The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-10-17
FIFTY YEARS AGO"

Prattyille October 16-(Special.) )-The last service was held yesterday morning at II o'clock in the old Methodist church building. The work of dismanting it was actively begun today.
 This old building was completed in 1853
 and. dedicated the 24th day of July. Of l that year. Dr. Hamilton of Mobile preached the dedicatory sermon from the text, For He loveth our nation, and He hath built Us a synagogue Luke vil5. From this same great text Rev. J. B. Cummings of Birmingham, editor of the Alabama Christian Advocate, preached the last sermon that will be preached in this old building It is remembered here that this building was largely, if not wholly, ,sthe gift of Hon.. Daniel Pratt to the Methodist church.
 This service yesterday was surrounded by many incidents that held interest for local citizens The Bible from which the minister read his text was present in the building 5S years ago at it's dedication, and, in fact. the text was marked at that time with this legend: "Dr Hamilton; Dedication of NJ. E. Church., July 2l,
 53" This was written by Mrs. Abba E'. Holt Smith of this city. who was pres ent as young lady and had her Bible, which has served her for these many years for the same purpose of noting lnl- Iertant events pertaining to her chosen church.
 The Bible shows it was present to her by Hon. Daniel Pratt, founder, of this city, on the 24th day of December, 1850. Mrs Abba Smith was present at the services today, as was also some eight CT ten others who were attendants when this church was dedicated. Those who were known to have been present at that time and again today were given seats together They were: Mrs. Abba Smith, Mrs. Julia A. Pratt. Mrs. Nancy Pierce Messrs. John w. Killough. John s. Tun- nell. Benajmn F.. Durden., There ara others in this city who were present on the occasion of the dedication, but were not present today. ie,s. ir
 The sermon of Rev. Cummings of Biz mingham yesterday was of much interest in many ways. His reference to the for eign elements of our government was or interest in that he believes the people who come to this country should be met by the Christian people and taught the principles of this government. He said the foreigners now in most instances when they arrived in this country were met by the wicked element of America ard taught to become bad citizens instead of good ones. He thinks they would be easy to teach these people to make good citizens as in most cases they desire to become Such.N
 Eighteen conlmunicants were added to the Methodist church today. being those who could be present today: had joined during the series of meetings which closed last Friday night under the charge of Rev. l. ". Chalker
 The Continental Gin company began the active work of taking away the old Methodist church today, and as soon as the lot is cleared away a large building will be begun for the company's ware house. The new building will practically cover the entire block and a part of the adjacent streets, the latter having been doHated by the city tosthe company, the city having no further use for them.
 As soon as the plans can be drawn and accepted for the new church building the committee will let the contract and ac-i tive work on the new Methodist church will also begin.