Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-07-03
18th ANNIVERSARY
Rev. Evans Payne's Pas.
torate of the
4TH BAPTIST CHURCH.
A BrisfsksvOh of his LiSs-Birth Place.

In the county OF G0ochland, Va, in
May l648, there was added to the large
family OF two faithful and honest
slaves who was known as uncle Will
liam and aunt Betsie Payne,-little
Evans" 1t was soon particularly
noticeable that Evans was endowed
with one of natures best gifts namely /:
q good development" which howev-
er, st times 60 him was apparently q
hindrancs rather than q blessing. for
as he grew older, and large enough to
go about with the other boys on the
plantation, was compelled to wrestle
with many who were much older than
he, and to sucn an extent did the old
master enjoy the sport that he would
allow the larger ones the advantage by
having them take what was known as
"both unders Yet would Evans in
variably come out ahead, even in the
foot races, notwithstanding the others
were given some distance ahead OF him
in the start for the goal. No doubt he
had not the remotest idea that those
trying contests though unevenly
matched, were bat shaping for the
higher calling" in which he should
|ccntend IN the noble conflict against
the power OF darkness, and spiritual
wickedness in high places.
at the close of the late war, he was
found among that moving Thong who
having heard the good news uslered
forth from Appomattox, as the cessa-
tion of hostilities, were making their
way ION TO Richmond" Here he To-
Gated with his parents to whom he waa
| a most obedient son (remaining faith
full to, and caring for them until their
death, ) and being Industrious, and OF
temperate habits, he was successful as
a mechanic, at various times serving
as carpenter, blacksmith and Cooper
HIS CONVERSION.
He professed faith in Christ in 1868
and Joined the Second Baptist Church
of this city, having been baptized by
Rev. William Troy, then pastor, His
"call" of the Lord to preach the Cos.
pei deeply impressed him and knowing
the great preparation necessary Incl.
dent TO a successful prosecution oi
that work, he was somewhat ecrupu-
lous in acquainting the brethren OF his
desire to exercise his gifts az Divine
Providence might direct. He there
fore secured the services of q younl
girl l8 years OF age by the name q
Miss Sallie Brooks, TO give him lessons
at night, in the rudimentary course o.
the English language, and by applying
himself diligently to his studies, h,
soon learned to read and write. Sub
Isequently, Mrs. Lucy Jones becam,
his teacher, and under her tuition Ia
progressed rapidly.
LICENSED TO PREACH.
In 1878, his church granted him Ii
Icense to preach the Gospel. AS
Iyoung licentiate he was ever Mindful
Il - a. Il 4
was hewn endeavoring never to max,
his hearers twi,sa glad--"glad when n
Istarted, and glad when he finished.
He was always listened to with marke,
Iinterest, and Rev. Walter Ii. Brooks
the distinguished Afro-American di
vine OF Washington. ID. c., who wa
then pastor Second Baptist Church
predicted for him . successful career
as was evidenced in his call to tn
Fourth Baptist Church.
In 1880, this church called him t
succeed the lamented able divine, tn
Rev. Scott Gwathmey, and was ord ain
ed on the second Sunday in May of tha
year, in the presence OF the large con
gregation assembled on the occasion
entering upon the discharge of paste
raj duties on the first Sunday in June
The condition of the church at tina
time was anything but favorable, g
many now present, can doubtless tel
tify, for to its great surprise, tn
. church was called upon to meet quit
heavy obligation that was claimed I
have been due on its church propert
on 32nd Street, between M and N St
Hence to satisfy the creditors, ths
entire property was sold by decree {
the court.
HIS ABILITY TESTED.
l To meet the emergency which like
giant boulder with its formidable oil
: structions spread across his pathwa
: his wonderful energy and perseve
ance were fully tried, but with Hal
nibaPs intrepidity, and calmly trustir
in his leader, he resolved TO scale as
were. the very summit of difficult
| He therefore, had his church pay cas
one-half of the $I700 which was the +,
Idemption price, and gave notes for IL
: balances. In or about u months tin
the entire debt was liquidated TO Il
great delight of the whole congreg
tion that now fully realized the gui
ance of their pastor by the hand of Il
q Lord
CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE CHURCH
In about three years. time. the mer
bership of the church had increas,
from 400 to 1900; the fame of tn
young divine whose stentorian vol
/, could be heard echoing for bloc
Il around, having gone out far and wit
n E-the church each sabbath was packt
a with anxious hearers. Being Of tho
h oughly progressive spirit and enviro
q ment, he was foremost in the probe
II of considering the advisablity Of ha
n ing the church erect more commod
Gus house of worship. After careful
a Investigating the several sites recoE
N mended, he centered upon the prese
:. one which though then but frog POI
was as the Rev. Richard Wells so apt
st illustrated standing as q sentine
: keeping vigil over the hallOw,
At ground ordained by Allwise Prov
! !. dence as the place upon which &
= foundation should be laid for &
ie noble structure, the dedication
al which, he was that day beholding wi
alteration and thanksgiving"
This site having been secured al
cost OF 5000, the erection of the pre-
ent edifice was started in Septemb,
1884. At the laying of the cornersto
the Masonic Fraternity of this city o.
ciating. an sevent never before havi
- occurred among the people of this 81
tion; there was present a surging not
OF humanity. On the night OF the "a
Of August OF the following year, a
astrous eonhagration swept away tn
then house OF worship on 82nd sire
he between M and n, with it's entire cS
p tents. including the new library of [
b. lSundRy school. After holding ser
he ces for sometime in Blooming
Ird Hall, by gratuitous permission of
It owners, the pastor arranged for
nd dedication OF the present edifice VIII
Of took place on three consecutive s
It: days ia October 1885, the 4th, 1lth