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HENRY CLAY HEAD


The Baptist denomination of West Virginia has drawn heavily from the States to the South of her for leaders in the pulpit. Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama have all sent their sons to West Virginia. One of the Alabama boys, who is now doing notable work at the capital city of the State is Rev. Henry Clay Head, pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Charleston. He was born in Green County, Ala., on February 13, 1880, and grew to manhood in that State. His parents were Henry and Lena Head. Young Head grew up on the farm and was accustomed to all the work which a boy is supposed to do on a Southern farm. He went to the public schools for his early education. Later he pursued his studies under the direction of the Moody Bible Institute, which so many ministers, young and old, have found so helpful.

Mr. Head's religious experience began with his conversion when he was a youth still on the farm. Along with his conversion came the realization that his work in life must be that of preaching the Gospel. He joined the Morning Star Baptist Church at Mulga, but put off for some time what he knew was the call to preach. He was licensed on September 19, 1909, and ordained to the full work of the ministry on July 17, 1910.

On October 7, 1912, Mr. Head married Miss Estella Weits, of Florence, Ala., who was a teacher before her marriage. They have three children, Lena Mae, Ernestine and Charlie Belle Head.

Mr. Head's first regular pastorate was the Macedonia Baptist Church, where he preached for three years and a half and erected a house of worship. He went from there to Lafollett, Tenn., preached there three and a half years and for a part of the time there served also the church at Mountain Ashe, Ky., and at Westbon, Tenn. His next move brought him to West Virginia. His first pastorate in this State was at Holden, where he preached for five years and erected a new house of worship. In 1921, he went from Holden to his present work, which is prospering under his hand. Preparation is being made for the building of a new church. In addition to his regular pastoral work, Mr. Head has been in demand for revival work, at which he has been successful.

In politics he is a Republican, and among the secret and benevolent orders, belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows and Pythians. His favorite reading after the Bible is history.

He believes the outstanding need of the race today may be summed up in two words, "Education and business."


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