tree in the timber he told
others of his earnest desire for a church; and proposed to some friends,
that they unite with him in building an arbor in the timber for a
meeting place. This proposal was not taken very seriously, and yet none
of his friends cared to oppose it. A day was finally appointed and all,
who were interested, were requested to meet at the place selected for
the arbor, and help to build it.

On the morning of that day, he went alone to the appointed place, which
was near the oak tree at the foot of which he had before knelt in
prayer, and by noon he had cut and erected the frame. Another friend
arrived in the afternoon and assisted to cover it with branches of trees
and supply it with seats.

On the day following, which was the Sabbath, the colored people of the
neighborhood assembled to see the new arbor and enjoy a meeting. Now it
happened that no one present had ever led a meeting, and the first
question to be settled was, "who should lead the meeting?" Every one,
that was asked to lead it, insisted, "the man who built the arbor" must
serve as leader of the meeting.

Young Homer accepted the situation and led the meeting in the best
manner possible. The exercises consisted of a prayer, the reading of a
familiar passage from the Bible, some remarks by the leader and others,
and the singing from memory of a few plantation melodies, such as
"Kentucky Home," "Swanee River", and "The Angels Are Coming to Carry Me
Home."

At the second meeting, which was held on the following Sabbath, the
people were formed into a class for instruction in the Bible and
catechism, and Homer was chosen to be the leader. This was the
organization of the Sunday school for that neighborhood.

At this meeting Homer offered prayer the first time in the presence of
others; and it happened in this way. When he called on the friend, who
led in prayer at the first meeting to do so again, he politely declined,
saying: "Homer you lead in prayer, yourself."

A TEACHER, ELDER AND PREACHER

This arbor, which was the tiny beginning of the Beaver Dam church, was
built in 1873, the year after he became of age. The next year this place
was visited by Rev. Charles W. Stewart, and it then became one of his
regular monthly appointments. Homer was again appointed Bible teacher
and leader of the meetings, on the other Sabbaths.

In 1875 a church house or meeting place was built of saplings, near the
old arbor, that continued to be us