The forum. [volume] (Springfield, Ill.) 1904-192?, 1916-10-21


the pastor Of the First Baptist church
in Washington, where he met with
much success. He has been in charge
of the First Baptist church here less
than eighteen months, but he has ae-
complished big things through the
hearty cooperation of the members.
The Rev. Mr.. Kicks is a native of
Raleigh, n. c. He attended the pub
lie schools and the st. Augustine Epls-
copal school in his native home and
afterward the public schools at Wash
ington, whittier he moved with his
parents while yet boy. After COM
pleting the public school course he ell
tered the theological department of
Howard university, from which he
graduated. He supplemented his the
illogical course by studying Greek and
Hebrew under Professor LaFountaine
and an extension course from the La
sale university at Chicago.
The Rev Mr. Kicks has held many
prominent positions in the work of
the church and other good movements.
He has served as second vice presi-
dent of the Christian Endeavor union
of Washington, president of the Alum
nj Association Of the Theological De
partment of Howard University, trus-
tee of the Stoddard Baptist Old Folks
home, of the Alley improvement as
ISOLATION and the day nursery, of the
Anti-saloon league of Washington.
He has a wide reputation as an ar
dent temperance advocate and was
the only colored delegate from Wash
ington attending the meeting Of the
National Anti-saloon league at Column
bus, O., In 1912. He served for two
years as the corresponding secretary
of the INSTRUMENTATION union of
Washington. He was recently elected
for another term as member of the
advisory board of the Bethel Literary
and Historical society at Washington
Rev Mr. Kicks was the first pastor
of the St Johns Baptist church, Ar
/ lington, Va, where in less than six
years modern church edifce was
built on the main thoroughfare at a
cost of nearly $1,000, which was nearly
paid before he resigned to take charge
of the First Baptist church, West
/ Washington, where he remained for
eight years. The bonded debt of $1,000
was paid and over $1,000 in improve
ments were made. During his pas
/ torate unfermeuted wine and individ-
ual cups for use at the communion
service, the envelope system, hymn
books with responsive readings, a w
c. T. L. and a wide awake Christian
Endeayor society were among the re-
suits of his efforts.
Rev Mr.. Kicks resigned the pastorate
/ of the First church at Washington to
! become the pastor Of the First Baptist
church here. He recently completed
his first year as pastor Among the
many things accomplished during the
year is the purchase Of a $1,000 pipe
organ, built in the church and paid
for Mr.. Andrew Carnegie, through
/ Gae efforts OF Mr.. Kicks contributed
I $1,000 4 modern steam heating plant
has been installed, displacing the hot
air furnace which heated the building
so poorly that for thirteen years serv-
ices We're held in the basement Of the
church during the winter season. Elec-
tre lights were put in the basement
and extended TO the rear Of the main
auditorium The entire Interior of the
building has been painted and new
Iavatory facilities installed. Modern
methods Of doing church work are now
being used as suggested by the pastor.
The First church Is one Of the largest
IN the state of Virginia.
The Rev. Mr.. Kicks IS q thirty second
degree Mason and an odd Fellow.