The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-11-05
MANY TRIBUTES
 ID JOHN 1. PARKER Men Should Get Closer To- gether Says Dr. Edmonds BOARD OF EDUCATION Resolutions of Regret Adopted at Spe- cial Meeting-Schools Closed at
 Noon and Flags at Half
 Mast in His Memory

Many tributes were paid to John L. Parker yesterday by citizens of Bir mingham who knew him and had been associated with him for years in busl- ness ventures, but one of them most widely commented on was spoken by the Rev. Henry NJ. Edmonds at the Ro- tary club luncheon. Mir Parker was a Rotarian.
 We are sending flowers today to one Of our dear friends and a brother Rotarian.' said Dr. Edmonds. That is appropriate but we did not call yes terday morning and see how John Par ker was getting on. We did not go into his store and ask him if We could help him. That Is the trouble with us. We should get closer to one another and take occasion to see what is troubling our friends.
 We cannot confide some of our troubles to oer wives even so we should make friends to. whom we can unbosom in our hour of trial If John Parker had only come to man like Mr. Shelby or some of the rest of us we might have had him with us today.
 My friends, 1 sympathize with you in the loss of John Parker. I sym pathize with this city, with all of us who were his friends and I appeal to you to so fortly yourselves with friends that In the moment of terrible weak ness which will come to us all we may be strong enough to do the right thing always"
 Board of Education Tribute
 At special meeting of the board of edueations held yesterday morning the following resolutions were adopted:
 "Dr. John Lake Parker, president board of education, 1908 to 1914y died November 3. 1914.
 Tn common with the entire citizen ship of Birmingham. the board of edu- cation has been shocked into a con- sciousness of 6 great loss by the sud- den death of it's president Dr. John l.. Parker. While the members of this board had been aware for several months of the precarious condition of his health and, while in their intimate personal and official relations with him they had not failed to observe in- dicatlons of increasing despondency as result of his failing health, they were in nowise prepared for the tragic news that reached them on the aft ernoon of Tuesday, November 3. 1914.
 "Dr Parker was first elected to mem- bership on the board of education in January, 1901, and served for a term of two years, retiring to accept po- sition in the city council as a repre- sentative from his ward. Five years later, in November, 1908. he was again elected a member of the board of edu- cation and a little later was made pres ident of that body. which position he held continuously until his death.
 While Dr. Parker was identified with many business and civic organizations. and while he was regarded as an in- trepid and enthusiastic worker for gen eral civic betterment. his most consplcu- ous service to the people of Birmingham was rendered as president Of the board of education during the past six years. His loyalty to the educational interests of the city and his personal sacrifices for the benefit of the public schools are in themselves enough 10 perpetuate his memory During the early part of his service as president. the board of edu- cation was entrusted with the expendi- tire of hundreds of thousands of dollars in the erection of new school buildings. 1t was here that his energy, his devo- ton, and especially his superb genius for business details, were most conspicuously demonstrated.
 Again when in January, 1910. the schools of a dozen independent munich palitles were merged into one educa- tional system for Greater Birmingham, his good judgment. wise counsel, and tactful executive leadership were instru- mental in overcoming almost inseparable and in securing the har- monious cooperation of the many diverse interests involved. A task of such mag nitude and involving so many delicate conditions has seldom cOnfroHted any body in this country, and It is safe to say. will never again be du- plicated in this city. For his devotion to the cause of education. and especially for his service in the management of the intricate business interests of the schools, during a crucial period in the history of tho city, the people of Bir- mingham will ever hold the name of Dr. John l.. Parker in grateful remembrance.
 Resolutions Adopted
 Be it resolved, first, that in the death of it's president. Dr. John L. Parker, the board of education has lost an efficient executive, an earnest co-worxer, ge- nial companion and e faithful friend; the public schools, loyal offical, a sincere advocate and an ardent supporter, ana the city of Birmingham one of it's most upright, useful and respected citizens
 Second, that as a token of respect to his memory the public schools of the city shall be closed at noon Wednesuay.
 Third, that as token of sorrow, the flags over the public school buildings of the city shall be placed at half mast. and that the offices of the board of edu- cation and all the public schools of tha city be appropriately draped with tho usual emblems of mourning for period of 30 days"
 
 H.u-u