[11 Dec 2002: My good friend, Bill Reaves, from whose family I bought my
homestead land in Newell, Alabama, introduced me to his pastor, Donly Ray,
in about 1986. We three are still friends. Donly has since retired. 
The last time I saw Donly was at his home near the University of Montevallo 
in Montevallo, Alabama in 1998. I have tried to faithfully reproduce 
the letter Donly wrote 14 years ago. It follows:]

Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church
412 Cumberland Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35206

May 4, 1988

Dear Friend,

     Steve Sedberry is a Homewood native, Episcopal, and a composer/musician.
He has traveled extensively in the USA and is a welcomed guest in our par-
sonage home from time to time.

     While at Oxford and here at Wilson Chapel, Steve has presented concerts
during the Evening Worship hour. He has been very well received.

     Steve sings of peace, songs of faith, children's songs, anti-smoking
songs as well as some of the social issues the church confronts today. He
has done this for me with a love offering to cover expenses and keep him in 
business.

     I have found him to be warm, humorous, talented, a model of health (he's
into clean living), and a joyful relief for my congregations.

     He wants to establish a church circuit of programs of music. I am asking
you to let him perform for you...I think you will be impressed and grateful
you did.

     If you should want to phone or write me, feel free to do so.


Shalom and agape,




Reverend Donly E. Ray


DER/bw