The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-01-25

Now doeSpt that sound just like those two great-hearted, 'high-spirited young men who as chairman. and secretary of the finance committee have worked to- gether with their committee so faith fully through rain and shine since 1914 to make such dedication as will be cele- brated today possible?
 But today is compensation for the past, and will be a regular house-warming, when the pastor the Rev. W. P. Reeves, concludes the dedication service by con signing to ashes those pesky papers "On or before, I promise to pay" Not on any future date, but before even the sanguine had anticipated, his congrega tion will come into full spossession of every brick that is a part of one of Bir- mingham's imposing church edfices, To- cated in attractive part Of the city near Avondale Park, on the corner of Fourth avenue and Forty-first street, south.
 DIR. REEVES PRESENT PASTOR
 Dr. Reeves has been the esteemed pas tor of the Avondale church for two years, and has since been we1lknown in mingham since the boyhood days he spent at Howard College. After his graduation here he attended the South ern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, and did not return to this city until after serving as pastor of Grand View, Ind, Richmond Va, and Tuscum- bia Ala From Tuscumbia, pr. Reeves came to Birmingham in answer to call from the West Woodlawn, church, after which he accepted the pastorate of the Progressive church which IS 10 pc dedicated today.
 It seems fitting that the dedicatory sermon this morning is to be preached by one so well beloved as Dr. J. w. lnzer, who, as former pastor of this congrega- tion won the hearts of many who have never forgotten his sacrifice and service. "The Avondale church was Dr. In- gers first pastorate," said Dr. Reeves, "and twas while he was there that the people were inspired to build our church." Since leaving Birmingham, Dr. Inzer has lived in Mobile, served as Chaplain in the army, and upon his re- turn went to Chattanooga, where he IS now serving as pastor of one or the leading churches of Tennessee.
 q think the dedication of this church two years before we expected it, is an accomplishment" commented pr Reeves, "when we take into considera- tion that $26O00 was also subscribed toward the seventy-five million cam paign This was really s6000 over our apportionment The church that was built when prices were much lower, could not be erected today under $60.O0O.'
 HISTORY OF CHURCH
 This shows the spirit of a people whose history is well worth reviewing more at length than newspaper columns allow In speaking of the year in which the building was begun, one of the honorea charter members, Dr. s. R. Caffee, salo to me:
 "It was October 1st, 1913, that Rev. J. w Inzer began his work as pastor or the Avondale Baptist congregation, at a salary that l cannot call munificent.
 "A good preacher, a young man fuii or zeal and a determination to win, he pe- gan with an earnestness that meant sue cess, and kept hold on the people not surpassed by any pastor. Various steps had been taken, and committees appointed toward building new church, but it remained for Dr. lnzer 10 push the work beyond all expectations, ana now the edifice stands completed, out of debt a monument to his enthusiasm and sacrifice.
 But we must not forget the nopio hand of men and women who have so faithfullv stood by the church all these years thoughtfully added pr. Caf1ee. ReminiscentIy he gave a short review of the history of the church he loves so we'll and has served so faithfully, rom the first written record, in the form or its constitution, incorporated in the nm utes of February, 1887.
 Previous to this time," said pr. Caf-
  of the First Baptist Church of Birmlng- ham. As well as I remember it was be- gun about June, 1886, in little frame building that is flower shop now. Rev. w A. Hobson was shepherd. and pr. D' I. Purser of the First Baptist Church LOOK an active part in organizing the mission. It was largely due to his efforts that the present lot was donated by the Avondale Land Company.
 DR. PURSER PREACHED
 q remember we'll" continued Dr. Caf- fee. sthat when the constitution of the church was adopted, Dr. Purser preached the sermon, from Jude, first chapter and twentieth verse-'Building up yourselves on your most holy faith Of the char ter members who were present that day. eighteen have gone to their reward some of them have moved away from Birmingham. and but three of them are still living at Avondaie as members ol this church.
 'The little church started.' Dr. Caffee continued his "reminiscences with three ministers as members. to give impetus to the work ahead-Rev. Hobson. young and devoted; Rev. Culbrite, religious and im- petuous, and good old Brother Fageard, sedate and full of the oldtime religion. After these ministers had witnessed our adoption of the constitution. covenant and a declaration of faith were read, an earnest prayer was offered, and the right hand of fellowship was extended.
 ''Thus was launched our church." said pr. Caffee. which has stood for the hest during these thirty-three years of exist ence The platform of the church Is strong and firm. the church covenant and declaration sublime in their intend and purpose"
 Frorn this heeirnine. whict' r-enAaea Nv several months the incarceration of the town, Dr. Caffee traced interestingly the development of the church when meet ings were held in homes and vacant store houses. As he reviewed the old times that are not so old, it seemed strange te picture the rickety mule cars that passed the wide-arched gateway of Avondal' Park, the scattered grocery stores alons ' te route, the humble frame building where the mission was organized, and tht one-room loghouse that served as some body's home where great, busy factor, now stands.
 FORMER PASTORS OF CHURCH
 Among the pastors who have notabl, served the congregation at Avondale. ant who. through their ministry. have hast ened the coming of this dedication day Dr Caffee mentioned the names of Rev H H. Shell, Rev. J. M. Green. Rev George T. Lee. Rev. R. M. Hunter am Rev L. M Bradley, who is at present pastor of a Baptist church at Selma.
 "Rev. W. F. Reeves, who has bee with us for the past two years, is smal of conservation who has the esteem Q the people" commented Dr. Caffee. whil he rejoiced that so many had served S ably and unselfishly during the days gon