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James Edgar Laird
Gospel Preacher, Educator, College President James Edgar Laird was born October 7, 1883, at Scotts Hill. Tennessee. He was the son of Frank and Josie Laird. Laird attended the public schools of Arkansas. After public schools in Arkansas he attended Monea Bible College at Rector, Arkansas. He was baptized by Len D. Williams in 1903. On July 15, 1913, James Edgar Laird married Miss Iva M. Higginbotham. To this union two boys and four girls were born. The boys were named Joe and James. The girls were named Kitty, Halcyon, Helen and Marilyn. Laird began preaching in a rural community near Hornbeak, Tennessee, in 1906. Places where he did fulltime local work were Senath, Missouri; Tenth and Rockford in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Park Hill at Fort Smith, Arkansas; Southside in St. Louis, Missouri; Riverside Park in Charleston, South Carolina; Woodleaf, North Carolina; and Summerville, Georgia. Laird preached in more than 20 States, but Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia were his principal fields of labor. Laird was interested in every phase of the Lord's work. He was interested in Christian education for the young people and served as President of Monea Bible College in Rector, Arkansas, from 1913 to 1916. He had a heart of compassion for the homeless and needy, for orphan children, for the aged and helpless. He helped in founding Southern Christian Home at Morrilton, Arkansas, and served as Superintendent from 1924 to 1932. He served as Superintendent of Potter Christian Home in Bowling Green, Kentucky, 1941-45. He taught at Blue Ridge Encampment for a number of summers. Laird engaged in a number of debates, the most notable one was the Laird-Bogard Debate, held at Bloomer, Arkansas, in 1931, More than 20 times, upon the polemic platforms, he defended the apostolic faith in honorable controversy. He so prepared himself and so powerfully wielded the sword of the Spirit that the truth always prevailed. Several times at the end of these debates, he baptized a number of his opponent's disciples. By choice most of his work was done in mission fields. He loved to plant the seed of the kingdom in new fields, rather than going where the church was already established. Like Paul, he preferred not to build upon another man's foundation. He helped to establish many new congregations and helped and encouraged more than a few men to become gospel preachers. In August, 1954, at the Blue Ridge Encampment, Laird gave a lecture on brotherhood problems in the church. The lecture was so impressive that he began immediately to receive calls to come to various churches to present this or a similar lecture on brotherhood problems. He was asked to render this service for reason of his age, experience, ability, and Bible knowledge, as well as balanced judgment, wholesome attitude, and general soundness. Thus, he was considered to be uniquely qualified for this type of work. In addition to 50 years of preaching, Laird's activity included debating, school work, and orphan home work. His preaching has been abundant both in gospel meetings and in local work, in large cities, and in rural school houses and under arbors, with strong churches and in mission fields. Everywhere he went he promoted the starting of new congregations and encouraged young men to preach. All this experience has given him contact with all sorts of situations and all types of minds. It sharpened his wit, enriched his spirit, broadened his perspective and fitted him for the work that he was called to do. The Gospel Advocate ran an article that commended the work that Laird was doing. He was considered a specialist as a lecturer in Teacher Training Courses. Likewise, his ability in gospel meetings was recognized wherever he was known. But to deal with problems in the church, he was qualified as few men are. James Edgar Laird died November 10, 1964, at Trion, Georgia. He was survived by his wife, Iva; one son, Joe W. Laird; three daughters, Mrs. Halcyon Fletcher, Mrs. Helen Phillips, and Mrs. Marily Bouguard. Funeral service was held at Summerville, Georgia, with Melvin J. Wise and J. M. Powell officiating. Burial was in Trion, Georgia, with interment in West Hill Cemetery. Sources: Preachers of Today, Vol. 2, p.243, In Memorium, pages 165-167
Location Of The Grave Of J.E. Laird James E. and Iva M. Laird are buried in the West Hill Cemetery in Trion, Georgia. North of Atlanta on I-75 go to Adairsville, Exit 306. Head west 17 miles until you come to Hwy. 27/1 and head north through Summerville. When coming into Trion, turn left on Central Avenue. A few blocks then turn left on Simmons St. Go three or four blocks to Pine St. and turn left. The cemetery will be on your right. Go to the main gate and enter. Head to the top of the hill to the last section on your right. The grave will be within 30 feet of the corner.
GPS Location Of The Grave
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