The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-17

Baptist gatherings P. C. Ratliff, a quiet, modest but helpful laymen. is apt to be found. He does not have much to say, but whenever a collection is taken he al- ways let's his money talk. He is the kind of deacon that is a pastors delight His membership is at the First Baptist in Birmingham.
 Rev. L. B. Bradley is a man who grows on acquaintance. He is we'll known In Baptist circles, but among The Age-Her- aid family he is known as the father of Leon, our soldier representative in France, of whom we are all proud. His father is one of the most faithful pastors in the city.
 I got to see my friend. J.. G. Dobbins of Hurtsboro. He is man of opinions and is willing to fight for them. We got awfully chummy when l had the chicken fever. He made a speciality of Rhode Island Reds and they were my pet birds. I used to visit him when he was pastor at Orrville 1 think Dobbins could talk more loving chicken talk in pralse Of a prize winner, and he had more blue rib bons and cups than any one ever knew. Well, there is nothing strange or novel in preachers loving chickens.
 Rev. R. F. Stuckey comes from the newest city in the state for he halls from Albany. l saw General Smith, the head of the department whose business 1t is to see that maps are correct, take out his private map of the United States ana scratch out the name New Decatur and write Albany in it's place. We were on sleeper on a side track one morning x1Th ba AF lnn Irir1dn saw New Decatur on the station called his attention to the change and he, said. "All right down she goes as Albany" feel like l was at the christening ot Stuckey's home town, where he is doing such good work.
 Rev. L. L. Gwaltney of Greenville is d man who has revolutionized Butler coun- ty, in which he lives so far as our Bap- tiSt work is concerned. He has a hold on preachers and laymen. He is a deep student and one of the best of the young preachers in Alabama. He is also viz orous writer. He has been at Greenville for number of years which he has put in in hard work and close study. He IS headed for leadership, for he is pre- pared.
 One of the most gentlemanly preachers in the land is Rev. M. l.. Harris of Ozark. He is not one of the flashy kind that make big impression at the start, but fade out in the wash. He is ali wool and yard wide. He is bound to sue ceed. for he is a success.
 
 Rev. P. c. Walker of Columbiana Is young man about whom I am hearing fine reports. The only trouble with him so far as his congregation is concerned is that his members Is4- that some larger and wealthier body sill covet his serv ices, It is reported that several churches are looking his way.
 
 One of the very greatest preachers not only in the convention, but in the south is Dr. l. w. Phillips of Mobile. I have heard competent men put him in the first rank in America. He is truly marve- lous pulpit orator, not of the spread eagle style, but of the type that grips by the bigness of his thought and the power of his vision. One of his prayers was a rev. elation as to what public prayer can be made to do in the way of spiritualizing an assembly. His opening prayer pitched the convention on a high spiritual plain. Rev. N. O. Patterson prefaced his re- marks that he had waited three years before opening his mouth in the conven- tion, but those who heard him speak on state missions will bear witness to the
 
 himself he was well prepared to deliver an address worth hearing. He has done great work at Atmore. He comes out of the north, but he is now attuned to the south.
 Rev. c. w. Henson was on the grounds, as they say in the country. I never see Henson that I do not think of the time when he was the host of the St. Clair association, and a member Of the body made objection to his being the pastor of church because he was an unmarried man. I remember long de- bate as to the scripturalness of the ques- tion raised. have forgotten how it was decided, but I distinctly remember that Henson did not resign. He is valuable denominational man.
 Dr. T. W. Palmer is one of the laymen that can always be counted upon to do his part by his denomination. He never makes any display. It isn't his way, but when any hard work is involved he is the man to shoulder it without a mur- mur. For several years he was the leader of the laymen's work in the state R. G. Rowland, better known through out east Alabama as "Gip'' hustling lawyer of Ashland, was present taking dots. He is great fellow at an asso-
 
 ing of a possum dinner he gave in the honor of Dr. A. P. Montague, then presi- dent of Howard college. I was one of the guests. He had two beauties with all the trimmings As soon as I saw him said: 70, Clip, got any possums?" Two" he replied. and as fine as you ever saw; go home with me-" I was tempted, but l had to stick to my job.
 I have many country preachers for my friends, but there is one here I have al ways taken a great interest in, Rev F. w. Biee He is such a big, pleasant feed fellow, and he so wants to improve himself and be what he will be some day. a strong preacher and power in his as- sociation.
 Every now and then see a fellow I think is working too hard, and I want to tell him to hold up, This is the way l feel about my friend, Rev. w. A. bar den, preacher and teacher. He has pushed his frail body to the limit in the service of his Master and his fellow man. Some men who have the divine love are willing to spend and be spent.
 The Hon. John W. Abercrombie as handsome as ever, was a locker on in Venice Dr. Abercrombie is regular attendant, but hardly ever takes part unless he is on the programme When he does speak it is worth hearing.
 B. c. Cox, the real estate dealer and Sunday school specialist, is one of the faithful laymen who does his part in the way of being on hand at Baptist doings and doing his part was up and doing. Rev. T. 0. Reese of Birmingham. the cl11 hrvp, l, ,d