We take pleasure in stating that we have known the bearer of
this letter, Rev. Wilson Northcross for a number of years, and
that he is a conscientious, intelligent colored man of good
character. He has been pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church
of this place since the war, having been instrumental in
building the church, and always has made a good citizen. We
believe him in every way worthy of the respect and confidence of
his people.
Fox Delony, Judge of Probate
Jas. H. Simpson, Circuit Clerk
Chas. A. Simpson, Deputy Clerk
W.H. Sawtelle
Max Lueddemann
The following resolution was adopted by the church which I pastored
thirty years:
Resolved, That Rev. W.E. Northcross, our pastor, is a good,
moral, Christian man. He has been our pastor for thirty years,
and we can truthfully say that he teaches in all things by
example as well as by precept.
--TUSCUMBIA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
The history of this church has undergone many changes, but they all
worked for its betterment. At the close of the Civil war the few members
went from brush arbor to brush arbor for three years. Then they held
services in gin houses and under shelters for two years and six months.
Then as the church was growing rapidly, they thought best to draw out,
buy a lot, and build to themselves. So they bought a lot for what they
paid fifty dollars ($50.) and erected a five hundred dollars ($500.)
building thereon in which to worship the Lord. So the church continued
to grow until it now has a membership of nine-hundred, a splendid brick
edifice worth about six thousand dollars ($6,000.) and a thriving
congregation. The church has never had but one pastor, and I have been
as faithful as a clock. Through me (Rev. W.E. Northcross) the church was
built, and I have ever since held high the Baptist doctrine throughout
North Alabama.