Freed-Hardeman Connections
Researching the Restoration Movement in Mississippi and West Tennessee
Everett Day, Sr. -- 1903-1993
He was baptized by E. L. Whitaker, Sr. in Tiplersville, Miss. Later he baptized J. A. Thorton and my mother, Virginia Bennett Childers. He is my wife's great uncle. >> Tom L. Childers
Brother Day is buried in the Beech Hill church of Christ cemetery. Directions: From Ripley, Miss. take Highway 4 West and go about 10 miles. After crossing from Tippah County into Benton County, the cemetery is on the right next to the church building. Brother and sister Day are buried on the back side of the cemetery.
Below is a copy of the records that brother Day kept about his preaching.
Fifty Plus Years in the Mission Field - 1932-1987
by Everett Day, Sr.
Tippah and Benton County, Mississippi - 1932-36
I preached at Tiplersville, Ashland, Beech Hill, and Chapman. I held gospel meeting in tents, brush arbors, and open-air meetings. Some were in school houses and others were in court houses. I helped to build the first church building in Ashland. I walked over ten miles to Chapman in 6 inches of snow to preach in 1936. I encouraged the brethren at Beech Hill to build a new building on the highway.
I held my first mission meeting at Doxie. I walked 2 miles and was paid 6 cents. I held a mission meeting at the Blythe School house. A second meeting in South Ripley was held at the old Presbyterian Church building. I taught school some but resigned my teaching job in 1936.
George County, Mississippi - First full time work
We moved to Rocky Creek which is about 5 miles east of Lucedale to start a new congregation. One lady walked almost 5 miles to hear the gospel. She learned the truth and was baptized.
We remodel a dwelling house for our meeting place. I preached at State Line, Mississippi and Jones Chapel, Alabama. I was promised $60 a month and I paid all expenses. We established a small congregation at Bexley. They now meet a Lucedale. We had about 40 additions. One or two were Baptist deacons.
I attended my first Freed-Hardeman College lecture program in 1937.
I held a gospel meeting in Laurel, Miss. with S. A. Freeman in 1937. There were about 36 responses. I moved to Laurel, Jones County, which is a city of about 25,000. There were about a dozen members meeting at the YMCA in the upstairs room. Soon our old church building was purchased for $150 plus taxes, etc. I taught Bible classes at Ellisville. Several brethren assisted with meetings, such as brother Madison, A. Monroe from Mobile, Ala. And S.A. Freeman. One preached on the theme "When you see the devil coming - RUN."
Fulton, Mississippi area
I held mission meetings in school houses, and in private home yards, and vacant houses. A new congregation was started at Walter Dulvay's place on Mud Creek, and another one among the Hood families on Twenty Mile Creek (Ozark Church now). The Lone brethren have a building at Shady Valley. My largest pay one year for preaching was $800.00. I had 8 in family and had all expenses to pay. Brethren were good to us, and gave us food, etc. At Gum one year there were 36 responses. I haven't kept record of conversions. Several were baptized each year. Although I didn't preach for the Fulton church, many of the brethren were very helpful. Some of these brethren were the Davis', Howell's, Craner, Alexanders', Moore's and others.
1939-40
Our family moved to Tampa, Florida to work with the Gary congregation. It was a small group. Some obeyed the gospel. I held meetings back in Miss. I received $70 monthly with the house furnished. I was able to do some Spanish mission work. I had a woman interpret. We lived in Orient Park near Six Mile Creek.
1942-1944 New Albany, Union Co., Mississippi
I preached at Antioch in Blue Springs, Miss., Beech Hill, and Hickory Flat, besides in New Albany. I preached in school houses and yards of homes in the area. A few were obedient to Christ. We bought the Christian Chapel building at New Albany. The church has gone forward since then, and has built a $125,000 building on Highway 15, east of the city, and has a membership of about 150. All together I received about $150.00 a month, and I paid all expenses. Brethren were good to us in many ways. Brother J. A. Thornton did a great work for about 15 years after I left in 1944.
1944-46 Corinth, Alcorn Co., Mississippi - Foote Street Church
Bro. Maurice Howell was regular minister for Foot Street. I was called to help revive some dead congregations in the area, and to assist in starting a new congregation in west Corinth. I preached at Action Tenn. two Sundays and at mission points the other Sundays, and some times at Foot St. when Bro. Howell was away in meetings.
The Jerusalem Oak Hill church was revived and began to worship on the Lord's Day again. I also preached some at Theo, Oak Ridge, Wenosoga, and Fraley's Chapel. The West Corinth congregation was started with a new building in April or May 1946. Brethren John Billingsley, Howell (Lumber Man), and I had a problem getting material for the building as the war was going on, and hard to get. I haven't kept a record of the baptisms and restorations, but there were several. I was paid about $150 or $200 a month. I conducted many marriage, funerals, and cottage classes. My oldest son, Eugene, was inducted into the Army while we were living in Corinth. He served in Japan during the war.
1944-1948 LIBERTY, Liberty County, Texas
I preached at Hull-Disesetta in the afternoons and held cottage classes at Dayton. I also conducted a tent meeting Dayton. A few obeyed the gospel. I understand there is a congregation there now. I also held some meetings in Mississippi in 1948. Tom Warren followed me at Liberty after I accepted the challenge to work with a small congregation of about 15 members in Houston, Miss.
1948-53 - Houston, Chickasaw Co., Mississippi
I preached at Houston; Vardeman, Dancy, Mathiston, Lawson Chapel, and sometimes at Maben, Buck Horn, and Bruce. I conducted tent meetings around Houston, at Jim Campbell's place and at Walker's Gin. I conducted one at The Colony, two at Cumberland, one at Pyland, and one in Calhoun City. Two tent meetings were conducted at Houlka. Also, three or four more meetings were held near Houston. Different preachers assisted in some of the meetings. J.A. Thornton preached in three or four meetings. A stir when Negroes were baptized in baptistery. There were 16 members at Houston when moved there. The church building was started. When we moved away it was completed and paid for, and several hundred dollars was in the building fund for a preacher's home. The attendance had reached an average of about 60 on Sunday A.M. Peace and harmony prevailed. Several were converted. Plans to start a colored congregation were completed. We rented apt. and paid all expenses. Union Avenue in Memphis and Beech Hill in Benton Co., Mississippi helped. Several years later the anti's divided the church. Snow and ice one winter was real bad. Everett Jr. was in school at Freed-Hardeman and Billy was in school at the University of Miss. Miriam entered FHC in 1953. Everett, Jr. entered the U.S. Army in 1952 and served in Korea.
1953-1955, Belzoni, Humphreys Co., Mississippi First time
The church had a new building and big debt. I was their first located preacher for the congregation with about 15 members. I was allowed to write free articles in the paper. Some were baptized. Our daughter, Patsy graduated from high school. Our son Everett, Jr. returned from Korea in 1954 and returned to college at FHC in the fall of 1954. Our son Billy entered the U.S. Army while were lived in Belzoni.
1955-57 Newton, Newton Co., Mississippi
This is the home of a Baptist College. I built a new preacher's home and deeded it back to the church. I conducted cottage classes at Decatur and Lake. I preached regularly over radio at Forest and Newton's radio stations. I preached some at Duffee. I helped to get the Herald of Truth program going at Meridian with the help of brother Phillips in Nashville, Tenn. and at least two other brethren.
1957-1958 Water Valley, Yalobusha Co., Mississippi
We built an annex to the building and class rooms. I helped to revived worship services at Ford's Well. I held a few mission meetings, including at Pine Valley school house. Foote Street sent a colored preacher for a meeting with the black brethren.
1958-1960 Philadelphia, Neshoba Co., Mississippi
I preached also at Duffee, and help to keep Anti-orphan home brethren from taking over. I assisted some Herald of Truth back on the television station at Meridian. I also helped in the starting of the North Side congregation in Meridian, Miss. We had a mission meeting for the colored people, and a congregation of about 40 members was established. The white congregation was smaller than the colored. I suggested that they sell the old building that they were worshipping in and build a new building elsewhere, which they did a few years later. A mission meeting was held in Union Mississippi and also Dekalb. I preached each Sunday over the local radio station. The church at Macon helped brethren in this work. Ripley, Mississippi, Union Avenue in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Middleton, Tenn. and Beech Hill also assisted financially in this work and in some of the mission work. Some sent preachers to hold meetings. Some of these preachers who came were Bill Lambert, Cecil May, Jr., James Meadows, Billy Ross, and J. A. Thornton.
1960-1962 Okolona, Chickasaw Co., Mississippi
I preached at Okolona and some at Lawson Chapel. I had a radio program each Sunday afternoon. Many cottage classes were held and I wrote a weekly article for the paper. I also had private discussion with Christian church preacher. I helped to save two congregations from Anti-ism. I conducted two mission meetings: one at Troy and one at Egypt. Some unusual things happened. The Christian Church preacher attacked article and challenged me for a debate.
Julia had an operation at Tupelo, Mississippi. I suffered a heart attack and was in the hospital for three weeks and required rest at home for another three weeks.
S. A.Freeman, Jim Allen, and A. Brown held meetings and some were baptized. I conducted several meetings also.
1962-1965 - Sulligent, Lamar Co., Alabama.
The Union Avenue church in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Ripley, Mississippi, and West Corinth paid my salary. We met in the National Guard Armory for a few months before we built a new church building would be built. Several Alabama churches financed the payments on building. I preached at Mt. Olive some in the afternoons. I taught Bible classes at church building and in homes. Also made talks at the Vernon hospital. Several were baptized. We had good meetings and VBS. Some of preachers who held meetings included, O. C. Lambert, Jewel Estes, Jimmy Powell, Jim Woodroof, and others. I preached a few times on the television station in Columbus, Mississippi. I assisted in a tent meeting at Beaverton, Alabama. One Sunday A.M. two colored brethren came to worship with us. This caused some stir, especially by the outsiders. Several obeyed the gospel and several were restored. James Wyers followed me there.
1965-1968 Kosciusko, Attalla Co., Mississippi
They needed new location and a new building. A place was found and bought. A drive for funds were started to get money to pay for lots and building. Several congregations in Mississippi and Tennessee, plus many individuals sent money to help. Some sent money monthly for my salary. Plans were being made to build the building when we moved. A church in Mobile, Alabama had promised them more help if they would use a man that they would send, which they did. Now they have a new building and Magnolia Bible College is located on the grounds.
Mission meetings were held at Salis and Bethel. Cottage classes were conducted in homes. I preach each Saturday morning over the local radio station.
Some of the older members died and others were getting feeble. Paul Sparks, J. A. Thornton, Brother Mitchel, Malcolm George, James Ursey, Stacy Carter and a few others conducted meetings in the city and area. Some were baptized and some confessed their sins. Attendance and collections increased some. Harold Denby and his son Jim, brother Monroe and his son and I cleaned off the 3 or 4 acres where the new building was to be built. A.L. Franks used my tent for a meeting in Sardis, Mississippi.
1968-1970 Belzoni, Humphreys Co., Mississippi. Second time.
The church had grown very little since we left there in 1955. They had about paid off notes on the building. An annex was built for class rooms and recreation or fellow-ship hall. I preached regularly on local radio, and alternated with other preachers on the television each Sunday on the Greenwood-Greenville station. I preached mission meetings at Louisville and one tent meeting for colored people in Belzoni. Also had a meeting in a school house in Isola. I conducted cottage classes and many tracts were distributed. Paul Sparks, Paul Murphy, Glen Purdy, J. A. Thornton preached in meetings, also Lavern Franks. Very few responded to the Savior's invitation. A few were baptized and confessed sins.
Coushatta, Red River Parish, Louisiana. 1970-1973
This was the only congregation in the parish with about 20 members. They had started new church building. They owed the bank and building supply and the men for labor for around $14,000 or more. Much more needed to complete building. Some brethren in Louisiana were helping some. I contacted brethren in Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi and received help. When we moved to Shreveport, the building was completed except for a few little things and all was paid except for about $3,000 on the loan at the bank. They had about that much money in their savings and checking account. Very few were converted. Cottage classes were conducted-tracts distributed and other contacts were made. The collections were up some but responses to Christ's invitation were few.
The Highland church in Memphis, Tennessee sent workers for three years to help in Vacation Bible School. Highland Park in Dallas Sent Bro. Taylor for meetings, Lakeshore Shreveport sent Brother Jolly and Brother Arnold. Tyler, Texas sent Jim Welch and some workers for meeting. Song leaders were sent from most of the congregations in Shreveport to lead the singing. Bro. Jones and wife from Natchitoches, Louisiana assisted in our last Vacation Bible School in 1973. Much help as been given and thanks to all who helped. Brother Mike Price followed me in the work at Coushatta in 1973.
In1973, we moved to Shreveport, La. I taught ladies Bible class on Sundays and Wednesday night adult class at Southern Avenue Church of Christ. I filled in for the regular preacher some when he was away. I held a few meetings in Mississippi that year.
In December 1973 I. accepted work with the Southern Hills church as associate minister for a while. I taught Bible classes, and did some personal work, and filled-in for the regular preacher some. I resigned as the associate minister at Southern Hills, even though they had asked me about being one of the elders. There were some problems that I could not agree with them about, so I resigned.
1974-1977
In 1974, I began preaching regularly at the Church of Christ at Karnack, Texas. I preach for them about four years. They permitted me to preach at other places, and I would send some one to fill in for me. During that time I preached in four or five other places in Louisiana and Texas on weekend or meetings.
While I lived in Shreveport I conducted devotionals -in five nursing homes monthly, and visited sick folks in four hospitals, besides teaching Bible classes and preaching each Sunday. I also preached on the Dial a Message program and the TELE-Call program. I had track racks in the hospitals, nursing homes, drug stores, and grocery stores.
1978
In 1978, the Southern Avenue church of Christ invited me to work with them again as associate minister. I was working with them when the elders at New Albany, Mississippi church of Christ called me about the mission at Enterprise, Union County, Mississippi. Even though the brethren at Southern Avenue wanted us to stay there, we decided that we would move back to Mississippi.
1979 - Enterprise, Union Co., Mississippi
In 1979 - we moved to Enterprise, Union Co., Mississippi and lived there until 1983. While at Enterprise, with the help of brethren at the New Albany church of Christ and several congregations, and Individual Christians we were able to build a new church building, which was much needed. Besides preaching, and teaching Bible classes at the church, I had some cottage classes, visited the Union County General hospital and had some devotionals at Roselawn Nursing home in New Albany. My wife Julia's health was not good. She had cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis and one or two other ailments. Since we both were getting older, we decided to settle down in New Albany, so we move there in 1983.
1983
Since moving to New Albany, I have been teaching the adult Bible class on Wednesday nights, fill in some for the regular minister, hold meetings, assist in personal work, have cottage classes, have devotions at the Roselawn nursing home, distribute tracts and visit the sick at the hospital. I contact five hundred or more people a month. I receive no salary, but the brethren in New Albany help out some with groceries and some traveling expense amounting to about $100 a month.
Time is running out on us. Pray for us that we may be able to work for the Lord a few more years. We are grateful for the brethren here and their love extended toward us. Thanks to all brethren who have helped us during the 50 plus years. May the Lord bless them and all the readers of this book is our prayer in Christ's holy name - Amen.
1985-1987
During these years Julia has had many physical problems such as arthritis, cancer and old age. I have had to slow down in the Lord's work. For the last year much of my time has been taking care of Julia with her troubles. I have had a cancer operation and old age problems. She and I both have been in the hospital and several months in the hospital bed at home. I am up now most of the time and can take care of Julia with very little help. The brethren and friends and our children have been very good in helping us. Thanks to all of them.
Last Chapter
This is the last chapter of my book. Please remember us in your prayers and may the Lord bless us all in the eternal home, heaven. A few sermons are included in this book.
Julia, a faithful wife for over 62 years, died October 29, 1987.
I have had three operations in the last two years, but I am feeling much better. Still doing some work for the Lord, as opportunity comes my way. Distributed hundreds of tracks each month, teach Bible classes, make talks at the nursing home and contact several hundred sick people in the hospital and homes.
Everett C. Day, Sr. (Evangelist)
A note from his son, Everett, Jr.
This continued for about five more years while our father lived in New Albany, Miss. A few months later he had to be placed in a Nursing Home near his daughter, Miriam Day Holcomb in Jackson, Miss. Before his death on January 31, 1993, just short of 90 years of age, he still loved to talk with people about Christ our Lord and Savior. He touched the hearts of many people with the Gospel of Christ. He was a true servant of the Lord our God.
Record Two
1932-35
I taught school in Tippah County, Miss. preached in mission points, tents, school houses, yards, open air and courts in Benton and Tippah County. I helped Ashland brethren to build first church building.
1936-37
Resigned as principal of school and accepted call to preach for the Rocky Creek church of Christ in George County, Mississippi. In 1936-37, there were thirty-three responses to the gospel call. Twenty-eight were baptized and others restored.
1937-39
We moved to Laurel, Miss. Small group were meeting in the YWCA building on the second floor. I helped them to buy a building near the high school. I preached in the school house and home yards some. A few obeyed the gospel.
1939
I received a call from brethren in Tampa, Florida. Moved there for a while, but soon moved back to Mississippi.
1940-42
We moved near Fulton, Miss. I preached at several congregations.
1943
We moved to New Albany, Miss. I helped them get a meeting house. A few were baptized. I held meetings and preached on Sundays at several places.
1944-45
I had a call from Foote Street church of Christ in Corinth, Miss. to come and help established a church in West Corinth. I help meetings in many places. I helped get a new building for the West Corinth church.
1946-47
Liberty, Texas invited me to move there and work with them. I preached a other places in meetings.
1948-53
We moved back to Mississippi. We lived in Houston, Mississippi for over five years. I held several mission meetings. We completed the church building and baptized several people. The church grew from about 20 members to over 70 members. We were growing and working in peace when we moved to Belzoni, Miss.
1953-54
We moved to Belzoni, Miss.
1955-56
We moved to Newton, Miss.
1957
We moved to Water Valley, Miss.
1958
We moved to Philadelphia, Miss.
1962
We moved to Okolona, Miss.
1965
We moved to Sulligent, Ala.
1967
We moved to Kosciusko, Miss. I helped them buy the land for the new church building and where Magnolia Bible College is now located.
1968
We moved to Belzoni, Miss. for the second time.
1970
We moved to Coushatta, Red River Parish, Louisiana. This was a big mission field. They had about 15 members. I helped them get the new building finished and it was almost paid for when we moved to Shreveport, Louisiana.
1973-79
While in Shreveport, Louisiana, I preached in several places; did personal work; held devotions in nursing homes; placed tracts in several places, visited the sick in the hospital; conducted cottage classes and Bible classes.
1979-83
We moved to Enterprise, Mississippi. I helped them get a new church building.
1983
We moved to New Albany, Mississippi. We did not plan to move anywhere else, except when we die.
From "I was a Sky Pilot" by J. A. Thornton, "J. A. Thornton was born and reared at Tiplersville, Mississippi; Through the influences of a Christian home and other godly men and women, during childhood days his desire to preach the gospel was created. He obeyed the gospel at 14 under the preaching of the writer's uncle, F. O. Howell, and was baptized by Everett Day. At the age of 18 he preached his first gospel sermon."
Records of Tiplersville Church of Christ kept by Everett Day, Sr.
1922
Mr. and Mrs. R. M. McDonald
Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Shannon
Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Shannon (he died Aug. 12, 1933)
Mr. and Mrs. Tip Thornton (J. A. Thornton's parents)
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pitner, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Edd Shappley
1928
Mrs. Lawrence Shappley
1940
Leslie Shappley
1944
Effie Loyce Rogers (Mrs. James Thornton)
Cooper H. McCoy
Addie McCoy
1946
Mr. and Mrs. Mance Rodgers
1947
Herman Shappley
(C.P. Roland & Paul Hodges)
Janie N. Jackson
Robert Law
O. T. Drewery
Support for Everett Day's schooling at FHC
1931
The amount is not shown; just a note of intention to support Everett Day, Sr.
Feb. 7, 1932 $7.00
Feb. 28, 1932 $5.00
April 1932 $10.00
May 1932 $10.00
June 1932 $6.86
July 1932 $5.00
Oct. 1932 $9.85
Nov. 6, 1932 $16.20
Dec. 4, 1932 $6.53
Jan. 1933 $4.00
Feb. 5, 1933 $5.00
March 5, 1933 $7.00
April 5, 1933 $6.00
May 7, 1933 $6.00
June 4, 1933 $6.65
July 4, 1933 $8.00
Sept. 17, 1933 $5.31
Oct. 1, 1933 $5.03
Nov. 5, 1933 $5.00
Dec. 3, 1933 $6.31
Jan. 7, 1934 $5.00
Feb. 4, 1934 $5.00
Mar. 4, 1934 $4.45
Aug. 12, 1934 $104.00 (Special)
S. A. Freeman was then supported by the Tiplersville church at Freed-Hardeman for a short time.
Jerry Owen served as the preacher at Tiplersville from Feb. 1968 until Aug. 1979. Richard Corum came in Dec. 1979 and stayed through January 1982. Paul Watson came in March 1982.
He was baptized by E. L. Whitaker, Sr. in Tiplersville, Miss. Later he baptized J. A. Thorton and my mother, Virginia Bennett Childers. He is my wife's great uncle. >> Tom L. Childers
Brother Day is buried in the Beech Hill church of Christ cemetery. Directions: From Ripley, Miss. take Highway 4 West and go about 10 miles. After crossing from Tippah County into Benton County, the cemetery is on the right next to the church building. Brother and sister Day are buried on the back side of the cemetery.
Below is a copy of the records that brother Day kept about his preaching.
Fifty Plus Years in the Mission Field - 1932-1987
by Everett Day, Sr.
Tippah and Benton County, Mississippi - 1932-36
I preached at Tiplersville, Ashland, Beech Hill, and Chapman. I held gospel meeting in tents, brush arbors, and open-air meetings. Some were in school houses and others were in court houses. I helped to build the first church building in Ashland. I walked over ten miles to Chapman in 6 inches of snow to preach in 1936. I encouraged the brethren at Beech Hill to build a new building on the highway.
I held my first mission meeting at Doxie. I walked 2 miles and was paid 6 cents. I held a mission meeting at the Blythe School house. A second meeting in South Ripley was held at the old Presbyterian Church building. I taught school some but resigned my teaching job in 1936.
George County, Mississippi - First full time work
We moved to Rocky Creek which is about 5 miles east of Lucedale to start a new congregation. One lady walked almost 5 miles to hear the gospel. She learned the truth and was baptized.
We remodel a dwelling house for our meeting place. I preached at State Line, Mississippi and Jones Chapel, Alabama. I was promised $60 a month and I paid all expenses. We established a small congregation at Bexley. They now meet a Lucedale. We had about 40 additions. One or two were Baptist deacons.
I attended my first Freed-Hardeman College lecture program in 1937.
I held a gospel meeting in Laurel, Miss. with S. A. Freeman in 1937. There were about 36 responses. I moved to Laurel, Jones County, which is a city of about 25,000. There were about a dozen members meeting at the YMCA in the upstairs room. Soon our old church building was purchased for $150 plus taxes, etc. I taught Bible classes at Ellisville. Several brethren assisted with meetings, such as brother Madison, A. Monroe from Mobile, Ala. And S.A. Freeman. One preached on the theme "When you see the devil coming - RUN."
Fulton, Mississippi area
I held mission meetings in school houses, and in private home yards, and vacant houses. A new congregation was started at Walter Dulvay's place on Mud Creek, and another one among the Hood families on Twenty Mile Creek (Ozark Church now). The Lone brethren have a building at Shady Valley. My largest pay one year for preaching was $800.00. I had 8 in family and had all expenses to pay. Brethren were good to us, and gave us food, etc. At Gum one year there were 36 responses. I haven't kept record of conversions. Several were baptized each year. Although I didn't preach for the Fulton church, many of the brethren were very helpful. Some of these brethren were the Davis', Howell's, Craner, Alexanders', Moore's and others.
1939-40
Our family moved to Tampa, Florida to work with the Gary congregation. It was a small group. Some obeyed the gospel. I held meetings back in Miss. I received $70 monthly with the house furnished. I was able to do some Spanish mission work. I had a woman interpret. We lived in Orient Park near Six Mile Creek.
1942-1944 New Albany, Union Co., Mississippi
I preached at Antioch in Blue Springs, Miss., Beech Hill, and Hickory Flat, besides in New Albany. I preached in school houses and yards of homes in the area. A few were obedient to Christ. We bought the Christian Chapel building at New Albany. The church has gone forward since then, and has built a $125,000 building on Highway 15, east of the city, and has a membership of about 150. All together I received about $150.00 a month, and I paid all expenses. Brethren were good to us in many ways. Brother J. A. Thornton did a great work for about 15 years after I left in 1944.
1944-46 Corinth, Alcorn Co., Mississippi - Foote Street Church
Bro. Maurice Howell was regular minister for Foot Street. I was called to help revive some dead congregations in the area, and to assist in starting a new congregation in west Corinth. I preached at Action Tenn. two Sundays and at mission points the other Sundays, and some times at Foot St. when Bro. Howell was away in meetings.
The Jerusalem Oak Hill church was revived and began to worship on the Lord's Day again. I also preached some at Theo, Oak Ridge, Wenosoga, and Fraley's Chapel. The West Corinth congregation was started with a new building in April or May 1946. Brethren John Billingsley, Howell (Lumber Man), and I had a problem getting material for the building as the war was going on, and hard to get. I haven't kept a record of the baptisms and restorations, but there were several. I was paid about $150 or $200 a month. I conducted many marriage, funerals, and cottage classes. My oldest son, Eugene, was inducted into the Army while we were living in Corinth. He served in Japan during the war.
1944-1948 LIBERTY, Liberty County, Texas
I preached at Hull-Disesetta in the afternoons and held cottage classes at Dayton. I also conducted a tent meeting Dayton. A few obeyed the gospel. I understand there is a congregation there now. I also held some meetings in Mississippi in 1948. Tom Warren followed me at Liberty after I accepted the challenge to work with a small congregation of about 15 members in Houston, Miss.
1948-53 - Houston, Chickasaw Co., Mississippi
I preached at Houston; Vardeman, Dancy, Mathiston, Lawson Chapel, and sometimes at Maben, Buck Horn, and Bruce. I conducted tent meetings around Houston, at Jim Campbell's place and at Walker's Gin. I conducted one at The Colony, two at Cumberland, one at Pyland, and one in Calhoun City. Two tent meetings were conducted at Houlka. Also, three or four more meetings were held near Houston. Different preachers assisted in some of the meetings. J.A. Thornton preached in three or four meetings. A stir when Negroes were baptized in baptistery. There were 16 members at Houston when moved there. The church building was started. When we moved away it was completed and paid for, and several hundred dollars was in the building fund for a preacher's home. The attendance had reached an average of about 60 on Sunday A.M. Peace and harmony prevailed. Several were converted. Plans to start a colored congregation were completed. We rented apt. and paid all expenses. Union Avenue in Memphis and Beech Hill in Benton Co., Mississippi helped. Several years later the anti's divided the church. Snow and ice one winter was real bad. Everett Jr. was in school at Freed-Hardeman and Billy was in school at the University of Miss. Miriam entered FHC in 1953. Everett, Jr. entered the U.S. Army in 1952 and served in Korea.
1953-1955, Belzoni, Humphreys Co., Mississippi First time
The church had a new building and big debt. I was their first located preacher for the congregation with about 15 members. I was allowed to write free articles in the paper. Some were baptized. Our daughter, Patsy graduated from high school. Our son Everett, Jr. returned from Korea in 1954 and returned to college at FHC in the fall of 1954. Our son Billy entered the U.S. Army while were lived in Belzoni.
1955-57 Newton, Newton Co., Mississippi
This is the home of a Baptist College. I built a new preacher's home and deeded it back to the church. I conducted cottage classes at Decatur and Lake. I preached regularly over radio at Forest and Newton's radio stations. I preached some at Duffee. I helped to get the Herald of Truth program going at Meridian with the help of brother Phillips in Nashville, Tenn. and at least two other brethren.
1957-1958 Water Valley, Yalobusha Co., Mississippi
We built an annex to the building and class rooms. I helped to revived worship services at Ford's Well. I held a few mission meetings, including at Pine Valley school house. Foote Street sent a colored preacher for a meeting with the black brethren.
1958-1960 Philadelphia, Neshoba Co., Mississippi
I preached also at Duffee, and help to keep Anti-orphan home brethren from taking over. I assisted some Herald of Truth back on the television station at Meridian. I also helped in the starting of the North Side congregation in Meridian, Miss. We had a mission meeting for the colored people, and a congregation of about 40 members was established. The white congregation was smaller than the colored. I suggested that they sell the old building that they were worshipping in and build a new building elsewhere, which they did a few years later. A mission meeting was held in Union Mississippi and also Dekalb. I preached each Sunday over the local radio station. The church at Macon helped brethren in this work. Ripley, Mississippi, Union Avenue in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Middleton, Tenn. and Beech Hill also assisted financially in this work and in some of the mission work. Some sent preachers to hold meetings. Some of these preachers who came were Bill Lambert, Cecil May, Jr., James Meadows, Billy Ross, and J. A. Thornton.
1960-1962 Okolona, Chickasaw Co., Mississippi
I preached at Okolona and some at Lawson Chapel. I had a radio program each Sunday afternoon. Many cottage classes were held and I wrote a weekly article for the paper. I also had private discussion with Christian church preacher. I helped to save two congregations from Anti-ism. I conducted two mission meetings: one at Troy and one at Egypt. Some unusual things happened. The Christian Church preacher attacked article and challenged me for a debate.
Julia had an operation at Tupelo, Mississippi. I suffered a heart attack and was in the hospital for three weeks and required rest at home for another three weeks.
S. A.Freeman, Jim Allen, and A. Brown held meetings and some were baptized. I conducted several meetings also.
1962-1965 - Sulligent, Lamar Co., Alabama.
The Union Avenue church in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Ripley, Mississippi, and West Corinth paid my salary. We met in the National Guard Armory for a few months before we built a new church building would be built. Several Alabama churches financed the payments on building. I preached at Mt. Olive some in the afternoons. I taught Bible classes at church building and in homes. Also made talks at the Vernon hospital. Several were baptized. We had good meetings and VBS. Some of preachers who held meetings included, O. C. Lambert, Jewel Estes, Jimmy Powell, Jim Woodroof, and others. I preached a few times on the television station in Columbus, Mississippi. I assisted in a tent meeting at Beaverton, Alabama. One Sunday A.M. two colored brethren came to worship with us. This caused some stir, especially by the outsiders. Several obeyed the gospel and several were restored. James Wyers followed me there.
1965-1968 Kosciusko, Attalla Co., Mississippi
They needed new location and a new building. A place was found and bought. A drive for funds were started to get money to pay for lots and building. Several congregations in Mississippi and Tennessee, plus many individuals sent money to help. Some sent money monthly for my salary. Plans were being made to build the building when we moved. A church in Mobile, Alabama had promised them more help if they would use a man that they would send, which they did. Now they have a new building and Magnolia Bible College is located on the grounds.
Mission meetings were held at Salis and Bethel. Cottage classes were conducted in homes. I preach each Saturday morning over the local radio station.
Some of the older members died and others were getting feeble. Paul Sparks, J. A. Thornton, Brother Mitchel, Malcolm George, James Ursey, Stacy Carter and a few others conducted meetings in the city and area. Some were baptized and some confessed their sins. Attendance and collections increased some. Harold Denby and his son Jim, brother Monroe and his son and I cleaned off the 3 or 4 acres where the new building was to be built. A.L. Franks used my tent for a meeting in Sardis, Mississippi.
1968-1970 Belzoni, Humphreys Co., Mississippi. Second time.
The church had grown very little since we left there in 1955. They had about paid off notes on the building. An annex was built for class rooms and recreation or fellow-ship hall. I preached regularly on local radio, and alternated with other preachers on the television each Sunday on the Greenwood-Greenville station. I preached mission meetings at Louisville and one tent meeting for colored people in Belzoni. Also had a meeting in a school house in Isola. I conducted cottage classes and many tracts were distributed. Paul Sparks, Paul Murphy, Glen Purdy, J. A. Thornton preached in meetings, also Lavern Franks. Very few responded to the Savior's invitation. A few were baptized and confessed sins.
Coushatta, Red River Parish, Louisiana. 1970-1973
This was the only congregation in the parish with about 20 members. They had started new church building. They owed the bank and building supply and the men for labor for around $14,000 or more. Much more needed to complete building. Some brethren in Louisiana were helping some. I contacted brethren in Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi and received help. When we moved to Shreveport, the building was completed except for a few little things and all was paid except for about $3,000 on the loan at the bank. They had about that much money in their savings and checking account. Very few were converted. Cottage classes were conducted-tracts distributed and other contacts were made. The collections were up some but responses to Christ's invitation were few.
The Highland church in Memphis, Tennessee sent workers for three years to help in Vacation Bible School. Highland Park in Dallas Sent Bro. Taylor for meetings, Lakeshore Shreveport sent Brother Jolly and Brother Arnold. Tyler, Texas sent Jim Welch and some workers for meeting. Song leaders were sent from most of the congregations in Shreveport to lead the singing. Bro. Jones and wife from Natchitoches, Louisiana assisted in our last Vacation Bible School in 1973. Much help as been given and thanks to all who helped. Brother Mike Price followed me in the work at Coushatta in 1973.
In1973, we moved to Shreveport, La. I taught ladies Bible class on Sundays and Wednesday night adult class at Southern Avenue Church of Christ. I filled in for the regular preacher some when he was away. I held a few meetings in Mississippi that year.
In December 1973 I. accepted work with the Southern Hills church as associate minister for a while. I taught Bible classes, and did some personal work, and filled-in for the regular preacher some. I resigned as the associate minister at Southern Hills, even though they had asked me about being one of the elders. There were some problems that I could not agree with them about, so I resigned.
1974-1977
In 1974, I began preaching regularly at the Church of Christ at Karnack, Texas. I preach for them about four years. They permitted me to preach at other places, and I would send some one to fill in for me. During that time I preached in four or five other places in Louisiana and Texas on weekend or meetings.
While I lived in Shreveport I conducted devotionals -in five nursing homes monthly, and visited sick folks in four hospitals, besides teaching Bible classes and preaching each Sunday. I also preached on the Dial a Message program and the TELE-Call program. I had track racks in the hospitals, nursing homes, drug stores, and grocery stores.
1978
In 1978, the Southern Avenue church of Christ invited me to work with them again as associate minister. I was working with them when the elders at New Albany, Mississippi church of Christ called me about the mission at Enterprise, Union County, Mississippi. Even though the brethren at Southern Avenue wanted us to stay there, we decided that we would move back to Mississippi.
1979 - Enterprise, Union Co., Mississippi
In 1979 - we moved to Enterprise, Union Co., Mississippi and lived there until 1983. While at Enterprise, with the help of brethren at the New Albany church of Christ and several congregations, and Individual Christians we were able to build a new church building, which was much needed. Besides preaching, and teaching Bible classes at the church, I had some cottage classes, visited the Union County General hospital and had some devotionals at Roselawn Nursing home in New Albany. My wife Julia's health was not good. She had cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis and one or two other ailments. Since we both were getting older, we decided to settle down in New Albany, so we move there in 1983.
1983
Since moving to New Albany, I have been teaching the adult Bible class on Wednesday nights, fill in some for the regular minister, hold meetings, assist in personal work, have cottage classes, have devotions at the Roselawn nursing home, distribute tracts and visit the sick at the hospital. I contact five hundred or more people a month. I receive no salary, but the brethren in New Albany help out some with groceries and some traveling expense amounting to about $100 a month.
Time is running out on us. Pray for us that we may be able to work for the Lord a few more years. We are grateful for the brethren here and their love extended toward us. Thanks to all brethren who have helped us during the 50 plus years. May the Lord bless them and all the readers of this book is our prayer in Christ's holy name - Amen.
1985-1987
During these years Julia has had many physical problems such as arthritis, cancer and old age. I have had to slow down in the Lord's work. For the last year much of my time has been taking care of Julia with her troubles. I have had a cancer operation and old age problems. She and I both have been in the hospital and several months in the hospital bed at home. I am up now most of the time and can take care of Julia with very little help. The brethren and friends and our children have been very good in helping us. Thanks to all of them.
Last Chapter
This is the last chapter of my book. Please remember us in your prayers and may the Lord bless us all in the eternal home, heaven. A few sermons are included in this book.
Julia, a faithful wife for over 62 years, died October 29, 1987.
I have had three operations in the last two years, but I am feeling much better. Still doing some work for the Lord, as opportunity comes my way. Distributed hundreds of tracks each month, teach Bible classes, make talks at the nursing home and contact several hundred sick people in the hospital and homes.
Everett C. Day, Sr. (Evangelist)
A note from his son, Everett, Jr.
This continued for about five more years while our father lived in New Albany, Miss. A few months later he had to be placed in a Nursing Home near his daughter, Miriam Day Holcomb in Jackson, Miss. Before his death on January 31, 1993, just short of 90 years of age, he still loved to talk with people about Christ our Lord and Savior. He touched the hearts of many people with the Gospel of Christ. He was a true servant of the Lord our God.
Record Two
1932-35
I taught school in Tippah County, Miss. preached in mission points, tents, school houses, yards, open air and courts in Benton and Tippah County. I helped Ashland brethren to build first church building.
1936-37
Resigned as principal of school and accepted call to preach for the Rocky Creek church of Christ in George County, Mississippi. In 1936-37, there were thirty-three responses to the gospel call. Twenty-eight were baptized and others restored.
1937-39
We moved to Laurel, Miss. Small group were meeting in the YWCA building on the second floor. I helped them to buy a building near the high school. I preached in the school house and home yards some. A few obeyed the gospel.
1939
I received a call from brethren in Tampa, Florida. Moved there for a while, but soon moved back to Mississippi.
1940-42
We moved near Fulton, Miss. I preached at several congregations.
1943
We moved to New Albany, Miss. I helped them get a meeting house. A few were baptized. I held meetings and preached on Sundays at several places.
1944-45
I had a call from Foote Street church of Christ in Corinth, Miss. to come and help established a church in West Corinth. I help meetings in many places. I helped get a new building for the West Corinth church.
1946-47
Liberty, Texas invited me to move there and work with them. I preached a other places in meetings.
1948-53
We moved back to Mississippi. We lived in Houston, Mississippi for over five years. I held several mission meetings. We completed the church building and baptized several people. The church grew from about 20 members to over 70 members. We were growing and working in peace when we moved to Belzoni, Miss.
1953-54
We moved to Belzoni, Miss.
1955-56
We moved to Newton, Miss.
1957
We moved to Water Valley, Miss.
1958
We moved to Philadelphia, Miss.
1962
We moved to Okolona, Miss.
1965
We moved to Sulligent, Ala.
1967
We moved to Kosciusko, Miss. I helped them buy the land for the new church building and where Magnolia Bible College is now located.
1968
We moved to Belzoni, Miss. for the second time.
1970
We moved to Coushatta, Red River Parish, Louisiana. This was a big mission field. They had about 15 members. I helped them get the new building finished and it was almost paid for when we moved to Shreveport, Louisiana.
1973-79
While in Shreveport, Louisiana, I preached in several places; did personal work; held devotions in nursing homes; placed tracts in several places, visited the sick in the hospital; conducted cottage classes and Bible classes.
1979-83
We moved to Enterprise, Mississippi. I helped them get a new church building.
1983
We moved to New Albany, Mississippi. We did not plan to move anywhere else, except when we die.
From "I was a Sky Pilot" by J. A. Thornton, "J. A. Thornton was born and reared at Tiplersville, Mississippi; Through the influences of a Christian home and other godly men and women, during childhood days his desire to preach the gospel was created. He obeyed the gospel at 14 under the preaching of the writer's uncle, F. O. Howell, and was baptized by Everett Day. At the age of 18 he preached his first gospel sermon."
Records of Tiplersville Church of Christ kept by Everett Day, Sr.
1922
Mr. and Mrs. R. M. McDonald
Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Shannon
Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Shannon (he died Aug. 12, 1933)
Mr. and Mrs. Tip Thornton (J. A. Thornton's parents)
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pitner, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Edd Shappley
1928
Mrs. Lawrence Shappley
1940
Leslie Shappley
1944
Effie Loyce Rogers (Mrs. James Thornton)
Cooper H. McCoy
Addie McCoy
1946
Mr. and Mrs. Mance Rodgers
1947
Herman Shappley
(C.P. Roland & Paul Hodges)
Janie N. Jackson
Robert Law
O. T. Drewery
Support for Everett Day's schooling at FHC
1931
The amount is not shown; just a note of intention to support Everett Day, Sr.
Feb. 7, 1932 $7.00
Feb. 28, 1932 $5.00
April 1932 $10.00
May 1932 $10.00
June 1932 $6.86
July 1932 $5.00
Oct. 1932 $9.85
Nov. 6, 1932 $16.20
Dec. 4, 1932 $6.53
Jan. 1933 $4.00
Feb. 5, 1933 $5.00
March 5, 1933 $7.00
April 5, 1933 $6.00
May 7, 1933 $6.00
June 4, 1933 $6.65
July 4, 1933 $8.00
Sept. 17, 1933 $5.31
Oct. 1, 1933 $5.03
Nov. 5, 1933 $5.00
Dec. 3, 1933 $6.31
Jan. 7, 1934 $5.00
Feb. 4, 1934 $5.00
Mar. 4, 1934 $4.45
Aug. 12, 1934 $104.00 (Special)
S. A. Freeman was then supported by the Tiplersville church at Freed-Hardeman for a short time.
Jerry Owen served as the preacher at Tiplersville from Feb. 1968 until Aug. 1979. Richard Corum came in Dec. 1979 and stayed through January 1982. Paul Watson came in March 1982.