Brooks, Cleanth
3/29/1943
January 11, 1873 - March 29, 1943 |
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| Through suffering the depth and strength of a man’s spirit is tested. No man could have met this test more nobly and triumphantly than Dr. Cleanth Brooks. Always his was a gentle spirit, but he became even more kindly, courteous, patient, and understanding as the last years and days of his life slipped away. He loved to preach. His message carried the warmth and truth of the gospel, mediated through a. keen and scholarly mind. He served with distinction in some of the great pulpits of the Memphis and Louisiana Conferences. His library testified to his wide range of interest and to the extent of his research and understanding. As a pastor, he won the respect and love of his people wherever he served. Their needs and problems were ever carried to his heart; they were of more concern to him than were his own. Men came to him for counsel and depended on his judgment; their confidence was never misplaced. Dr. Brooks was born at Denmark, Tennessee, January 11, 1873. He was admitted on trial into the Methodist ministry in 1894. He served at Ripley, Tennessee, Mayfield, Ky., Mississippi Avenue in Memphis, Collierville, Tennessee, Murry, Ky., and as presiding elder of the Lexington District. In 1924 Dr. Brooks was transferred to the Louisiana Conference and appointed to the First Methodist Church, Alexandria. It was during his, pastorate that the beautiful educational building of that church was completed. Following this period Dr. Brooks ministered to the Noel Memorial Church in Shreveport. While serving the Haynesville Church, Dr. Brooks was stricken and forced to give up his work. He suffered almost continually during the intervening years until his death at Baton Rouge, March 29, 1943. His memory will continue to guide and bless those who were privileged to know him during the days of his active ministry; and the courage of his unconquerable spirit will inspire all those who knew him during those tragic days of his suffering. |
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| Source: Journal of the Louisiana Conference of the Methodist Church, Pages 81, 1943 by W.B.Trice. | |
