BISHOP J. L. BURRELL, D. D., ONE OF THE STATE'S FOREMOST PREACHERS.

        In the year 1859, and in the town of Thibodeaux, La., there was born Dr. John L. Burrell. His parents were Mr. William and Mrs. Nancy Burrell. Being born a slave his chances for going to school were few, or none at all. Despite this fact, by dint of pluck and push he began climbing upward. At the earliest opportunity he entered the public school of his parish, where he learned his lessons well; and by his good behavior won the esteem and respect of both teacher and fellow-students. As soon as the opportunity came he entered Leland University, New Orleans, La. During his stay there he did good work and grew in intellectual power.

        Elder Burrell was converted in 1876, after which he was baptized into the membership of Moses Baptist Church by Elder T. J. Rhodes. In 1882 he realized his call to the ministry, made it known and was ordained by the following bishops: T. J. Rhodes, Isaiah Lawson, R. Coleman, I. H. Stewart, John Brown and P. H. Diggs. Brother Burrell has spent quite a number of years in the ministry, pastoring the following churches: Little Zion Baptist Church, Opelousas; Evergreen, Lake Charles, La.; Shiloh, Washington, La.; Mt. Pleasant, Elba, La.; First African, New Orleans, La.; Progressive, Sherman, Texas, and the Progressive Baptist Church, New Orleans, La., of which he is now (1914) pastor.

        In 1888 Dr. Bothwell, President Columbia University, conferred the honorary degree, D. D., upon Brother Burrell in recognition of work already done. No man in the state has been more highly honored. The brethren lifted Dr. Burrell to the highest station when they elected him President of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention. He has held and is now holding the following positions of trust: Vice Moderator First District Association and President Board of Directors Providence Sanitarium. Brother Burrell's kind disposition has won and holds for him a large number of friends in both races.

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