By Tara Parker Pope
American-Statesman Staff
March 31st, 1988; B1

The Rev. Silas Leonard Davis, who friends said preached the scripture for nearly 70 years with an unwavering commitment to the Gospel, died Wednesday, 11 days after his 100th birthday.

Scottie Ivory, Davis' daughter, said reaching the 100-year mark was an important milestone for Davis, who never lost faith that he would celebrate a century of living.

"When he got to be 98 years old, he said, 'I'm 98, and I'm glad to be here, but I'm not going to ask the Lord to be 100; I'm just going to trust that he'll let me get 100 years old, and I'll be satisfied,'" Ivory said.

The son of two former Texas slaves, Davis helped to organize Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 2111 Washington Ave., in 1939, and preached there until November when his health forced him to slow down.

Family members said Davis had memorized many scriptures. In the middle of the night, and while in the hospital, he was often called by other preachers searching for a Biblical reference for their sermons.

Friends said Davis was a dynamic and eloquent speaker who stood apart from many other preachers because of his commitment to teaching his congregation as well as preaching to them.

"He was one of the greatest doctrinal teachers of his day. He had the charisma, but his forte was that he was one of the few preachers who was rooted and grounded in the doctrine of the faith," said the Rev. Raphael Smith, of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Austin. "You have a lot of present-day ministers who are trying to swoon and sway you with platitudes, but he stayed strictly as a Biblical teacher."

Dr. Floyd A. Davis, Davis' son, described his father as an inspirational man whose words were not soon forgotten by his congregation. He said his father, who had 11 children during his 72 years of marriage, has trained at least 17 ministers.

"He's a preacher, and he's a teacher. He felt it was just as important to make sure people understood the word as it was to preach the word," Davis said. "He was one who taught about Jesus, but nobody escaped knowing what sin was when he got through preaching."

Services for Davis will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. John's Tabernacle, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Obituary for Reverend Silas Leonard Davis

Reverend S.L. Davis, 100 years and 10 days old, died Tuesday morning, March 29, 1988.

He was the proud organizer and pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Austin, Texas. Mount Calvary had its beginning October 23, 1939. He served as active pastor until his death.

Other positions held during his ministerial career include: moderator of LaGrange Western Landmark Association; member of the Board of Trustees of Mary Allen College, Crockett, Texas; bible instructor for Ushers Convention of the National Baptist Convention of America; Saint John District Association; pastoral instructor for Saint John School of Religion; president of the BYPU (BTU) Department of State Congress of Christian Workers (42 years). Because of his rich background of knowledge and experience with the Congress, he was led to compile and publish Four Decades, a book treating each Sunday school and BYPU session. The book contains documental and worthwhile bits of information.

He was a member of Beacon Light Masonic Lodge #338 and Rose of Sharon Chapter 277 Order of Eastern Star.

Reverend Davis was nominated and selected as a recipient of the prestigious Black Heritage Award in recognition of his service to the Austin-Travis County community for so many years, by the Black Heritage Committee, Austin Independent School District.

His belief in God sustained him. His request to the Lord was to let him live to see his 100th birthday -- REQUEST GRANTED!

Reverend Davis was the son of the late Andrew and Laura A. Davis; born in Saint John Colony, Dale, Texas, March 19, 1888; received his public school education in his native community; perfected an educational career at Guadalupe College and Samuel Huston College; and served as trustee of the public school in his district.

He was married in 1916, to Willie C. Thompson of Dale, Texas. To this union 11 children were born. One daughter, Valena A. Simmons; and one son, James Davis, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mrs. Willie C. Davis; three sons, Reverend O.D. Davis, Mr. Willie R. Davis, and Dr. Floyd A. Davis of Austin; six daughters, Calasca Murphy, San Antonio, Texas, Ogereda Bowman, Denver, Colorado, Vessie Tutt, Scottie Ivory, Teresia Lewis, and Barbara Dotson, all of Austin; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends.

A victory celebration for his home-going will be Saturday, April 2, 1988, in the Saint John Tabernacle in Austin, Texas, under the auspices of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, at 1:00 PM, Reverend Ira Lewis officiating. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery.

Arrangements by Fuller-Sheffield Funeral Service.

1888--1988

"A strong congregation is strictly a result of continuous gospel preaching and scriptural teaching."

In 1939 Reverend Davis was called to pastor Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, the members of which met in the home of Willie Marshall. In 1950 Reverend Davis supervised construction by his two sons of the church's current brick building at 2111 S.L. Davis Avenue.

Reverend Davis loved his church and its members. For 59 years, he served his congregation not only as pastor, but as friend and advocate. He also served as a resource for young ministers in the community.

He was known for walking the streets and talking to people who had alcohol or drug problems. He would invite them to his church for meals and a sermon. If they passed away and had no family, he would hold funeral services for them. He felt they needed to know someone cared.

Texas District Judge Ralph Yarborough would try misdemeanor cases in Reverend Davis's East 12th Street home, often designating the Reverend as an unofficial parole officer. "The Judge knew he could hold those people morally responsible for their conduct," said the Reverend's son Floyd Davis.

A grandson of former slaves, Reverend Davis was proud to be black. He lobbied the City Council for better city services for the black community and urged his parishioners to fight for civil rights. When the Texas Legislature declared Juneteenth a statewide holiday, Reverend Davis performed the invocation during the Capitol ceremony.

He was married to Willia C. Thompson for 74 years. To this union 11 children were born. "He taught us to care for our neighbor, help our community, and stay with a job until it is done," said his daughter Scottie Ivory.

Toward the end of his life, he weakened physically but remained very sharp mentally. In his 90's he could still recognize any bible scripture, naming its book, chapter, and verse.

"Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven." Psalm 119:89

(The above text is from a memorial in the Chestnut neighborhood pocket park. If you'd like to visit, check out a map of Chestnut pocket park.)