The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-12-23
NEGROES PAY FOR
CHURCH IN FULL
Last of $4,000 Debt Has
Been Settled
JAMES T. FITZGERALD DIES
Inspection Is Being Made of Selma's
Fire epartment-New Pumps
Will Furnish Sufficient
Pressure.
JAMES 7. FITZGERALD DIES

Selma, December 2.-(Speoal )-Sunday
will be a glad day of rejoicing among the
members of the congregation of the First
Baptist church. colored, of this city. Nine
years ago the congregation erected a
handsome brick church in lieu of the
wooden building that had done service
so long. To do this $4,000 was borrowed
from a prominent Selma capitalist, and
this amount has just been paid back in
Its entirety the last payment having been
made yesterday.
On Sunday it is proposed to dedicate the
house of God, and an elaborate pro-
gramme has been arranged. That they
have been able to pay off this debt and
at the same time maintain all the church
expenses is a credit to the negroes who
are members of that congregation.
J. T. Fitzgerald Dies.
Information reached the city today of
the death of Mr.. James T. Fitzgerald at
his home in Marion last night. The de-
ceased was one of the most prominent
citizens of that community, being presi-
dent of the principal bank of the city
and always in the lead of civic matters.
- u.
of this city and has besides a host OF
friends here and all over the state.
Inspecting Fire Department.
j. +. Benjamin, representing the South
eastern Tariff association, IS in the city
making an inspection of Selma's capacity
to fight the fire fiend Today he has been
testing the water pressure on the several
mains of the city, and has found it ex-
OIL cot icfa .
when the new pumps are installed that
are now being put in there will be no pos
sible complaint for want of sufficient
pressure for fires. He will next inspect
the apparatus of the fire department, and
his report will furnish considerable data
by which the two committees soon to go
to Atlanta to take up the insurance ques-
ton. may be guided by. These committees
are from the city council and the Com
mercial and Industrial association, and 20
to Atlanta to take up the question of a
paid fire department for the city and a
decrease in insurance rates with the es-
adjustment of such a department.
Local and Personal.
Great interest is conferred upon the we'd
ding of Maj. r. d. Walker to Miss Jean
Hooker, which will take place next
Wednesday night at the Broad Street
Presbyterian church. Last night the male
members of the wedding party rendered a
dinner in honor of the groom-to-be and
tonight the Dixie club gave dance in
honor Of the popular couple Mr.. Walker
has been president of the Dixie club
ever since it's organization twelve years
ago, and will vacate that office upon be-
come member of the club of benedicts.
it being a rule of the organization that
upon the marriage of any member he
Immediately goes on the honorary list.
Miss Rose Sterne of Eufaua is the
guest of Miss Blanche Meyer Of this city
Miss Mena Holzer of Birmingham is
expected to reach Selma Saturday to be
the guest of Mrs. NJ. Seigle.
Miss Maddie Keip has reached home
from Athens. Ca, to spend the holidays
The Pickwick club will give a dance
at the Hotel Albert on Monday night
next. A most enjoyable affair is anticl-
pated.
Yesterday afternoon Mrs. T. f. Gary
and Mrs F. II. Coleman received at the
home Of the former in honor of Mrs.
William N. Compton. The beautiful home
was thronged with guests all through the
afternoon.