Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-02-25
Sketch of Life-Career
of DR.. ]. B.. Hawthorne


lanta today, and there is sadness and
mourning In thousands of homes where
the news Of the death OF DR.. John B.
Hawthorne has cast its darkening shadow
The people OF Atlanta feel that the Angel
Of Death. in taking from the land Of the
living the benevolent, beloved man. has
despoiled their city OF one OF the bright
est and most treasured jewel of its liza
dem.
The name OF DR.. John B. Hawthorne is
intertwined with the history of all that
Is good, all that is steadfast and praise
worthy in this community during the
many years of his residence here. For
many years pastor OF the Atlanta First
Baptist church. he so closely identified
himself with everything that looked to-
ward the uplifting and betterment OF the
city I'm which he made his home, that to-
day his name is hallowed In the memoty
OF all who recall with grateful pride the
pages in the city's history that were
written by his hand.
Nor is the name Of DR.. Hawthorne re-
vered in Atlanta alone. Throughout the
length and breath of his native south, and
wherever the Baptist churches stretch
their lofty spires to heaven. his fame
has gone forth as a wise. eloquent. God
fearing minister OF the gospel, whose life
reflected and exemplifed his kindness.
his purity of mind and his greatness OF
soul.
During his lifetime DR.. Hawthorne has
occupied the pulpits of many churches,
and wherever he has lived, there is deep
and lasting grief today. and those who
knew and loved him mourn the memory
of him who is now no more.
DR.. John B. Hawthorne was born in
Wilcox county, Ala, May 6. 1887. His
father was the head OF an old and hon.
ored family, and was himself an eIo-
quent and devout minister of the Bap-
fist church.
Beginning his career as a lawyer he
finally gave up his practice to enter the
ministry of the Baptist church, and that
his decision was a wise one is evinced
BY his career of usefulness which has
lasted for nearly 80 years.
DR.. Hawthorne became pastor of the
First Baptist church of Atlanta, I'm 1884
Always active and aggressive in his la
bors for the uplifting OF his fellowmen IL
was DR.. Hawthorne who led the forces
OF prohibition in their successful fight in
1887. On the evening of that memorable
day, when the result OF the bitter fight
became known, the voters of Atlanta
marched in a great army to the great
preachers home and cheered him until
the very foundations OF the houses shook
and trembled with the mighty volume of
sound.
During his residence in Atlanta he as
sisted in the founding of College Park.
which was then known as Manchester
He was president and an active promoter
and supporter OF the Atlanta Baptist col
lege, which was erected through the un-
| firing efforts of w. L. Stanton, now also
deceased. He was also a prominent stock
holder in the Royal Germateur company.
Thousands OF Atlantians remember
him as speaker OF marvellous force
| persuasiveness and SURPRISING elo-
quence. II was said Of him that he was
the most gifted and eloquent orator in
I the pulpit OF the Baptist church re not
of the entire country.
When DR.. Hawthorne left Atlanta he
went to Nashville, Tenn, where he &C.
cupied the pulpit of the First Baptist
church OF that with honor and distinc-
ton for five years. after which he ac-
eepted a call to the leading Baptist
! church Of Richmond, Va, where he re-
manned until the day Of his death.
During the term of his ministry he
was pastor of churches in Mobile. Sell
NAL and Montgomery. Ala. Baltimore,
Md, New York and Albany, NJ ",
Atlanta, Ca, Nashville, Tenn. and Rich
mOnd, Va During his long passionate
in --Jlanta he founded colonies of his
church at the West End and Jackson
Hili churches. Two missions were also
established, these being the North Nv
enue and Exposition Mills missions.
When the civil war broke out ]. 3.
Hawthorne led 81 members Of his Mo-
bile congregation in the Confederate
army and won distinction for bravery
under the southern flag.