Foster, Rev. James A., late of Montgomery, was born in the State of Kentucky, in which he grew to young manhood. He died in the city of Montgomery in December of 1891—died as he had lived, in love and honor with men and in peace with God. Twenty-five of his fifty-four years had been spent in the gospel ministry, from the sacred offices of which he retired in great joy. He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. I. T. Tichenor, D. D., Nathan Ashby and Jacob Bellser, in the city of Montgomery, in the year 1867. His first pastoral charge was the church at Mt. Meigs, which he served till he resigned to accept the call of the Columbus Street Church in 1871. He was the first recording secretary of the State Convention, and was the next man to Mr. Ashby to preside over the Convention as president. He was trustee of the State Normal and Swayne Schools, and moderator of the Spring Hill Association.
Mr. Foster was a man whom nature had variously and richly endowed. Had he possessed early educational advantages—advantages suited to his rich natural resources—he would have held a place among the sons of the giants. His sermons were always earnest, and frequently his vast audiences were melted into weeping by a pathos that was as mysterious as it was mighty. He was loved, honored, followed, and obeyed. In the two churches in which he was pastor he, it is said, baptized 10,000 persons, married 600 couples, and preached 4,000 sermons. His loving, courtly manners won and maintained for him such a tender regard as few men ever possess. Nor was this confined to his own flock and race, but it was shared more or less by the whole people, white and black. The following will show something of his liberality:
“Montgomery, May —, 1891.
“Dear Bro. Boothe: On hearing that you need some money for your work, I look over my account with the Lord and find that I owe him five dollars. Enclosed you will find this amount. May God bless you.”
The last letter I received from him, one month before his death, contained a donation to the mission work.
His wife says of him: “Some time before his sickness, he talked of nothing but heaven. I could plainly see that his mind had left the world. I tried to interest him in house and home affairs; but he would talk of nothing but of God’s grace and of the home of the saints.”
He was a model husband and father, and is sadly missed from his home, as well as from his church and community. A good man has gone from labor to reward—from cross to crown. He was thoughtful of the welfare of his loved ones, and hence carried an insurance on his life, the payment of which has rendered them some assistance since his death.
He was one of the original incorporators of Selma University, and was a life member of the Home Mission Society.
“Servant of God, well done;
Rest from thy sweet employ.”