The evidence that Fred would grow up to be a man with a combative personality with an authoritarian style was illustrated in his early years. Being the oldest child in a family of nine children, Fred had many responsibilities. The Shuttlesworth fa

Fred started a family shortly after his marriage at an early age. He worked odd jobs to support his family. Shuttlesworth converted to the Baptist denomination after receiving an invitation from a friend to attend a Baptist service. The members of Corinthian Baptist church welcomed him and his family with open arms. It was at Corinthian Baptist church that he realized his dream was to become a preacher. He began to preach in different pulpits on a part-time basis when the permanent pastor was unavailable. Fred wanted to enhance his knowledge of the ministry so he began taking classes at Cedar Grove. Fred, a person with a strong image and beliefs, challenged his teacher on what he considered a theological error. This was another example of his combative personality. He was offered a one-year term of employment, based on congregational vote, to preach at Corinthian Baptist church. Fred did not accept because he did not feel he should be subjected to a vote and it was not under his terms. His confidence sustained his hopes that there was a place for him to preach and that he would find a church soon. In May of 1950, First Baptist church offered him a full-time job as permanent pastor. Fred accepted but soon realized that he and First Baptist were a poor fit for each other. He found himself challenging long time members and deacons. He began to move aggressively against the deacons and would not back down. His belief that a pastor shouldn't be challenged or question his unwillingness to concede, showed his leadership skills as a person and as a pastor. After being warmly welcomed at Bethel Baptist church, he accepted an offer as permanent pastor. He soon became the leader of Bethel and increased membership and attendance greatly. Fred's civic-minded preaching and leadership skills helped him gain followers and an entrance into civil rights activity. His sermons occasionally focused on the injustices of the world and the mistreatment of blacks. Soon people would look to him for leadership in the civil rights movement. Fred's personality helped make him a successful preacher as well as a leader. He was willing to do and say what other blacks were afraid to. He was not going to back down to anyone and he was going to remain firm with his beliefs.

I really enjoyed reading A Fire You Can't Put Out. I feel that Fred's character was developed and established very well. As a reader, I was let in on everything that developed his personality as a whole.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1660
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)