The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-05-09
M E N w o M E N
 A ND T HIN G s

va ANA SlCS A LcpIAbb OAAO1 hAAA CStNo Baptist, 1t fell to my lot to be enter tained in a Baptist home while in Ath- ems. and 1t was my good fortune to find that MT. and Mrs. Gray were to be my host and hostess.
 It meant that I was to be In close touch with my old friend, Perry Hen derson, one of the best types of Lime stones leading men. He was for IS years tax assessor and his son-in-law, with whom I stopped, is serving his fourth term in the same capacity, but Harry Walker told me eonfidentially that Mrs. Gray knew more about the of flee than her father and husband put together.
 It was nearly 20 years ago that first met Perry Henderson. T had been in- vited to come to Athens to preach for worshipping in the old courthouse. Upon my arrival I found out that a year or two back a few consecrated women and only one or two men had reorganized or revived the old Athens Baptist church which had practically become extinct.
 It seems that the church Is one of the l oldest in the denomination in Alabama, having celebrated its centennial re- gently; but the old brick building had cracked and become unsafe before the war and during the conflict had about been abandoned, as 1t was thought un- | safe to worship in it. The greater part of the male membership had been killed off or moved away.
 But while the Baptist light had grown dim it had not been completely extinguished and so little more than score of years ag6 faithful few pre- vailed on Dr. w.. Y. Quisenberry. who was then pastor of the New Decatur Baptist church, and man of remark able gifts as pastor-evangelist to come down and hold a meeting for them. The Presbyterians of Athens kindly lent their church for the services at the time and later at any time when not in use by them for their regular worship.
 few were converted In the meet ing and the nucleus for the re-estab- lishment of the church were two good women who came in by letter while others came In under the watch care of the church, while still others came in on profession of faith. It was a little band of less than 20 souls, but in the number were '"elect ladies" and devout men who had made up their minds to have Baptist church.
 am not writing this from sectarian standpoint, for I would be Just as glad to set out the facts about any other de- nomination had they fallen under my observation. The point I am trying to bring out being that in every town where there are a few loyal men and women who wish to worship God after the dictates of their own consciences and in the manner they like best 1t is possible for them to have church of their own. I daresay that what I am telling about the Baptists could easily De found to be true in many instances of other religious bodies in Alabama.
 
 am able to give the details because have been practically in touch with the church from it's rebirth. After some time as guests of the Presbyterians. the little band decided to rent hall and it was done. Then when few more were added n aa1,,I rI,ix, l4- best to use the courthouse I well re- member preaching to the faithful wom- en and earnest men from the judges bench. l took stock of those who con stituted the church and felt that they had small chance to realize their dreams or having church building of their own.
 In religion as in secular affairs, the world belongs to those who dare. talked over the matter with the leaders aIter the service, and in spite of the many obstacles they had set their wills to bring about the thing of their hearts desire It was a great adventure in 1alth, backed up with & spirit of self sacrifice which in the end won It is sald that God and one good man is a majority in any community. If this be true, and 1t Is, how much truer is it
 
 ship is strengthened when unto the man IS added some good women.
 In the case of which I am speaking, I think the members will readily concede that the man who stood with God in Athens for the Baptist church from the reorganization until now in a peculiar sense was Perry Henderson. Others came to his help and to the help of the good women until today the little hand iul or members has grown into great oody and worships in modern, up-to oate church which is paid for, and in- stead of receiving aid as it had to do for some years from the state mission board, is large contributor to all of the denominational enterprises. Having given these facts, do you wonder then that it was a great privi- lege and pleasure for me to preach to the Athens Baptist church on last Sun day night. As I stood from the van tage point of the pulpit I looked into the eyes of men and women to whom the church was their spiritual home in very intimate way, for most of them had made it the subject of their pray CTS and the object of their gifts. I'll not tell of all the pastors, but will state that three of my intimate friends have done great work in the Athens Baptist church. I speak of A. A. Hutto and Clay l. Hudson. and the present pastor, Jerome Williams. It's great thing for pastor and people to love one another in the way I found it to be the case on my recent visit. Brother Will Hams had just closed a gracious meet ing in Athens and was away conducting revival services in Kentucky. I there fore missed him. but was gratified at the good things said about him, not