support some sort of business. -Saving societies or circles should be organized all over -the country, for the purpose of studying methods for money -saving and money investment.</p> - -<p>Of course, it must be admitted that money raised by our -people in this way has fallen into the hands of men who have -made way with it. But this danger may be put out of the way -by compelling the man who holds the money to give good -security in the form of a bond, legally made and properly -signed. The money thus raised should be deposited in the -bank till the amount obtained is large enough for some business -project. The Alabama Penny Savings Bank of Birmingham -started somewhat after this fashion, with a small beginning, -but now they command in one way and another -nearly one hundred thousand dollars. This bank gives the -colored people of Birmingham a power in financial circles that -they could obtain by no other means.</p> - -<p>(2) Our young people need something to do. When the -young white man completes his course at school, he returns -to find a job ready for him—a job as clerk, bookkeeper, collector -or something so. Not so with the young black man—he -returns to an empty void so far as concerns the business - -world. He comes home to be a loafer, or a boot-black, or a -buggy boy, or a cook, or a waiter, or a barber, or a prisoner. -He comes home to despair, to temptation, to ruin. And this -sad state of things can never change by accident: if a better -condition of things shall ever be our lot, it must come about -as the result of forces which the Negro himself shall put in -operation. Our white neighbor looks upon the facts that we -earn the millions and can’t control the cents, as proof that we -are an inferior race. They say we can be preachers, teachers -and doctors, but we can’t manage money and can’t unite in -great business enterprises. We seem not to realize that the -handling of business affairs conduces to the formation of -moral character. The writer dares to hope that there are better -things in our hearts on this line than have yet appeared, -and that ere long they will appear in our united action and in -our substantial investments. However, “<i>Fear God and keep -His commandments.</i>”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_265" style="max-width:28em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_265.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> - Rev. C. L. Purce, President, Louisville, Ky. - </div> -</div> - -<h3>CONCLUSION.</h3> - -<p>And now our book is at its end. How well it serves the -purpose for which it was produced, the reader will determine. -We gratefully recognize the substantial services rendered by -friends, as during the past ten years we have hunted and -gleaned for subject matter. The author is under special obligations -to Messrs P. W. Williamson, F. D. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Richard -Walker, Rev. T. W. Walker, Dr. Waldrop, Dr. and Mrs. Pettiford, -Mrs. Rachel Jenkins, Mrs. H. C. Bryant, Mr. and Mrs. -W. S. Simpson, of Birmingham; Mr. Tom Posey, Bessemer, -and Hon. H. A. Loveless, of Montgomery.</p> - -<p>To such as may feel disposed to credit me with the ability -to continue at work, I would say that but for the faithful toil -and sacrifice of my wife, Mrs. M. A., and of my daughter, Miss -Octavia B. Boothe, it is hardly likely that my name would -now appear in its humble place on the roll of writers. They -have borne the burden with me, and we together have performed -these humble tasks. With them I cheerfully divide -my meagre honors. The writer lays down his pen at the end -of a pleasant but arduous task, fully believing that what we -have done is but the bud and prophecy of what we can and -will do in the years to come. This book can only tell of our -infancy and youth while the historian who shall come upon -the stage after twenty or thirty years beyond this date, will -bring forth a book wherein shall appear a portraiture of our -ripened manhood, out of which shall have grown great enterprises, -manned by unity, wisdom, wealth and righteousness.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width:16em;"> - <img class="w100" alt="The End" src="images/i_267.jpg" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak">THE ALABAMA PUBLISHING COMPANY</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center"><strong><big>PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS</big></strong></p> - -<p class="center"><i>111 EIGHTEENTH STREET, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA.</i></p> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center">OFFICERS:</p> - -<ul><li>REV. W. R. PETTIFORD, D. D., Pres.</li> -<li>REV. T. W. WALKER, Vice-Pres.</li> -<li>I. W. LACY, Treas.</li> -<li>J. C. BARKER, Sec’y.</li> -<li>E. A. LONG, Bus. Manager.</li> -</ul> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<h3>“<i>The School of the People.</i>”</h3> - -<hr class="double r65" /> - -<p class="center">It is our Object to Act as a Medium Through Which -Knowledge of Matters of Vital Importance to -the Welfare of our Race can be -Carried to the People.</p> - -<p><big><strong>Are You Interested in Us?– –</strong></big></p> - -<p class="right"><big><strong>Are You Interested in Yourselves?</strong></big></p> - -<p>Then see to it that you Order one of the Following -Books and get Someone Else to do the Same.</p> - -<hr class="double" /> -<table summary="booklist"> -<tr> - <td>“DIVINITY IN WEDLOCK,”</td> - <td class="right"><span class="smcap">By W. R. Pettiford</span>, D. D.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="center" colspan="2">(25 cents per copy; by mail, 28 cents).</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>“GOD’S REVENUE SYSTEM,”</td> - <td class="right"><span class="smcap">By W. R. Pettiford</span>, D. D.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="center" colspan="2">(15 cents per copy; by mail, 17 cents).</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>“THE CYCLOPEDIA OF THE COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA,”</td> - <td class="right"><span class="smcap">By C. O. Boothe</span>, D. D.</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="center" colspan="2">($1.50 per copy; by mail, $1.67).</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>“LIFE AND TIMES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.”—</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="center" colspan="2">($2.50 per copy; by mail, $2.67).</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td class="center" colspan="2">(Portrait of Douglass, 35 cents; by mail, 37 cents).</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>“GIANTS OF THE REPUBLIC,”</td> - <td class="right">$3.00 and $4.50</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>“DINING ROOM AND KITCHEN,”</td> - <td class="right">$1.50</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>“IDEAL WOMANHOOD AND MOTHERHOOD,”</td> - <td class="right">$2.00 and $2.75</td> - </tr> -<tr> - <td>“THE WORLD’S SWEETEST SONGS,”</td> - <td class="right">$2.00, $2.50 and $3.50</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="double" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap"> -WRITE for TERMS to AGENTS, ENCLOSING 2c. STAMP for REPLY</span> -</p> - -<p class="center">Confidential Terms Made to Agents on Application.<br /> -<sup>Apply to</sup> <strong>ALABAMA PUBLISHING CO., Birmingham, Ala.</strong> -</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter transnote"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="Transcribers_Notes">Transcribers’ Notes</h2> - -<p>A number of typographical errors were corrected silently.</p> - -<p>Cover image is in the public domain.</p> - -<p>Handwritten inscription under Miss Joanna P. Moore picture not transcribed.</p> - -<p>Add Selma University, and Rev. W. A. Shirley to Index to Illustrations.</p> - -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CYCLOPEDIA OF THE COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions - whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms - of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online - at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> -</body> -</html> |