Brother Bryan: Difference between revisions
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Bryan came to Birmingham while he was still studying at Princeton University to serve as part-time pastor of Third Presbyterian Church. After graduating in [[1889]], he was ordained and installed as the full-time minister on [[August 4]]. As a minister, he conducted large evangelistic and prayer gatherings with various groups across the city and region. He was an outspoken supporter of [[Civil Rights Movement|civil rights]] and racial reconciliation in Birmingham. He is best remembered, however, for his tireless efforts to help the poor and homeless. It is said he would often arrive home at night without his overcoat because he had given it away to a stranger during the day. Though he was an ordained Reverend and honorary Doctor, he earned the title "brother" by addressing anyone he met as brother or sister. | Bryan came to Birmingham while he was still studying at Princeton University to serve as part-time pastor of Third Presbyterian Church. After graduating in [[1889]], he was ordained and installed as the full-time minister on [[August 4]]. As a minister, he conducted large evangelistic and prayer gatherings with various groups across the city and region. He was an outspoken supporter of [[Civil Rights Movement|civil rights]] and racial reconciliation in Birmingham. He is best remembered, however, for his tireless efforts to help the poor and homeless. It is said he would often arrive home at night without his overcoat because he had given it away to a stranger during the day. Though he was an ordained Reverend and honorary Doctor, he earned the title "brother" by addressing anyone he met as brother or sister. | ||
A [[1934]] [[Brother Bryan statue|statue of Brother Bryan]] kneeling in prayer by [[George Bridges]] is one of Birmingham's best-known landmarks, although it has been moved | A [[1934]] [[Brother Bryan statue|statue of Brother Bryan]] kneeling in prayer by [[George Bridges]] is one of Birmingham's best-known landmarks, although it has been moved from [[Five Points South]] to [[Vulcan Park]] and back. | ||
The "[[Brother Bryan Mission]]" was founded in [[1940]] to continue his work with the less fortunate. The City of Birmingham renamed Magnolia Park as "[[Brother Bryan Park]]". [[Bryan Memorial Presbyterian Church]] in suburban Birmingham is also named in his honor. | The "[[Brother Bryan Mission]]" was founded in [[1940]] to continue his work with the less fortunate. The City of Birmingham renamed Magnolia Park as "[[Brother Bryan Park]]" in [[1989]], honoring the centennial of Bryan's arrival in Birmingham. [[Bryan Memorial Presbyterian Church]] in suburban Birmingham is also named in his honor. | ||
He was elected in [[ | He was elected in [[2001]] to the [[Alabama Men's Hall of Fame]]. | ||
==See also== | |||
* [[Brother Bryan Mission]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
* Blakely, Hunter B. (1953) ''[[:Image:Religshoes.jpg|Religion in Shoes; Brother Bryan of Birmingham]].'' Richmond, VA: John Knox. | * Blakely, Hunter B. (1953) ''[[:Image:Religshoes.jpg|Religion in Shoes; Brother Bryan of Birmingham]].'' Richmond, VA: John Knox. | ||
* Bryan, Rev. James A. (n.d.) ''Sermons.'' Birmingham, AL: A. H. Cather. | * Bryan, Rev. James A. (n.d.) ''Sermons.'' Birmingham, AL: A. H. Cather. | ||
* "Will Brother Bryan move again?" (March | * "Will Brother Bryan move again?" (March 4, 2004) ''Birmingham News''. | ||
* ''A Short History of Third Presbyterian Church 1884-2004''; pamphlet arranged for Third's 120th Anniversary service | * ''A Short History of Third Presbyterian Church 1884-2004''; pamphlet arranged for Third's 120th Anniversary service | ||
==External | ==External links== | ||
* [http://www. | * [http://www.samford.edu/groups/amhf/Bryan.html?height=500&width=500 Brother Bryan profile] at the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame | ||
* [http://www.thirdpca.org Third Presbyterian Church] website | * [http://www.thirdpca.org Third Presbyterian Church] website | ||
Revision as of 23:24, 5 July 2009
James Alexander Bryan, known as Brother Bryan, (born March 20, 1863, near Kingstree, South Carolina; died January 28, 1941, in Birmingham) was a well-loved pastor of Third Presbyterian Church.
Bryan came to Birmingham while he was still studying at Princeton University to serve as part-time pastor of Third Presbyterian Church. After graduating in 1889, he was ordained and installed as the full-time minister on August 4. As a minister, he conducted large evangelistic and prayer gatherings with various groups across the city and region. He was an outspoken supporter of civil rights and racial reconciliation in Birmingham. He is best remembered, however, for his tireless efforts to help the poor and homeless. It is said he would often arrive home at night without his overcoat because he had given it away to a stranger during the day. Though he was an ordained Reverend and honorary Doctor, he earned the title "brother" by addressing anyone he met as brother or sister.
A 1934 statue of Brother Bryan kneeling in prayer by George Bridges is one of Birmingham's best-known landmarks, although it has been moved from Five Points South to Vulcan Park and back.
The "Brother Bryan Mission" was founded in 1940 to continue his work with the less fortunate. The City of Birmingham renamed Magnolia Park as "Brother Bryan Park" in 1989, honoring the centennial of Bryan's arrival in Birmingham. Bryan Memorial Presbyterian Church in suburban Birmingham is also named in his honor.
He was elected in 2001 to the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame.
See also
References
- Blakely, Hunter B. (1953) Religion in Shoes; Brother Bryan of Birmingham. Richmond, VA: John Knox.
- Bryan, Rev. James A. (n.d.) Sermons. Birmingham, AL: A. H. Cather.
- "Will Brother Bryan move again?" (March 4, 2004) Birmingham News.
- A Short History of Third Presbyterian Church 1884-2004; pamphlet arranged for Third's 120th Anniversary service
External links
- Brother Bryan profile at the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame
- Third Presbyterian Church website