Birmingham Southern College - Southern Accent Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

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Rev. Z. A. Parker, D. D, An Appreciation by Frank W. Brandon. ON THE 19th day of March, 1851, Zachariah A. Parker was born on his father ' s farm in Giles count} ' , near Pulaski, Tenn. When he was a boj ' he was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; and ever afterwards he was zealous in her work and jealous of all her interests. He was educated at the Wesleyan University, in Florence, Ala., and at the Emory and Henry College in Virginia. Leaving College, he was licensed to preach at Florence when he was only twenty years old. This was in the year 187 1. Dr. Hardie Brown was the pastor, and Rev. Joel W. Whitten was the presiding elder. In the fall of this same year the North Alabama Annual Conference was held in Florence, and, making application for membership, young Parker was received on trial as a traveling preacher. The sainted Bishop Pierce was the president of the body. Two 3-ears later this young preacher was ordained deacon in Tuscaloosa, and four years later he was ordained elder in Huntsville b) Bishop Doggett. Dr. Parker served the following charges as pastor; in 1S72 he was at Waterloo Jet,, in 1734-4 3-t Matison Sta., in 1876 at Madison and Triana, in 1877 at Madison Jet., in 1878 at Vallej ' Sta., in 1879-81 at Tuscumbia Sta., in 1882-4 t Gadsden Sta., in 1885 at South Birmingham, and in 1886 at Talladega Sta. As pastor Dr. Parker was faithful. He was tireless in his work. No sick or sorrowing were ever overlooked by him or neglected. He was never idle. As long as there was anything to be done he was up and doing. I dare say no pastor among us is more alert and active than was he. He had a big heart, and entered into deep sympathy with his 21

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Senior Class Song Tune, Auld Lang Syne. Shall N, A. C. C. be forgotten And class of Nineteen six ! Should N. A. C. C. be forgot And all our merry tricks ? CHORUS. For N. A. C. C. boys we ' ll be For N. A. C. C.-See; We ' ll drink a draught of thoughtfulness For N. A. C. C.-See ! Professor Howard makes us work, And Hammond does the same; Slay ton allows no sort of fun, And Norton is sho ' dead game. Elliott, he thrashes fri.sky subs. And Turner makes them mind; Acton, he stands oS and judges, What if these kids were mine ! We ' ve crammed our brains with Greek and Math. French and Geology; We ' ll now impart to the waiting world The gems of the N. A. C. C. 20

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people. Onlj ' those intimate with him could appreciate the tenderness of his heart. Unbrother- liness never found place in his bosom. Malice was never cherished there. His soul was all sun- shine. He beamed on those who frowned on him, and persistently blessed them who cursed him. It was mj ' privilege to be very close to Dr. Parker. He opened his heart to me. And I often observed that he would not speak ill of a brother even when he was reviled. He had im- plicit and childlike faith and trust in God. The North Alabama Conference has never had a more effective preacher than was Dr. Parker. Possibly there were some who were more exact in their scholarship; possibly, some who were pro founder students of theology; possibly, some who employed a greater refinement of dictation; but for clear, forceful, convincing presentation of Gospel truth, he had no superior among his contemporaries in the Conference. His was a great and generous soul and extraordi- nary was his genius in adapting the Gospel message to the needs of the people whom he served. From April i, i8S6 to April i, 1894 Dr Parker was the superintendant of the American Bible Society in Alabama and Florida. In every quarter of this great territory there are testi- monials of the wisdom and fidelity of his supervision. With conspicious energy and ability he maintained and built up the interest. He traveled much through his territory. He covered the field. The Bible interests have never been presented more strongly in Alabama and Florida. In 1895 Dr. Parker was made presiding elder of the Guntersville District and was making a model Elder when he was called to the Presidency of the Athens Female College. This College was never more widely advertised thati it was under his administration. And he attracted girls from far and near to its halls, and I think that this historic Institution has rarely, if ever, enjoyed a greater degree of prosperity than during the years of his incumbency. For, though he made large gifts personally to the College, his administration was a financial success. In June, 1898, Dr. Parker was elected the President of the North Alabama Conference College. It was indeed fitting that he should be the first President of this Institution. His hardihood pectiliarly qualified him for the delicate and dangerous position. Besides he had shown his interest in improvement of the facilities for the education of the 3 ' outh of Alabama. While the two Conferences in the State were jointly interested in the maintenance of the South- ern University, no man did more for this honored Institution. For it he talked and preached and