USA > North Carolina > Union County > Monroe > History of New Hope Methodist Protestant Church : Union County, Buford Township, Monroe, North Carolina, from the year 1889 to 1936 > Part 1
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HISTORY OF
NEW HOPE
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH
By REV. EARL A. COOK
DUKE
UNIVERSITY
Umiversitatia
Bukensi
LIBRARY
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013
http://archive.org/details/historyofnewhope00cook
CA. CO 07:010
HISTORY OF
NEW HOPE
Methodist Protestant Church
UNION COUNTY, BUFORD TOWNSHIP MONROE, NORTH CAROLINA FROM THE YEAR 1889 TO 1936
By REV. EARL A. COOK
Published By REV. EARL A. COOK Pensacola, N. C. : : : Concord, N. C. "The Press For The Ministry"
The author
REV. EARL A. COOK,
THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO AND IN MEMORY OF MY DEAR MOTHER MRS. MARY E. NORMAN COOK Who Gave Herself and Children in Service to This Church.
University Library
CTTIH
CONTENTS History
Organization
Page
7
D. A. Braswell
11
The New Building 12
J. S. Dunn-1893-1894
13
G. H. Austin-1895-1896
16
Robert L. Davis and J. N. Garrett-1897-1898 19
J. L. Giles-1899-1902 21
J. H. Turner, W. D. Reed, I. I. York-1903, 1904, 1905 25
J. B. Parham and C. W. Bailiff-1906-1907 28
Wm. P. Martin- 1908-1911 33
J. W. Self-1912 45
O. D. Stacy-1913 48
J. W. Quick-1914-1924
51
M. Ivey Crutchfield-1925 73
C. E. Phillips-1926-1929
78
T. G. Madison 90
T. E. Martin-1930 92
Q. L. Joyner and J. L. Love-1931-1932 100
M. C. Henderson-1933-1934 105
P. E. Bingham-1935 108
Robert Short-1936
109
Chronological list of Pastors 110
Biographies and Obituaries of Pastors
Rev. Frank A. Sides 113
Rev. D. A. Braswell 115
Rev. J. S. Dunn 117
Rev. J. N. Garrett 119
Rev. J. L. Giles 121
Rev. John H. Turner 123
Rev. W. D. Reed 125
Rev. Isaac I. York
127
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Rev. Wm. P. Martin 129
Rev. J. W. Self 131
Rev. O. D. Stacy 133
Rev. J. W. Quick 135
Rev. C. E. Phillips 137
Rev. T. Glenn Madison 139
Rev. Q. L. Joyner 141
Rev. J. L. Love 143
Rev. M. C. Henderson 145
Rev. P. E. Bingham 146
Rev. J. Robert Short 147
Charter and Official Members
A. W. Belk 151
W. C. Belk 153
Aaron Cook 155
Fisher Helms 157
John R. Belk 159
Cull M. Richardson
161
J. Pat Belk
163
J. P. Aycoth
165
T. P. Ross
167
John Wesley Richardson
169
T. B. Cook
171
Joe Ross
173
Robert Cook
175
Robert Belk
176
Lee Aycoth
177
G. R. Montgomery 179
Noble Helms 181
Rev. A. B. Haywood 183
Rev. A. E. Belk 185
Rev. L. S. Helms 189
Rev. Earl A. Cook 191
This Book contains seventy-six pages that are not num- bered, those that contain half-tone pictures.
PREFACE
It has been my desire for many years to see the History of my Home Church written. The desire has been so great that I have determined to prepare this book myself. In trying to prepare this little book, I find that many of us have forgotten well-nigh all the works of our former pastors. It seems as though their works have died with them. It is my purpose to bring these memories again to the surface in this little volume, that our children may know of the great works, toils and struggles of these fathful old pastors, many of whom have passed on.
This book would be incomplete without acknowl- edging the works of the faithful members who have passed on to their rewards. It appears that we have forgotten the works of these great men who made New Hope Church what it is today. I, myself, can remember but few of them; but much do I treasure the memory of those who labored in the interest of my Church and Community. It is my desire in pre- paring this book to make these great men live again in our memories. I have secured the photographs of them, with great expense, for the purpose of making these memories more realistic.
We could not forget these faithful ones who are still laboring with us today; we are proud of them ; they have meant much to the church and much to me personally. I am proud to say that what is written of them in the pages of this little book, is said with pleasure.
Another object in writing this book is to refresh our memories on things in general. Many times have
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we asked each other of things which happened at cer- tain times, that is difficult for us to recall the correct date of the happenings. In most churches, of long years standing, where records have not been kept, pastors are forgotten ; ofttimes, their names. Too, the year, or years, they served the church, together with the dates, is ofttimes missing. In many instances the correct date of the organization of the church cannot be given. It was almost impossible to find the cor- rect date of the organization of New Hope Church. By writing more than four hundred letters, to the peo- ple and officials of the North Carolina Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church, I have secured the correct information and dates which appear in this volume, unless otherwise stated.
If, through the pages that follow, I can revive the memories, which have faded with the years, of our faithful pastors and Christian brethren, who have passed on, and arouse within the reader a knowledge of his neglected duty to the church ; and create within him a desire for service to the institution which has sheltered his religious life, I shall indeed be thankful.
REV. EARL A. COOK.
PRINTER'S NOTE: This book was printed per- sonally by the author and covers a period of five years' work. Many errors may be found, both typographi- cally and in the phraseology, especailly in the first 37 pages, which was printed in the first two years. The first printing experience of the author is in this book.
NEW HOPE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH Erected 1892
ORGANIZATION
ew Hope Methodist Protestant Church was organ- ized by Rev. Frank A. Sides, in the year 1889, after Shiloh Methodist Episcopal Church burned in the summer or fall of 1888.
Rev. Tom Elington was pastor of Shiloh Church, an office he had filled for a number of years. There arose a dispute among the members of the church which resulted in the refusal of the Pastor to continue serving the church. For several months the church was without the services of a spiritual leader, but, as in all good churches, there were several good mem- bers who were not satisfied to see the church fall into inactivity and disrepute. Several of the official mem- bers went to the Methodist Protestant preacher, Rev. F. A. Sides, who was then serving the Monroe Cir- cuit, and requested his services for their church when he had time to spare. He consented to do so.
After several services had been held by the new preacher, there arose objections to a Methodist Prot- estant preacher serving a Methodist Episcopal Church. These objections were raised chiefly by Mr. Darling Belk. The objection amounted to very little at first, but later they grew into harsh and bitter resentment and finally into threats. One night, during the late summer or fall of 1888, before the members who lived nearest the church could reach their homes, a fire started in the church. In a few minutes Shiloh Church
7
8
was a mass of flames, which completely demolished the building in a short while.
Recalling the threats that had been made, after a movement had been started to turn the church ino a Methodist Protestant Church, many were of the opin- ion that the church had been purposely fired by someone who objected to the change of the denomina- tion of their local church.
After the fire the Methodist Episcopal Conference made no claim upon the church and offered no sug- gestion that the church be rebuilt. The people were in a quandary as to a line of action to employ. Finally, the people who had accepted Rev. Mr. Sides as their pastor, went to him for assistance and suggestions, which he readily gave.
Arrangements were made for the immedate con- struction of a brush arbor in which to worship, which was erected just above where New Hope schoolhouse now stands and only a few hundred yards South of the spot where the present church now stands. This arbor was used the remainder of the year 1888 and through the summer of 1889.
Rev. Mr. Sides continued his service to the church and in 1889 it was definitely decided to organize the church into a Methodist Protestant Church. Church officers were elected as follows: J. R. Belk, J. Pat Belk and Cull M. Richardson, Trustees; J. R. Belk was elected chairman. Aaron Cook, W. C. Belk and A. W. Belk, stewards; Cull M. Richardson was elect- ed Class Leader, an office which he was well able to fill. It is impossible to furnish the names of the other officers who were elected or appointed at that time.
9
At the Third Quarterly Conference of the Monroe Circuit, New Hope Church was recognized as an or- ganized body-this was during 1889. In August of the same year, Rev. Sides conducted a very successful revival under the arbor and many united with the new church, among whom were Mr. A. W. Belk and wife, Mr. W. C. Belk and wife, Mr. Aaron Cook and wife, Mr. Cull M. Richardson, John R. Belk and wife, Mr. J. Pat Belk, Mr. Fisher Helms and wife, and oth- ers, most of whom belonged to old Shiloh Church.
During the latter part of October, 1889, the Fourth Quarterly Conference was held, which was well at- tended by the officials of New Hope Church. After the transaction of the regular business a motion was made, which was duly seconded and carried, that the Conference request the Annual Conference to have the Boundary Committee place New Hope Church on the Monroe Circuit. The salary of the pastor was fix- ed at an unknown amount, of which New Hope Church agreed to pay fifteen dollars.
1890-Rev. Sides reported the organization of the new church to the Annual Conference, which con- vened in Mt. Zion Church, Stokes County, on Novem- ber 26th, 1889. In the Conference Journal of 1889, the new church is reported as having been organized by Rev. F. A. Sides. During that session of Confer- ence, the request of the Monroe Circuit was granted by the Boundary Committee and New Hope Church was placed on the Monroe Circuit. Rev. Sides was reappointed to serve the Circuit for the year 1890. During this entire period of the organization of this
10
church, it was known as New Shiloh and the New Church, the name New Hope having been adopted several years later.
Early in the spring of 1890, a new brush arbor was built to replace the old one, which had become de- lapidated. This arbor was built on the plot of land where the church now stands. During the month of August, Rev. D. A. Braswell assisted the pastor in a great revival under the new arbor, which accomp- lished much good. Rev. Braswell expressed his de- votion to the new church and soon won the love and admiration of the people by his earnest preaching and prayers.
In the Fourth Quarterly Conference of the Monroe Circuit, New Hope Church requested that Rev. Sides return to them as their pastor for the next year. On being put before that body the motion unanimously carried. At the Annual Conference, held December 11th, 1890, at Winston, N. C., Mr. Sides was reas- signed by the President, Rev. W. A. Bunch, to serve the Monroe Circuit during 1891.
1891-As was true during 1890, little was done dur- ing the winter months, due to the lack of a proper place in which to meet during the cold season. In the spring, however, the arbor was repaired and ser- vices begun. During the summer an agitation for a church building was begun, but which failed to be real- ized, due to the lack of a sufficient number of mem- bers. During the revival that year, however, several new membres were admitted into the fold.
11
Prior to the meeting of the Fourth Quarterly Con- ference the pastor expressed his desire to change his work for another field. This was sadly heard by the members of the new church and when he went before the Conference with the same request, which was granted, New Hope Church lost a faithful and warmly loved friend. He was unanimously request- ed to return to the Charge, but again he expressed his desire to move. Before leaving he expressed his devotion to the new church and to its members and urged them to construct a building as they had prom- ised. The members promised that next year would see a new building for the church and, with sad hearts, the Conference closed. Thus, the founder of New Hope Church passed from among the members of the Charge and his departure carried many fond hopes and remembrances with it.
1892-At the Annual Conference, at which Mr. Sides was released from this Charge, Rev. W. C. Lewis was appointed as the pastor of the Monroe Charge. For some unknown reason Mr. Lewis never came to this work. In referring to the records of the Annual Conference, we find that no pastor was ever appoint- ed to fill this vacancy. Therefore, New Hope was without a pastor until the next spring or summer, when the Rev. D. A. Braswell came to the rescue of the struggling church.
Mr. Braswell was a young local preacher, just entering the Conference, and was doing supply work
12
for several other churches at the same time. In the spring of this year, the people remembered their prom- ise to Rev. Mr. Sides, and began preparing to build.
The New Building .- The land on which the brush arbor was located, belonged to Mr. Hosa Hale. He had promised the pastor and the Trustees to deed this plot of land to the Trustees for a church when they were ready to build. This deed was made to the Trustees and their successors, and was signed by John R. Belk, Cull M. Richardson and J. Pat Belk. The deed was made April 26th, 1892. Mr. Hale, who was a local Methodist Episcopal preacher, passed to his reward before the land was deeded for the church, although his wife, Mrs. Sarah Hale, carried out the promise of her husband. The deed only bears the name of "Sarah Hale," Trustees and witnesses. A price of One Dollar was paid by the Trustees, to Mrs. Hale, for the land.
Mr. Marsh Rogers and Mr. A. W. Belk gave a large part of the timber for the frame work of the building. Mr. Rogers had not united with this church but was one of the leading workmen. All the members of the church took great interest in this work, and almost every one gave material for the building. The work moved slowly during the entire Summer, al- thugh it was not finished for several years thereafter. During the Fall and Winter of 1892 and '93, the church was without a floor, with the exception of in the pulpit and the altar. Rev. Mr. Braswell did not have the time to look after the building of the church,
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neither was able to serve the church full time.
In August of that year, a problem came to the people with great sorrow. Mrs. Martha Cook, wife of Aaron Cook, passed from this life. The work on the church was stopped and the members tried to lo- cate a burying ground near the church. Several at- tempts were made to dig a grave near the church, without success. Sebern Belk gave the church a right to bury on the top of a nearby hill, where the burying ground is now located. Rev. Mr. Braswell was notified, and he conducted the funeral. That was a sad time with the people of the community. The church mourned the loss of its first charter member.
No Quarterly Conference reports are available of that year. Very little is remembered of the revival, which Rev. Mr. Braswell himself conducted.
1893-1894 .- After the Annual Conference the new pastor came for the following year, 1893, Rev. J. S. Dunn, a somewhat aged man, with very peculiar ways, although a good man and a very able and ex- perienced preacher. Some time after Conference, he moved his family to a little station known as New London, N. C. His only way to get to the different churches of the circuit was to walk, which he did without complaint. On his first appointment at the new church he became greatly interested in the work there. The building lacked much of being finished. The people, at that time, put all they had into the lit- tle church building, and were now trying to gather funds to complete it.
14
After Rev. Mr. Dunn filled a few appointments, he delivered a very impressive message on the subject "Hope," and emphasized the fact that the people of that place had entered upon a "new hope." From that sermon the new church received its name "New Hope." It was indeed a new hope to the little band of believers who had lost their hope by the burning of Shiloh Church.
The pastor praised the people for their faithfulness to their beloved little church, and their practice of the old time Religion, in the old time Methodist way. Many times while enjoying a good service, he would sing alone, his favorite song, of which the following is a part :
"Wife, I've found the Model Church;
I've worshipped there to-day;
Bring forth the Royal Diadem,
And Crown Him Lord of all."
The Church, apparently, had a successful year. A very successful revival is reported by Rev. Aner B. Haywood, who assisted the pastor. The revival began the second Sunday in August, and continued about ten days. Rev. Mr. Haywood reported a large number of conversions and several new members were added to the church.
The Fourth Quarterly Conference of that year, was held at Grace Chapel Church. The delegate was instructed to ask for the return of Mr. Dunn for the next Conference year, 1894. The request was grant- ed by the Annual Conference, and he was reas- signed. Things, apparently, moved on as usual
15
until mid-summer, when the pastor, undoubtedly became dissatisfied. The reason I am unable to give, probably he was being neglected by the people, or perhaps he became offended at some official or offic- ials. However, he continued serving the church un- til the revival, which was held some time in August. The Rev. D. A. Braswell assisted in the revival. The people of New Hope Church were greatly indebted to Rev. Braswell for his splendid and untiring ser- vice prior to that time.
One morning during the revival, which had been in progress several days, the pastor and Rev. Braswell had spent the night in the home of W. C. Belk. While preparing to go to church for the morning ser- vice Rev. Dunn insisted that he start early and walk. since he was more accustomed to walking, the others to follow later by buggy. When they reached the church Rev. Dunn had not yet arrived, neither did he come at all. Rev. Braswell continued the revival work, which was a success.
It is not known that Rev. Dunn deserted the whole circuit, although he never came back to New Hope Church again. It is believed that he continued serv- ing the other churches of the Circuit until the close of the Conference year, which ended the first of Novem- ber.
With all the churches of the Circuit, it was hard to support a pastor. Whoever came to the work was forced to depend on something else to supplement his salary. Knowing that Rev. Dunn would not come back the next year, the delegate was left uninstructed.
REV. G. H. AUSTIN-1895-1896
At the beginning of the new Conference year, 1895, the people waited with anxious hearts, for the new pastor. These were days when news traveled slow, and to know, was to wait on the preacher him- self. A late report came that Rev. A. L. Hunter had been assigned to the Monroe Circuit. The peo- ple waited for a reasonable time, but the new pastor did not come. Later, each church received notice from the President of the Conference that Rev. Hunter would not come, but a pastor would immediately be assigned to the work. Some time in January, 1895, Rev. G. Harper Austin was assigned to the work. He assumed his pastoral duties soon afterwards. Rev. Austin was a middle-aged man of fine qualities. He was an uneducated man, but was advanced in the Bi- ble. He at once became attached to the people of New Hope Church, and took great interest in the work being done there.
In the spring of 1895, the people endeavored to finish the inside work of the church building, which was so badly needed. After a canvass for funds and material, they only received enough to complete the floor in the building. That was done, and temporary' seats were made, which put the church in a better condition in which to worship.
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A ten-day vocal singing school was taught by Professor J. C. Harris, in the early part of August, just before the beginning of the revival, 1895. Great interest was taken in the school, and a large number attended, not only the members of the Church and community, but many from adjoining communities. The singing school added many to the attenders at the church.
The results of the revival that year are not remem- bered, although it was conducted by the pastor dur- ing August.
At the close of the Conference year the people of the entire circuit expressed their love and apprecia- tion to Rev. Austin for his effective work by instruct- ing the delegate to the Annual Conference, to ask for his return.
1896-Rev. Austin was reassinged and was soon back in his regular appointments and pastoral work. The winter passed with very little accomplished, but at the approaching spring Rev. Austin insisted that a Sunday School be organized. This was undertaken, which was a difficult task, although one was organ- ized. The pastor was away in his other five or six churches, save the one appointment each month. This was the first Sunday School of the church, and did not survive, save through the summer months, which was true with most rural churches of that time.
Again, the results of the revival are not recorded, neither can the name of the preacher who assisted the pastor be given, if there was one.
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The Fourth Quarterly Conference was held in Oc- tober. The conference had quite a problem at that time. A motion was put before the body to know if they would unite with the Wadesboro Circuit. The Monroe Circuit had five churches, they all were weak, three of which were new churches. After much dis- cussion, it was decided that the two Circuits would unite. The Wadesboro Circuit had become too weak to support a pastor also. The pastor had suggested a union of the two Circuits, as did the President of the Annual Conference. The Boundary Committee act- ed upon the decision of the two Circuits, and they were united, being known as the Wadesboro Circuit. That action eliminated the Monroe Circuit, therefore, Rev. Austin was assigned to the Mocksville Circuit.
REV. ROBERT L. DAVIS, 1897 REV. J. N. GARRETT, 1898
After the two circuits were united, it made a very large and scattered Circuit, and was a very undesir- able work for most any preacher.
The pastor came immediately to the work, and, it is believed he moved near Peachland, North Carolina. Rev. Mr. Davis was a very able preacher. He was well educated, having come to the Methodist Protest- ant Church from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. While in that Conference he had served sev- eral large City churches, and this type of work was all he had labored with. Therefore, this made a vast difference in his work on the Wadesboro Circuit, a circuit of about nine churches. No particular interest was taken in the Church that year. Things moved on as usual with the regular routine of work.
At the Fourth Quarterly Conference Rev. Mr. Davis asked that he not be considered by the Confer- ence as pastor for the next year. On questioning, it was learned that he was expecting a Station work in the Conference. Therefore, the delegate was left un- instructed.
Rev. Mr. Davis was generally liked by all the people of New Hope Church. He leaves one name- sake in the community, Robert Davis Belk, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John R. Belk.
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1898-The Annual Conference sent a new pastor, Rev. J. N. Garrett, to the work. Rev. Mr. Garrett was a man advanced in years, a very able preacher, and a very effective pastor. He at once took great interest in New Hope Church, and the people soon fell in line with him. Much progress was made in the Church, and some finishing work was done on the building. A very successful revival was conducted in the latter part of August. Rev. A. B. Haywood assisted the pastor in the work. The Fourth Quarterly Confer- ence was held at New Hope Church, and the pastor re- ported the work in good condition. Little more than one-half of the salary had been paid. The whole Cir- cuit had promised $200, but they paid only $113.56. A reasonable amount had been paid on the Conference budget. The Conference cast a unanimous vote for the return of Pastor Garrett. The delegate, Mr. W. T. Tucker, was instructed to ask for his return. It was his intention to return to the Wadesboro Circuit, but his vision became so dim the Conferenece thought it best that he reteurn to his home circuit at Yadkin Col- lege, North Carolina. Since the Annual Conference ruled as it did regarding Rev. Mr. Garrett, the Wades- boro Circuit was left unsupplied for the next year, 1899.
REV. J. L. GILES, 1899, 1900, 1901, AND 1902
As the Circuit was left unpsupplied at the Confer- ence of 1899, the Church waited for some time for a pastor. Two months passed and nothing was heard from a pastor. Some official of New Hope Church wrote the President of the Annual Conference, at Greensboro, North Carolina, after which a pastor was appointed, Rev. J. L. Giles, who came to the work early in February 1899.
Rev. Mr. Giles was a middle-aged man, and an ex- perienced minister. He was a sweet spirited man, and at once showed great interest in New Hope Church, and they soon forgot their great loss in losing Mr. Garrett, for Mr. Giles proved to be as able a preacher and pastor as the former one. A prayer meeting was soon started, and the Sunday School revived, under the leadership of Mr. Cull Richardson. Mr. Richard- son was a splendid Sunday School worker, and al- ways had the work at heart. A revival was conducted by the pastor early in September. There was no pul- pit help secured with the exception of a few services conducted by the Rev. A. B. Haywood, a local preach- er on the work. A good revival was reported in the pastor's report of that year.
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