[Illustration: Rev. W. R. Pettiford, D. D., President Penny Savings and Loan Co., President Alabama Publishing Co., Birmingham, Ala.] _Pastors._--It appears that the following brethren served the church at different times in the capacity of pastor: Revs. D. Reynolds, S. Boils, D. Peeples, W. H. McAlpine, Phil. Davis, A. Lawler, and Jordan Chapman. The origin of this church is full of suggestion. It shows that in spite of the brutalizing influences of the horrible institution of slavery, humanity and Christianity in the master often triumphed in deeds of love and mercy in behalf of the helpless slave. The memory of such men as Mr. Jenkins inscribed upon such times will be fragrant forever. The plantation to which the above named lot belonged has changed hands several times, but this lot is fixed on the records as the property of the African Church. Honorable mention is made of Rev. Chesley Johnson and Joe Walker. The latter, it is said, was allowed to give Bible lessons on his master’s plantation. The manliness which characterizes Mr. Henry Barclay (Mr. Walker’s son) and other descendants, marks Mr. Walker’s rare talent. SANDY RIDGE ASSOCIATION. Organized in 1887, is composed of the following churches: _Burnesville Post Office_--Lily Zion and Lily Grove. _Selma_--St. James, New Liberty, Cahaba, and Elyton. _Vine Hill_--Pleasant Grove and Mt. Pilgrim. _Stateville_--New Mt. Moriah, Autaugaville, New Hope, Pleasant Valley, and St. Paul. _Jones’ Switch_--New Providence. _Augustine_--Oak Grove. Revs. A. Clay, J. and E. Mixom, M. Bishop, H. W. Peeples, and E. W. Deampart are mentioned among their leading men. Their church property is reported at $8,000. SALEM ASSOCIATION. Organized in 1871, is a small body in southeast Alabama. I have been unable to obtain data from this body. I learn that they have churches at the following points: Brundidge, Clintonville, Enterprise, and Cox Mills. SHELBY SPRINGS ASSOCIATION. Was organized in 1869. Rev. Berry Ware, it seems, was one of its leading founders. They have a membership of about 3,000. They have some excellent men, among whom may be mentioned: Revs. B. M. Mallory, F. Youngblood, H. D. Leathers, of Childersburg; Rev. D. L. Prentice, Aldrich; Rev. J. P. Barton, Talladega; Rev. E. E. Perryman, Helena; Revs. G. R. Nash, F. R. Kenedy, B. F. Singleton, and P. Caddell, Columbiana; Rev. F. Cahill, Harpersville; Revs. J. L. Looney and P. Fancher, Fayetteville; Revs. W. C. Owens and J. H. Moseley, Calera. The minutes of 1890 give the following post offices and churches: