USA > Alabama > Memorial sketches of the lives and labors of the deceased ministers of the North Alabama conference, Methodist Episcopal church, South (1870-1912.) > Part 12
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He liked to preach the gospel, and the preaching of his last years was sometimes overwhelming in its effects. As long as he could work he was a stu- dent, and seemed to increase in power and ability
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to the last. He was a devoted and faithful Chris- tian, and the Holy Ghost rested upon him and used him. He was, like Barnabas, "a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord" by him.
For several months before his death Brother Tim- mons was almost helpless and suffered much, but he bore his suffering with patience. He kept up his family prayers even after he was unable to kneel or read. He was not only a consistent Christian and an able preacher of the gospel, but he was also an appreciative and loving friend, an active and ear- nest worker in the Master's vineyard, a good father and husband, a high-toned gentleman, and a man whose influence and work abide. On April 8, 1904, after long suffering, he passed from labor to reward.
REV. WILSON WILLIAMS.
R EV. WILSON WILLIAMS was a Georgian by birth, but in the guidance of Providence he spent part of his life in several States. He became a Christian early in life; and later realizing a call to preach, he was given a license by the Church and took his place in the ranks of the local preachers. While living in Kentucky he was received on trial into the Louis- ville Conference in 1868, and for the eight succeed- ing years he traveled in that field. In 1876 he transferred to the North Alabama Conference, and was stationed at Trinity and Hillsboro. For four- teen years he was an active, earnest, and effective minister in this Conference. While serving the Larkinsville Circuit he was stricken with paralysis, which disqualified him for further service in the itinerant ranks. He was then granted the super- annuate relation, and he at once returned to his home in Trinity, where he spent his closing years.
Brother Williams was a valuable man. He was an educated and refined Christian gentleman. His Conference life had taught him to be provident, and his material substance was so managed as to add strength to his character. A respected citizen, a consecrated man of God, he gave moral strength to the community life and "adorned the doctrines of God our Saviour." As a preacher he was clear, and
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expressed himself in clean language. His thought was in harmony with what God had revealed, and his illustrations resembled the parables of our Lord in their collateral evidence and delight. The scope of the Book was the measure of his theology, and the call of the Holy Ghost was the reason for his preaching. His punctuality and reliability added force to his life. His last active years were his best, and his retired life was full of influence for good. He lived more than eighty-five years, having been born in August, 1819, and dying in October, 1904. He left the rich legacy of a good name to his pos- terity and his Church.
REV. PERRY K. BRINDLEY.
R EV. PERRY K. BRINDLEY was born in Cherokee County, Ala .; and died at his home at Sand Rock, Ala., March 31, 1904. Brother Brindley was descended from English-Irish parents, and the best qualities of character in the parents were found beautifully blended in the son. His educational ad- vantages were the best that the community in which he was reared afforded. He was converted at the age of nineteen years, and his experience was clear and satisfactory. In speaking of it he said : "It was like a still small voice, and a sweet heavenly influ- ence passed over me, leaving peace and joy in my soul." He was licensed to preach in August, 1857, and continued as a local preacher for several years. He was admitted on trial into the Alabama Confer- ence at Montgomery in 1860. He served the fol- lowing charges: 1861, Blount Springs Mission; 1862, Bexar Circuit. This year he went into the Confederate army, but in a few months his health failed and he was discharged from service. In 1863 he served the Ocean Springs charge. In 1864 he was appointed to the Asheville Circuit, but was changed by the presiding elder to Jacksonville. In 1865-67 he served the Gadsden Circuit ; 1868, Leb- anon Circuit. This year he did not attend Confer- ence, and by mistake was left a supernumerary. In
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1869 he served the Gadsden and Cedar Bluff Circuit ; 1870, Gadsden Circuit; 1871-72, Cedar Bluff Cir- cuit; 1873, Tuscaloosa Circuit; 1874-76, Gadsden Circuit ; 1877-79, Van Buren Circuit ; 1880-82, Har-
REV. P. K. BRINDLEY.
persville Circuit ; 1883, Attalla Circuit ; 1884, Center Circuit; 1885-86, Fayette Courthouse District; 1887-90, Guntersville District; 1891, Talladega District ; 1892-95, Jasper District ; 1896, McTyeire
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REV. PERRY K. BRINDLEY.
Memorial Station ; 1897-98, Fort Payne and Valley Head. At the following session of the Confer- ence he asked for and was granted the superannu- ate relation, and spent the remainder of his days quietly at his home at Sand Rock.
Brother Brindley lost five brothers in the Con- federate service and a number of orphan children were left, and these he cared for until they could provide for themselves. For years he had the care of his aged parents. In May, 1869, he was married to Miss Josie Wilson, of Turkeytown, Ala., who was in every way a suitable companion and a great help to him in his itinerant work. For the most of his ministerial life he kept a diary. It shows how systematic and painstaking he was in all his affairs, and one is tempted to quote much from it. He often refers to his consecration, renews his vows, and im- plores help that he may be faithful. And surely that help was given. Kind, courteous, pure, peace- able, "full of mercy and good fruits," he was loved wherever he went, and his memory will long abide in the hearts of those who knew him. With a ready perception, retentive memory, and clear, strong, rea- son, his conclusions were generally right, and he had few mistakes to correct. His sermons were well arranged and gave evidence of close study of the text. His doctrinal views were well defined and settled and his denominational preference strong and unwavering, yet he was so catholic and kind in spirit and his deportment was so respectful and
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brotherly that all denominations liked to attend his preaching. He was a logical, scriptural preacher. His sermons were full of deep thought, yet such was his aptness at illustration that he was readily under- stood by all who listened. He endeavored to edify as well as to entertain, and not only were sinners converted but the membership was instructed and the Church built up under his ministry. As pastor he was welcomed by all classes, and he knew how to serve his people in their varied conditions. As presiding elder he was as a father to the younger preachers and a wise counselor to older ones, and no preacher or layman felt afraid to approach him or to confide in him. A good man has gone to reap a glorious reward.
REV. ZACHARIAH A. PARKER, D.D.
R EV. Z. A. PARKER, D.D., was born near Pulaski, Tenn., March 19, 1851 ; and died at his home in Birmingham, Ala., February 18, 1904. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in his native land and in his youth. For a short while he attended as a pupil Emory and Henry College in Virginia, and afterwards for a short while he at- tended on the studies of the Wesleyan. University at Florence, Ala. He was licensed to preach by a Quarterly Conference held in Florence, Ala., for the Florence Station of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1871. Rev. Joel W. Whitten was the presiding elder there at that time, and Rev. Hardie Brown was the preacher in charge. In November, 1871, Brother Parker was admitted on trial into the North Alabama Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. That session of the Conference was held at Florence. Bishop George F. Pierce presided. The subject of this memoir was ordained deacon at Tuscaloosa, Ala., in November, 1872, and elder at Huntsville, Ala., in November, 1874. He was ordained to these sacred orders by Bishop David S. Doggett. Brother Par- ker was married to Miss Rosa Anderson, of Madi- son, Ala., March 4, 1874.
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Brother Parker filled the following appointments : Waterloo Circuit, 1872; Madison Station, 1873-74. For 1875 he was appointed to the Carrollton Circuit, but did not go to it, and was transferred to the Los Angeles Conference in California and appointed to San Luis, but did not go to that appointment. He located at Decatur, Ala., and turned his atten- tion to the study of Blackstone and the practice of law. His career as a lawyer was indeed brief, too brief to be brilliant. He was in charge of Madison and Triana for 1876; Madison Circuit, 1877; Val- ley Station, 1878; Tuscumbia Station, 1879-81; Gadsden Station, 1882-84; South Birmingham, 1885; Talladega Station, 1886. On April 1, 1886, he was released from the Talladega Station and en- tered upon the work of Superintendent of the Amer- ican Bible Society in Alabama and Florida. He continued in this work for the American Bible So- ciety until April, 1894. He was presiding elder of Guntersville District in 1895. In this year he was elected President of the Athens Female College. He continued in this position until June, 1898, when he entered upon the duties of President of the Birmingham College. In that service he con- tinued until his health utterly failed. From that time until his death he held the relation of super- annuate or supernumerary.
Dr. Parker wrote and published a book on bap- tism. This book has had a good circulation, and has been much appreciated by many. He was a
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REV. ZACHARIAH A. PARKER, D.D.
delegate to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which was held at Mem- phis, Tenn., in 1894.
Dr. Parker was cast in a strong mold. His was a massive frame and a strong intellect. He was noted for his physical and mental vigor, for his en- ergy and diligence. He did a great deal of work. He was genial and good-natured, quite social and companionable. He was of a sanguine tempera- ment and was never dejected. There was nothing of the somber or the severe about him. In his san- guine temperament appeared his greatest strength and his greatest weakness. His estimates were not always accurate. He often anticipated results which were never realized. Judging from his cheerful bearing among men, one would have supposed that he had only cloudless skies and calm seas. He was not easily discouraged. He bore himself in the bat- tle of life as contending for an unfading crown and things eternal.
Dr. Parker was one of the original promoters of that famous literary resort, Monteagle, Tenn. He was eminently public-spirited, ever looking to the advancement of every good cause. His preaching was strong, clear, and scriptural. He never en- tered into the darkness of novelties nor into the dizziness of higher criticism. His purpose was to bring men to a knowledge of divine truth and to extend the kingdom of Christ. He did not handle
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the Word of God deceitfully, but held steadily to evangelical truth.
Dr. Parker labored long and faithfully in estab- lishing the Birmingham College, and his name can never be forgotten while it adorns the eminence upon which it stands.
REV. JOHN S. DAVIS.
R EV. JOHN S. DAVIS was born in North Carolina, where he lived till he grew up to manhood. He joined the North Carolina Conference in his twenty-fourth year. In 1854 he transferred to the Tennessee Conference. In 1870 he transferred to the North Alabama Conference and continued a member of it to the day of his death. For the last ten or twelve years of his life he was on the super- annuate roll. Soon after coming to Alabama he was married to Miss Susie Fennel, with whom he lived most happily for nearly fifty years. She pre- ceded him to her reward about two years. His de- votion to this noble woman was truly beautiful. Their lives were so sweetly blended that their home was one of perpetual sunshine, so much so that the young people delighted to meet there and hold their social entertainments. Their home was large and cheerful, but their hearts were larger and more hos- pitable than their home. It sheltered and cheered many a stranger who chanced to pass that way.
Brother Davis spent the larger part of his itiner- ant life along the Tennessee Valley from Decatur to Florence, Ala. He served the Church in his home town (Leighton) twenty-two years. This was largely occasioned by the care of Sister Davis's invalid mother. Could he have loosed his
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moorings and launched out freely into the itinerant field, no doubt he would have filled some of the most important charges in his Conference. He was no ordinary preacher. His knowledge of the Dis- cipline and scriptural doctrines of his Church was extensive and accurate. He was strong in the de- fense of the doctrines of his Church, but always gen- tle and magnanimous toward those who might op- pose him. For more than forty years he married, baptized, and buried the people of his home com- munity. There was scarcely a home within twenty miles of his that had not in some way received his ministrations. The white people spoke of him as "Brother Davis," "Cousin John," or "Uncle John." The negroes called him "Marse John." All classes, colors, and distinctions loved and honored him.
REV. JOHN ARDIS MATHISON.
R EV. JOHN A. MATHISON was born in Barbour County, Ala., September 21, 1876. His fa- ther, Rev. J. L. Mathison, being a member of the Alabama Conference and his mother being a devout Christian woman, young Mathison was reared in the atmosphere of a religious home, and early in life gave his heart to God and joined the Church. In 1898, believing that he was called of God to preach the gospel, he asked for license to preach and began his life work as a minister of Christ. In November, 1901, he knocked at the doors of the North Alabama Conference for admission on trial. He was re- ceived and entered with enthusiasm the calling of a Methodist itinerant. Two years later at Tuscumbia he was ordained deacon by Bishop Smith; and fin- ishing his course of study in 1905, he was ordained elder by Bishop Galloway at the session of the Con- ference held at Athens, Ala. Brother Mathison served the Blount Springs Circuit in 1902-03, the Boaz Circuit in 1904, the Boaz Station in 1905-06, and for 1907 was serving the Lincoln Circuit. In all of these charges he made full proof of his min- istry, winning friends for himself, the Church, and our risen Lord. He was married to Miss Vessie Davidson, daughter of Dr. A. S. Davidson, a physi- cian and local preacher of Selfville, Ala.
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In the spring of 1907 the Talladega District Conference met at Lincoln. Brother Mathison was thus the host of the Conference. He was found to be in high favor with his people, and by his cour- tesy, hospitality, and well-rounded character made a most favorable impression upon his brethren with whom he had not been formerly associated. During a visit to him by his father and mother he was stricken with appendicitis; and though all was done for him that love and skill could suggest, he was called to his reward on high. The summons was sudden, but he was ready.
Brother Mathison was not a man who sought responsibility. He was gentle, modest, retiring. But when responsibility came, he did not shirk it. He was brave, strong, true. No man in our Confer- ence led a purer, more beautiful life. His knowl- edge of the Bible and his deep insight into spiritual truth made him a forcible preacher. How sad that a life so worthy should be cut off just as it seemed to be entering a career of such service to God and the Church! But let us remember that our brother still lives and serves. How comforting is the gos- pel! How consoling are its precious promises !
Brother Mathison's immediate family relations were two sisters (names not known) ; two brothers, , Rev. C. Mathison, of the Florida Conference, and Rev. A. L. Mathison, of the North Alabama Con- ference; his father, of the Alabama Conference ; his mother, wife, and infant child.
REV. WILLIAM A. MONTGOMERY.
R' EV. WILLIAM A. MONTGOMERY was born in Mecklenburg County, N. C., December 26, 1832; and died in Mobile, Ala., January II, 1907. He was a son of Rev. J. H. and Hannah E. Mont- gomery, of precious memory. In 1845 he moved with his parents to Summerfield, Ala., where he grew to manhood and where he was for the most part educated. He was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1847, was licensed to preach on October 27, 1855, and joined the Alabama Conference in December of the same year. On February 12, 1857, he was married to Miss Margaret E. Roper, daughter of Rev. J. T. Roper, of the Alabama Conference. He is survived by four children: Mrs. Willie Adams, of Mobile ; Mrs. W. A. Burns, of Birmingham; Mrs. Robert Starkey, of Corinth, Miss .; and Mr. Thomas H. Montgomery, of Andalusia, Ala. Two brothers and one sister in Texas and two sisters in Alabama also survive him.
The greater part of Brother Montgomery's life was spent in preaching and teaching, in both . of which vocations he was faithful. He was a saintly man, "an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." His piety was of that deep, rich, splendid type that won the admiration, the respect, and the
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confidence of all with whom he came in contact. No one could be with him long without being deep- ly impressed that he was a man of God, a "royal priest" in the realm of character and conduct. He knew the deep things of the Spirit. He walked with his Lord upon the uplands of Christian expe- rience. His life was a lens through which much of the divine beauty and glory was conveyed to earth. And yet he was as unpretentious as a little child. There was nothing of the "holier-than-thou" element in his piety. He seemed not to realize that he had made any attainments in the divine life. No young convert ever pursued the path of peace and holiness more humbly and ardently than he even after he had risen to heights unto which but few attain. He loved his younger brethren deeply, and ardently strove in every way possible to help them. He gave them the benefit of his life- long research, his accurate knowledge, and his high- ly developed critical insight. In the most manly and brotherly spirit he criticized all that he thought open to criticism, and commended all that he con- sidered worthy of praise. He was constructive and 'helpful in his attitude toward his brethren when they most needed help.
Brother Montgomery was an accurate scholar, a discriminating reader, and a deep, clear thinker. There was a liberal supply of gray matter in his brain, and he used it diligently in thinking out dis- courses upon great themes. His love of books was
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REV. WILLIAM A. MONTGOMERY.
passionate, and he possessed the happy faculty of making the thoughts of the best writers his own. The Bible was to him a storehouse filled with spir- itual food, a treasury of golden gems, and an ar- senal supplied with weapons both offensive and defensive. He knew how to use the "sword of the Spirit," and on many a battle field he used it valiant- ly and well. It was as a preacher that he was at his best. In the elucidation of the cardinal doctrines of Christianity he was a master. The atonement, the work of the Holy Spirit, repentance, justifica- tion by faith, the new birth, the witness of the Spirit, and entire sanctification - these were the themes upon which he delighted to dwell and in the exposition of which he was most felicitous, but they were by no means his only themes. He prepared and preached sermons on many subjects, and they were always prepared with care and preached with clear- ness and force. Preaching was the joy of his life. To be God's messenger was to him the most exalted and glorious privilege of which the mind could con- ceive, hence he went without a murmur to poor and uninviting fields and labored with the zeal of an apostle and the heroism of a martyr. He was not only a strong preacher, but he was a faithful, ten- der, and untiring pastor. He strove to be a bless- ing to his people in their homes, and his visits were always a means of grace to them. He possessed a rare talent for music. Singing was one of his fa- vorite devotions. How he liked to sing! Upon the
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wings of song his soul seemed to soar "far from the sphere of mortal joys" and see visions of "the King in his beauty" and the glorified ones before his throne. There was music in his soul, in his life, and on his tongue.
In his home, to his loved ones and friends, Broth- er Montgomery was as courtly as a knight and as gentle as a woman. His family loved him devoted- ly and trusted him implicitly. He was on the super- annuate list for the last eight years of his life. But he was not idle; he helped his brethren in many ways, preaching for them when asked, praying with them in their work, and giving them, when he occu- pied the pew, an earnest, spiritual, responsive hear- ing that was enough to put any man at his best.
REV. ROBERT GEORGE REAGAN.
R EV. R. G. REAGAN was born in Orange County,
Va., July 27, 1826; and died November I, 1878. He came to Alabama in 1845 and spent the most of his remaining years in Talladega County. Brother Reagan said of himself that he was early convinced that he was a sinner and needed salva- tion, but did not understand the nature of faith and repentance, lingering for a long time in the valley of doubt. In 1846, at Chinnabee Camp Meeting, he sought earnestly and obtained pardon of his sins and the witness of the Spirit, so that he never doubted the genuineness of his conversion. In his young manhood he selected teaching as his vocation, which he followed for about twenty-five years in the coun- ties of Talladega, Calhoun, and Cleburne. His edu- cation was liberal and he occupied a very high rank as a teacher. On September 26, 1849, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Ann Easley, of Calhoun County. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom preceded their father to the grave.
Brother Reagan was licensed to preach in 1854, and served as a successful local preacher for sixteen years. While he was teaching school at Chulafinnee he served as supply for a time on the Chulafinnee Circuit. At the organization of the North Alabama: Conference he was admitted on trial and appointed
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to the Alexandria Circuit, which he filled and taught school fifteen miles from the nearest appointment. By the close of the year he was well-nigh broken down from overwork. At the Conference of 1871 he was reappointed, and removed to the Alexandria Circuit, which he served with his accustomed fidel- often sick and missing many appointments, he was stricken down with a severe and protracted sickness, from which he never fully recovered. In 1872 he was sent to the Columbiana Circuit, which he served with acceptability and usefulness for one year. In 1873 he was sent to the Alexandria Circuit again, and remained for three consecutive years. Though often sick and missing many appointments, he was a great favorite with his own people, those of other Churches, and men of the world. His name there will long be like precious ointment poured forth. In 1876 he was appointed to the Center and Chula- finnee Circuit, where he labored as best he could with accumulated afflictions, until early in Septem- ber, 1877, when he was stricken down with typhoid fever, and was not able again to go out on his cir- cuit. At the next Conference, though he wanted work, his brethren felt it a duty they owed him to place him on the superannuate list. He then made arrangements and removed to Oxford, taking charge of the Preparatory Department of Oxford College, where he labored as a teacher, preaching occasional- ly as he had strength, until the Master called the la- borer home.
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REV. ROBERT GEORGE REAGAN.
Brother Reagan was a man of good personal ap- pearance, of medium size, reserved in the presence of strangers, and he had an unusual amount of timid- ity. With intimate friends he was cordial, often calling them by their Christian names. Perhaps no man loved his family and his intimate friends better than he. He manifested no love or respect which he did not feel in his heart. He never betrayed the confidence of a friend, nor indulged in hate toward any one. In the social circle he was free and easy, but never obtrusive. His conversation was not light and trivial. He talked to express matured thought, and the attentive listener was generally edified. He was a great peacemaker. It is said that when he went into a community to teach school, though there might be strife and contention, it was all soon al- layed and the community was united as a band of brethren. His sermons were clear, scriptural, log- ical, and often he was eloquent. Almost always there was a divine unction attending his preaching. He preached the gospel in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. His piety was deep, earnest, abiding. He read his Bible and prayed a great deal ; in fact, he seemed to live in an atmosphere of prayer and Bible truth. He walked by faith. To his wife and intimate friends he said that this had been one of the happiest years of his life. He held prayer meeting in the church at Oxford the night before he was taken sick, and read as a lesson Psalm cxxii. and sang Hymn 914. Just before he closed he gave
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