Rev. E. D. Burley Carson was born June 2, 1868. Rev. Carson was called to preach in the year 1924. This certifies that E. D. Carson is regularly ordained minister in the Bowling Green Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, having been ordained by the Bowling Green Colored Presbytery of that church on the 16th day of April, 1924. Signed by R. B. Wilson, moderator; M. K. Beard, stated clerk.

This work in the role of minister brought many souls to Christ. He went out on the highways and the byways sometimes walking, never complaining when his son Archie didn't have the car in condition to take him on his long journeys, or get money to him in time for him to go to his churches. He would go on just the same preaching God's word, sometimes walking or on horseback, singing "When He Calls Me I will Answer. I May Be on The Roadside When He Calls Me." With the strength and knowledge that my God and your God gave him he built two churches, the first and last Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rochester, Ky., the other at Water View, in which they are still holding service. He didn't have contractors like we do today or a rock he built the foundation of his churches.

In the year 1964 Elder Mattie Moore called him to come to Water View to dedicate their church. He went but the trip was too much for him he was only able to stand for a few minutes and preach the word of God, but as always he did his best.

Rev. Burley Carson departed this life on May 14, 1965 in Bowling Green, Ky. He was buried on May 16 in Sugar Grove, Ky. He is survived by a son, Archie Carson of Indianapolis, Ind.; a daughter-in-law, Agnes; four sisters, Anna, Goldie, Rosie Lee and Mattie; two brothers, Andrew and Rev. Cecil Carson; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews.

My favorite sermons I loved to hear him preach were "When the Eagle Stirs Her Nest" and "The Handwriting On The Wall."

Written by Sis. D. Pippens for Bro Archie Carson and Family.

[Source: The Cumberland Flag, July 15, 1965, page 11]