It was in 1886, I think, in the most trying period of our history, that Dr. Purce was unexpectedly called (upon the resignation of Dr. E. M. Brawley) to assume the presidential office in the Selma University. The school was burdened with $7,000 of debt, its credit was about gone, its debtors were impatient, its supporters divided, and denominational strife was at white heat. The former president was not only a peculiarly brilliant and cultured man, but had enjoyed special advantages looking toward fitness for the presidential chair. Many feared for Mr. Purce. However, it was thought by some that caution and economy were the special characteristics called for by existing conditions. We needed a man who could shun the strife of factions, keep cool under severe pressure, and cause the school’s expenses to drop below its income. Some who had watched Mr. Purce, were willing to trust him with the difficult duties of this trying hour, and the writer records with much pleasure, that he kept clear of the quarrels, and meanwhile did much to remove the debt by putting the school on plain and well regulated fare. Dr. Purce has done the Baptists of Alabama very praiseworthy service, not only as an educator, but as an example in the matter of school management; and those who follow him will profit by heeding his caution and economy. And, to his honor it may be said, we have had no president who has been more generally loved by the school. Pyles, Rev. Carter, of Oxford, Ala., born in Talladega county, Alabama, December 15, 1845, of Christian parents. He was baptized in 1865 by Rev. Mr. Jenkins, a white minister, who devoted much of his time to evangelical work among the colored people. In 1876 he was officially set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by the Rev. Mr. Jenkins, William Taylor and B. Snow. Mr. Pyles is among the leading men of the Snow Creek Association. His pastorates at Jacksonville, Choccolocco and other points prove him to be a leader of ability. He is now undertaking a new work at Oxanna, Ala. Rivers, Rev. E. C., of Talladega, Ala., was born January 5, 1847. He is the eldest son of Mr. Edward and Mrs. H. J. Rivers, two very worthy old citizens of Talladega. In his twenty-fourth year he was married to Miss Jane Moore, of Talladega, by whom he has a large family of children. He has a fair English education, having attended the Talladega College for parts of five sessions. In 1867 he united with the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Talladega, and was baptized by the late Rev. Phil. Davis. He was called to ordination by the Salem Baptist Church in 1884, Revs. J. P. Barton and Moses Colly officiating in the rites. He is an industrious, prudent man, and has accumulated property worth $3,000 or $4,000. At this time he is the moderator of the Rushing Springs Association, over which he has presided with dignity for several years. He is a model citizen and substantial man, sociable and aspiring.