RELIGIOUS FAITH AND PRACTICE 121

Theological Seminary at Louisville for a number of years.
He also served as a member of the Education Board of the
Southern Baptist Convention.
 Perhaps his outstanding religious activity during his last
few years was his service as teacher of the Men's Bible Class
in the Sunday school. Dr. Murphree took a small group of
men as a nucleus and built up one of the largest men's Bible
classes in the state. Many of the business and professional
men in Gainesville sat at his feet Sunday after Sunday and
heard his brilliant exposition and explanation of the Scripture
as he taught the lesson and applied it to everyday life.
 "His interest in this class was constant and enthusiastic,"
said Mr. William Hawkins, president of the class. "It was a
privilege for any man to hear his lesson lectures Sunday after
Sunday. His influence with the men of that class was tre-
mendous, as his practical interpretation of Christian living was
inspiring."
 Dr. Thomas V. McCaul, Pastor of the First Baptist Church
 since 1922 and Dr. Murphree's closest associate in religious
 work, has said of Dr. Murphree:
 "Many have written splendid things about this great edu-
 cator and good man, but I would like to write a few things
 about him as an humble follower of the Christ.
 "When I think of Dr. Murphree, I think of him first of
 all as a Christian gentleman. I do not forget his strong mental-
 ity, his splendid executive ability, and his fine scholarship. I
 am not unmindful of his charming personality, his genial dis-
 position, his friendly spirit, and his generous heart; but I am
 thinking primarily of the simplicity and fervor of his religious
 faith and the humility and tenderness of his soul There was
 one expression he invariably used in his public prayers. It
 was this: 'We humbly beseech Thee, 0 Lord,' and it was al-
 ways uttered with sweet simplicity and beautiful humility.
 Yes, his faith was sure and steadfast and his heart tender and
 humble; but when evil raised its head before him, he was as
 aggressive and fearless as some Elijah.
 "Dr. Murphree believed and accepted the Scriptures as
 the Inspired Word of God. He accepted its authenticity and
 its authority. He built his hopes upon its divine teachings,