Harry Charles Harper

     Harry Charles Harper, educator, writer, and evangelist, Sneads, Florida, was born at Schonnahon, Illinois, October 24, 1874. He was the son of staunch Christian parents, David Harper and Eliza (Newcomer) Harper.

     Brother Harper finished grammar school, graduated from Bertha Mimms High School, in Minnesota; attended Silver City, New Mexico, Normal School; Norman School, Madison, Florida; and the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. He taught school for twenty-five years.

     On March 20, 1904, Brother Harper was united in matrimony to Ruth Catherine Martin, at Capitan, New Mexico. To this union two daughters, Harriet Veta and Ruth Cleo, were born.

     Brother Harper wrote for the following religious journals: Firm Foundation, Pacific Christian, Gospel Advocate, Apostolic Way (being an editor). The Truth (being publisher), and the Old Paths Advocate (being editor from 1932 until his death). He engaged in a number of public discussions, among which were the Harper- Clark Debate and the Harper-Cowan, both on the number of drinking vessels to be used in the Communion.

     At the age of nineteen, he obeyed the gospel, and immediately began to take an active part in the public work and to preach. He was known in all the states, except the New England-states. He never compromised with error, taking as his motto, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

     On December 1, 1936, at his home in Sneads, Florida, this great and good soldier of the cross died peacefully. Interment was in the Pope Cemetery, Sneads, Florida.

     All the faithful brethren who knew Brother Harper mourned his passing, for they knew his worth in the cause of primitive Christianity. He kept up a relentless warfare against every departure from the Scriptural work and worship of the church.