The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-05
DR. HENDRIX TELLS
 OF PLANS FOR TIE
 HIGHLANDS CHURCH
Rejoins North Alabama Confer ence and Glad to Make Bir- mingham Home Again.
 Time to Take Hold Now.
By CAROLYN B. ELLIOTT

When pr. w. R. Hendrix preached his initial sermon to a large congregation at Highlands Methodist church last Sunday morning, he was greeted as a beloved friend who had returned home after long absence.
 In accepting the call to the pastorate of this church, Dr. Hendrix is coming back to his native state, and to his na- tive north Alabama conference.
 Happier both, to claim again the pres ence of one whose winsome personality suggests calm strength, simplicity, and the gentle consideration of others that belongs only to those of fine sensibil- ities.
 To talk with Dr. Hendrix Is delight delicate shading. and meaning of words. In his message, he chooses English with exquisite discrimination, as in his min- istry he reaches the need of the individ- ual life with wise discernnent-
 The pastor claims Birmingham as his home because he has lived here longer than in any other one place since he en-
 
 tive years he served various charges in the district, until he was called to the institutional church in Louisville, and to the institutional and residential churches in Atlanta From large residential church in Houston, Texas, he comes to the pastorate of Highlands Methodist, with the faith of leader for the de- velopment of a great community church.
 Though have scarcely had time to look over the field, I am impressed with the fact that the church offers splendid resources for accomplishment and I look forward to the work here with pleasure" Dr. Hend1fx said.
 Last Sunday, I noted especially the personnel of our congregation--that it is representative of high culture. and that our membership includes the several classes indispensable to the life of suc- cessful city.
 WORK OF RESIDENTIAL CHURCH
 "The peculiar work of a residential church is determined largely by the needs of the community, continued the pastor. Tn a comfortable community the chief features are the cultivation of fellowship and neighborliness among its own members, and the enlistment of the community in extending assistance to other communities less fortunate than themselves
 Tn a residential church like Highlands I think such mission will be fulfilled in three important ways:
 "The first of these is by giving supreme emphasis to religious worship place that becomes the center of community worship means a great deal. Vital com munity worship Is a luxury to those who participate. Once week, for even one hour. to shut out the cares of the world, and to be in tune with the infinite makes a difference in life from the kitchen to the Presidents chair.
 q think the second consideration of a. residential church like Highlands should be religious education stated pr. Hen drfx. This should include the work of the Sunday school, mission study classes, with such additional religious studies as may extend the knowledge of child life and the larger problems of human nature"
 Dr. Hendrix encourages the study of the psychology of religion with the same zeSt that a salesman studies the psychol- ogy of salesmanship; to be used with the same enthusiasm that business men use 1t in forwarding great business enter prises. The minister believes the kingdom of God is unfolding in this age as never before, but many people who have never studied religious approach, do not know how to use to advantage the hundreds of opportunities that are presented every day. To this hack of knowledge he at tributes many of the, blunders of pulpit and pew. which rub people the wrong way" instead of guiding them into the freedom and happiness of the Christian life
 'The third requisite for the residential church is service" resumed the pastor "After the preparation that religious ed- Ucation brings, the community is always eager to render such neighborly service ns may be called for, and to extend it | A. Only in this way can the prosperous be- come a blessing to their less fortunate brothers"
 SOCIAL SERVICE
 Speaking of his relation to his congre- gation as a pastor and leader and or