ce at Sabbath school, and by private study at the
fireside. The Bible and the Shorter Catechism were the books that
occupied his spare time and attention. As a natural result, he became a
christian and united with the church at an early age.

In 1885, at the age of twenty-six, he was ordained an elder in the St.
Paul Presbyterian church. He then began to read the Bible to the
congregation and to hold religious meetings. While preparing himself for
the work then in hand, he was led to see the great need of more teachers
and preachers for the colored people, and, believing he could render
efficient service as a minister, he undertook a special course of
reading and instruction under Rev. John Sleeper, his pastor, and later
of Rev. E. G. Haymaker, superintendent of Oak Hill Academy, instructors
who lived 12 and 35 miles distant, respectively.

In 1894 he was enrolled as a candidate for the ministry under the
Presbytery of Choctaw, Three years later he was licensed by the
Presbytery of Kiamichi and appointed the stated supply of St. Paul and
Forest churches. He has continued to serve these two congregations,
faithfully and acceptably ever since that date, a period now of sixteen
years. His ordination occurred in 1902. Other fields, that he developed
and served for short periods are, Bethany, two years; Mount Gilead, one
year; and Mount Pleasant, one year.

A WINNER OF SOULS

Mr. Butler is a man, who experienced a hard struggle in early life, in
the effort to train himself for his life's work, as a minister and
farmer. He has overcome many of these difficulties in a manner, that is
very praiseworthy and commendable.

He is a man, who carries with him a happy, hopeful spirit, and a
countenance full of good cheer. Seeing the need of a religious leader
among the people of his home community, he decided to fit himself to
supply that need, and has done so hitherto in an efficient and admirable
manner. To win souls to Christ and instruct them aright from the word of
God, have been his aims during his ministry. He has been to the people
an example in righteousness, and has labored with faith and zeal in the
vineyard of the Lord.

His annual visits to Oak Hill Academy during term time, were always
anticipated with considerable interest. They were made the occasion for
special evangelistic services, followed with an opportunity for
decisions; and many times his heart was gladdened at the close of the
sermon, by seeing more t