Living on the farm, his early activities were in line with his calling. He was a farmer boy, and hence he drew his bread and bed from the handles of the plow and the hoe.
In November, 1878, he entered Selma University, graduating from the normal course in 1884, with Messrs. R. T. Pollard, L. J. Green, R. B. Hudson, D. T. Gulley,—Hines, Miss S. A. Stone and Miss Eliza Washington (now Mrs. R. T. Pollard). The next year he began the college course and completed with Messrs. Pollard and Hines the sophomore year.
Mr. Rodgers was converted in his fifteenth year, and was baptized by Rev. R. Windham September, 1874.
On June 11, 1884, he was set apart to the full work of the gospel ministry in the St. Philip Street Church, Selma, by Drs. E. M. Brawley, C. L. Purce and C. O. Boothe, aided by Revs. H. N. Bouey and G. J. Brooks. From the time of his ordination till December, 1890, he served the pastorate of the First Colored Baptist Church, Tuskegee, but since this last date he has been successfully operating in his present position.
In January, 1889, he was wedded to Miss Lily B. Foreman, of Opelika. Bro. R. is a man of excellent spirit, quiet, unassuming, and makes changes in men more on the order of the sunshine than in the manner of the storm spoken of in the fable of the contest between sun and wind. Perhaps no man among us has so few enemies as he has.
From 1889 to 1892, he has presided over the Auburn Association. He is an easy, pleasant speaker, and a choice man.
Ross, Rev. S. L.—It was March 9, 1861, when the subject of this sketch was born of slave parents—Luckie and Emily Ross—near Rehoboth, Wilcox county, Ala.
He had the advantage of a pious, Christian mother, and was hopefully converted at the age of 12 years, and united with the Pine Grove Baptist Church by baptism, Rev. Wallace Richardson, pastor, officiating.
He was taught his “A B C’s” by his mother and grandfather. As soon as free schools opened he was placed in school, which were simply poor, for schools in those days were kept, not taught.
In December, 1879, he was sent to Selma for the purpose of attending school. He united with the St. Philip Street Baptist Church—Rev. W. A. Burch, pastor. For a number of years he was clerk of the church and superintendent of the Sunday School.