History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume I, Part 22

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 756

USA > Alabama > History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume I > Part 22

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The centennial year, 1876, was observed by Baptists in Alabama by an effort toward the endowment of Howard College, although the plans were far from successful. But through the endowment campaign denomina- tional work in other departments greatly prospered.

Ministerial Education .- The education of pious and worthy young men for the ministry was one of the avowed objects for the founda- tion of the state convention. Without local Institutions for such training, for many years effort in this direction consisted in the crea- tion of opinion demanding preparation for the sacred work of the ministry, and in small contributions to the general theological sem- inary of the church. A proposition was made at the first session of the convention to endow an Alabama scholarship in such institution, and a collection was taken for that purpose. On this subject Dr. Riley says, "History of Alabama Baptists," p. 99:

"Since the earliest days of the convention until the present, there has been an unbroken effort to procure for the Baptist Churches of Alabama, a thoroughly equipped ministry. We are no more pronounced and emphatic than were the fathers of the convention of sixty years ago. Notwithstanding the in- creased facilities of instruction, there has been such rapid progress of the denomination in the state, and such a corresponding de- mand for ministers, that the relative pro- portion of intelligent and unlettered preachers today, is about the same as that of the early period about which we now write."

Plans for the Manual Labor Institute in- volved ministerial training; and a theological department was provided at the very incep- tion of Howard College. A professor of theology was provided, and at the conven- tion of 1844, it was reported that he had reached Marion and on January 1st of that year had entered upon his duties, with a class of four young men. At the same con- vention a State Baptist Education Society, with auxiliaries in the churches and associa- tions, was formed "to furnish means of sup- port to indigent young men of the Baptist Denomination, who are studying for the min- istry, under the patronage of the Baptist State Convention." Details of the operations of the society are not available. The first graduates from the theological department of Howard College were J. S. Abbott and Washington Wilkes, 1851.

Ministerial education is now fostered by the convention through the theological de- partments of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Howard College, and Newton Bap- tist Collegiate Institute. At the Pelham Heights Encampment a summer school for ministerial training is provided. In January of every year ten winter schools of theology and methods are offered, of one week each in different parts of the State. The general direction of these activities is in charge of an educational secretary, under the executive board, as are the general educational interests of the church. Prior to this method of or- ganization, supervision was in the hands of a board of ministerial education.

The struggle for growth in the ministry has been persistent. With limited opportunity for preparation, the pioneer preachers thor- oughly mastered the Bible and a few of the better known religious works, and bravely went forth to do battle with the forces of evil. With the increase of facilities for education, a better condition of preparation for en- trance upon ministerial work obtained. The preachers themselves realized their limita- tions, and the more progressive lost no op- portunity to avail themselves of everything which might better equip them for their holy office. The young ministers sat at the feet of the tried veterans, and all united in fre- quent conferences for mutual benefit.

In later years a regular ministers' meeting has been held in connection with the annual sessions of the state convention. At these meetings papers are read, and the problems of church work as related to ministerial

105

HISTORY OF ALABAMA

leadership are discussed. At the meeting of the ministers held just preceding the con- vention in July, 1894, resolutions were adopted expressive of the value of such con- ferences, and declaring the belief that through them a more thorough sympathy and fellow- ship were possible. The same resolutions called for the appointment of a committee to arrange for ministers' meetings throughout the state. These conferences have been reg- ularly held for many years.

Sunday Schools .- The administration of Sunday School work is under the executive board as a department of State missions. In its practical operation it is closely interlinked with the Southern Baptist Convention, operat- ing through the Baptist Sunday School Board. The use of the periodical and other litera- ture, conformity to its ideals and standards, and cooperation with its field and other workers are urged. As far as possible all uptodate methods are in operation, including teacher training, the organized class move- ment, the utilization of special days, and the holding of institutes. The denominational A-1 Standard, with its 10 points is held before the schools as one which meets the needs of denominational life, and as one which will increase the efficiency of any school which succeeds in attaining it. State workers are appointed to carry forward all Sunday School activities.

A State Sunday School Convention is held annually at Pelham Heights. The first con- vened July 28-31, 1913, and one has been held every year since. At the same place every year is given a week of training for Sunday School leadership. In 1913 the scope of the department was enlarged, and its name changed to department of Sunday schools and enlistments, and it was later still further enlarged to include B. Y. P. U. super- vision. While there is no formal affiliation, and the Baptist program is complete in itself, the work of the Alabama Sunday School Asso- ciation is looked upon with favor and is encouraged.

The earliest record of an official utterance of the state convention on the subject was in a resolution at the session of 1829 wherein it was declared "that Bible societies, tract socie- ties, Sabbath schools, and all such institutions are eminently suited" to advance the Re- deemer's kingdom among men. Ten years later, at the session of 1839, the following strong statement was adopted:

"Resolved, That we regard the Sabbath school as one of the most important institu- tions of the day.

"Resolved, That we recommend to every minister in Alabama, to use his influence in the establishment of a Sabbath school in his congregation, and in convenient neighbor- hoods."

In 1845 the convention found an increasing interest in such schcols. It was further fonud that "recent precious revivals of Religion in many parts of the State have demonstrated the importance and utility of Sabbath schools -in the fact that a majority of those who have professed a change of heart, and been

added to the churches, were from among the young-and many of them had enjoyed the advantages of Sabbath school instruction."

In 1847 Rev. A. W. Chamblers published a "Catechetical Instructor," for use in Sunday schools and this the convention in 1865 for- mally requested him to revise, enlarge and republish.

In May, 1853, the Baptists of Alabama were represented at a Sunday school convention held in Richmond, Va., at which measures were adopted which gave an added impulse to this work throughout the State.

The growth of Sunday schools during the whole of the early and much of the later his- tory of the church in Alabama was left to the individual pastor and to the consecrated men and women to whom the vision of their large usefulness had come. The state convention encouraged by formal declarations of approval similar to the above, and at each session a report was made. In 1871 as noted else- where herein, it became apparent that the work could be greatly advanced by a central supervising and promotion agency, and the State Sunday School Board was created, with headquarters at Talladega. Through organ- ized supervision thus begun the work has greatly prospered. With a reorganization of the scope and activities of the board and change of the name to the State Board of Missions, Sunday schools have been super- vised as a department of the board.

County Sunday school conventions are or- ganized and successfully conducted in many associations.

Temperance .- No denomination has been more active, in an organized way than the Baptists, in the support of all temperance reform movements. Their attitude is set forth in the report of the temperance com- mittee at the convention of 1916, unani- mously adopted :

"The work of eradicating the saloon from civic life and its influence from political life has commanded the attention of Christian people for more than a generation, and no denomination has been more zealous for such reform than the Baptists. As a denomination all have been in the forefront of the battle and many of our leaders have been leaders in prohibition reform. We thank God that He has been able to use so many of our people in eradicating this great curse from our fair state."

Their position in the matter of law enforce- ment in connection with the whisky traffic is thus stated in the same report:

"The illegal sale of liquor must be eradi- cated from every nook and corner of the State, and every 'blind tiger' and 'speak easy' must be closed, and every criminal in- dulging in violation of the law punished or driven from the State before our efforts shall cease."

The recommendations pledge the support of Baptists to the Alabama Anti-Saloon League, and "hail with joy the return to Alabama of the incomparable Brooks Lawrence"; protest against the use of the mails "to flood prohibition territory with

100

HISTORY OF ALABAMA

liquor advertisements"; urge Congress to submit an amendment for "nation-wide pro- hibition"; and urge legislation by Congress for prohibition in the District of Columbia.

From the beginning of their work in the State the Convention has given its support to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and to the Alabama Anti-Saloon League; and representatives of these organizations have been accorded a warm welcome at the ses- sions. For many years Rev. Dr. W. B. Crump- ton, corresponding secretary of the State Board of Missions, was president of the League. The convention of 1904 sent five fraternal messengers to the meeting of the American Anti-Saloon League in Columbus, Ohio, in November of that year. On more than one occasion the declaration has been made that prohibition was "the most im- portant political question of the day," and candidates for office have been called upon to declare themselves on the subject.

The historic position of the Baptists of Ala- . bama is in accord with the foregoing. Strong declarations are to be found in the sermons of preachers, in the minutes of associations, and in the proceedings of early conventions. Then as now the active temperance move- ments in the State had the support of this denomination. At a session of the convention in 1839 resolutions were adopted appointing delegates to a temperance convention in Tuscaloosa in December of that year, and urging delegates to "use all prudent means to induce their respective churches to become auxiliary." The convention of 1853 directed the appointment of delegates to a temper- ance convention held that year in Mont- gomery; and at the same time petitioned the legislature then in session "to enact a law giving precinets or counties the right of de- ciding by popular vote or otherwise, whether licenses shall be granted in their respective bounds."

Ministerial Relief .- Centralized relief ac- tivities in support of aged and infirm ministers date from the session of the con- vention held in 1878, but it was several years before funds had been collected and the work advanced sufficiently to afford assistance. The fund is now administered by a board, with a president and a treasurer. The report for 1917 showed relief extended to 20 ministers; disbursements to beneficiaries $2,320 for 1916-17: receipts from the same period, $2,519.48; and outstanding investments of $4,329.85. It is planned by the Southern Baptist Convention to consolidate and unify all relief funds, and it is not improbable that the work of the State board will be merged in the larger central plans.

At the convention of 1903 a Ministerial Benefit Society was organized, with insur- ance and benefit features on an assessment plan. At its 15th annual meeting, November 14, 1917, a membership of 289 was reported. Its proceedings regularly appear in Conven- tion "Minutes."

Woman's Work .- Organized work among women is the special province of the Woman's Missionary Union. Its operations are a part

of the work in the state mission field, under the direction of the executive board. The union is referred to in the Report of the Board, 1917, as "a most highly valued aux- iliary," and that "as an educational and collecting agency this organization of our sisters stands unexcelled among all our forces." The specific functions of the union are declared in its constitution to be the stimulation of "the missionary spirit and the grace of giving among the women and young people of the churches, and aiding in collect- ing funds for missionary purposes, to be dis- bursed by the State Mission Board and the Boards of the Southern Baptist Convention." In the development of the activities of the unions, various local or subsidiary organiza- tions have been projected, including young women's auxiliaries, missionary circles, inter- mediate girls' and boys' societies, and sun- beam bands. A special "Manual of methods" has been compiled as a reference book for missionary organizations. The union has regularly held an annual session every year since organization. A corresponding secre- tary directs the work from the headquarters of the board in Montgomery. A young peo- ple's leader and field worker is regularly engaged. At Pelham Heights during the year, programs are offered in mission training and study.

Women's societies had existed in the churches from their first entrance into the State. At first they were called missionary societies, through which collections were taken and contributions to the cause of mis- sions, fostered by the General Convention. Later they came to be called ladies aid socie- ties, an honored name through all the years of Baptist church history in the State. These societies were the faithful coadjutors of the pastors, and they had more than their share in every good work. The influence of women in the growth of the Baptist church in Ala- bama runs like a powerful stream through its entire history.

At the organization of the Baptist State Convention in 1823, of the twenty delegates, one half were sent as representatives of seven missionary societies founded and operated by Baptist Christian women. These societies were at Bethel, Jonesboro, Salem, Claiborne, Elyton, Roupe's Valley and Greensboro. An extract is preserved of the letter sent by the ladies aid society of Jonesboro to the Con- vention. Among other things, it appeals to be allowed "some humble part in so glorious a work." During the same year one zealous member gave her watch and chain to the mis- sionary cause, and the member of another contributed two pairs of socks, knit with her own hands. During the years of dissention and indifference and spiritual hardship, the Baptist women never lost heart, but were the courageous and sympathetic ministers to their faithful pastors.

In recognition of the indebtedness of the churches to the women, at the organization of the Baptist church in Mobile, 1835, their by-laws contained this provision: "In the choice of pastor, or of ministerial supply, or

107

HISTORY OF ALABAMA

of deacons, the reception of members, and all cases of discipline or fellowship, the sisters are entitled to vote."

At the Convention of 1877, Rev. O. F. Gre- gory presented the first of a series of reso- lutions urging the formation of societies "to aid, not only in the work of foreign missions, but also in that of home missions and educa- tion, for none can do this so well as women."

Until 1893 the forms of organization varied. Delegates had for some years been regularly in attendance upon the sessions of the state convention, and conferences had naturally followed. A central committee on woman's work appears as one of the im- portant committees of the convention, created at the session of 1889. Without chart other than was implied in the title and the fact of appointment, the committee brought about the cooperation of pastors, local church workers, and mission and ald societies and sunbeam bands, and at the same time its extension activities resulted in organizing sev- eral new societies. The committee had a corresponding secretary, whose first report appears in the convention minutes in 1890. In 1892 the Woman's Missionary Union was formed, and its first annual meeting was held October 8, 1893. For several years the pro- ceedings of the union were published as a part of the minutes of the state convention, but they are now published separately, and they contain a mass of interesting details concerning many well-directed religious ac- tivities.

Baptist Young People's Union .- Organized work among the young people of the ado- lescent period is carried on through local unions in the several churches, and are one of the state mission activities of the executive board. These come together in a state con- vention annually for conference and fraternal intercourse. In the progress of the spirit of training for efficiency the unions have taken a permanent place in church life, both in town and country. The executive board says of their position in church economy that their functions are "mainly to develop the devo- tional, the practical, the doctrinal and the missionary life of our young people, all in loyalty to the church life." A training week at Pelham Heights is provided for the special preparation of young people for their religious activities. A superintendent and a field secre- tary of young people's work are regularly engaged in promoting the unions. The union held its first session in Montgomery, 1894. At the state convention of 1894 resolutions were adopted noting "with hearty interest and satisfaction that the young people's move- ment in connection with our churches in this state has grown up in loyal relation to the pastors and churches, and as a helper to exist- ing denominational institutions and activ- ities."

Louise Short Baptist Widows' and Orphans' Home .- This institution represents the or- ganized effort of the denomination in the State for the relief of widows and orphans. Prior to its establishment, individual Bap- tists, local churches, Sunday schools and

women's societies had met the call for this form of benevolence. The Home dates its beginning to a series of resolutions sent to the State Convention by the Fort Deposit Church, and favorably acted upon by the former at its session in Mobile, November 10, 1890. A charter was granted by the legisla- ture February 14, 1891, with Joseph Nor- wood, J. W. Stewart, Dayton Plaster, R. Meadows, Mrs. M. L. B. Woodson, Mrs. P. L. Brooks, George W. Ellis, C. W. Hare, Mrs. D. I. Purser, Miss Annie Grace Taitley, N. D. Denson and W. G. Robertson as trustees. After agitation and discussion through 1891, 1892 and 1893, acting under instructions of the convention in 1892, the trustees selected Evergreen as the location of the home. It was formally opened March 8, 1893. On Feb- ruary 8, 1895, the legislature amended the charter, and, among other things, restated the purposes of the home, viz .:

That the object of this corporation shall be to procure the control of orphans, destitute widows and such other children as the board of trustees may think proper to receive for the purpose of supporting and educating them in the home established for that purpose in Evergreen, Conecut County, or to secure a suitable home for any such children outside of said institution when practicable."

The institution bears the maiden name of Mrs. Marie L. B. Woodson, of Selma. Through her generous donation of property valued at $20,000 she was accorded the honor of the name. Mrs. Woodson in 1909 became an inmate of the home she was partly instru- mental in founding, and after enjoying its sheltering care for about two years, on May 26, 1911, she passed away aged 84 years.

The properties consist of 80 acres of land, and 5 commodious buildings, including a modern barn and laundry. Two of the build- ings are memorial gifts by J. C. Bush, of Mobile and Thomas J. Scott, Sr., of Mont- gomery. Its 23rd report, November 1, 1916, showed receipts from all sources of $26,- 643.27, while the disbursements were ap- proximately the same. The officers of the home are financial agents, superintendent, matron, physician and teachers. Since 1912 it has published a small periodical called "Our Children," circulated to keep its news before the denomination and to give them in- formation as to its achievements.

Colportage .- The dissemination of reli- gious literature has in various form engaged the attention of both the state convention and the association. About 1880 definite steps were taken for the organization of the work as one of the regular activities of the convention. In 1881 five colporters were in the field, but the difficulties were many, and funds were lacking. A plan for "Permanent Funds," of one hundred dollars each was adopted, in order to furnish working capital. The first of these funds was given by the Sunday school of the First Baptist Church at Montgomery. In 1883 fifteen funds were re- ported as subscribed. In 1884 about 9,000 books were reported as sold. In 1897 it appears that the colportage funds had been

108

HISTORY OF ALABAMA

lost. However, in 1900 the work was revived, and at present it is being conducted under the state mission activities of the executive board, with a field secretary. In the "minutes" for 1915, p. 12, will be found a brief sketch of colportage in the State.

The Alabama Bible Society was formed No- vember 13, 1836, auxiliary to the American and Foreign Bible society. Local societies were organized in many of the churches. An- nual meetings were held during the sessions of the convention. In 1853, depositories were established in Montgomery, Selma and Gainesville. On February 8, 1858, the legis- lature incorporated "The Alabama Baptist Bible and Colporteur Society," whose purpose was to sell or gratuitously distribute Bibles, religious books and tracts. The officers were Rev. Dr. I. T. Tichenor, President, F. M. Lau, Corresponding Secretary, Jonathan Haralson, Recording Secretary, Dent Lamar, Treasurer, with the following board of di- rectors: Rev. A. G. McCraw, President, W. B. Haralson, C. H. Cleveland, Sr., James H. Barnes, F. L. Johnson, A. Andrews, G. C. Johnson, J. E. Prestridge, Jere Johnson, and William M. Ford. The society was given the right to locate a depository in Selma. Its capital was not to exceed $50,000. The so- ciety entered vigorously upon its work, but in 1861, December 6, the legislature author- ized the transfer of all of its properties to the convention. At the sessions of that body during the war the Bible board reported that their efforts were largely taken up in send- ing the Bible and good books to soldiers in camp. For many years, and long prior to present methods, through agents and col- porters large numbers of Bibles, Testaments, tracts and other religious books were scat- tered over the State. Many of these are to be met with today in the more retired and unchanged sections.

At the Convention of 1844 resolutions were adopted expressing approval of the "design and claims" of the American Tract Society for Alabama, and recommended its publica- tions to both ministers and laity.

Work for Negroes .- While there is no pro- hibition in the constitution of the convention or in the local regulations of churches, ne- groes are not now carried on the rolls of the churches. The position of the Southern Baptist convention, which controls the de- nomination in this state is one of sympathy and cooperation with the National Baptist convention and other Baptist organizations among negroes. Messengers from these are received by that convention, as well as by the state convention. Both conventions have earnestly encouraged educational institutions for the training of negro preachers. How- ever, according to the 1917 report of the executive boad of the state convention, the present activities of the church in reference to work among the negroes, while of tremen- dous responsibility, "is wholly unorganized and cannot be counted." Attention is called to the cooperation of the Baptists of Alabama with the work of the home mission board of the Southern Baptist convention. The state

convention pays two hundred dollars annually toward the support of the teacher of the Bible in Selma University.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume I, Part 22

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869- Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 756

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 756