Happy 138th Birthday Dr. John A. Davis

Dr. John A. Davis in the late 1920s

On Monday, August 7, 1871 John Adelbert Davis entered the world. Today, Friday, August 7, 2009 marks 138 years since he entered this world. He was born in very humble surrounding in the area around Afton, NY on Melondy Hill. Today is also a day we set aside to lift up the needs to of college which he founded in 1900. Look at the previous post for certain things you can lift up in prayer to the throne of God.

To learn more about the life of John A. Davis read the series of posts from the 1934 Theologue listed on the side bar beginning with the post:

1934 Theologue: The story of John A. Davis Part 1: "In the Beginning"

Monday marks 119 years since John A. Davis and his parents were Baptized .

First Baptist of Afton, NY as it looks today

On Sunday, January 26, 1890 at the First Baptist church in Afton, NY an 18 year old John Adelbert Davis was baptized. The previous month in December of 1889 an evangelist campaigned had been held in the village and John went forward and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. The Reverend B. Stone, a former pastor of Afton, came and baptized John A. Davis and his parents Charles and Hulda(h) Davis (who had never been baptized) along with ten others.

It amazes me how God used John in the creation of a Bible school only 10 years later in the summer of 1900 at the age of 28.

1934 Theologue: The Story of John A. Davis Part 3: "And the Word of the Lord Came unto Him Saying, Arise"

I hope you have been enjoying this series about the life of John A. Davis from the 1934 Theologue. I enjoyed reading it as I typed it up. Here is part 3 of the series.

If you missed the first two parts you can read them here on the blog:

Part 1
Part 2

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III.

“And The Word of the Lord Came unto Him Saying, Arise.”

Jonah 1: 1 and 2

Changing fortuning led John A. Davis to take up residence in Binghamton, N. Y., where he received employed in one the large dry goods stores, then know as Fowler, Dick and Walker, or the Boston Store. He steadily developed and became a very efficient salesman. Rather than have a customer wait, he was often found pleasing three or four at the same time. The proprietor said “John sold more goods in his department than any other one had before or has since.” Whatever he did, he did well, putting his whole energy into it to make a successful and worthwhile work of it. He believed, “What is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.”

The Main Street Baptist Church about this time was newly organized and had many enthusiastic, consecrated young men in its membership, who were on the lookout for every new member possible and for an opportunity for service. They took a keen interest in the newcomer, John A. Davis, and invited him to their services, and especially to the Christian Endeavor meetings, where he became very active. A revival spirit broke out among the young people and they were led into a desire for active service where they might witness for the Lord. The opportunity opened by going out to school houses in the surrounding country on Sunday afternoons to conduct services. One young man invited Davis to go, and so insistent was he that John consented. This particular Sunday proved to be one of the most important of Mr. Davis’ life. As they were walking to the service the suggestion was made for a prayer meeting preparatory to the work before them. The new member of the party wondered where they might have this meeting as a no building was in sight. One person pointed to an apple tree in a nearby field. This was a new proposition to John for he had never before offered an audible prayer. One after another prayed and he knew it would soon be his turn, so sentences were formulated in his mind, but when was time for him to pray, the prayer could not be recalled. At that very second a heart and life was consecrated to God. The Holy Spirit was given opportunity to come in and infill him. From this time on, never was he hesitant to pray, testify, do personal work, nor did people have to look around to find him for service for he was always ready. Someone has said, “Prayer is the hinge on which the door of opportunity swings.”

Monday morning as he entered the store, a marked change was seen in his life. During the remainder of his stay in the store he dealt with the clerks concerning their soul’s salvation, and as he waited on customers he did personal work. He withstood much ridicule from many and he was called by some “The Preacher,” but never once did he give up.

He went back to Afton and had services on the street corner; spoke to individuals in the home, on the street, anywhere in order to witness for his Lord. Most always he was seen with the Bible under his arm. In spare hours were devoted to Bible study, conducting meetings, and seeking opportunities to lead men to the Lord Jesus Christ. He was being used so marvelously in the work that people suggested that he devote his whole life to that of being a fisher of men, but he waited the definite leading of the Holy Spirit.

After much prayer and consideration, Mr. Davis felt a definite call to train for Christian service and to get a better knowledge of the Word of God. He resigned his position as clerk, which everyone thought was unwise choice because of his great success thus far in a business career. Through acquaintance and association with men from Chicago Evangelization Society, he decided to make application there as a student. When he was asked how he was going to get there, he replied, “By trusting God.” At the close of his last day of his last day of work at the store, all the clerks were summoned to the basement. At this time they presented him with a purse of money. In spite of the mockery and scoffing at his Christian life every person was saddened by his departure and bowed humbly and thanked God for the blessing he had been in each of their lives.

On April 19, 1893, Mr. Davis enrolled as a student of the Chicago Evangelization Society. It was the year of the World’s Fair at Chicago. This year was probably one of the greatest in the history of that institution. Mr. Moody made plans far in advance and secured men such as Dr. A. J. Gordon, Dr. John McNeil, Dr. R. A. Torrey and scores of others to speak and sing during this great exposition. In this way the students came in contact with these world-famed men. Meetings were held in large tents, theatres, public halls and churches, giving students opportunity for personal evangelism throughout the Exposition period.

Mr. Davis, like many other students, was not able to pay his way through school, and so had to work. His first employment was scrubbing floors, and later waiting on tables in the dining room. Because of his alertness, he was given the honor and privilege of waiting on D. L. Moody and his guests. This was the crowning point in Mr. Davis’ education because he observed Moody’s methods and characteristics. The things learned here were basic in the very principles carried out in his own work.

At the closing of the World’s Fair and the great evangelist campaign, he left school on September 7, 1893, and started on his way home. This he did voluntarily to enter evangelistic work. He stopped at Kalamazoo, Michigan for a few days. During his stay he held services in one of the city churches. He was on fire for God and a real revival broke out and he was urged to continue. He stayed four weeks, during which many made confession of Christ and the crowds became so great that the edifice could not accommodate them.

Without doubt this was God’s approval of his work and he realized his call was to preach the Gospel. But the times of testing came; temptation was to feel it had been a mistake to leave business; also that he was too young and with too little education. God’s hand was guiding. A definite call came from China, New York, to conduct an evangelistic campaign there. He prayed that if God wanted him in this work, He would give unusual results in this field. God marvelously blessed. Many a soul was reclaimed and saved. Continually invitations for meetings came from other places including Hancock, Deposit, and Binghamton, New York. Also an unsolicited call came from the First Baptist Church of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, to be its pastor.

Mr. Davis, however, found time in his busy schedule to keep in correspondence with a young lady whom he loved. On June 19, 1894, he and Miss Etta Carr were united in marriage, and two hearts were bound together by God with a united purpose to be of service to Him.

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Coming up part 4: What Wonders God Hath Wrought

1934 Theologue: The story of John A. Davis Part 2: "Ye Must be Born Again"

A couple of days again I started a new series with the 1934 Theologue. It is a 10 part series from the year Dr. Davis passed away. Here is part 2 of the 10 part series: John A. Davis--Ambassador for Christ. Enjoy.

To read Part 1 click here.
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II.

“Ye Must be Born Again”

John 3:7

Upon entering the village, life was to have a new environ. There were new conditions to contend with and new acquaintances to be made.

With the change came the advantages of a better school life. From a rural school to Afton Academy was an advancing step.

Here he continued his education until he was about sixteen years of age. He was always recognized a good student, alert and quick.

Although John was very fond of sports, he cared little for hunting or fishing like many other lads. Baseball was his chief game and he was found very active in this sport. Hours were spent on the field playing. One time he tried to join the town team but because of smallness of stature was not accepted. He decided because of this, to organize a team among the school fellows. He became the best players on the team and later captain and manager. While playing at Vallonia Springs, midway between Sanford and Afton, an interesting incident occurred. Mr. Justus Carr, a member of the band which was often present, as the games were well attended, went from his home in Nineveh Junction to this particular contest and was accompanied by his daughter Etta. John was playing and was injured in sliding to a base. He was carried from the field to the spring house and laid on a bench.

The crowd gathered about the place to get a view of the injured lad. He laid in a white baseball suit that was stained with blood. Among those anxious for a better view was this twelve year old girl from Nineveh Junction. When she saw the wounded boy her sympathies were aroused and expressed audibly. However, a year later she too, moved to Afton and there developed a friendship between them which with the advancing years, grew into that unfaltering love which continued through all the trials of the busy years and even through the somber sunset hours.

Frequently Afton had special holidays and usually large crowds came. The merchants built stands in front of their stores to display their wares. These days were busy ones for clerks and merchants alike. On one occasion like this while rushed with business, A. T. England, had such a stand in the driveway at the side of his store. Young John, who had a great liking for parades, was standing in the store door at a vantage point, from which he could see over the heads of the people and enjoy the occasion. Mr. England was only able to attend to those at the stand so called to young Davis, “John, get into the store and get busy.” This was the beginning of a clerkship that lasted as long as the young man remained in Afton. The reports of this work with A. T. England revealed an industrious young man, pleasing the customers, and building up his employer’s business. While not busy, otherwise, he was putting the stock in order. His energy and earnestness was observed by other merchants with the result that other positions were offered him. However, the clerk was true to his employer. He was a steadfast, loyal worker for whom other offers, even with financial advantages, had no attraction.

John and his parents began attending the Baptist church at this time.

During the holiday season of 1889 the village was stirred by an evangelistic campaign, conducted by two student preachers, one being F. H. Devine from Colgate University, and the other W. J. Sholar of Hamilton Theological Seminary. They alternated in preaching. At this time John was in his later teens. From the very beginning of the meetings he showed great interest and attended regularly. The Truth as given by these tow faithful student evangelists seemed to grip him. Finally, he decided it was the right and manly thing to accept Christ as his Savior and take his stand in the Christian life. He believed that “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” –John 3:3. He responded to the invitations of the evangelists, first, to be prayed for, and then to the more appealing one, to accept Jesus Christ as a personal Saviour. His confession testimony was: While I have no special feelings, I am glad to give myself to Christ.”

Going forth from the church, he went to his home with the determination to live a different life. His very nature made his a zealot. The results began to appear in his influence and efforts on others. He had a passion for souls, a passion that vitalized faith, banished doubt, developed experience, and gave poise to knowledge and reason.

On the following morning as he was putting the usual display out in the front of the England store, the editor of the “Afton Enterprise,” Mr. Nelson Barton, called John to the opposite of the street, extended his hand and said, “That was a noble stand you took last night.” This brought such encouragement to his heart that he went back to work with a greater desire and determination to live a life that would tell for Christ.

A few Sundays following this decision, January 26, 1890, a former pastor, Rev. B. Stone of Walton returned to Afton to have a baptismal service for those desiring to follow their Lord into baptism and join the church. Among those in this class were John A. Davis, his father and mother, who had never been immersed in baptism, and ten others.

In spite of his leadership in some things John was very timid and retiring about taking part in service. He was faithful in attendance and to all obligation, but when opportunity was given for a testimony meeting he was rather backward and shy. Sometimes, however, he would muster courage to testify in the Christian Endeavor Society. He gradually grew into active service in this church, especially among the young people.

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Coming up Part 3- And The Word of the Lord Came unto Him Saying, Arise.

1934 Theologue: The story of John A. Davis Part 1: "In the Beginning"

I am beginning a new series. This will be a 10 part series from the 1934 Theologue. I started typing this up a while ago, and now I have finished typing up the 10 part series. I have been told by Pastor Wheeler and Ruth Kummerer that Dr. Wagner arranged this in a very short time after the death of Dr. Davis on Saturday, March 17, 1934. Ira Weyhe was one of the heads from the class for the Theologue though I am not sure who did the research for the well crafted series. Some of it looks like it was taken from A God Enthused Man, but that book only went to 1907 or so. I will do a post about that in the future. The following is the Foreword from the 1934 Theologue followed by PART 1: "In the Beginning" of a 10 part series entitled: John A. Davis--Ambassador for Christ. Enjoy the series.

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Foreword

The seventeenth of March, 1934, witnessed one of the most important events to happen in the history of the Practical Bible Training School. Upon this date Dr. John A. Davis, President and Founder of the institution passed away.

Since Dr. Davis’ death a feeling of inquiry as to the facts of his life has developed. In view of this fact, and in appreciation of this historic event the Senior Year Book, “The Theologue” has this year devoted a huge section of its space to an authenticated and informative life story of this great and beloved Christian educator.

We prayerfully hope that it may prove to be a blessing and an inspiration to all who read it. We trust that they may, through a perusal of the same, catch a glimpse of the indomitable will, tireless energy, and splendid courage of this noble Christian leader.

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I.

“IN THE BEGINNING”

Gen. 1:1

On Melandy Hill, between Afton and North Sanford, New York, there is a farm. The water on the east of which flows into the Delaware River on the northwest into the Susquehanna River. Here in a small farmhouse there lived a fine Godly couple, Charles A. Davis and his loyal wife. They were highly respected through the entire region and had a large circle of friends. They always were recognized as fine neighbors and ready helpers. Mr. Davis had two outstanding principals in life, the one born of his love for God—Christianity; and the other born of his service as a faithful soldier in the Civil War—patriotism.

It was in this Melandy Hill farmhouse, John A. Davis was born on August 7, 1871. Few people knew of that birth, but many thousands, the world over were made to feel the influence of his life’s work. He, and his younger and only brother, Alonzo F. Davis, while yet very small had many responsibilities of the farm and home to carry.

From his earliest life, he had a great inclination toward things of a religious nature; and he was of strong determination. The incident is told of a time when he had been visiting friends, whose custom it was to ask the blessing before partaking of a meal. In his own home, this had been permitted to fall into disuse. The first meal after his entry again into the family circle, the others started eating as usual without returning thanks. John asked, “Papa, why don’t you say something?” At first the father tried to pass it off and endeavored to get John to eat his dinner. But the little fellow stubbornly refused to eat until his wish had been complied with and the blessing asked.

For some time the people of North Sanford and vicinity united in church worship alternating between the Methodist and Union Community Church. The Sunday School session was held in the same place that the worship of the day was carried on. The Davis family was very faithful in church attendance, but on some occasions the parents were not able to be present. At the very early age John was placed upon the back of a horse by the parents and thus rode to Sunday School. After the service was over some one would again put him on the horse for the home journey of three moles. When circumstances would not permit him to attend Sunday School he would get his mother’s button bag, remove the buttons, put them on the chairs about the room for his congregation and begin preaching to them. For two years, between the ages of eight and ten, he had a perfect attendance at Sunday School.

The fundamentals of his education were secured in a district school, which he attended until about the age of twelve years. Part of this time he was under the instruction of Miss Russell, a woman of excellent Christian character, who instilled many truths in the hearts of the children under her care. The impressions made upon John at this time followed him through life.

The man who was the fist to take him to school has said, “He was a nervous little fellow.” The boy full of life was ready for sports and he gave evidence of tact and leadership in spite of his being small in stature and physically weak. There were more than overbalanced by his ability to master problems and lead others. Often he was seen with a group of playmates whom he had formed into regiments of soldiers with toy guns or sticks over their shoulders. These childhood characteristics followed him through life.

He showed executive ability and had a great faculty for setting others to work and securing benefits from them. The following anecdote proves this trait in life. “In John’s play with others they would often build stone houses. Much time, so John thought, was lost in digging the cellars for thee play houses. Among his pets was a dog. He early discovered that the dog was a good ‘ratter’ and John would take a stick, scratch it on the ground and call ‘Mice! mice!” The dog would dig into the soft earth and John would get cellars nearly dug by the efforts of the dog, who would often dig until his nose was raw.”

Aside from executive ability and leadership, he was very enthusiastic. Much of the work on the farm was done by him. The lad would start from home with eggs and vegetables to the neighboring village. Going from house to house selling his products, he would return home with the money earned; saving it to help pay off the farm debt.

All through his life this community about North Sanford held a dear palace in his heart. In 1922 the village organized a day of renewal of acquaintance and festivity called “Old Home Day.” Every year he made it a habit to attend. With the revival of interest in civil affairs and a desire to improve the appearance of the village, through discussion at beautified and developed, and to it was given the name “The John A. Davis Park” as a tribute to the farm boy of Melandy Hill, who had gone out and helped “make two blades of grass grow, where one had grown before.”

At twelve years of age a change came into the life of the youth. The family moved to the village of Afton, New York. This change was a step in God’s training of this youth for His future work.

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Coming up: PART 2: "Ye Must Be Born Again"

Afton, so small yet...

Afton, NY is not a very large town in Upstate New York, but it would be the birthplace of John A. Davis. It would be on Melandy Hill between Afton and North Sanford that John A. Davis was born on August 7, 1871 to Charles and Hulda Davis. John was the oldest of two. He had a younger brother by the name of Alonzo F. Davis. I have yet to find if Alonzo had any children that would have had grandchildren that could be alive today. The last information I have about Alonzo was at the time of John A. Davis' death mentioning that Alonzo lived in Preston, Maryland. If anyone has any information about Alonzo or his family I would love to hear from you. So far no leads in Afton or anywhere else. No one has seemed to heard of him on this campus.