First Baptist Church, Pell City
St. Clair Baptist Association
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 1:16
Favorite Hymn: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
Family Status: Married to Flora for 58 years; six children, Nancy, Ross, Julia, Mark, Vaughan and Melanie; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
After becoming a minister in 1952, David Bryant served bivocationally in several state Baptist churches, including Dry Valley Baptist, Lincoln; Seddon Baptist, Pell City; Cropwell Baptist; and Greensport Baptist, Ashville. He also led churches in Mississippi and Indiana. While ministering to churches, Bryant was also a teacher and principal until he retired in 1985. Despite being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a muscle and nerve disorder, in 1989, Bryant has been involved in community and civic organizations. He has volunteered at the voting polls and is district chaplain of the American Legion through which he helps students with the organization’s oratorical contest.
Q: How did you become a Christian?
A: During revival meetings, I felt the need to respond when the invitation was given, but I continued to hold on to the bench. When I was about 12 years old, during the invitation, Papa came to where I was standing, and we walked together to the altar where I made my commitment to Christ as my Savior and Lord.
Q: How were you called into ministry?
A: As I grew older, I felt the calling to the ministry. I mentioned that to Flora before we married. … Three years after we married, the call became very strong, and I made that known during the invitation at the revival at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, Cropwell, in 1952.
Q: Describe your teaching style.
A: I tried to promote, by example and teaching, strong personal values, home values and the responsibilities as citizens. … One week every year, I invited the community leaders in business, government and church pastors to speak to the students (and) teach the class about values, opportunities and responsibilities.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: At 85, my future is now. I am thankful each morning as I awaken. I can’t attend church regularly. My prayers are constantly for my family, those I have known in the churches and for my country. The Lord has blessed us with a great land, a great people (and) a great government. We all need to seek His will and, in the measure possible, be worthy of His blessings.
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