USA > Louisiana > History of Louisiana Negro Baptists : from 1804 to 1914 > Part 7
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Seeing the need of a larger house, his trustees and members joined him in purchasing the lot whereon stands today an edifice which is a monu- inent to his memory, his far-sightedness and ability as both a preacher and a church house builder. Funds were readily raised by various kinds of entertainments and liberal private sub- scriptions. Upon the completion of the building, and the entry of the congregation into it, his min- istry was blessed with many more souls; and be- cause of his ability to influence and persuade men to come to Christ there are scattered here and there throughout these United States hundreds of men and women who delight to call him "Pappy George," and who attribute their conver- sion to his plain, thoughtful and convincing gos- pel.
He was an intense lover of education and en- couraged the young members of his church to attend school. During his pastorate at the Austerlitz Street Baptist Church more College students heard his sermons and connected them- selves with his church than with any other Bap- tist church in the city. Elder Walker possessed wonderful power in prayer. At a meeting held
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SABINE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.
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in Washington Artillery Hall he prayed so much like Paul anl Silas in the Philippian jail that the Holy Ghost came and set that vast audience on hallowed fire, and moved them to uncontrolable tears of rejoicing.
In the dark days of slavery, this veteran preache; learned to read and write, and -also to add, subtract and multiply. He accumulated a large theological library which he studied and which was made manifest through his intelligent and able expositions of God's Word. He was a trustee of Leland University as long as he lived; was a life member of the Baptist Foreign Mis- sion Convention, the first interstate organization among Negro Baptists, organized at Montgomery, Ala., in 1880. He was Treasurer of the old Louisiana Southern Association, Treasurer of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention, and one of the founders and Treasurer of the Old Folks Ilome at New Orleans, La. His ability to handle wisely the finances of his people, and his honesty of purpose was demonstrated by the fact that he accumulated little for himself, but left at least $20,000 worth of property for his members.
His sainted wife preceded him to glory, and after the cares and turmoils of life had begun to make successful inroads upon his physical frame, he departed this life December, 1892. The esteem in which he was held was clearly demon- strated, for he had one of, if not the largest fun- eral pageants that ever approached a cemetery. His children are Mattie E. Walker, noted teacher, Thaddeus Walker, A. M., M. D., a scholar and one of the leading physicians of the United States, and George H. Walker, a printer.
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BISHOP T. L. WELCH, SR., AN EMINENT PREACHER.
Among the good and loyal Baptist preachers of Louisiana stands towering high Elder Thomas Lee Welch, who was born in Louisiana in 1859. His parents moved to Texas in 1861, but owing to bad health the family moved back to Louisiana. When quite young Brother Welch showed signs of a desire for learning, accordingly in 1869 he cntered school. After completing his English Course misfortune came to his parents which made it necessary for him to begin teaching school.
When he had taught three or four years, he became acquainted with Miss Sarah Carter and after five years they were married. This union has been blessed with three children, the younger of whom, T. L. Welch, Jr., is a successful physi- cian. Elder Welch was converted and by bap- tism added to the Morning Star Baptist Church, July 7, 1878. Five years after he joined the church, it became pastorless; and being led by the Spirit to believe that Bishop Welch was the man, called him to their pastorate in 1885. In 1902 he was elected pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, which he pastored successfully for seven years, having added three hundred souls and raised to their credit $4,670.60.
Brother Welch has held and now holds many positions of honor and trust. In 1887 he was . unanimously elected secretary of the Fifth Dis- trict Association, which position he filled witli credit five years. In 1903 he was elected Treas- urer of this same body and served with that dig- nity and honor which becometh a Christian min- ister, and in 1908 he was elected Treasurer of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention. He fills
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this position now (1912) to the satisfaction of this great body. Bishop Welch enjoys the con- fidence and esteem of all who know him.
BISHOP LAURENCE CYRUS SIMON, DISTINGUISHED PASTOR AND ORATOR.
Of the hundreds of Louisiana Baptist pulpiteers there are none stronger than Elder Simon, who was born March 8, 1858, at Youngville, La. His parents were Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Delia Simon. From youth he had a bright intellect. His school .age and Emancipation coming about the same time surrounded him with meager opportunities for going to school. However, his parents did what they could for him, and notwithstanding hardships he continued struggling upward until the good fortune of entering Leland University, New Orleans, La., came his way. He hailed this privilege with delight, and very soon was enrolled among Leland's students. Here he became a hard student, usually leading his classes.
He was not alone interested in his own welfare at the University, but was much concerned about the other boys. The writer will not forget the kindness and help that came to him at Leland from the hands of this good man. Elder Simon continued his studies and stayed in Leland's molds of preparation until he had about finished the Normal Course.
He is noted for his humor, wit and sound judg- ment, and has but few equals when it comes to doing things, believing thoroughly in the doctrine of doing things BY DOING THEM. More than once has he captured with his wonderful oratory the great National Baptist Convention, and
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swayed that great audience to and fro like a forest in a tempest.
He was converted in 1873, baptized by Bishop R. R. Dyeis, preached his first sermon July, 1875, and was ordained March 26, 1881. He has preached the Word with power and demonstra- tion to the Baptist churches at Lafayette, La., Morgan City, La., and Opelousas, La., where he has held forth the Word of Truth for the past 22 years.
For twelve years he was Moderator of the Sev- enth District Baptist Association. This position he held with credit to himself and to the satis- faction of his brethren. At the expiration of these twelve years this Christian body with much reluctance gave up this great thinker and worker, who had been their Moses through all these years of sunshine and storm. During his administra- tion the Association founded and paid fo a Dis- triet High School with a valuation of $20,000. Brother Simon stands well in his community, and his worth as a man and as a preacher is not only acknowledged in his District and state but throughout the United States.
ELDER D. M. BROWN, PREACIIER AND ASSOCIATION MODERATOR.
Bishop Brown was born of Mr. Abram and Mrs. Adline Brown, at Vernon, La., Jackson Parish, November, 1865. Ile inherited love for knowledge and found himself the happy posses- sor of energy and push in the struggle to win out in life's battle, At an early age he married Miss Laura Thompson.
In 1885, Elder Brown was converted and bap- tized into the membership of the County Line
Baptist Church by Bishop H. P. Pierce. His faithfulness to duty caused his church to esteem him highly. He served this church one year as deacon, during which time he was impressed of his call by the Spirit to preach. He was ordained by the following: H. P. Pierce, C. H. Harvey. C. H. Wilson, G. B. Washington. He was ordained to take charge of the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, Boatner, La., which he served one year with credit. In 1894, he accepted a call to the County Line Baptist Church, of which he was a member. Here he erected a good house of worship during these six years of service at this place; he taught both by precept and example. He accepted the pastorate of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Clay, La.
Feeling more keenly his need for further study, he moved to Ruston and entered the Ruston Nor- mal School under Professor S. A. Williams. While at school he was elected pastor of Olive Grove Baptist Church. He was the prime mover in the organization of St. Peter Baptist Church. He has pastored with credit the following churches : Hopewell Baptist Church, Dubach, La .; Hopewell Union Baptist Church, Bernice, La. Here he erected a $600 edifice as proof of his ability as a builder. Salem Baptist Church, which he pastored eight years; Fellowship Bap- tist Church, Simsboro, La., where he served six years, built a nice house of worship and received many into the membership of the church.
He finished the Normal Course in 1907 at Rus- ton Normal School under Professor I. S. Powell, B. A., with honors. Bishop Brown has held the following positions: Moderator Liberty Hill As- sociation several years, Vice Moderator Liberty Hill Baptist Association, Member Executive
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Board Louisiana Baptist State Convention six years, District State Missionary two years and President State Sunday-School Convention.
Temporally as well as spiritually, Brother Brown believes in improving his business. As evidence of this fact, he possesses a nice six- room cottage at Ruston, and also a nice house and lot at Burnice. He is blessed with an ener- getic wife who figures prominently in his success. She holds the position of President of the Woman's Home Mission Society of Liberty Hill Association. Elder Brown has wrought well thus far, and with the continued support of his co-laborers in Sunday-school and District work his future achievements will be greater than his past accomplishments.
BISIIOP R. A. MAYFIELD, CHURCH AND SCHOOL BUILDER.
Of the progressive Bapcists of Louisiana none have given signs of more spirit of push and push- fulness than Bishop Roy Arthur Mayfield, who was born April 8, 1876, near Vienna, La. It is said that he was a strange child, and that he never crawled, but one day all at once jumped up and went to running all about.
Before knowing what a school was he was versed in notation and numeration. He entered a Lincoln parish school when he was 10 years of age. After getting five heavy thrashings the first week from his teacher, Mr. S. L. Keels, who afterwards baptized him and became his lifelong friend, young Mayfield did good work under his teacher in his Blue-back Speller. In 1892 he en- tered the Ruston Colored Normal School under Professor S. A. Williams. After four years of
FACULTY OF SABINE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.
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hard study he graduated with honors. He first taught a little summer school with marked suc- cess. After closing this school term he went to Pine Bluff, Ark., to live with his cousin. By his diligence to Sunday-school and church work he won the admiration of the Arkansas people. He attended an Arkansas Summer Normal in June, 1897, and took examination, making second grade. Many of the young men did not know he was a teacher until he came to the Brick Yard (where he had been working with them) to bid them good-bye to take leave for his Summer School.
In the fall of 1897, the Ebenezer Baptist Church desired him to build a school for the Bap- tists in and around Homer, La., since they were denied the privilege of taking shares in a move- nient which afterwards became the C. M. E. Col- lege. The Baptists called for a man to be their Moses in this undertaking. Professor S. A. Wil- liams, principal Ruston Colored Normal Institute, answered the call by recommending Brother May- field as the man. Bishop Mayfield was accepted and the work was begun January, 1898. His first whole session ended 1899, at which time he was able to build a small house for the public school. His ability to pass examinations soon won for him the principalship of the city public school, and today he is among the best first- grade teachers in the state.
He married Miss S. P. Legardy in 1901. Dur- ing this same year he entered the ministry and was called to pastor the First Baptist Church, of Homer, where he yet pastors (1913). In 1905 he entered the Moody Institute and Wendell Phil- lips Schools, Chicago, Ill. After accomplishing much at these schools he took up study at Vir- ginia Union University, Richmond, Va., in 1906.
After studying here two years he was compelled to return to his work at Homer, La., where he is now accomplishing much as a church and school builder, having founded and built up the Homer Normal, Industrial and Bible Training School.
BISHOP P. B. LEWIS, A GREAT PREACHER AND CHURCH BUILDER.
The subject of this sketch is the son of the late Bishop G. C. Lewis and Mrs. Sallie Lewis. He was born in Lincoln Parish March 8, 1872. When young Lewis was 9 years old his father died. The mother and children were cared for the next five years by Brother Lewis' grandparents, Elder Richard Johnson and his wife, Mahalia. Bishop Lewis entered school when very young, but con- ditions were such that he could not remain.
At the early age of 14 he took charge of his inother's business, and managed it like a man for the following eight years, until she married the second time. This brother was converted and notified of his call at the early age of 16. He joined the Liberty Hill Baptist Church, of which he is now a member (1913). Shortly after join- ing the church he was elected Sunday-school teacher, Mr. D. S. Hollis being superintendent. During his twelve years of service in this school he won the admiration and esteem of all.
He courted and married one of North Louisi- ana's girls, Miss Della Hill. Their union has been blessed by some of the best and most God- fearing children in the state. In 1901 Bishop Lewis was elected Missionary of the Liberty Hill Sunday-School Association, and in 1902 he was ordained to the gospel ministry. When the As-
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sociation wanted a competent and energetic mis- sionary in 1903, Brother Lewis was elected as that man. These positions he filled both with credit to himself and denomination.
Ilis usefulness as a pastor began in 1904 with his call to Gethsemane Baptist Church, Wise, La., a church of a very small membership. After about five months of successful service he re- signed and accepted Providence Baptist Church, Hico, La., and in September of the same year lie was called to the pastorate of Pleasant Groove Baptist Church, Unionville, La. He is now (1912) Vice Moderator of Liberty Hill Associa- tion and pastor of the following churches: Mace- donia No. 2, Chodrant, La .; Lane Chapel, Downs- ville, La .; Gumspring, Farmersville, La., and St. John, Lillie, La. Elder Lewis, though young in the ministry, is one of our most successful pas- tors.
Feeling keenly the need of knowing more, he entered Coleman College, Gibsland, La., January, 1906. IIe has not only been in training here him- self, but has moved his entire family to Gibsland, bought a home adjacent to the college that his family with him might drink of the educational waters. He was a successful theological student here under the writer, at one time, generally leading his classes. President Coleman, faculty and student body esteem him highly. President Coleman said of him: "He is a born preacher, a profound thinker and he believes in preaching the gospel to the people-just what they need to make them better and not what they want to make them feel good in their sins." Bro. Lewis belleves in an applied education, an education that is known and then expressed in terms of real service. His interest is alive in the com-
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munities in which he preaches, doing all in the matter of helping the schools of his church com- munities. He says: "Save the children." The writer has known Bishop Lewis as a student per- sonally and takes pleasure in saying that for ve- racity and Christian integrity he has but few cquals and no superiors in the Louisiana minis- try.
ELDER JACKSON J. FULLER, NOTED FOR HIS PIETY AND INTEGRITY.
The minister whose name appears above was born in South Carolina in 1852 a slave and of slave parents, Elder Carolina Fuller and Mrs. Patsy Fuller. He was sold and brought to Louisiana in 1857. An old colored lady, Mrs. Lizzie Brooks, advised him in 1867 to get a book, assuring him if he would she would teach him. True to her promise she taught him his first let- ters, and from that time he was able to see the need of education and became very anxious to know more and more. He heard of Mr. Wm. Brown and Mr. M. V. B. Brown, who were teach- ing a night school and Sunday-school about four miles away, but because he meant business four miles was no distance for him to walk and how at the feet of these two Gamaliels. Here with Blue-back Speller in hand he received much of his educational foundation, upon which his phe- nomenal success now stands.
He courted and married Miss Harriet John- son. Their union has been blessed with four- teen children-ten boys and four girls. In his endeavor to give his children some education, Christian home training and some land he was compelled to deprive himself of further study in
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PRINCIPAL R. E. JACOBS, of Sabine Normal and Industrla. Institute.
the school room. Being pushful he studied at home by the light of the old-time tallow candle and pine-knot, and made his way to the front.
Elder and Sister Fuller feel grateful to God for giving them so many smart children with whom they worked and paid for more than 800 acres of Louisiana's best land. Bishop Fuller was converted and baptized into the membership of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Kingston, La., n 1882. Shortly after he was notified of his call to preach the everlasting gospel of God's dear Son. After making this fact known, his church voted him license to preach wherever Providence might direct. A very short while after Elder Carolina Fuller, pastor of the above-named church, was called to his re- ward in Heaven. Bishop Fuller was elected to succeed his father to the pastorate, and June 1, 1887, he was ordained by the following Elders: C. S. Shelton, Charley Boykin, S. S. Fuller and Nathaniel Oliver. He has pastored this church successfully from that day to this (1913).
He has held and now holds some of the high- est positions in the gift of his brethren, being at this time shepherd of some of the state's best churches; and at the death of Bishop Gant his brethren lifted him to the Moderator's chair of the Northwest Association No. 2. He presides over this body with credit, having succeeded him- self many times. Brother Fuller has made a record as a Christian, a husband and leader.
BISHOP A. B. FLOOD, A GREAT LEADER AND PREACHER.
Of the many great men born in the state of Virginia, none are greater than Bishop Flood.
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He was born in 1855. Shortly after the death of his father, in Washington, D. C., he was brought with other slaves to the state of Alabama at the early age of six years. He was reared in this state near Uniontown, and while in slavery was owned by a Mr. W. H. Taylor. Being a slave he had meager opportunities to learn, but whenever a chance to learn came his way he would seize it.
In 1871 he was converted and baptized into the membership of the First Colored Baptist Church of Uniontown, Alabama, by Bishop John Dozier, D. D. Brother Flood left Alabama in 1874, removing to Louisiana, where he was ad- mitted to membership, by letter, to the Cloudy Creek Baptist Church, Elder H. A. Scates, pas- tor. The church being impressed by his knowl- edge of his call to preach, licensed him in 1881. After the death of Elder Scates the church elect- ed him pastor in 1882. March 19th, 1875, he married Miss Emma R. Bolden.
Bishop Flood was continuously in the pastorate for more than 27 years. During this time he served the Tenth District Association as Mis- sionary for two years; and also two years as Treasurer. The efficient service rendered by him in these offices won for him the abiding respect of his brethren. In 1892 when they found their Moderator's chair vacant and that they needed a. man who would
"Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone, Dare to have a purpose true And dare to make it known,"
they found such a man in the person of Elder Auder Back Flood, whom they elected Moderator. lIe filled this office with credit to himself and de-
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nomination until he left to join the Great Asso- ciation on High. He served as President of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention creditably seven years and four months. This was the high- est position within the gift of his brethren. Both his District and the Convention wrought well un- der his leadership.
The successful operation of an excellent Dis- trict High School at Monroe, under the manage- ment of Prof. M. J. Foster, B. A., and the har- mony prevailing throughout his District attest the fact that he had marked executive ability. Elder Flood was indeed a great preacher and builder, having erected five houses of worship at a cost of from $500 to $5,000. He baptized 2,100 souls and married about 350 couples. Sometime after his wife's death, he was joined in holy wedlock to Mrs. Ella A. Rushing, one of Louisiana's best women. They lived happily to- gether until he heard the blessed applaudit "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."
1 BISHOP W. B. PURVIS, A FORCEFUL AND PROGRESSIVE PREACHER.
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Brother Purvis is one of our best young minis- ters and in point of actual service is surpassed by none. His birthplace is Cotton Port, La., Avoy- elles Parish. October 7, 1870, is the date of his birth. He is the eldest son of a large family.
Although his parents were ex-slaves, deprived themselves of education, their ignorance was no barrier to their determination to have their chil-
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dren educated. As early as they could they started the children to school. The subject of our sketch, having finished fairly well the pre- scribed course of study in the public schools of his parish, was, through the advice of Professor Jonas Henderson and Sister J. P. Moore, sent to other schools. Much of his education was re- ceived at the Alexandria Academy and Leland University. At the early age of 19, he began teaching and in this way helped to keep him- self in school. He went to North Louisiana in 1892, and while there he was urged to buy a farm for the family, which he did. This broke into his plans for going to school.
At this time (December 12, 1895,) he married Miss Jennie Lee, one of the state's best women. A little more than a year before this time he had been ordained, having been converted and noti- fied of his call to preach Christ. His first call to the pastorate came to him from the St. Paul Baptist Church, Pelican, La. The next "Mace- donian cry" came from Saline Baptist Church, Converse, La., where he labored successfully un- til the spring of 1902. In 1900, being urged by the members of his church, he moved into this community and started a school under the auspices of the Farmers' Union. From this work sprang the Sabine Industrial Institute, one of the best schools in the state.
When his wife left him for Heaven in 1901, he resigned this work and re-entered school. Cole- man College became the school of his choice, from which he graduated with honors. While here at College he was called to be overseer of Republican Baptist Church, Furrh, La., and St. Peter Baptist Church, Pelican, La. He was also elected Sunday-School State Missionary and Col-
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po ter for the American Baptist Publication So- ciety, which positions he ably filled.
On June 25th, 1903, he married Miss Salina Joseph, a graduate of Leland University. Their union has been blessed with four boys. Bishop Purvis has a good home at Pelican, La., and owns valvable property elsewhere. He is now (1911) serving two churches where he has been for ten years, and is also the pastor of the church that had him ordained. Elder Purvis holds the following positions: President Northwest No. 2 S. S. Association, principal Pleasant Hill Colored School. Corresponding Secretary Northwest No. 2 Association, and Corresponding Secretary of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention. Among the ministerial stars that shine in the sky of the Louisiana ministry, none has dispersed more light in the given time than Brother Purvis. He is not a "reactionary" but a "standpatter" when it comes to defending "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Bishop Purvis is highly respected and esteemed by his brethren throughout the state. He is a wise counsellor, formidable in debate and powerful in the pulpit.
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