Dougherty County GaGenweb Archives - Dr. W. Raleigh White 1942

Submitted by Debra Boswell Crosby http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002467

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Albany Herald  Wednesday, Dec 30, 1942

"Dr. White Dies After Long Illness - Funeral to Be Held Friday"

Dr. W. Raleigh White, beloved pastor of the First Baptist Church for 13 years, 
died at his home on North Jefferson yesterday afternoon after an illness of
about 3 months.
Doctor White had a long and active career in the ministry. He had his first church
before he had finished school. He was born in Askewville, N. C. on June 1, 1881, 
and finished public school in Windsor, N. C. He taught piano and voice at Bethel
Hill and at Leaksville, N. C. for five years. In 1908, Doctor White entered 
Richmond University where he continued to teach piano and voice. He graduated
in 1911 and during his three years at Richmond University was a student pastor
at Denbigh, Va.
On September 30, 1911, Doctor White was married to Elnora Rowe Young. In December
of the same year he was called to the Calvary Baptist Church in Newport News. Va.
He entered Theology Seminary at Louisville, Ky., in 1912 and during his three years
there, served as student pastor of the Campbellsville, Ky. Baptist Church, later
moving to Campbellsville. While there he was responsible for the construction 
of their church.
In 1916, the Whites moved from Campbellsville and Doctor White took over the pastorate
of the Ashboro Street Baptist Church, Greensboro, N. C., where he remained until 1920.
He was made pastor of the First Baptist Church in Lake City, Fla. where he
served until 1923 when he went to Plant City, Fla. where he remained until 1930.
Doctor White served a notable ministry as pastor of the First Baptist Church here.
Coming to Albany from Plant City in February, 1930, he began a pastorate under which
the local church has prospered greatly. From year to year it's membership has increased
and it's field of influence broadened. It's Sunday School and Church societies grew
in number and their activities reached out into the whole community. Doctor White was
always in touch with these activities. He was largely their inspiration and his work 
as a Christian leader reached far beyond his own church and congregation. He was 
active in the community's civic life and always a fine spirit in strengthening and
advancing the better interests not only of Albany but of neighboring communities.
He was a greatly beloved man and he served the First Baptist Church longer than
any pastor in it's history.
Through his efforts the church now has a paid secretary, and a huge debt ammounting to
about $35,000 has been cleared. He started an annual class of colored Baptist preachers
several years ago. Two years ago, the Southside Mission Church was dedicated. this church
was erected through the work of Doctor White. The church now has a full time Sunday
school and a half time preacher and is making a great deal of progress under his
leadership. 
Doctor White served for some years as moderator of the Mallory Baptist Association and 
served in various capacities on the executive committee for the Georgia Baptists.
Doctor White is survived by his wife, a daughter, Mrs. J. M. Hawley, of Columbus;
two brothers, William J. White and Rhodes C. White of Askewville, N. C.; three 
sisters, Mrs. J. C. White, Norfolk, Va., Mrs. P. N. White, Windsor, N. C. and Mrs. 
Sallie Harden Askewville, N. C. and two granddaughters, Carolyn Elizabeth and
Dorothy Jo Hawley of Columbus.
The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the First Baptist Church.
Dr. J. Harrison Griffin, of Deland, Fla. will conduct the service.
Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.
The following deacons of the church will serve as pall bearers; J. W. Parker, E. L.
Smith, L. R. Ferrell, E. H. Heidt, R. B. Wills, S. C. Walden, H. M. Mills, and J. C.
Findley.
The Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
The body of Doctor White will lie in state in the First Baptist Church from 3 o'clock
Thursday to 3 o'clock Friday afternoon.