USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 10
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We may notice, also, that beyond the pulpit, he has attained a reputation as a humorous lecturer that is well deserved.
REV. JOSHUA S. HUNTER.
Ile is the pastor of our church at Farmville. He has prime native gifts, and they have been whetted. Ile studies choice books. Ilis profiting appears to all. Ile divides the Word rightly, and gives each his meat in dne season. He has not gotten his growth. His conversion took place in 1863. In 1870 he joined the Conference, and was sent to Bedford Circuit, where he served two years; the same length of time on Prospect Circuit, and four years on Louisa Circuit.
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REV. T. MON. SIMPSON.
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In November, 1878, he was assigned to Centenary, Lynchburg; then Farmville ; next Norfolk: next Farmville District; next Mt. Vernon, Danville; next Trinity, Richmond; next Charlottesville District; then to Farmville Station.
Ilis father was Robert Hunter. His mother's maiden name was Paulina A. Slaughter. The preacher's birthplace is Appomattox; date, August 26, 1844.
Mr. Hunter is recognized as a prime force for a difficult task demanding tact, energy and consecration. Battles are won before the fight, by adroit manœu- vring. Mr. Ihinter uses sacred strategy. He enlists his entire Church citizen- ship and inspires them with his own zeal. They soon have a "mind for the work." lle illustrates that best art in a pastor-setting everybody in motion and towards wise ends. He enterprises chapels beyond his own parish and makes expeditions outside of his cantonment, but not to the neglect of his own charge. He has brought the capstone to parsonage and church where many men would despair. And yet he is not a restless man ; rather grave and balanced.
Ilis sermons are the products of distillation in a thoughtful mind of varied information and learning. They are delivered with fervor, naturalness and force. Mr. Hunter excels as a pastor. Ilis sincere interest in his flock and his watchfulness for their good endear him to his people. Ile has done the Church enduring service.
REV. WERTER HI. GREGORY.
This enterprising minister-builder in Zion, whose works praise him in the gates-is a native of Mecklenburg county, Virginia. Hle attained fifty years Angust 31, 1900. His father, Richard Claiborne Gregory, was a captain in the war of 1812, and served in the General Assembly. Mr. Werter Gregory's grand- father was a soldier in the Revolution and a relation of John Hancock. The mother of the preacher was a Miss Eliza Twitty Bailey. Mr. Werter Gregory was converted under the ministry of the Rev. J. W. Blincoe, in Powhatan, Vir- ginia, but did not join the Church until after he entered school at Randolph Macon College, in 1868, and was then received by Brother Jamieson, who was the chaplain. While there he was exercised on the subject of preaching. After leaving school he taught awhile. In November, 1871, he was received as an iti- nerant preacher in the Conference. Ilis first appointment was Spotsylvania Circuit-a section exhausted by the presence of hostile armies-which he sig- nalized by begging a thousand dollars in Baltimore and Virginia cities to dis- charge church debts. This shows the grit of the man. The Conference gained in him a member of firm fibre, unflagging zeal and expanding mind. He is the best type of that race of men who made Methodism. With personal piety are united common sense, steady nerve, athletic muscles and the sum of things called "go." He uses books as he does an axe-practically. Time is not wasted in idle turning of the leaves. He gets out the marrow and discards the bone. He is equipped for his vocation. He condnets the finances, the building, the big meet- ings, all to success. His energetie, not bustling, movements set slow men to better gait and start the apathetic. Far politer than Nehemiah, he is not a whit behind the patriotie Jew in bringing to pass the wise purposes towards Zion. The spiritual and material elements angment under his ministry.
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REV. JOIIN M. BULTON.
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Ile preaches with ease and with apt words, launching a thought from an in- cline path of "ship-ways" framed by a fit and gravitating illustration. Like the rivets on metal armor of monitors, the bolts that fasten his doctrines and deliv- erances are forced in while hot and hammered at a red-heat.
Mr. Gregory has a high and broad brow and the balanced head we find in the typical busts of the Julian gens.
Ile has been pastor at Edenton, Berlin, Ettrick, Nelson, Westmoreland, Albemarle, Gloucester, Bedford Cirenit, Martinsville and Pungoteague, his present charge. He is married, and the proverbial heritage of the "eloth" is his-many and merry children.
His wife was Miss Sallie J. Payne, daughter of James HI. Payne, of Pitt- sylvania county, Va., and granddaughter of Alexander P. Price, of Bedford county, Va., a steward, the host of preachers.
REV. JAMES E. GATES.
Brother Gates is a native of Chesterfield, but his youth was passed chiefly in Petersburg. His mother was a Methodist, and her son was dedieated in infancy to the Lord by baptism at a Methodist altar. Ilis father beeame a Chris- tian while young Gates was still a small boy. He pays a high tribute to his parents in a paragraph lying before us: "The impress of my parents' piety, so constant and regular in its flow, so humble, earnest and pure, has been upon m? through life; it is a controlling influence with me to-day-will, I doubt not, follow me to the grave." His father joined the Baptists, and his mother, wish- ing to be with him in Church relation, connected herself with the same denomi- nation. Their son attended the Sunday-school of that people, where he enjoyed their instruction.
Though but a boy, he could not remain silent when the hard decrees of Calvin, the unebarity of close communion and other narrow notions were inculcated. He gave the reasons for the differing faith in him, and his father, at home, listened cheerfully to the argument and Scripture. He soon joined the Washington Street Methodist Sunday-school-or rather, as it was theu, the Union Street- where he remained until manhood. In the spring of 1842, under the ministry of the Rev. Anthony Dibrell, he was converted, and embraced the first oppor- tunity to join the church. Ile immediately became interested in all of the meetings of the church, and was never absent from any of them, except when ciremmstances beyond his control prevented.
Revs. A. Dibrell, Dr. W. A. Smith, Edward Wadsworth, George W. Lang- horne and II. B. Cowles served the Washington Street church during his eon- neetion with it. Ilis interest was so deep and constant in the preaching of these pions servants of God that he always felt it a great privation to be absent from the church. They doubtless did much in giving tone to his religions ehar- acter. Here a mutual fondness for each other sprang up between Rev. II. B. Cowles and Mr. Gates, which, without the least interruption, lasted to the day of Mr. Cowles's death.
He was educated at the Anderson Academy, in Petersburg, with the good for- time of Methodist teachers, who put theological works in his hands. He became
REV. R. FINLEY GAYLE.
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an assistant, and then, by reason of failing health, engaged in more active busi- ness. He suffered loss in his spiritual state. He taught in Manchester in 18-58 and then in Richmond, with success, in his private school, and for thirteen years was Principal of the Lancastrian Academy, of this city.
On his first location in Richmond he was visited by his old Petersburg pastor, Rev. II. B. Cowles, who was in charge of Centenary, and under whose care the fading piety of Mr. Gates was restored. Mr. Gates soon began to do excel- lent service in the Oregon Sunday-school, a suburban chapel under the patron- age of Centenary. Ile became at once a leading official in this missionary church. Presently he became exhorter and local preacher. This was about 1>54. He exercised his gifts regularly in Richmond and the near appoint- ments to the city. He was among the first to begin the Sidney work, which has enhninated in that gem-Park Place. He was active in the "Miller's Barn" enterprise, which resulted in Mount Zion, Henrico.
AA gentleman of wealth who had heard Mr. Gates in the noted Anderson Lite- rary Association (a debating society where many maiden swords of now emi- hent men were first "fleshed" ), offered him the means of turning to the law as a profession. Mr. Gates desired only to proclaim the glad tidings of Jesus.
In 1860 Dr. Doggett, of the Richmond District, pressed Mr. Gates into ser- vice as a supply for Oregon church. Though his school duties were onerous, the urgency of the Elder overcame his reluctance. He served the charge for seven years. His change from the local to the itinerant ranks is told in a few genuine heartfelt words :
"While my family continued large and helpless, my conscience rested well in the local ranks; but when providential dispensations, some of them exceed- ingly sad, had reduced us to too small a number for housekeeping, thoughts of the traveling connection came on with increased force, giving me seareely any rest, either day or night, until I promised the Lord to offer at the next session of our Conference for admission ; and if successful, to do my best as a minister of the Gospel of Christ."
Hle was received on trial in 1871 and assigned to the Nelson Circuit, which he served for three years. There were two hundred and twenty-five converts. Hle labored on the Scottsville Circuit the next three years with great and gracious success, though his health gave way in the last year.
REV. THOMAS IL. CAMPBELL.
The war record of Campbell is a stirring story of a veteran in the great pitched battles of America. The stubborn stuff of Scotch and British ances- tors shows itself in the Confederate warrior. With this tough courage was joined the chivalry of Godfrey or Sir Galahad. It is the very pearl of knight- hood to find a soldier shot down while risking his life to give a wounded enemy a drink of water, or a boy putting in peril his own life in rescuing a drowning slave. It is not a surprise that such a man was found resolute and faithful when severely tested on post by his own commander, whose horse he seized and , forced the rider to obey the rules of an army in the field.
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REV. CHARLES F. COMER.
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Mr. Campbell has carried into the ministry the same lofty traits of character. It would have been the joy of that first apostle who counted not his life dear unto himself, when in the path of duty, to have had the limping and scarred Confederate for lieutenant in that other war of pulling down the strongholds of Satan. Mr. Campbell commands the respect of the Church by his zeal, devo- tion, and ability. All the departments of the work are thrifty under his over- sight and leadership. He is strong in the pulpit and possesses social magnet- ism. His works praise him.
He comes of true Methodist stock. The family has among its members some of the first men, in native endowments, that honor the laity of Virginia Methodism. He is the son of Lewis S. and Eliza D. Campbell, and was born in Amherst county, December 18, 1838. His ancestors have been pillars in Virginia Methodism and their residences "homes" of the preachers. His father was for years an officer in the Church.
He was converted and joined the Church in 1856. He did not heed the call to the ministry, and was on the verge of withdrawing from the Church. After awhile he gave car to the "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel !" He had purposed to finish his education (which had gone forward in the academies) at Emory and Henry College. He remained at that institution two years. He was licensed in March of 1861. He became a soldier in the civil war at its inception. He was of the famous Pickett's Division. The first Manassas introduced him to battle. He was wounded in the head at Williamsburg. At Gaines' Mill a bullet shattered his thigh while driving with the bayonet a supe- rior force from intrenelnnents.
Ile exercised his gifts as a local preacher until 1872. Since that date he has served the Church with consecrated zeal, and not without garnered results. In October, 1862, he married Miss Wood, whose influence upon his career has been a distinct blessing. It would not be excess of praise to use the words of the Wise Man in a pen portrait of her virtues. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, for she hath done him good all the days of her life. Her children rise up and call her blessed.
It was among the children of this happy union that the first "Rosebud" Mis- sionary Society was formed. A lovely little daughter was called "Rosebud."
His height is probably five feet nine inchies ; in weight, he ranges from 145 to 160 pounds ; his complexion, a mild type of the brunette. He has a genial temperament, and in the social circle shows much magnetism. The solidity of character which he strennonsly maintains has won for him a large number of firm and admiring friends. "True as steel" may well be said of him, and this in connection with an affection and generosity that extends to all the rela- tions of life.
His gestures, in which the eyes, face, and hands play the most important part. are few, natural, and easy. In manner, he is self-possessed and dignified. His publie speech is often charged with pathos. His thoughtful sermons, which frequently take wing with well-sustained flights of the imagination, impress the hearer by their clearnesss, practicalness, and fervent spirituality.
Mr. Campbell has spent sixteen years in the pastorate and twelve years on districts. He has now a choice parish at Batesville, in the picturesque Pied- mont of Albemarle. He resides in the most elegant parsonage in rural Vir- ginia, formerly the finest villa and grounds in that section.
REV. JOIN S. WALLACE.
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REV. HERBERT M. HOPE.
Herbert Meredith Hope was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, November 23, 1850. and is the son of William M. and Virginia F. Hope. He proscented his studies for some years at the Virginia Collegiate Institute, at Portsmouth, and then accepted a position on the editorial staff of the Norfolk Virginian. After- wards for four years he attended Randolph-Macon College, where he graduated and distinguished himself as a debater, receiving the medal of the Washington Society.
When eighteen years of age he was converted and joined Monumental church, of Portsmouth. He was licensed by Hanover Quarterly Conference in 1871, was received on trial by the Annual Conference in 1873, and was ordained deacon by Bishop MeTyeire at Danville in 1875, and elder at Lynchburg in 1877.
('pon joining the Conference he was sent to Culpeper, where he had already done some ministerial work. The following year he went to Cambridge, Mary- land, where he found that blessing from the Lord, a good wife. On December 8, 1875, he married Miss Emma Vinton on his way to his new appointment -- Amherst Circuit. After two years at Amherst, he spent four at Gordonsville and Orange, his pastorate being marked by the reunion of all the Methodists of Gordonsville, and the consequent strengthening of that church and by the improvement of the church property at Orange. The next four years he spent at Chestunt-Street church, Berkley, each year's work resulting in a gracious revival, and before his teri ended a handsome parsonage was built. In 1885 he went to Charlottesville, where he spent four years of faithful labor, receiving as an earnest of his reward more than three hundred additions, ahnost doubling his membership. The church building being unsuitable, Mr. Hope bent his energies to improving it, and soon it was transformed into the handsomest church in the city, beantifully furnished, the whole ontlay being ten thousand dollars. In November, 1889, he went to Danville to take charge of the Main-Street church. Here he not only remodeled the church, making it, by the expenditure of thousands of dollars, one of the handsomest churches in the bounds of the Conference, but by like expenditure, transformed the adjacent parsonage into one of the most striking, as well as one of the most comfortable, preacher's homes among ns. In 1893 he went to Market-Street, Petersburg, where God blessed his labors in the saving of many souls. Here, also, he greatly improved the church edifice. In November, 1895, he was sent to Clay-Street, Richmond. Here, as elsewhere, God gave him seals to his ministry. In 1896 he was given a nominal appointment (second man at Washington-Street, Petersburg) in order that he might do a much-needed work for the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion in that city, to which he seemed providentially called. In 1897 he was appointed associate editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate, which position he now fills with honor to himself and with credit to the Church.
Herbert Hope is a man of exalted piety, of strong mind and great energy. Te possesses fine powers of organization and has more than ordinary executive ability. Ilis pure and consecrated life, genial manners, warm heart and gon- erons hand endear him to the whole community in which he lives, and give him an influence that is a power for good beyond his own congregation. The Spirit of the Lord has blessed his work in the pulpit and among the people.
REV. WILLIAM F. HAYES,
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REV. JOHN T. MOORE.
Mr. Moore has superior furniture for the ministry. He acquired at college, not only a mastery over an impediment of speech as perfectly as did Sinmer- field, but a pleasing oratory and thorough enlture. Since his entrance into the ministry he has laid up choice material for his work and wrought ont a series of strong, engaging and stirring discourses. He has also a charm in social life that makes inneh in the inventory of prime equipments for his vocation.
Ile is the son of Raleigh P. and Elizabeth W. Moore, and was born in New Kent county, Virginia, August 28, 1845. His parents were of English ancestry. The maiden name of his mother was Rateliffe, identical with the English name Radcliffe.
When quite young he was the subject of religious impressions. Faithful preaching from time to time stirred his conseience, and, though these impres- sions ordinarily soon wore off, the seeds of Gospel truth lodged by this means in his heart, doubtless, had much to do with his conversion. This event took place, in the absence of any ministerial effort or prevailing religious interest, December 4, 1864. New Kent Circuit, however, was left so disorganized at the close of the war that he did not join the church until February, 1866.
A few days after his conversion he was deeply impressed with the importance of doing some active work for Christ in the salvation of souls. This impression woon took the form of decided drawings to the Christian ministry. In response to these drawings, he entered Randolph-Macon College in the fall of 1869 and joined the Virginia Annual Conference in 1873. He continued at college until June, 1874, when he was transferred from Oregon, Richmond, where he had served on Sabbaths, to Gordonsville. His fields of labor have been Gordonsville, 1874-75; Salisbury, Maryland, 1876; Ashland, 1877; Amherst Circuit, 187S-'81 : Bedford Springs, Smithfield, Amherst, Belle Haven, Bethany, Wake- field, Prince George, and Dorchester.
Mr. Moore was placed on the superannuated list to reernit his health, which is his present position.
Mr. Moore is striving earnestly for the entire sanetification of his soul, spirit, mind, and body, cherishing the company of Christians who have obtained this high degree. He is a devout man, seeking to be filled with all the fulness of God. His endeavors were towards a larger measure of the divine life in his parishioners. He is drawing his cares that way. The blessings of the Holy Spirit have borne witness to his sincere work for the Church.
Ile is tall and graceful, pleasing in address, courteous to all, of grave bearing, having always before him the weighty message of his commission.
Ile is happily married to a lady of piety and enlture.
REV. JOHN H. KABLER.
The name originally was Kobler, and suggests German origin. Kabler is of old Methodist fame. The Revs. John and Frederick Kobler were pioneer preachers in the western wilds. They were kinsmen of our Kabler. There is much of their old solidity and zeal in our brother. He gave his service first to
REV. JOSEPH T. ROUTTEN.
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his country, not begrudging his blood, and then entered the ranks of the Church, where his devotion and labor have met with the reward of success and admira-" tion. He was under Stonewall. He surrendered with the "Immortals" at Appo- mattox. It is well understood that the Conference can reckon on Kabler as doing always full duty. He has proofs from heaven of his call-converts mark his ministry and his own heart leaps for joy.
His parents were Harvey and Nancy Smith Kabler. Our preacher was born in Bedford county, Virginia. Mr. John H. Kabler was the seventh son, and when about ten years old his parents moved and settled in Campbell county, Virginia, where they lived and died in the triumphs of the faith. His early educational advantages were limited. The war came on just at that time of life when he might have stored his mind, and he was called to arms in the defense of his country. He entered the Confederate service in February, 1862, and remained at his post until the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. He was wounded twice-once at the battle of Gettysburg, below the right hip, and again near the close, at Sailors' Creek, slightly in the right hand.
When abont fourteen years old, under the ministry of Rev. J. D. Lumsden, at Wesleybury church, Campbell Circuit, he was converted and joined the Metho- dist Church. He had it in his heart as a duty to preach from the first of his Christian life, and even before. When quite small he would assemble the chil- dren of the neighborhood and preach to them. After his eonversion he struggled much and long against the call, and since the close of the war he went to Ken- tucky, and spent two years in Hardin county, and then moved to Spencer county. While there he opened his heart to the preacher of that circuit, Rev. W. T. Bentine, by whose aid he entered, in September, 1870, the Kentucky Wesleyan College, and spent two years at this institution. In June, 1872, he was licensed as a local preacher, on Taylorsville Circuit, by Rev. T. N. Ralston, Presiding Elder of Shelbyville District, Kentucky Conference. During the year 1872 he taught school and preached occasionally. He was anxious to enter the itine- rancy and to cast his lot with his native State. Therefore, in July, 1873, he returned to Virginia, and in the following November, at the session of the Vir- ginia Conference, was admitted on trial and sent to the Leesville Mission. While here doubts arose about his call to the ministry, and hard was the struggle; and at one time during the year he made up his mind to abandon the ministry, and to inform his Presiding Elder of the faet when he came round again. But before that time Mr. Kabler had much success in revivals, and was greatly encouraged to continue in the work. At the Conference of 1874 he was appointed to the Orange C'irenit. In 1875 he was received into full connection, ordained deacon by Bishop MeTveire, and was sent to Goochland Circuit, traveling there two years ; and at the Conference of 1877, held in Lynchburg, he was ordained elder by Bishop Doggett, and sent to Mount Pleasant Circuit, and in 1878 was re- turned to the same circuit. He has never pansed in the ministry of the Word, serving Madison, in Lynchburg: Bertie, Chuckatnek, AAppomattox, Greenes- ville, Scottsville, East Suffolk, Magnolia and Chesterfield, his present parish. He has been married twice.
Mr. Kabler has a fine presence ; robust, but not portly ; firmly knit ; the image of perfect health; yet years have left a frosty track, rather ornamenting his massive head. He is genial, of noble instincts, withont the restlessness of ambi- tion or the nervousness of disappointment. His conscience has no evil memories. ITis face beams with good humor and humanity.
REV. JOHN T. BOSMAN.
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REV. JOIIN E. DESILAZO.
It requires no gift of prophecy to predict the future of DeShazo. God has chosen him to do no ordinary work. He has endowed him with a compact, mus- cular, robust frame, a capacious head, pleasing features and courage. Ile has a sweet and powerful voice. He has consecration, activity, and boldness for the truth. A stout champion for God is DeShazo. He was born in a section of the Commonwealth that has given many men of high renown to the country. He is a native of King and Queen. On August 23d he will be fifty. His parents were Charles II. and Mary DeShazo.
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