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 9
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Rev. Bingham is a brother of Rev. E. A. Bingham of the same Conference. He is a young man and is well prepared for the great work. We wish for him a success.
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REV. P. E. BINGHAM Pastor of New Hope Church the year 1935
REV. J. ROBERT SHORT
Pastor of New Hope Church the year 1936
REV. J. ROBERT SHORT
Rev. Robert Short was born May 8, 1884 in Cleveland County, near Casar, N. C. of very poor and humble parent- age. His mother died when he was six years old. He lived with his uncle until he was thirteen.
He was converted in 1906, following the death of his first- born infant son, the one who had more to do with his change of life than all other human beings combined. The example of older people toward religion in the years past was every- thing but wholesome. He only had three months in Sunday School up until he was twenty-two years old. After conver- sion he joined Knob Creek Methodist Protestant Church. of which Rev. L. H. Hatley was pastor.
He answered the call to preach, and was licensed by the Third Quarterly Conference of Fallston Charge in 1913. The license was issued by the beloved N. J. Wright, a document which Rev. Short holds as a precious and sacred possession. He conducted his first revival under Rev. A. L. Hunter, at Macedonia, and his second also with Rev. Hunter at Laurel Hill Church.
His educational advantages were woefully limited. He at- tended the free school of the foothills which were only three or four months terms, with one teacher, which was poorly paid. High Schools were few and far between, and they were not free institutions. After his marriage to a little girl of sixteen, only two days younger than himself, made his encouragement much less to attend High School which was very expensive. With all this handicap they moved to a dormitory where he began high school, by working two days a week and going to school four. After his family grew so that his expenses for the family required a full time job, he
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labored all day to support his little family, and at night he would spend an hour with a kind teacher who instructed him further in his school work. He bought books and read much. This and fourteen years of business contact made up his stock-in-trade on the way of academic training, only reaclı- ing about the ninth grade, yet this has not held him back from a successful ministry. He is an able preacher and one of the Conference's best pastors.
He was instroduced to Conference at Enfield in 1920 by Rev. A. L. Hunter. He was admitted to the classes and rec- ommended for work, and at that Conference he was assigned to Uwharrie Charge, and has been active in the ministry since that time. He has served the following Charges: Uwharrie 1921 and 1922, Davidson 1923 and 1924; Mecklenburg 1925 and 1926; Roberta 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930; Denton 1931, 1932 and 1933; Anderson 1934 and 1935; then back to Mecklenburg 1936.
He was ordained November 7th, 1926, at Greensboro, N. C. He had no thought of his pastorates being anything but temporary, but in the words of the Poet, he has been "Ready to go; Ready to stay; Ready to do His will" wherever need- ed. He realizes now that the call was permanent.
Until 1936 he has held 120 revival, had over 1500 profes- sions, witnessed 1000 accessions in these revivals, conducted about 150 funerals. married 24 couples, preached about 2200 times, besides funerals and special addresses.
He was united in marriage with Miss Janel Buff, January 18th, 1900. The union was graced with seven children, four boys and three girls. The first child died at 18 months of age. Those living are: Virgie, Cottie, Robert, Jr., Dexter Howard and Myrtle.
Biographies and Obituaries of Charter & Offical Members Of New Hope Church
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A. W. BELK
A Charter Member of New Hope Church. Died January 20th, 1894
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A. W. BELK Charter Member
A. W. Belk, known to all his friends as Uncle Yad, was born in 1810, in Union County, Buford, Township. He was a son of Darling Belk, Sr.
Mr. Belk was one of the early settlers of the community, which was first known as Shiloh com- munity, then New Hope. He was converted early in life and joined Shiloh M. E. Church, where he worked faithfully until that church was destroyed by fire. Then he came to New Hope as a charter member. He only lived five years after the church was organized, but he did his part to get it started.
Mr. Belk married early in life to Miss Jane Belk. He was the father of Columbus (Lum) Belk and J. Pat Belk.
He owned much land in the community, and spent the most part of his life at the old Belk home place, known now as the Lum Belk old home. The old es-
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tablished home burned about 1930.
He died January 20th, 1894, aged about 84 years. Funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. S. Dunn. He was laid to rest in the New Hope Cemetery. His faithful companion followed him in death December 16th, 1903. She was about 81 years old.
W. C. BELK A Charter Member of New Hope Church
W. COLUMBUS BELK Charter Member
W. Columbus Belk was born January 5th, 1848, in Union County, Buford Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Belk. He was reared on the farm in old Shiloh Community, now known as New Hope Com- munity. His father and mother were devoted Chris- tians and members of Shiloh M. E. Church, therefore, Brother Belk was reared in a most humble and devot- ed Christian home.
He was united in marriage with Miss Mollie Rob- inson, of Mt. Crogan, S. C., on August 18th, 1873. To this union God entrusted eleven children, four girls and seven boys: Vergie, Era, Rebecca, Rosa, Fate, Robert DeWitt, Worth, Thomas, Ottis, and Paul. All of whom joined New Hope Church except Worth.
Mr. Belk has remained on the farm all his life, and is the owner of a large farm.
He was converted in his early twenties, and was loyal to his church. At the time of the organization of New Hope Methodist Protestant Church, he and his wife united as charter members, in which they have been faithful and active members ever since. He has served as steward and on several committees at numerous times. He was elected as Church Trustee
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to succeed J. Cull Richardson at his death, an office of which he held until 1927, his son Robert Belk, suc- ceeding him.
Brother Belk was very interested in the building of New Hope Church in 1892. He gave much of his time in labor, and a good donation in money. In the year 1918, when the church was re-covered and the south wing added, he, also took a great interest in this work and was a member of the finance commit- tee. In the summer of 1926, when the Arbor was erected, he gave all the large cedar posts required to build the arbor, which amounted to a large sum. He also made a large donation in money.
At all times he has been faithful to his church, and has trained his children to be faithful to their church. We yearn for more fathers and mothers like Brother and Sister Belk. The Lord has blessed him greatly ; there has not been a death in his large family, and he is blessed with the good old age of 88 years. He is getting very feeble, and the physical vision of both he and Mrs. Belk has left them, but their spiritual vis- ion is getting brighter, and their life is happy in their Christian experience. May God give them many more healthy years with us in this world.
AARON COOK
A Charter Member of New Hope Church. Died April 28th, 1917
AARON COOK Charter Member
Aaron Cook was born March 11th, 1844, in Burke County. He was the son of David and Alcy Cook. He was reared in a poor, but humble country home. When he was eighteen years of age he volunteered for enlistment in the Southern army, and spent more than two years in that war. Many times we have heard him speak of being in battles, and how his soldier friends, on each side, would be shot down, but God protected him.
He was united in marriage with Miss Martha White, of Burke County, in 1865. To this union were born fifteen chil- dren: Deal, John, Robert, Mary, Dovie, Jim, Roxie, Dave, Lue, Lee, Tobe, Charlie, Miller, Ida and an infant who died at birth.
In the year 1879 he moved his family from the mountains cf Burke County to Buford Township in Union County, about one mile from Shiloh Church. Not long after he moved he united with that Church.
Mr. Cook was a man with a business ability, was thrifty and always found something to do. As a result he accumu- lated wealth very fast. He first moved to what is known as the Dr. Jim Doster place and lived there a good many years, then he moved to the Maice Richardson place. While there, he purchased what is known as the Jake Starnes land, now known as the Little Pearce Aycoth home, later he moved there. He purchased much more land on these borders, known as Jim Avcoth home, John Morris home, the old Bud Ross farm, the Lee and Bundy Aycoth homes, the Harley Laney home, and J. P. Aycoth home. He built a modern
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home on what is known as the Lee Aycoth home, where he lived until he left the state. He kept the country store for a good number of years.
After the burning of Shiloh Church he and Mrs. Cook came to New Hope Church as charter members. Mrs. Cook died in August, 1892, leaving a large family of motherless children.
Mr. Cook took to himself a second wife, Miss Emmie Presley, March 11th, 1894. To this union six children were born: Frank, Oscar, Tom, Walter, Bright and Annie Cook. The second wife was a member of the Baptist church, and a few years after his second marriage he joined Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, but soon came back to New Hope Church, where he remained a devoted member and worker.
At the recommendation of his son John, he decided, in his old age that he would move to South Georgia, so with his son they moved to Elza, Georgia, in 1914. All property in Union County was sold, and a nice home and farm was purchased in Georgia.
In 1915 his health began to fail him, and in 1916 he came back to Union County that he might die in his home state, leavinng his family in Georgia. He soon became homesick and begged to be taken back to Georgia. He was taken back, and his condition grew worse. On April 28th, 1917, he went to be with God. This was during the great World War, and transportation was almost impossible so his body was laid to rest in a little country cemetery in Elza, Georgia, between Reidsville and Lion, Georgia.
FISHER HELMS Charter Member
Fisher Helms was born January 21, 1842, died Jan- uary 29, 1918. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Noah Helms and a brother of Mrs. J. R. Belk. Mr. Helms was reared on the farm and was an industrious young man.
He was united in marriage with Miss Tressa Belk, of Union County. There were no children born to this union. Mr. Helms moved from Union county in his late twenties, to some part of Mississippi, and re- mained for several years, then came back to Union County.
Mr. Helms enlisted in the Southern Army at the be- ginning of the Civil War in 1861, and remained there until the war ended.
He was converted early in life, and was loyal to his community church. He took a great interest in the building of New Hope Church, and was one among
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the first members. He was a devoted Christian and a member of New Hope Church since it was built. He lived to a ripe old age of 76 years and 8 days. His body was laid to rest in New Hope Cemetery, where it awaits the First Resurrection Morn.
JOHN R. BELK
A Charter Member of New Hope Church and one of the First Trustees
JOHN R. BELK Charter Member
John R. Belk was born February 24th, 1855, in Un- ion County, Buford Township. He was a son of the late G. W. Belk. Brother Belk was reared on the farm, and brought up in a Christian home .. He was taught to be loyal to the Church.
He was united in marriage to Miss Jane Helms, on April 6th, 1879. To this union were born ten children : Mrs. Jessie Yarbrough, deceased; Mrs. Ellen Helms, Mrs. Addie Long, Mrs. Eva Long, Charlie, deceased ; Clyde, and Robert Belk. Three died in infancy.
Brother Belk was converted about the year 1889, and united with New Hope Methodist Protestant Church as a charter member. He was elected Chair- man of the Board of Trustees of New Hope Church, of which office he held 38 years, from 1889 to 1927. He also served as Steward for 20 years in which office he was faithful in the discharge of his official duty. He also served as Sunday School Superintendent, and teacher of the adult Bible Class for a few years.
Brother Belk has always loved his church and has been loyal to it since he became a Christian. When his church would suffer he would suffer at heart. In
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the many years of his Christian life he has never been absent from any service of the Church when his health would permit. Many times we know of him coming to Sunday School or Prayer Meeting when there was but one or two present besides himself. He would go in the church, read a portion of the Scrip- ture, pray and return to his home. These conditions did not discourage him but he would go on with new courage.
Brother Belk is growing very old and feeble, and is not permitted to attend the services of his Church as he once did. He still possesses the faith, and says he is ready to go home when God sends for him. He has reached his 81st year, and we trust God will let him remain with us a good many years to come.
CULL RICHARDSON
Charter Member of New Hope Church and Pio- neer Sunday School leader. Died March 21, 1916
CULL M. RICHARDSON Sunday School Leader
Cull M. Richardson was born in old Shiloh community, Union County, N. C., December 30th, 1848. He was the son of Mason Richardson, a well known man in the community in his day, and was one of the best outstanding members of Shiloh Church. Brother Richardson was reared on the farm, his father was a prosperous farmer of the county. He was. from a child, taught to love the Bible and to fear God. As a result, he was converted at the age of seventeen and joined Shiloh Methodist Episcopal Church, and was an active mem- ber in that church. That was twenty-four years before the organization of New Hope Methodist Protestant Church. He served officially in Shiloh Church for twenty-four years, and was one of its dependable members at the time it burned.
He was united in marriage to Miss Jane Richardson, of the same community, on March 17th, 1870. To this union were born three children: Joe, Mrs. Sallie Montgomery, and Mrs. Emily Crump. He was much devoted to his home and children, and lived an humble Christian life before them, always having family prayer in the home. He lived a good life and all were convinced of liis faithful Christian life.
After the burning of Shiloh Church, in 1888, he helped to organize and establish New Hope M. P. Church which suc- ceeded the burned church. He and his wife came as Char- ter members of the new church. He was elected one of the first trustees of the new Church, with John R. Belk and J. Pat Belk, this office he held until his death. He also served as Class leader for more than twenty years, an office which
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he was well able to fill. He was greatly interested in the building of New Hope Church in 1892. He furnished a large amount of lumber and gave his labor. He served several times as steward, and Sunday School Superintendent in the early life of the church, and again in 1908 and 1909. He was a great believer in prayer. He kept alive a prayer meeting in New Hope Church. One of his favorite songs in prayer meeting and Sunday School was: "I Need The Prayers Of Those I love."
The author of this book, though then a child of about eight years, does well remember in the summer of 1911, the spring and summer being dry, the fields were parched and the seed would not sprout. In the Sunday School, Brother Richardson made an appeal to the people to pray for rain, and suggested a prayer meeting in the afternoon for that purpose. It was announced for two o'clock. As we gathered about the church the sun was shining bright and hot, no sign of rain. Brother Richardson came climbing the hill to the church, with his umbrella in his hand as a walking cane, thus proving his faith in God. After the meeting all returned to their homes. How well I remember father and I had to run to get home without getting wet. The Lord sent rain in answer to those prayers. We stood on the porch of our home and looked toward Brother Richardson's home, when father said: "Uncle Cull will get to use his umbrella before he gets home."
He was an unusually healthy man, until a few years be- fore the end came. He became afflicted with heart and kid- ney trouble, from which he never recovered. On March 21st, 1916, he passed from this life to life everlasting, where he will forever be with God. His going was our loss and Heaven's gain.
J. PAT BELK
Charter Member of New Hope Church Died October 12th, 1934
J. PAT BELK Charter Member
J. Pat Belk was born March 20, 1852, in Buford Township, Union County. He was a son of the late A. W. Belk. He was converted at the age of about eighteen years and joined Shiloh Methodist Episco- pal Church. After the burning of Shiloh Church in 1888, be brought his membership to New Hope Meth- odist Protestant Church as a charter member. Broth- er Belk was elected as one of the first Trustees of New Hope Church, and served faithfully for a good num- ber of years.
He was united in marriage to Miss Carrie A. Rog- ers March 20, 1870. To this union were born seven children: Julia, Jennie, James, of which the latter died in infancy ; Allison, a minister, and Victoria. This indeed, was a most consecrated family. The mother taught her children, with most tender care, the great- ness of a Christian life and bringing them up in a home of Prayer and Bible reading. Their lives give testimony to these great facts.
Some years later Mr. Belk moved from Union County to the Eastern part of South Carolina. While in this part of the country, on May 18, 1896, his be-
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loved wife passed from this life and went to be with God ..
Brother Belk lived alone for a number of years un- til 1908 he was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Anderson. To this union was born one son who died in infancy.
Brother Belk was a faithful member of New Hope Methodist Protestant Church until 1928, when he re- ceived his letter, in good standing, to unite with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which was for the sake of convenience.
Mr. Belk was a very healthy man until a few years before his death, which came on October 12, 1934. He went to be with God and many friends who pre- ceded him. He was laid to rest beside his first wife near Fort Mills, S. C., where he awaits the Resurrec- tion morn.
J. P. AYCOTH
A former Official Member of New Hope Church Died May 24th, 1927
J. P. AYCOTH Official Member
J. P. Aycoth was born July 21st, 1867 in Buford Town- ship, Union County. He was the son of the late Wm. H. Ay- coth and was reared on the farm in Union County. He at- tended the local schools of his community. He was very in- dustrious, quiet and devoted to his home.
He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Cook, a daugh- ter of the late Aaron Cook, on January 19th, 1889. To this union were born twelve children: Lee, William, (Jake), Bun- dy, Ellis, Luther, Sam, Mrs. Wincie Morris, Mrs. Dovie Mor- ris, Mrs. Susie Belk, Mrs. Bessie Helms, and Annie Aycoth. Dofas died in childhood.
Mr. Aycoth purchased a farm from his father-in-law, Aaron Cook, the land now known as the John Morris land, where he moved and lived a good many years. Later he bought what is known as the Home Place, where he lived the remainder of his life. In 1910 he bought an interest in a Gin and Mill outfit with his brother-in-law, T. P. Ross. Four years later, lie and his two sons, Lee and Jake, bought a new and modern machinery; later a large corn mill was added. The machin- ery was operated with success until the fall of 1922, when it was destroyed by fire. Before the ginning season of 1923 new machinery was installed. At this time he also operated the community store.
During the gin season of 1924, while operating the gin press, he injured his head, from which he recovered from the
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visible wound, but from the internal injury he never recover- ed. growing worse and weaker. All possible human aid was given and secured by his children. On May 24th, 1927, he gave up this life and went to be with God.
Mr. Aycoth was a devoted Christian man, and there was not a more truthful man in this community than was he. He delighted in helping his fellowman who was in need, and as long as he had a dollar, one-half or more, of it was for his needy friends. God always blessed him with something to give. He looked on the bright side of life, and always had something good to say of everyone.
He was converted early in life, and united with New Hope Church, and was a faithful and devoted member until his death. He was always interested in his Church and was so attentive that he is greatly missed. He served as steward many years. He was faithful in the discharge of his official duty, and always headed the financial list of his church. He was the leader in the building programs of 1918 and 1926, and was Chairman of the finance committee.
Since he is gone it is hard to do without him. His works are ever before us. His truthfulness, honesty, faithfulness and loyalty inspire us. The vacancy he left in his commun- ity and church can never be filled. It can truthfully be said of him "Gone, but not forgotten." His body was laid to rest in the New Hope cemetery where he waits the First Resur- rection Morn.
T. P. ROSS
A former Official Member of New Hope Church Died October 22nd, 1928
T. P. ROSS Official Member
T. Pink Ross was born May 17, 1869, in Union Coun- ty, Buford Township. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Ross. Mr. Ross was reared on the farm, and was a faithful, hard working boy. He had very little opportunity to go to school, but took great advantage of the time he did get to go and secured a fair educa- tion. After reaching manhood, he became very inter- ested in singing; he attended every singing school possible for him to get to. He knew music well.
He was united in marriage to Miss Dovie Cook, March 20th, 1888. Mrs. Ross was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Cook. To this union were born 17 children : Henry A., Raymond B., Joe, Ernest, Ida, Carl, Mary, Lula, Bunyon, Lovin, Bright, Johnnie (de- ceased), Grady, Nay, Roy (deceased), Coy and Willie Ross.
Brother Ross lived for many years on what is known as the old W. S. Brantley place, until in 1903 he purchased a large farm ,known as the Sebern Belk place (known now as the T. B. Cook Home), where he lived until 1916. Mr. Ross was an industrious business man. Soon after he moved to his old home place in 1903, he purchased a ginnery and saw mill out- fit, and this was the only machinery in the community for many years. Brother Ross also ran the community store in connection with his other business.
Brother Ross was converted in 1903, and joined New Hope Methodist Protestant Church. Immediately af-
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ter joining New Hope Church, he was elected Choir director, which office he was well prepared to fill, and which he served faithfully for twelve years. In con- nection with Choir Director, he served two years as Sunday School Superintendent, probably 1904 and 1905. Later, he served many years as teacher of the Adult Bible Class, also serving as Steward for a num- ber of years. Brother Ross was faithful in the dis- charge of his official and Christian duties. He was faithful as a Steward, and always did his part in fin- ancing his Church in every way. He devoted much of ins time to the study of the Bible; he knew his Bible better than any other man of the community, and prac- ticed it in his everyday life.
In 1919, Brother Ross sold his home place to T. B. Cook, and moved to Monroe, N. C., where he enter- ed the mercantile business, in which he remained un- til the end came.
Brother Ross had always been a healthy man until a few years before his death. His health began to fail him, and in 1926 he became very ill with heart dropsy, from which he never recovered. On October 22, 1928, he departed this life and went to his reward. Brother Ross was aware of his condition, and knew he could not recover, but many times did he give assurance of his being ready to go.
His body now rests in the plot of ground he gave to New Hope Church for a cemetery, where he will hear the voice of Him on that first Resurrection morn. His funeral was held in the presence of a large concourse of friends and loved ones, and was conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. E. Phillips.
JOHN WESLEY RICHARDSON
An Official member of New Hope Church, and Sunday School Supt. for many years
JOHN WESLEY RICHARDSON Sunday School Leader
John Wesley Richardson was born in 1878, in the New Hope Community, Union County. He was the son of the late General and Louise Broom Richardson. His bodyhood days were spent on his father's farm in that community. He was one of a large family of boys and girls. They all worked hard and were thrifty. In the winter vacation days from the plough and fields he attended schcol in what was then known as the Richardson school house, near his home. There he received his education.
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