USA > Alabama > The cyclopedia of the colored Baptists of Alabama, their leaders and their work > Part 6
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Selma -- St. Philip Street, Tabernacle, Mount Zion, Little Rock, St. Paul, New Center, Monnt Ararat. Beach Island, Everdale, Providenee, Elbethel, Mount Zion ; Newbern-New- bern, Holly Chapel, Oak Grove; Greensboro-St. John, St. Peter, St. Paul, Mount Moriah, Willow Springs, Salem, Pleas. ant Grove, Mount Zion ; Safford's- New Hebron, Monnt Leb. anon, Concord : Boiling Springs-First Baptist, New Boiling Springs; Hamburg-Green Liberty : Brown's-Trinity, Good
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COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA.
ASSOCIATIONS.
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Hope; Sawyersville-Bethlehem, Springfield, New Hope ; Perryville -- Pleasant Hill, Perryville; Uniontown-Mount Calvary, Woodlawn, St. James, Uniontown ; Kimbrough-Je- rusalem ; Prairie Bluff-St. Mitchell ; Catherine-Salem, Dixon Grove, Mount Olive ; Marion-Second Baptist, Spring- field, Willow Grove, Hopewell, Bethel; Eagle Grove ; Lami- son-Macedonia; Scott's Station-Green Leaf, Mckinley, Bethel Hill ; Fannsdale-Fannsdale, Camben, Rehoboth ; Sum- merfield-Macedonia, Orrville, Peace and Love; Alberta- Macedonia, Christian Light ; Felix-Center, Bethany, Marion Junction, Pernell, Colerine, Shiloh ; Pleasant Hill-Bethel, Whitsets. Pickens.
MINISTERS.
Selma-Revs. C. J. Hardy, I. T. Simpson, D. M. Coleman, L. J. Green, G. 11. Hobdy, Q. C. Craig, C. J. Davis, J. B. Rassell ; Newbern-W. H. Reddick, G. Frost. W. II. Huckabee; Greens- boro-Win. Madison, P. Cottrell, P. Umphrey, S. Abrams ; Marion-C. S. Dinkins, D. D., A. Billingley ; Uniontown -- Rev. A. F. Owens, II. Alexander, Wm. Boon ; Fannsdale-F. A. E. Beek : Gallion-P. S. L. Hutchins, A. M .; Marion June- tion-A. W. Ragland ; Hamburg-Y. R. White ; Prairie Bluff- W. II. Green : Boiling Springs-E. Slone; Kimbrough-A. Gladen ; Camden-J. A. Lawson ; Lamison-R. Estridge ; Brown's Station-W. 1. Lawson ; Pleasant Hill-J. R. Scott ; Perryville- R. 2. Deyampert ; Sawyersville-1. J. Jones ; Orr- ville-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. II. Hatcher, G. M. Jones, G. King, and others. This body has quite a number of pastors from Selma University.
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. Beek appreciates the value of educa- tion, 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.
SALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, GREENS. BORO.
The white Baptists had for many years prior to the late war a prosperous church at this place, with a large member- ship 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 mem- bers remaining, but a large colored membership.
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.
Rev. H. Stephens was the first pastor of the colored con- gregation, after they moved their church site, and was pastor for twenty years.
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 niee parsonage and greatly increased the member- ship.
There were 300 members (colored) when the church
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moved to its present site. They have now a membership of
This is the mother church of nearly every church in Ilale county and they have a great;many large and prosperous churches in the county. The church property is worth *2,500.
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.
Desiring to make honorable mention of this worthy . young man, I requested of him something of his history, and he sends me the following :
"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 Wash- ington ; he was a slave on account of his mother being a ·lave, but his father was a free man, and had bought nearly all of his children and sent them to Canada. What eduea- tion I have, I received at the town school here-Tuttibody leademy-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 ; m a member of the Executive Board of the Convention. 1 was at one time editor of a small paper here called the Voice .
" I have been for many years the bookkeeper and general derk 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
ASSOCIATIONS.
the first Negro to manage the Edison phonograph for busi- purposes."
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 Gov- ernor Seay.
THE ST. PHILLIP STREET CHURCH, SELMA.
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 base- ment. 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.
The Rev. John Blevens, who was born in Madison county. Ala., was the next pastor, and served from 1866 to 1875. 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 8-
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ASSOCIATIONS.
Rev. P. S. L. Hutchins, Pastor Churches at Newberne and Galllon, Ala.
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 Chures, 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.
It is worthy of mention and praise that the Selma Uni- versity 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 denom- inational 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 noth- ing 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 sup- port of teachers and other workers in the school.
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 pass- word, 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 The seated himself in the bushes to await the hour for united supplications."
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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 npright posts ex- tending 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. Ile 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, hun- gering for learning, he has come up to enter. This teacher and this student usher in our beloved institution.
It was good for the denomination that our lot was east among such a people, and that we had in Bro. Woodsmall a man who did not faint in " the day of small things."
WILL'S CREEK ASSOCIATION.
Organized in 1873, and operating in " Will's Valley " and St. Clair county, reports the following churches and ministers : 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 : Gun- tersville-Bethlehem and Hooper Chapel ; Trenton -- Trenton ; North Alabama-Clogville. Rev. G. Neeley, Ashville, is mod- erator; 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 ; HI. Massey, J. Griffin, A. Jackson, and James M. Stevens. They have about 1,500 members.
ASSOCIATIONS.
Elder A. Kerley and his brother are the chief founders of this body. They greatly need an infusion of light from with- out. 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 peo- ple, turned ont 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 plow and kill grass-can do these for Brother Renfroe.'"
Gleaning from the associational chapter, we obtain :
1. The origin and field of each Association.
2. The names of the pioneers in each section in the State.
3. The location and something of the history of churches and communities.
4. Something of the lines of thought and action prevail- ing in the various gospel enterprises of the denomination.
It was not thought well to try to tell the same things many times over; hence, some things are given in connection with one Association and other things in connection with another-all aiming at the same end, namely : THE GIVING OF A TRUE PICTURE OF THE COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA. 1
Rev. W. T. Bibb, A. B., Pastor Baptist Church, Oxmoor, Ala.
IV. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
DAMS, REV. STEWART, of Greenville, Butler county. A 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. Ths forehead was large and broad, and the sparkle of his eye indieated the presence of mental power. He could read and write fairly well, and in his speeches al- ways succeeded in conveying his thoughts to others. Ile 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 every where noticeable. It was sometimes thought that he was rather tenacious of his opinions, but I think all his brethren credited him with hon- esty of purpose, and hence he died in the love and respect of the denounnation.
ALLEN, REV. WALLACE, of Greenville, was a very pions. hard-working preacher in the Union Association. The young men delight to honor his memory. The anthor has been un- able to learn anything of his history or lineage.
ANDERSON, REV. N. P., is pastor at Ensley City.
Asuey, Rev. Narnas, of Montgomery, was born in Fred- ericksburg, Va., August 5, 1810. He knew nothing of his parents, and to the age of 16 he was under the care and direc-
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COLORED BAPTISTS OF ALABAMA.
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tion 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 hielp- ing the man to put his horses well into the way. When in- formed 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 ery, for you are born for good mek. 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."
When about 32 years of age he bought his liberty, paying for the same the sum of 8900. Ilis 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 servi- tude, Mrs. Ashby tells the following: " When I was 16 years old, my mistress, in urging me to be pure and faithful, prom- ised 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."
Bro. Ashby was baptized by Mr. Shrovell in Monroe county, la., 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. Hle led to the organization of the First Colored Baptist Church (Co- lumbis street) of Montgomery, in which, under his presi- deney, the Colored Baptist State Convention was constituted
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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.
Bro. Ashby was a man of naturally fine parts. llis ser- mons 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 af- fords the writer much pleasure to record that cach member of his family not only receives, but also contributes honor to his valuable lite and honored name.
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.
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 doenment here, bearing upon the good man whose name is now before us :
A STRAW WHICH SHOWS THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND.
" THE STATE OF ALABAMA, ) MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 1
" KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That whereas, here- tofore, to-wit: on the Ist 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 num- ber three and four in square number fourteen, Scott's plat, in the city of Montgomery.'
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" 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) :
" 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 deseription whatever, in and to the said lot and premises herein above described.
" In witness whereof, 1, the said Win. B. Bell, have here. untoset my hand and seal, this - day of January, A. D. 1872. " Attest : " WIIJAM B. BELL .. "
"A. R. BELL .. "
This mamiscript is recorded in " Book 4 of Deeds, page 314," March 26, 1872.
NOTE. - 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.
AR HER, REV. MAURICE M., 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 en- tered the free publie schools at an early age, but did not long remain, because of his father's death and because of the de-
mands made upon him as the eldest son in a large family. Mr. and Mrs. J. S. MeBryde, seeing that he was a very capable boy, kindly aided him in his studies while he was in their en- ploy. Thus he learned to read and write. At 14 Mr. Archer left Mr. MeBryde determined on seeuring an education. Ad- vancing 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 desir- ing to prepare himself for the same, he entered Selma Uni- versity 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 Aubum City School. Mr. Archer is one of our clearest thinkers and most fluent speakers, and his language is especially gord.
BARKER, JOSEPH C .- 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 liv- ing and members of the Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. They are living mounments 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 profit- able services, he left his beloved employer (Mr. J. M. Man- ders), who gave him a final settlement accompanied by a
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worthy recommendation and valuable presents. He is widely experienced in mercantile enterprises.
He had two years experience on the United States jetty and log boats under Capt. J. McKee Gould, who gave him uch 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 seholastie years. Under President E. M. Braw. ley, D. D., he won a prize for map-drawing over forty-eight competitors. Ile has taught successfully in the schools of Jefferson and other counties. Was four years secretary of the Jefferson County Teachers' Institute. Re-entered Selma Uni- versity in 1893, and won the only prize offered for drawing over twenty or thirty competitors under President Dinkins, D. D. Ile is now preparing specimens to exhibit at the At- lanta Cotton Exposition in September.
Ile is employed by the Monarch Book Company, of Chi- cago, Ill. To know him, is to know a man possessed of a great woul, affable, and naturally gifted in making friends. He is a financier, and is rapidly acquiring means. As an artist and jenman, he is a prodigy. In the session of 1884 he was con- rerted to the Christian religion, and was baptized in the Uni- versity 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. P'ettiford was pastor.
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.
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BARTON, REV. J. P., of Talladega, comes of Virginia parentage, and was born in Colbert county, Ala., October, 1544.
In 1871 he united with the Little Zion Baptist Church in said county, and was baptized by Rev. W. E. Northeross, of Tuscumbia. In 1877 he entered the work of the gospel min- istry 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 honses 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 connec- tion with onr 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. Ile is full of movement and plan, and is quick of discernment and clear in expression. He is a lover of science. He obtained his educa- tion 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.
Our general work has always found in Brother Barton a ready and generous helper. Ile deserves credit for his in- dustry 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.' 1 said to myself: " What is sanctification?' I never heard of
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