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- James Perrin Lowrey
by J. M. Powell
On Sunday morning, March 31, I received a long distance telephone call from Mrs. M. H. Dandridge, telling me that her father, J. P. Lowrey had quietly passed away and that it was his request that I conduct the funeral service. The services were conducted in the beautiful church building in Senatobia, Miss., Tuesday morning, 10:30 o'clock, April 2, 1963. Brother Lowrey was ninety-one years of age, and had attended church services the Sunday before. For many years he had maintained a home in Geneva, Fla., where he had a splendid orange grove. Until five years ago he preached for the church in Geneva. He also preached at other places in the state. In Florida he lived in a lovely old home with his good friends, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Nichols, both of whom are faithful Christians and teachers in the public schools in the area. For the past two years, Brother Lowrey had been in failing health and he decided that it would be best for him to return to Senatobia, Miss., and live with his widowed daughter, Perrin Lowrey Dandridge. He had been there only one week before he passed away. Brother Lowrey was born in Falkner, Miss., and was a member of one of Mississippi's most distinguished families. For generations the Lowreys have distinguished themselves in military service, as preachers, educators and statesmen. Brother Lowrey was a true aristocrat. "He walked with kings but he never lost the common touch." In dress, in manners he was a Chesterfield. He was a Christian gentleman at all times. With dignity and poise he walked among the people and influenced all for good. He had been brought up in the Baptist faith, and in his early twenties began to preach. He came under the influence of M. H. Northcross and was soon converted to New Testament Christianity. He attended a school at Essery Springs, which was headed by A. G. Freed. From that time onward he and Brother Freed were bosom friends. After attending Brother Freed's school, Brother Lowrey went to the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with honors. For some time he taught in the public schools but preaching was his first love. He often debated his former Baptist brethren. Many of them thought that he had disgraced the Lowrey family by "joining up with the Campbellites." But this did not deter the indomitable J. P. Lowrey. He grew stronger and stronger in the faith and defended it at every opportunity. He preached everywhere; in schoolhouses, under arbors, tents and wherever he could get people to assemble. His preaching was simple but eloquent. He preached with telling effects. As a young man, he met, wooed and married Anna Hornsby, who had been one of his students. To this union were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy; another, Ann, died a few years ago. The survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Perrin Dandridge and Mrs. Lady Grace Caldwell, both of whom live in Senatobia, Miss.; three sons, Byron, Malvern, Ark.; Freed, Fayetteville, N. C., and Norman, who lives in Columbia, Ky. All of the surviving children were present at the funeral, except Norman, who was in Alaska on business at the time. For seven years, Brother Lowrey was a member of the faculty of Freed-Hardeman College. He worked side by side with A. G. Freed, T. B. Larimore and N. B. Hardeman. From Henderson, the Lowreys moved to Senatobia, Tate County, Miss. Brother Lowrey taught in the public school system and preached throughout the county, establishing churches in a number of places, including Senatobia. 1 knew, loved and appreciated Brother Lowrey from the time that 1 was ten years of age. He conducted the funeral of my father fortyfive years ago. When 1 got older he encouraged me to go to David Lipscomb College and be a preacher of the word. After 1 became a preacher, he would often have me for meetings where he did local work. Brother Lowrey did local work in Paragould, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., Huntsville, Ala., Orlando, Fla., and other places. He held meetings and debates in many states. He baptized thousands of people throughout the South. He was a great and good man and I loved him as a father. I shall not soon forget him. [2]
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1872 - 1963 (91 years)
[1, 2] 
