The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1915-10-17

CreaClSe which at that time pro- |
voked much controversy. The P. G.
was the Rev. Walter P. Dickerson, |
then a young man loved and revered !
by his charge, and afterwards des-
tined to fill the highest appointments
in the Alabama conference. At the
present writing presiding over the
Dothan district.
In addition to this array of clerical
talent, the church was reinforced by
the laity, thus providing appoint
ments for each Sabbath in the month,
as well as, the Wednesday night
prayer meetings. Powelton church in
cluded in its membership no less than
six local preachers, besides those di-
| vinity students, who were then pre-
pairing to join the Methodist con-
ference, Leslie P. Lathram R. F. Dem
mis- and his younger brother, W. K.
Dennis. If the members failed to
be edited by their own preachers we
held in reserve two Baptist ministers.
Rev. John D. Beck and the Rev. Hen
ry Kierce, who never failed to heed
the macedonian cry, but was of much
assistance in protracted meetings,
and frequently occupied the Metho-
dist pulpit on invitation from the To-
cal preachers. Just here, let me name
the six local ministers, and what be-
came Of them. John w. Burge died
some three years ago in the city of
he died, in the midst of his labors.
| w. H. Jennings filled his regular ap-
| pointments until stricken with pa
ralysis, dying at his home, bearing
his affliction with patience to the
end. These three lived at Roberts,
suburb at the southern end. John J.
Lathram suffered for years with can
GER which prevented him in his lasO
years from preaching. Knowing that
his days were numbered, he asked
your correspondent to attend him in
, his last illness; to ask him about his
speech was permitted him, after this
by signs. His testimony as long as
. consciousness was granted, was of a
convincing nature. Ten hours after
this had left him, he fell asleep in
Jesus. w. B. Dennis had for years
been member of the Alabama con-
ference, but at his own request was
located. At one time he filled the
Office of presiding elder. thinking
> that by personally experimenting the
education Of his children, they might
take his mantle after his death. Bro.
: Dennis when came here held the
! Office of superintendent of education,
(the law then permitting this officer
to live where he chose in the county
Being defeated for a second term, he
applied for readmission to the confer
!, ence, was accepted and bidding your
! scribe good by, added, II shall die in
; harness" This desire was gratified
shortly afterwards, being stricken
with apoplexy, while preaching, and
dying shortly after his removal from
the pulpit,
The sixth local preacher was your
humble servant, who is permitted by
a merciful providence to linger still
on the hither side for purposes best
known to Him who doeth all things
well, ever counting himself fortunate
in having such God-loving and God
fearing men as his spiritual compan-
ions.
This Sunday school, though Metho-
dist in name, had the late James B
Roberts, a Presbyterian, as superin,
tendent, and representatives from the
Baptists,. Episcopaliars, Presbyteri-
ans and Christians assisted the Meth.
odists in running one of the best Sun
day schools in Escambia county.
notwithstanding all of these church
facilities, there were some who were
debarred from attendance, for it must
be remembered that period of which
am writing, antedated the introduc-
ton of street cars and automobiles
A small number of aged members
nor the weekly Wednesday nigh
prayer meetings, and to remedy thii
it was agreed to haYe Thursda!
night prayer meeting for the benefit
of this unfortunate few.
These meetings were held at tn
residences of those who through in
firmities of age and other hindrance
were unable to attend the regula
religious exercises two miles distant
At one of the meetings held at tn
residence of John B. WEIGH, an in
cident occurred which is we'll remem
bered by the little congregation gath
cred there on that Thursday evenin
in the year 1879. The manner Of
conducting these meetings were t
select the subject, have one of tn
young men read chapter and afte
having commented briefly, to offer
prayer, and resign his place to an
other until the usual time expired
and then to select the subject ant
place of the next prayer meeting.
On this special night a group @
young men were discussing Al
phonse and CASTOR fashion-wh
who should open the meeting, whe
stranger appeared, and for mir
ute or two, listened to the converse