Time Machine: January 20 in regional history
![John D. Rockefeller visited Augusta often and enjoyed the preaching of the Rev. C.T. Walker. [New York Public Library Collection]](/gcdn/authoring/2020/01/19/NAUG/ghows-GA-251da108-f823-4ac4-85cf-cadc7e5d3aa8-a205d8f2.jpeg?width=300&height=409&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
JAN. 20, 1907
On a chilly winter Sunday, the richest man in America came to Augusta and went to church.
John D. Rockefeller, the Standard Oil magnate, was said to enjoy his trips to our town, and also enjoyed the preaching of the Rev. C.T. Walker, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Rockefeller told an usher to let Walker know "that one of his northern friends is here to see him."
Walker, still in his study preparing the morning's sermon, came out and greeted Rockefeller with a “hearty handshake.”
Those in attendance said Rockefeller listened attentively to the sermon taken from Luke 4:35.
Those in attendance also watched attentively as the collection plate was passed and the richest man in America placed $20 into it.
Adjusted for inflation, that would be worth more than $500 today.