The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-22
BAPTIST CHURCH
 IS DEDICATED
Handsome Structure Is Con-
 pleted At Athens
NEW BANK WILL OPEN UP
Third Banking House for Athens Will Start With $3o,ooo capita-New City Administration is Soon
 to Take Charge.

3. Athens. March 2.-(special) )-Today was great day for the Baptist congregation in this place, for it witnessed the ded ication of their handsome house of wor- ship, which has cost the members many privations and heroic sacrifices. Several years ago the membership of the Mis- sionary Baptist church in this place, numbering less than 50, called q pastor and had no house of worship. An effort was made and a building was commenced which was rapidly brought to comple- tion, but the debt was heavy and for some years it seemed a question whether or not they would be able to lift the mortgage, but with continued efforts the debt was lessened until it was all paid, and under the pastorate of their present efficient pastor, the Rev A. A. Hutto, the debt was entirely wiped out, and the membership increased to nearly a hun dred; and today Dr. J. M. Frost of Nash vile preached the dedicatory sermon to a large and appreciative congregation. The musical programme was splendid and the sermon was equal to the occasion. The entire town reioices with the good peo- pie who have by their devotion and earn estness built for themselves a handsome house of worship, one of the handsomest in town and one of the best in the north ern part of. the state, costing several thousand dollars. At night R. E. Pettus of Huntsville, who has been an ardent helper in this matter. delivered very interesting and inspiring address before a large congregation.
 The new Baptist church stands on the beautiful lot so long occupied by the first brick church built in Athens, and which was a union church, used by the various congregations before there was one able to maintain a pastor by itself, built many years before the great Civil War, and this old edifce contained a slaves gal lery, where the slaves could attend serv- ice and be apart from their white peo- pie. It was one of the few old-time buildings in the country but time and usage got the better of the old building and it was declared unsafe many years ago, and was torn away to make room for the present beautiful structure. that today was dedicated to the service of the Great High.
 New Bank to Open.
 The Farmers and Merchants bank will throw open it's doors for business on April 1, and will have one of the hand somest buildings in the town with all the modern improvements and appliances. The men at the head are all men of af- fairs and will start the bank with paid in capital of $30,000 This gives Athens three banks and four for the county Only a few years ago there was not a bank in the county and now the showing from the banks indicate the wealth and good condition of the people of the coun- ty as nearly $500,000 is reported on deposit. It was but few years ago when a man did not think It hard to pay 15 per cent interest for money; now they kick at s per cent the legal rate, so easy have times become.
 New City Administration.
 The new city administration assumes control of things on April 1. The present city clerk Mir. Perry Henderson, has announced that he will not stand for reelection and the rumor is that there will be a number of asprants for the job. This is the only real bit of pie the council has to offer, as it is we'll understood that the light and water su- perintendent will continue his job. Mayor elect Fred Wall and the five. in stead of eight councilmen, as in years past. will have a problem to cope with financing the town with the dispen- sary gone There is some talk of re- establishing the dispensary if the prohi- bition law is declared unconstitutional This will be likely decided about April 1 by the supreme court. That would make things easier for the town in financial way.
 Farming is Delayed
 The farmers are very much delayed in this section with their farming operations, occasioned by the continued rains Less farming than for many years has been done and the planters are becoming very restless about their spring planting.
 Three Killed in Fight.
 Raton, N M., March 21.-Three per sons are dead as the result of a fight