from the October 22, 1964 GENEVA COUNTY REAPER

Henry B. Register

 Rev. Henry B. Register was born in Coffee County, Alabama on November 27, 1850, the son of John Y. and Margaret Register and married Effie Carter, a member of a noted family in Geneva. She was an ideal minister's wife. His father was a local Methodist minister and did much work in the early pioneer church in Alabama and reared a wonderful group of preachers. Among the prominent early Wiregrass ministers was the famous Register family made up of Henry and his sons, Young, John and Sidney.

Three of them were Methodists while the fourth was an early Baptist. All helped to organize pioneer churches and went far and near without script or price in the service of the Lord. Among many others in this noble service were Elders, W. T. Albritton, J.N. Purvis, J. W. Collins and H. A. Smith and the Spivey and Dowling families with Rev. David Sellers.

 Henry began early and served his entire life in the ministry, knowing well the hardships of the reconstruction era and the terrible days of the panic of 1893. He labored well in the Masters Vineyard and had the glorious help of his beloved companion who bore him seven children t to fill places well and wisely in the development of the young county of Geneva. One son, D. Y. Register, followed in his footsteps and was a shining light in Zion.

He recently went home to be with the Lord. The father fully believed the Bible Doctrine and preached fundamental facts. He had rich experimental evidences of the life eternal. He set a heavenly example for all to follow. His varied life lives on in the experiences of his flock wherever he preached.

He was active in the Alabama Conference and served the following appointments: Geneva, LaFayette St., Dothan, Taylor, Daleville, Wicksburg, Ashford, Cypress, Florida, Smith's Station and many other churches. People still remember his able spiritual preaching. During his early years he would walk many miles to his appointments and lived a noble life in the Master's cause. He was called to his eternal home on December 20, 1923 and his remains with his beloved Effie rest in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, one of the earliest Methodist Churches in the Wiregrass. Miss Willie Bryant of Geneva, a wonderful secretary, furnished the notes for this article.

"Servant of God, well done; rest from thy loved employ; the battle fought, the victory won; Enter thy Master's Joy.".