50 Years Ago
October 1966
“Reaching Forward for Christ Through State Missions” was the theme of State Missions Day in Alabama on Oct. 30. Alabama Baptists were given the chance “as never before” to see the contribution that state missions has made and desires to make in “the overall picture of Southern Baptist world missions.” One million lost people in Alabama were the “prime responsibility of Alabama Baptists.”
R.B. Culbreath, pastor of Huffman Baptist Church, Birmingham, was 1 of 5 American clergymen selected by the Air Force to go on a preaching mission in the Far East. Culbreath was the only member of the group from the South and the only Baptist.
100 Years Ago
October 1916
The Alabama Baptist brought attention to Chas T. Lacy, of Ryland, a “worthy young man” who lost his eyesight. Lacy had a wife and a baby to support but because of his disability was left with no income and needed help. He had begun to work in magazine and newspaper subscriptions, and Baptists were encouraged to support the “unfortunate but worthy Christian gentleman” by giving their subscription business to him. The article reminded readers that what was done for people in need was in turn done for the Master.
Trinity Baptist Church called on Baptists of Alabama to help in the rebuilding of their church. The congregation had just celebrated completing their new church when a storm came through and swept away their building and crops. They had taxed themselves to the limit in building their much-needed church and were scarcely equipped to do the rebuild because they were small in number.
150 Years Ago
October 1866
The 12th session of Eufaula Association was held at Mount Zion Baptist Church. The amount of money gathered for missions exceeded $1,300. Expressions of sympathy were shared for Howard College in Birmingham still recovering from the war and also to support some young men at the college that were going into the ministry. Other associations and churches were encouraged to do the same. It was noted that Eufaula Association had taken unique initiative in electing a layman — W.W. Battle — for their presiding officer, and it was thought that other associations would do well to imitate this action. There was desire for more laymen to attend state convention meeting. A book on church architecture with plans and drawings, “simple and cheap,” was needed because of a wish to enlarge Sunday School rooms and to improve pulpits, seats and children’s accommodations.
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