In a speech which he made before our last State Convention, he said: “The brethren ordained me in 1868, not because of my fitness for the work, but in recognition of a necessity. There was need for a Negro to baptize Negro believers, and I was chosen as an answer to this want without any examination.”
Chandler, Rev. F. C., is pastor of Walnut Street Church, Rosedale, and bears a good name.
Rev. S. L. Belser, Pastor Red Mountain Baptist Church, Bessemer, Ala.
Clark, Rev. Henry, of Opelika, son of David and Patience Clark, both of Virginia birth, is one of the fathers of the work in Lee county.
Brother Clark was baptized at Auburn, Ala., by Rev. H. C. Toliver, of Tuskegee, in 1860. He was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry June 27, 1868, by Revs. W. E. Lloyd, D. D., and Thomas Glenn, since which time he has been busy going about and doing good. He has been a harmless, industrious, pioneer preacher, laying foundations upon which others have builded. He is a tried and faithful friend of missions and education. The writer has always felt that his every pledge was worth every cent it promised. Notwithstanding he has had no educational advantages, still he has, by study of books and by association with men of letters, obtained no inconsiderable store of knowledge.
The churches of Lee county and the Alabama Association owe much to the faithful, efficient labors of Brother Clark. His loving heart ever adorns his face with the smiles of peace and good will. Truly, he is a harmless man, ever ready to do a brotherly deed.
Colley, Rev. Moses, of Talladega, son of Rev. Boney Sawyer, who was a preacher over fifty years ago, is about 55 years of age. He has never had any school advantages, but has attained to a fair knowledge of books. He is a remarkably clear headed man, dignified and self-possessed. Mr. Colley is a hard working, successful farmer, and by this calling, he has obtained a comfortable support for himself and family. He was baptized by Dr. Renfroe in 1856, and was ordained to the ministry in 1872. He held several important pastorates in Talladega, and was once moderator of Rushing Springs Association. He is guarded in speech, but his manners are always affable. No act of folly or crime mars his good name. For many years he has held the pastorate at Mardisville, where he is esteemed no less for his piety than for his sound doctrine.
Collins, Rev. Asa Cyrus, of Hazen, Ala., was born November 1, 1861, in Dallas county of this State. Lost both parents at the age of 8 years. Was baptized by Rev. A. Waller in his sixteenth year, and soon began preaching. In September, 1881, he was officially set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. Mr. Collins has been pastor at various points, and is held in high esteem by his brethren. For several years he has been moderator of the Dallas County Association, over which he presides with credit to himself and with pleasure to the body. Brother Collins is still a rising young man.
Curry, Rev. J. C., of Mount Meigs, Montgomery county, the son of Rev. Philip and Venus Curry, was born in Marion, Ala., October 17, 1852. He was baptized at Felix, Ala., by Rev. D. R. Willis in 1873. On the occasion of his call to the pastorate of the Friendship Church, Shelby, Ala., he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. P. Caddell, M. Jackson, and Henry Scott. Mr. Curry is liberally educated, having been among the first students of Selma University. He is a close, clear thinker, a forcible speaker and a good preacher. He has been pastor at Shelby, pastor of the Dexter Avenue Church, Montgomery, and is now pastor at Mt. Meigs and Tuskegee.