Joseph H. Harris Remembers Roanoke Methodist Church, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/jhhwrites.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= August 2002 THE PAST RECALLED ------------------------------ MR EDITOR: Your recent account of the dedication of the Methodist church at Roanoke was interesting, and marked a great day in Roanoke, but it was not the only great day Methodism has had in Roanoke. July 24, 1881, was a memorable day in Roanoke. On that day the THEN new Methodist church was paid for, and your father [Rev. John B. STEVENSON] was the presiding elder of the LaFayette District, and Rev M L WHITTEN was preacher in charge of the Roanoke Circuit. Roanoke was then part of the Roanoke Circuit. Both of those great and good men were happy, as the church was declared “free of debt.” Both after seering faithfully the Master, have “fallen on sleep” and have been gathered home. The day before (Saturday) of this memorable event the writer dined with Capt [Wm. A.] HANDLEY, and the latter was much interested in the collection that was to be taken the next day to liquidate the debt. Time brings many changes in its onward flight, and this truth is very marked in the history of your town. I doubt if any town in Alabama of the size of Roanoke has superior church buildings than the Baptists and Methodists have. I write, Mr Editor, as though I had seen the two new churches, but I haven’t. I am drawing my conclusions from what the Bishop and Bro ANDERSON SAID and you WROTE about the new Methodist church, and what Bro ANDERSON once said of the Baptist church. The occasion of which I began to write was a district conference, and the good people of Roanoke were vieing with each other as to who would be the most hospitable in entertaining the conference. Bro’s J H RADNEY and F P RANDLE were prominent then as lay delegates to the conference, as well as other good and true men who have “fallen on sleep” and have gone to their reward. I recall, too, “old Bro [Wm. D.?] MICKLE,” who was ripe for the change when it came; he too is at home with the pure and good. But, Mr Editor, if I give vent to my reminiscent mood my letter will be too long. Your Leader, Mr Editor, leads well on moral issues, and it is a fit sheet for any home and fireside. It is usual the first of the New Year to send greetings and good wishes, and I fine it in my heart to say, personally to you, that your life may be useful in your vocation, and may Roanoke “bloom and blossom as a rose” under the banner the people have raised for sobriety, good homes and true happiness. J H HARRIS [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 22 Jan 1908, p.2] ---------- The Roanoke Leader article detailing the 59th wedding anniversary celebration (1918) of Major and Mrs. Joseph H. HARRIS can be found in the Randolph County marriage archives.