The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their Leaders and Their Work

[Under this head appear many points and facts of local interest.]

ALABAMA DISTRICT.

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.

LEADING MEN.

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.

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.

ALABAMA MIDLAND ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1889, is a small body operating chiefly in Montgomery county. They report six churches. Could not ascertain the membership.

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:

MONTGOMERY.

THE FIRST COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH

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.

For a few months the Rev. J. W. Stevens supplied the pulpit.

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.

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.

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.

“While we were worshiping in the white church, we had some ’sistant deacons—Bros. Fayette Vandeville, Jerry Fye, Peter Miles and Abe Blackshear.”

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.’”

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.

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.

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.

DEXTER AVENUE CHURCH.

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.

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.

AUBURN ASSOCIATION.

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.

LEADING MEN.

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.

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.

AUTAUGA COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1882, reports about 2,000 members.

LEADING MEN.

• Jones’ Switch Post Office—Rev. M. Clark.
• Milton—M. Underwood, J. C. Parker, D. Love, H. Taylor.
• Independence—William Mims.
• Prattville—William McLinn.
• Verbena—C. Price, P. Dejarnet, D. Gresham.
• Birmingham—E. Goodson.
• Deatville—A. C. Roundtree, A. J. Jones.
• Autaugaville—E. Nun.
• Bozeman—J. H. Brumby.

Messrs. J. Coles, W. Cooper and J. W. Carroll have served as clerks. They, too, are recorded as contributing for educational purposes.

BETHLEHEM ASSOCIATION.

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 giant 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 association 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.

Their minutes give the following churches and ministers:

• Sherman Post Office—Galilee, Antioch, Little Zion, Mount Tabor.
• Warsaw—Mount Pleasant, Union Grove.
• Cahaba—Christian Valley, Friendship, Mt. Tabor, Mt. Pleasant.
• Whitfield—Ebenezer.
• Boligee—Mt. Zion, Bethlehem, St. Paul, St. James, Mt. Olive.
• Eutaw—Elizabeth, Eutaw, Zion, Friendship.
• Ramsey—St. Mark, Dowsey, Mary Winston, Jerusalem, Livingston, Shiloh, Pine Grove, New Prospect.
• Sumpterville—Sumpterville, Mt. Zion.
• Mt. Hebron—Mt. Zion, St. John.
• Vianna—New Providence.
• York Station—Rock Chapel, York Chapel, Mt. Harmon.
• Curl’s Station—Mt. Zion, Fourth Creek.
• Gaston—Friendship.
• West Green—Pleasant Valley.
• Tishabee—Christian Valley, Little Zion.
• Gainsville—Gainsville Second, New Bethel, Longford, Spring Valley, Gainsville.
• Epes Station—New Hope, Jones Creek, Miller’s Hill.
• Clinton—Mt. Common.

LEADING MEN.

Revs. G. Young, T. Grant, G. Lowe, J. S. Boatright, I. Dawson, L. Brown, C. Roberts, E. Grant.

There are other strong men among them whose names I could not obtain.

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.

BIBB COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

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.

LEADING MEN.

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.

BLADEN SPRINGS ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1876, reports about 2,000 members.

POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.

Bladen Springs, Cunningham, West Bend, Rescueville, Coffeeville, Dead Level, Mt. Sterling, Frankville, Ararat, Campbell, St. Stevens.

LEADING MEN.

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.

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.

BROWNVILLE ASSOCIATION.

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.

OFFICERS LAST REPORTED.

• Moderator—Rev. L. D. Harris, Gerard.
• Clerk—Rev. J. F. Torbert, Hatchechubbee.
• Treasurer—Bro. H. Dixon, Phenix City.

They number about 2,000 members.

CANAAN (PICKENSVILLE) ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1876, is operating chiefly in Fayette county. The writer cannot give their membership, but they report eighteen or twenty churches.

LEADING MEN.

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.

Revs. J. M. Maddox and J. W. Glasscox seem to be at least the peers of any in their ranks.

THE COLORED BETHLEHEM ASSOCIATION.

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.

POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.

Eustis, Grove Hill, Dixon’s Mill, Whatley, Thomasville, Glover, Atkerson, Choctaw Corner, Myrtlewood, Putman, Clifton, Octagon.

LEADING MEN.

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.

DALLAS COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

Organized 1872, is a large body, operating in the “Black Belt.” They have about 4,000 members. Support educational enterprises.

POST OFFICES OF THEIR CHURCHES.

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.

LEADING MEN.

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.

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.

EAST PERRY COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1885, is a small body, and the writer has learned but little of them.

LEADING MEN.

Revs. J. A. Jemison, C. Casby, G. S. Bolling, F. Chandler, S. Morse, C. McCord.

EVERGREEN ASSOCIATION.

Organized 1878, reports about 3,500 members. They liberally support educational and missionary enterprises.

POST OFFICES OF THEIR CHURCHES.

Evergreen, Dunham, Joyville, Fairfield, Red Level, Mason, Brooklyn, Grovella, Garland, Andalusia, Castleberry, Brewton, Williams’ Station, Pollard.

LEADING MEN.

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.

THE EUFAULA ASSOCIATION.

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.

POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.

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.

LEADING MEN.

Revs. G. W. Webb, J. D. Maddox, Wm. Williams, James Peterson, L. F. O’Bryant, I. Bostic, N. Bostic, Eufaula.

Revs. W. R. Forbes, E. A. McCall, Columbus, Ga.

Revs. Wm. Pattrick, E. P. Pattrick, Wm. Blakely, Clayton.

Rev. J. Q. A. Wilhite, Selma.

Revs. J. H. Upshaw, T. H. Mitchell, Hatchechubbee.

Revs. A. A. Rivers, J. J. Young, Midway.

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.

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.”

The writer once spent a month in Eufaula giving Bible instruction to ministers, and was paid by the “Ministers’ Association.”

FLINT RIVER ASSOCIATION.

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.

MINISTERS.

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.

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.

FRIENDSHIP WESTERN UNION ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1891, is a small body operating in a section lying south of Anniston and Oxford.

POST OFFICES OF THEIR CHURCHES.

Wedowee, Lineville, Rockdale, Graham, Beason’s Mill, Heflin, Louina, Micaville, Lamar, Edwardsville, Truet, Gay.

LEADING MEN.

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.

GOOD SAMARITAN ASSOCIATION.

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.

POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.

Farmersville, Gordonville, Selma, Bragg’s, Furman, Montery, Haynesville.

LEADING MEN.

Revs. Wm. Moss, W. Baskin, H. J. Kelly, M. Lewis, E. Crawford, J. H. Hartman.

HOPE HILL ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1886, reports a membership of about 1,500.

POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.

Van Dorn, Gallion, Demopolis, Old Spring Hill, Dayton.

LEADING MEN.

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.

LEBANON ASSOCIATION.

Operating in Pickens county, was organized in 1874, and has a membership of about 2,000.

LEADING MEN AND THEIR POST OFFICES.

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.

LILY STAR ASSOCIATION.

Organized in 1885, contains only about 1,000 members.

POST OFFICES OF CHURCHES.

Trio, Brierfield, Centerville, Harrisburgh, Scottsville, Green Pond, Blocton, Vance.

PASTORS.

Revs. T. M. Parker, W. A. Parker, John Bolden, J. A. Foster, S. Page, H. S. Thompson, G. W. Glenn, G. Calhoun.

MOBILE SUNLIGHT ASSOCIATION.

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.

MINISTERS.

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.

MOUNT PLEASANT ASSOCIATION.

Marengo county, was organized in 1878. They number about 2,500 members.

POST OFFICES.

Gallion, Linden, Faunsdale, Dayton, Magnolia, Van Dorn, Demopolis, Uniontown, Providence, Spring Hill.

MINISTERS.

Revs. J. Lawson, H. Shade, James Emmerson, J. Shaw, N. P. Anderson, B. Glover, D. S. Thompson, M. D. Agee, James Brock.

MORNING STAR ASSOCIATION.

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.

LEADING MEN.

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.

POST OFFICES.

Lockford, Irma, Central Institute, Dexter, Syke’s Mill, Pentonville, Equality, Lauderdale, Nixburgh, Weoka, Crewsville, Goodwater.

MOUNT PILGRIM ASSOCIATION.

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:

CHURCHES.

• Birmingham—Sixteenth Street, Shiloh, Sixth Avenue,
• Hopewell, Sardis, First Baptist, North Birmingham, Mt. Olive,
• Mt. Pilgrim, Healing Springs, Spring Street, St. James, Bethlehem,
• Bethel, Vernon.
• Bessemer—Jerusalem, Canaan, Red Mountain.
• Pratt City—Mt. Hebron, Pleasant Hill, Rising Star, St. James.
• Coalburg—Coal Chapel.
• Patton—Mt. Nebo.
• East Lake—Mt. Zion, St. Peter.
• Helena—Mt. Moriah.
• Dolomite—St. John.
• Avondale—Mt. Calvary.
• Blossburg—Mt. Hebron.
• Woodlawn—Jackson Street.
• Warrior—New Bethel.
• Rosedale—Walnut Street.
• Trussville—Mt. Joy.
• Compton—Mt. Olive.
• Oxmoor—Shady Grove.

MINISTERS.

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.

As educators, they have Messrs. T. H. Posey, J. C. Barker, F. P. McAlpine, and A. J. Edwards.

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.

BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES.

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.

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):