These frequent voluntary recognitions, on the part of his brethren in
the Presbytery, suggest the power of leadership he has modestly, but
always exercised among them. His brethren have found him a wise and
prudent counselor, and an unselfish helper; and he has always been held
in the highest esteem by them.

A LIFE-LONG LEADER OF THE CHURCH HE FOUNDED

He has been a man of strong and positive convictions and a persevering
worker for the moral and spiritual uplift of his people. He learned from
his own early experience as a slave, the trials and urgent needs of his
people and, as the way became clear before him, he consecrated himself
unreservedly to the promotion of their welfare.

As a preacher he has emphasized the necessity of repentance and
forgiveness of sins, willing obedience to all the commands of Christ,
and the joyous rewards of faithful service. As he surveys the progress
of recent years, he sees the fulfilment of Isaiah's prediction, "The
people, that walked in darkness, have seen a great light, they that
dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light
shined."

Thirty years have now passed, since he began to hold the ever memorable
meetings, in the little arbor in the timber. Ever since that date he has
been the faithful Bible instructor of all the people, during the lesson
hour of the Sunday school, and the resident pastor of the Presbyterian
church for twenty years. The cozy chapel, and the good congregation of
happy christian people, that regularly meet there for worship and Bible
study, are visible reminders of his consecrated genius and unselfish
devotion to the best interests of his people.

"Dare to do right, dare to be true,
You have a work that no other can do."

"Since God is God and right is right,
Right the day shall win;
To doubt would be disloyalty,
To falter would be sin."

Wiley Homer and Laney Colbert were married in 1867 and their family
consisted of ten children, of whom five died in childhood and youth.
Those that are living are Susan, Mary Shoals, Hattie Lewis, Sarah
Williams and Lincoln.

In 1890, after the death of Laney, he married Rhody Tutt; and in 1906,
after her decease, Lizzie Homer.

In October 1912, he was granted by the Presbytery, an honorable
retirement from the performance of the public duties required of the
active ministry. As the sunset of life approaches, and the shadows
lengthen toward the closin