The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-06
BESSEMER

Bessemer, February 5-(Special.) In the presence of hundreds of citi- zens who filled the entire seating ca paeity of the First Methodist church in Bessemer Sunday afternoon, fol- lowing program of exercises in which high tributes were paid him, Milton J. Brooks, president of the board of education head of the Ro- tary club, and a leading member of the First Baptist church, overcome with emotion, and deeply touched stirred the hearts of his hearers when in words of response he ac- cepted the Leggett loving cup awarded him as Bessemer's greatest benefactor during the year 1921.
 In accepting the gift MT. Brooks expressed appreciation to Mir Leg gett, to the board of judges and to the citizens for their demonstration of good will and approval, and de- clared that the joy of service was one of the greatest joys of life.
 Mother and Wife
 In this connection he paid beauti- full and touching tributes to his mothers prayers and influences. which he declared fitted him for any service for which he might be capa- ble; and to his wife's inspiration and encouragement of his efforts for service, which he felt made them sharers with him of the cup.
 He also paid high tribute to the members of the New Era Baraca class, of which he is teacher. who, numbering about 200 persons occupied conspicious seats in the as- sembly, their good fellowship being, he declared, an inspiration for high and true service.
 Impressive Exercises
 The exercises of the presentation of the cup which were In charge of George Woodrow, chairman of the board of judges. were impressive, conveying thoughts of a new kind of service abroad in the city.
 On the board of judges there was representative from the city. w. A. Simmons from the Kiwanis club, pr. P E. Gwin from the Rotary club, George Woodrow from the Culture club, Mrs. c. B. Lytle from the Wednesday Music club, Mrs. F. L. Huey.
 Each of these organizations were represented on the program. Mayor B. C. Jones made speech on behalf of the city and Dr. L. L. vann for the board of education and Prof. c. c. Moseley for the New Era Baraca class.
 Spirit of Service
 Mrs. c. B. Lytle, in fine tribute, offered the appreciation of the com munity to Mir. Leggett for his gen erosity, The speech of presentation was made by Mrs. E. l.. Huey, who extolled the spirit of service exhib- ited by MT. Brooks for the welfare of the, churches, schools and the young manhood of the city and for every civic betterment.
 The cup is beautiful one of silver. standing 23h inches high and mounted on base of ebony. In- scribed on one side are the words: "The Leggett loving cup awarded to Bessemer's greatest benefactor for year 1921, donated by J. w. Leggett, one who loves his fellow man." on the other side, 'Leggett loving cup, awarded to Milton J. Brooks, Besse- mer's greatest benefactor during the year 1921, leading all others in his ac- tivities for the betterment of the city along the lines of religions, or spir- itual philanthropy or charitable, edu- cationa1, civic His life motto: 'Serv- ice for Others.' Presented February 5. 1922"
 Music and songs, including selec- tions by David Nixon on violin, ac- companied by Miss Nellie Adams. and numbers by the Baraca class orches- tra and invocation by pr. Price and benediction by R. V. Stansell. com pleted the program of the afternoon.
 Obituary
 Funeral services for Robert Ma bry, an old and valued negro em- pIoye of the T. c. I. company in Bes semer, were held Sunday afternoon at Macedonia Baptist church. Inter- ment followed in Cedar Hill ceme- tery He had been in the employ of the company. it is stated, for about 35 years, and was held in the highest esteem by all the employees of the company.
 Announcements The Wednesday Music club will