Lawson, Rev. A., of Union Springs, the pastor of Mount Pleasant Church, now about 45 years of age, is one of the leading men of the “Old Pine Grove Association.” Like most of the men of his time, his education has been hindered. However, he is a very clear-headed man and, having a large following, has done much good in Bullock county.
Leavens, Rev. Charles, the man who led to the erection of the brick structure in which the St. Louis Street Church now worships, was of Virginia nativity, and was born about 1805. The writer is of the opinion that no man in Alabama did so much in pioneer days to organize the Negro Baptists in the State as Mr. Leavens. At the close of the war he was not ordained, but was the most enterprising, pushing, sanguine and influential man in his church. Naturally, therefore, the work of guiding the flock fell upon his shoulders. As he could not get ordination of his white brethren, he sought it in New Orleans. Finding himself now possessed with the commission of a gospel minister, he sought to touch and commission men for the other cities and towns of the State. The Rev. Philip Gambrell was ordained about the same time. Calling in this man’s services and assistance, Mr. Leavens ordained Messrs. P. Murrell, of Tuscaloosa; J. Bleavens, of Selma; James Caldwell, of Demopolis; the writer, and a great company of others, who went out into the various sections of the State to organize the people into churches. Of course, as might have been expected, he sometimes put out the wrong man, but it was a time to do and dare. His excuse for hasty action was: “This is a peculiar time whose peculiar circumstances call for bold methods.” His chief questions to applicants were: “Can you and do you read the Bible? Do you believe it, pray about it, and practice its teachings? Are you a good, whole Baptist? Are you a republican?”
Leach, Rev. James, of Birmingham, son of Alfred and Elizabeth Leach, was born July 16, 1832, in Marengo county, Ala. In 1846 he was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Fox, of Uniontown, and on November 26, 1867, in the African Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by Revs. P. Murrell, P. Bowler and James Caldwell.
In 1855 he was married to Miss Mary Martin. He was once pastor of the African Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, and one time presided over the Bethlehem Association (organized in 1877) as moderator. Mr. Leach has held various pastorates, is a hospitable man, and has a very pleasant family.
The writer has often found—when weary and sick—a pleasing and invigorating refuge within the quiet home of these good people.
Leftwich, John C., of Montgomery, once editor and now manager of the Baptist Leader, is noted especially for energy and independence. He is, at the time of this writing, temperance lecturer for the State of Alabama under the “National Temperance Society.” Doubtless he inherits his push and ambition from his father, who was at one time a member of the Alabama legislature. He is quite a young man, and if wisdom shall rule over his purposes and plans in years to come, he will write himself upon the men and the occasions of future years.
Lewis, Rev. C., is pastor of Macedonia Church, Birmingham. He appears ready for any good word and work.
Looney, Rev. J. T., of Fayetteville, Talladega county, was born in Coosa county, Alabama, May 2, 1847. He was baptized into the Fayetteville Church by Rev. Berry Ware in 1867, and in 1885 he was set apart to the work of the ministry by Rev. H. Morris and others. At the time of this writing Mr. Looney is pastor at Alpine. He is a quiet and unassuming man, ever friendly to education and missions, and hospitable toward his brethren.
Lofton, Rev. J. B., is pastor at Smithfield, near Birmingham.
Lovelady, Rev. C. L., of Hollywood, Jackson county, is noted among his brethren for his interest in missions and education. He followed Rev. Lewis Roach in the moderatorship of the Mud Creek Association. He helps in the building of churches, and is a liberal supporter of schools.