The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-05-07

pNotii III n III Inc ttlltSS sd
loon Friday evening. was laid to rest
in Oak Hill cemetery yesterday morning
Funeral services were conducted at the
residence of the deeeaseds sister, Mrs.
Erwin, 2029 Fifth avenue. The remains
lay in the parlor and on the coffin and all
about the bier were flowers sent by rela-
tives and friends. Seated near the body
were the family mourners.
Many Attend Obseques.
The funeral was largely attended Sell
dom, indeed, is so numerous a company of
men seen on like occasions Many leading
citizens were present. including represen-
tatives of the bench and bar and men
prominent in the business world. And
not a few men In the humber walks of
life came to pay a tribute to one who
was proverbial for his open handed char
ity.
After the available space in the house
was filled, scores of men, with bowed
heads, stood in the streets during the
services. A number of ladies attended the
obsequies and occupied seats in the par
Tor near the family. The services were
conducted by the Rev. DR.. A. j. Dickin-
son, pastor of the First Baptist church.
The rites were simple but impressive.
There was no sermon or address, only
scripture passages contained in the Bap-
fist burial ritual a prayer and two
hymns. The services began with the
hymn, Peace, Perfect Peace" and closed
with Lead, Kindly Light sung in duet
without accompaniment by Miss Bessie
Brown and Mr.. e. G. Powell,
DIR. DiclSinson's prayer was singularly
tender and sympathetic. 1t was in part
as follows:
The Prayer.
"Almight God, thou art the Father of
our being and has made us and given us
our minds and hearts and bodies with
their gifts and graces. Whatever we have
Not by our own will but according to
Thy will we were brought forth and by
Thy care have been shielded and lead in
all the dangers and difficulties of life.
Neither is 1t ours to take life, except
at Thy bidding. 1t is the Lord that gave
and the Lord taketh away. And when
we remember that our loved ones are
thus the creatures of Thy hands and the
expression of Thy goodness we bless the
name of the Lord for the gift of them to
us.
while we feel our loss and bereave-
ment at their taking away. we would yet
not forget to give Thee thanks that they
were ever given to bless us with their
love and friendship through all these
years. Help, therefore these Thy servants
to lift up grateful hearts to Thee even
in the midst of tears for all the good
which has come from Thee through this
life now closed on earth.
I'VE thank Thee, gracious Redeemer.
that when our loved ones pass out of
our reach they go into Thy hands. To
whom else could we commit them with
greater assurance than to Thee, who hath
been their guardian unto this day? Into
the hands which for us were pierced with
the nails. unto our redemption we would
commit our souls and bodies for time and
eternity, with full assurance of faith in
the goodness of Thy will. Comfort these
bereaved sisters and loved ones by the
consultations of Thy grace. and bless our
Affections for our good.
Uncertainty of Life.
May the friends who have gathered to
pay this last tribute of respect learn from
this providence, the uncertainty of our
tenure on life and the certainty of our
return unto Thee that we may get us a
heart of wisdom. Command Thy bless
ing, we beseech Thee, TO rest upon us in
this hour that we may vet the more work
out Thy will in coming days and unto
Thee shall be the glory through Jesus
Christ, our Lord Amen"
AT the grave DR.. Dickinson read the
commitaI and pronounced the benedictlon