The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-18
NEW PASTOR GIVEN A WARM WELCOME Rev. J. w. Jlnhnson Goes to GadSden Methodist Church CHRISTMAS TRADE LARGE seven-Year-old Negro at Gadsden Is Convicted of Stealing a Cooking
 Stove-old Negro Dies.
 Christmas CotilIon.
CHRISTMAS TRADE LARGE

Gadsden December (Special)-The First Presbyterian. First Baptist and Cumberland churches joined in a welcome service 10 the new pastor of the Flfst Methodist church the Rev. J. W. John son of Talladega, last night at ' clock Dr. II. C. Kegley, pastor of the flfst Presbyterian church, presided at this ser vice. and he and Dr. ]. G. Dickinson pastor of the First Baptist church, dellN- cred addresses of welcome oa behalf ot the Gadsden Ministers association, to which the Rev. Johnson responded ih feeling and appropriate manner. The Rev. Johnson preached his first sermon at the morning service and the congregation was very much pleased with his effort The musical features of both services were very appropriate and pleasing.
 Christmas shopping has already com meneed with a rush, and the merchants report the largest business in the history O; the city. and if the rush continues II any of the largest stocks will not hold out to the end of the week. Every prepa- ration had been made by the merchants to take care of the trade. but they were not prepared for the rush that came upon them as they had gauged themselves by former years.
 Gadsden Delegation.
 Mayor Charles P. Smith. O. R. Hood, Y s. Kyle, N. P. Lay, l.. l.. Herzberg, F.. H. Cross and ] Sullivan, constltut- ing the joint committee from the City Council and the Commercial club on nut riolpal legislation, left for Birmingham this morning, where they will take part m the conference called by Mayor Smith toward framing general municipal bill. Much good is expected to result from the meeting.
 Reports from the bedside of Will Hen Icy today are that there has been prac- tically no change in his condition, which is extremely critical, and his chances for ultimate recovery are very small.
 Henley was shot a week ago by Will Darnell. and has lowered between life and death ever since Darnells attorneys have made application for a preliminary hearing for Darnell tomorrow. but this will depend upon Heney's condition.
 The Enamon club, a social organization e imposed of a number of prominent yCung society men, have announced a Christmas cotllon for Friday evening" December 21 at the Printup hotel. This will be the first entertainment given by the new organization, and it is anticipat- ed with much pleasure.
 Stole Cooking Stove.
 Lise James. a 7-year-old negro boy was lined S3 m the police court today Tor stealing a cooking stove. A farmer bought the stove Saturday evening and left it sitting in the rear of a store for few minutes. and when he returned it was gone. The theft was traced to the small negro. That he could get away with a cooking stove twice his size unassisted seems incredible. but these facts were brought out in the evidence.
 At a commissioners sale today lot at the corner of Walnut street and Fur rentine avenue was sold to S. F. Jordan and J. s. Mora gne for a consideration of SG000. The property was sold for division and the price paid is considered unusually good.
 David Sheffield an aged and highly es- teemed old negro of the old fashioned type died Saturday night and was burI q Sunday afternoon by the colored Odd Eel lows. He had been a resident of this city for many years and always held the re- spect of everyone.