Biography

Rev. H.L. Simpson was the husband of Hattie Bogart.   He was born in New York City and received his Divinity Degree from Rochester Baptist Theological Seminary of that city. He served as the fourth pastor of Second African Baptist Church.  The members of the church affectionately called Rev. Simpson, “Father Simpson”.
Some highlights of his pastorate include a program to improve the appearance of the church with as many members as possible involved. Each member was asked to pay twenty-five cents each Sunday in order to raise $7,500.00 to buy insurance on the church, buy an organ, and install stained glass windows. He held church court trials for such activities as dancing, marrying without the consent of the church, or for not taking communion. He encouraged church members to raise funds for the Georgia Infirmary Hospital each fifth Sunday.  Funds were used for the upkeep of the hospital. He held temperance meetings to encourage people not to drink alcoholic beverages.  At one meeting, one hundred sixty members signed pledges not to drink any more.
On March 12, 1881, Father Simpson died at the age of 57.  He had served the church for ten years.