USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 15
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Ile married Miss Briding, of Baltimore, in 1868-a lady fitted in every way for the helpmect of an itinerant preacher-cultured, energetic and discreet. She has been an influence for good to this noble man of God. A bevy of bright and beautiful children adorn and gladden their home.
Mr. Wertenbaker is deeply wedded to old Methodist customs in ordering his own religious life. He is a man of systematic prayer and acquainted with the mind of the Spirit. His presence in the household is a benediction. Men take note of him as a companion of Jesus. ITis auditors catch the godly infection from his own soul.
He is gifted in song, and the hymn never lacks for a tuneful voice to "raise and carry" it in sweet and sacred notes. He is as the knighted Jacob by Jab- bok-a prince in prayer. Congregations are thrilled, penitents converted and Heaven-moved when he wrestles with the angel for a blessing in public supplica- tion.
He has served the following charges: Wicomico, Atlantic, Pungoteague, East Norfolk, Bowling Green, Madison, Glouceseer, Laurel Street, Amelia, North Gates, Southampton, and Isle of Wight. His health is infirm, and the Con- ference has given him a furlough.
REV. PAUL BRADLEY.
The juniors of 1875 reckon this comrade, familiarly called "Paul," as spe- cially genial, "clubable," and of unusual gifts, with a fine presence-the charm of their social circle.
REV. JAMES W. HECKMAN.
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From that good year of grace, he has wrought with prosperity to the Church and personal popularity. Ilis coming to a parish is hailed with good will and his departure leaves sad hearts. The sign and witness of his divine conscription for service in the sacramental host are vouchsafed to him, for the Holy Ghost falls upon the people and kindles his own soul.
IIe has filled quite a number of "bachelors' appointments," for he did not interpret his enlistment in the militant host as a command to "lead about a sister" through the vicissitudes of the itineraney. He waited, and wisely, too; for when he did make a choice for "better or for worse," it was pre-eminently good, better and best. Hle married Miss Brown, of King George-a lady rielly endowed by heredity and personal character for life in the ranks of the eonse- crated nomads and God's nobility.
Mr. Bradley has made full proof his ministry in Richmond, Orange, King William, Westmoreland, Pittsylvania (Chatham), Charlotte, Caroline, Heaths- ville, Cartersville, Gloucester Point, Gordonsville, Liberty-Street, Berkley. His present pastorate is Churchland and West Norfolk.
An amiable, engaging, handsome and lovely man of God is Paul Bradley.
REV. JAMES CLAYTON REED.
The subject of this sketch is one of the surviving heroes of the "Lost Cause." Hle entered the Confederate Army in July, 1861, when he was but eighteen years old, fought bravely during the war, and surrendered with the immortal Lee and his noble little band of patriots at Appomattox Courthouse, where they were forced to yield to "overwhelming numbers and resources." Mr. Reed lost his left hand at Sharpsburg, torn off by a shell during that battle. He thus "fought and bled," but says that on "Memorial Days" he now feels very grate- ful that he didn't die for his country. No one, however, had the sacrifice been required, would more readily have laid down his life for a righteous eause. His untarnished record as a soldier hints of the fine qualities of his native fibre.
In purity of character, singleness of heart, correctness of eonduet, courageous discharge of duty-in fact, in all the qualities that constitute gennine worth and Christian manhood-he has no superior among the many meritorious inen of the Methodist ministry. He commands respect from all who know him, and his intimate friends cherish for him the sincerest affection and repose in him un- limited confidence. This love and trust have never been misplaced, for the en- tire nature of the man renders him incapable of deceit or treachery. In stat- ure he is tall, measuring full six feet, with a body well developed and propor- tioned. His countenance is strongly marked, his features being somewhat rugged, but pleasing and attractive. He has brain as well as brawn, for his intellect is as robust as his physique. His mind is quick and active in its opera- tion, holding with a strong grasp whatever elaims its attention, and its faculties exist in equipoise. When once his mental barqne is fairly launched on the sea of thought and investigation, a steady hand holds the helm, and the vessel floats on even keel, without listing. As a preacher, Mr. Reed is as free from empty platitudes as from pyrotechnical display. He has a higher purpose in the pul- pit than the making of rhetorical bouquets. His sermons offer to the hearer
REV. CHARLES HI. GALLOWAY.
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nourishing fruit rather than fading flowers. He does not weary the audience by useless repetition or pompous verbosity. His statements of truth are elear, - his arguments simple and convincing, his delivery natural and earnest. His manner is devout, without rant or cant. He always has something to say, says it in the fewest words, and the congregation leave the church feeling that the preacher thought more of his message than of the messenger, and believed every word and syllable he had uttered. There are few better preachers than Mr. Reed, and none more unassuming or less artificial. He never poses as an orator. IIe declares the whole counsel of God to the people. No man's blood will be upon his garments. In forming opinions, he is cautious ; in expressing them, discreet. Yet, when his conelusions are fully matured, he is bold and un- flinching in maintaining the conscientious convictions for which, if necessary, he would die. He is a man who ean swear to his own hurt and change not. The stuff of the martyr is in him. Duty is the great guiding star ever above the horizon of his vision, and in its pure light his pathway through life lies without deviation. Whatever the Conference commits to his charge will have his faith- ful attention. Nothing is slurred over. Thrift in all departments follows his oversight and labors. His pastorate has, therefore, always been a decided success, as God counts success.
In the social circle he is popular, being not only a good talker, but, what is much rarer, one of the best of listeners. He is no retailer of small jokes, no leader in idle gossip, no repeater of petty seandals. ITis conversation is pure, leaving neither sting nor stain on the hearer's heart. In all that he says he is eminently truthful and candid. His judgments of his brethren, when he chooses to express any-which is not over-frequent-are just, never extravagant, cver charitable. Withal, he is a shrewd reader of character. In his company you sometimes feel that the silent man, who sits by your side with half-closed eyes, is taking your mental and moral measure-"sizing you up," as it were; and, if long with you, he is very apt to get your altitude and breadth with con- siderable accuracy. In hours of relaxation and among his tried friends, by whom he is not likely to be misunderstood, he flashes a wit as bright and sharp as Saladin's blade. Without a trace of eynicism or unfeeling sarcasm, that cuts only to wound and pain, he ean, when occasion calls for it, quietly utter a keen satire that makes folly blush and meanness hide its ugly little head. While usually sedate and serious, as becomes an earnest man with a high and real aim in life, he yet, at times, indulges a humor so warm and genial that it would melt the ice from the heart of the veriest misanthrope alive.
James C. Reed is the son of the late Rev. Lemuel S. Reed, of the Confer- ence. North Carolina is his native State. He was born in Pasquotank county, November 1, 1842. As the offspring of an itinerant preacher, he was, of course, "reared nowhere in particular, but all about in spots." Like Josiah, "while he was yet young," being only twelve years old, "he began to seek after the God of his father," and was converted in Gates county, N. C., of which eir- cuit his father was then pastor. Through the vitiating influence of eamp life and negleet of religious duty, "hope declined and love grew cold" in his heart; but, in 1866, at a meeting held in Mecklenburg county, Va., by his brother-in- law, the lamented Rev. J. W. Blincoe, the backslider was reclaimed.
On September 8, 1868, he was licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of Charlottesville Station, and, on its recommendation, admitted on trial into the Virginia Annual Conference in November of the same year. He has served suc-
REV. DANIEL B. AUSTIN.
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cessively Nelson Cirenit, one year; Powhatan, two years; Atlantic, one year. In 1872 he was sent to Southampton, but changed by the Presiding Elder to Edenton, N. C., where he remained one year. Then he had charge of Norfolk ('ireuit three years; Nottoway, four years; High Street Station, Petersburg, four years; Trinity Station, Richmond, three years; four years, Presiding El- der of the Norfolk District; Suffolk District, three years; Memorial, Lynch- burg, four years; and is now serving his third year at Central, Manchester.
Ilis educational advantages were good, having spent two sessions at Ran- dolph-Macon prior to the war and a session and a half at the University of Vir- ginia after the surrender. He says that he carried off no sheepskin, but a calf- skin-having received the "boots" as the ugliest man at the University. In the Conference it would be impossible for him to fairly win this prize, and we doubt if he justly won it at the University. At any rate, this is the only "honor" ever conferred on him that he did not richly deserve.
Fortunately for Mr. Reed's happiness and success in life, he had the "gift of God"-a best wife. He was married December 13, 1869, to Miss Sallie Clarke, of Fhvanna county, Va. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She openeth her mouth with wisdom ; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." They have ten children- six on earth, four in heaven. Alas! Death smote the wife and mother-a loss beyond estimate. In 1891 he was married to Miss Janie Vial, of Portsmouth, Va., who has been a helpmeet indeed. One child, a boy, has blessed their union.
REV. WALTER GURNEY BATES.
Mr. Bates was born in the city of Richmond, Va., October 2, 1858. His parents were Micajah and Martha Ann Bates, who were Quakers. His father was one of the best known and most highly-esteemed citizen of the place. He died during the war between the States, and the training of Wal- ter fell entirely upon his mother, whose prayers, religious influence and train- ing have had more to do in the formation of his noble character than anything else. So faithfully was this done that he embraced Christ as his Saviour at nine years of age.
At sixteen he joined Broad Street Methodist church, and soon after he heard distinctly the call to the ministry of Jesus Christ. For two years he resisted this call. One Sunday morning that devout, consecrated man, Albert L. West, who was President of the Sunday-School Union of Richmond, made a visit to Broad Street school, in which Mr. Bates was a teacher. In addressing the school in an expository manner on the subject of the lesson-"Jonah fleeing from the Lord"-he said: "There may be a lad or young man here to-day whom God has called to preach. If there is, I want to tell him he cannot flee from God, refuse to answer this call, and be happy." He felt that he was the young man. That afternoon he called on his pastor, Rev. S. A. Steel, and opened his heart to him. The pastor's wholesome advice and encouragement
REV. ASA DRISCOLL.
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will never be forgotten. Among other things, he said, "Walter, aim high if you lose your hatehet." Broad Street church has licensed to exhort and 10 preach no better man than Walter G. Bates.
Ile was educated at Randolph-Macon College. While there he formed an attachment for Miss Annie C. Woodfin, daughter of Rev. A. P. Woodfin. On May 27, 1885, these two happy hearts were made one, and thus in life they have gone together. She has proven a true helpmeet indeed, making home bright and cheerful, and being a great help in all Church work. She wins devoted friends wherever she goes.
Mr. Bates entered the Conference in the fall of 1880, and lias served most faithfully and acceptably charges from the mountains to the seashore. Some of these have been very difficult, but Mr. Bates, by his tact and ability, has forced his way forward, and his labors have been crowned with great success. One of his former parishioners, a prominent layman, whom he served for four years, and who regrets that there is a time limit, writes thus of him: "As pastor, his genial manner and godly conversation were a blessing to all with whom he came in contact. I never knew a man to whom I would sooner go for spiritual advice and comfort. I regard him as one of the best men I ever knew. He is an indefatigable worker, and wins the confidence and love of all who know him." As a preacher, he prepares himself thoroughly before entering the pulpit. He is systematic and unique in argument, clever in statement, logical in plan, pure and chaste in language, enforcing the truth with apt illustration. He holds his audiences with rapt attention to the end and gives out good spiritual food for all. His great aim is always to win souls for Christ and edify believers. God has greatly blessed his labors in the conversion of hundreds of precious souls. Any charge to which he may be assigned may feel highly honored to have a man of such bright, sunny dis- position, so faithful and indefatigable worker, superior preacher and true man of God as their pastor.
REV. CHARLES E. WATTS.
The mustache and the imperial, sprinkled with gray; the fine head, with frosted locks, with the unconscious military air, all conspire to suggest a mar- shal, off duty, in undress garb. Mr. Watts would pass anywhere in France for an officer of no mean rank. In all likelihood, he would have achieved dis- tinetion in arms, under favoring conditions. Hle behaved well in battle, for he was a Confederate. In civil life, he stands square-full four corners -- to all questions and comers. There is no one that goes beyond him in bringing to the anvil the best metal and diligence to forge it into beam and pillar. His discourses have granite base and superstructure of stoutest steel. He holds con- verse with the foremost thinkers who have put their minds in type; but he is not a book-worm, whose dusty diet adds nothing to growth.
It is doubtful if the trunnions will allow a range near enough to the earth for his pulpit to be popular for firing salutes in small parks. There is nothing akin to pyrotechnics. The wool pouch with the powder, in the absence of shell, would knock down the brave ornaments of gala displays. The calibre, the
REV. M. S. ELLIOTT.
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mounting, the ammunition are for the serious work of war against principali- ties and powers, the giant and evil potentates of this aon.
Ilis character matches with the mold of his mind. The pick of the anti- quarian would have found his mailed skeleton at the sea-gate of Pompeii. The priceless diamond committed to him could have been found in his throat-swal- lowed to save it, though slain for its capture. The Conference reckons him as immovable as adamant in integrity. Hle would not stoop to conquer. The thought of suppressing truth, by look, silence or consent, is never entertained. Ile is as open as noonday. He presses his opinions on no one, nor suppresses them. He served with gallantry and grievous wounds in the Confederate Army. He prepared at the University of Virginia for the ministry. He is a man of reading and investigation. Hle builds his sermon not of drift-wood, but of oak of the forest, felled by his own axe.
Ile is the son of James Dillard Watts and Lucy Ann Simms, and was born in Albemarle county, Va., on January 25, 1843. At two years old his parents moved to Amherst county, which was his home till the war commenced. After this his home was in Albemarle again till he entered the ministry.
He made a profession of religion in his nineteenth year, at a revival at Wes- leyan church, on the Amherst Circuit, under the management of Rev. P. A. Peterson, assisted by the late Rev. II. B. Cowles.
Ile entered the Virginia Conference in November, 1866, having been a local preacher, with license from the Charlottesville Quarterly Conference, for some months. His first year as traveling preacher was on the Orange Circuit ; his second on the Wicomico Circuit, which then embraced the town of Salisbury. His third was on the Greenesville Circuit, to which he went as a married man and elder. He has since served the Church in town and country and in the Eldership without break. Ile was pastor of East Norfolk, 1898-'90; 1890-'94, Campbell; 1894-'98, Presiding Elder Rappahannock District; 1898-1900. Sonth Norfolk Circuit ; 1900-'01, Southampton.
Ilis marriage brought him the good fortune of a cultured wife, with excep- tional graces, and a bevy of beautiful children.
REV. CHARLES F. COMER.
Mr. Comer was born May 28, 1853, in Prince George county, Va. His parents, Francis and Ellen R. Comer, moved to Campbell county while he was but a boy. At the age of fourteen, strong in physical and mental powers, he was anxious for educational advantages not found near home, and left his parents to work his way through the unborn years. He entered a village school in Pahnyra, Fluvanna-taught on the university plan-in which he spent three sessions, making satisfactory progress. He was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, Sonth, at sixteen. Almost immediately he felt called to preach. Later he spent four sessions attending lectures at the University of Virginia and in teaching a family school near by. Three years he was principal of a most successful academy of high grade in Onancock, Va. Two years he was a student in the Vanderbilt University, devoting his vaca- tion to preaching in Davidson county, Tennessee. In November, 1882, he
REV. G. HANSFORD SPOONER.
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joined the Virginia Conference, and was stationed in Martinsville, Henry county, three years. During this laborious but acceptable pastorate his church was strengthened materially, financially, numerically and spiritually. A neat parsonage was built on a lot adjoining the church and furnished. In a neg- lected part of the country he gathered together a congregation, saw many souls born of the Spirit, and built them a house of worship.
In December, 1884, he married Miss Lilian Shepherd, of Palmyra, Va .- a Methodist by inheritance, education and preference.
In November, 1885, he was appointed to West Mathews. Here he found no parsonage, and three churches in material, social and spiritual need of Pen- tecostal powers. He built a neat and comfortable parsonage, which has been properly furnished for his successor. On a lot adjoining this parsonage a pretty, attractive church was erected in place of "Old - Providence." Gen- eral advancement throughout this work crowned his fourth year.
As he inaugurated his ministry, so he has continued. He served long terms in Mathews, Bedford, Madison, and now returns Conference after Conference to Gordonsville. It is not hardly contested that Mr. Comer is a "full man" to use Bacon's definition. He has garnered into large bins the choice har- vests of study, investigation, thought. His hearers get the marrow and fatness of the Gospel. They are fed. The "hungry sheep look up" and find the nourishing provender. Mr. Comer has the manners of the scholar. He, how- ever, has found out enough to make him modest. The air of omniscience does not environ him. He is wise sufficiently to doubt if his crib holds the reaped wisdom of the world. At any rate, he does not collect the silk and tassel as more valuable than the "full ear of corn." A very charming, informing, thor- ough minister is Mr. Charles F. Comer.
Mr. Comer is six feet tall and weighs two hundred pounds. Reserve char- acterizes the man and minister, yet duty known is duty done. ITis readiness and tact in pastoral work evince sympathy with every phase of humanity. His love for children is patent and potent. In the pulpit there are few ges- tures ; his appearance is quiet, easy, dignified; voice flexible, clear, musical ; style simple, forcible, convincing-pure Anglo-Saxon. Ilis sermons are evolved from a knowledge of his people, broad preparation and a burning and persuasive desire to see every hearer fired by a love for Christ, his Master.
Ile enters actively into every work for the social, moral, intellectual and spiritual arousement and advancement of his people. His labors are abund- ant and varied. Ilis many friends esteem him one of God's best gifts. His Church builds large hopes on his successes.
REV. WILLIAM P. JORDAN.
This hunble, laborious and faithful minister of Christ was born September 3, 1847, in the county of Gates, North Carolina. His parents-Costen and Eliza A. Jordan-were Methodists. At the age of sixteen he connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in 1867 he was licensed to preach by Rev. Henry B. Cowles and admitted on trial in the Virginia Annual Conference, and was, until superannuated, November, 1899, actively engaged
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REV. RANDOLPH T. CLARKE.
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in ministerial work. He commenced his itinerant life on the Bertie Cireuit, as junior preacher under Rev. R. N. Crooks. To follow the subject of this sketch through the successive changes, from circuit to circuit, for no less than thirty- two years, is to find that he has been a useful instrument in the hands of God, not only in building and repairing many churches and parsonages, but in edify- ing believers, strengthening the weak and bringing many precious souls to Christ.
In person, Mr. Jordan is short, active and erect. His dark complexion and black eyes and hair show him to be a man of fair health and bilious tempera- ment. His genial features are expressive of intellectuality and good common sense. In manners, he is modest, polite and refined; in conversation, he is courteous, interesting and versatile, and in the pulpit, he is clear, fluent and instructive. His mental powers are superior to his physical. His perception is good, his imagination vivid, his memory very retentive and his judgment sound and practical. The clarity of his thought is often as graceful as a beam of the mid-day sun.
As a preacher, he is a close student, a deep thinker and a fluent speaker. Being well versed in the Scriptures and deeply read in the works of Methodist theology, his sermons often abound, not only in facts and figures which whirl like grape and canister, but in gems of thought like "apples of gold in pictures of silver." His illustrations are so original, striking and pertinent that they often appear to be "polished after the similitude of a palace," fitting in the body of the dis- course like the stone blocks in the temple of Solomon. His deep carnestness and ardent spirit show plainly that there is a chain twisted about his own heart, while the other end of it is linked fast to the throne of God.
Ile is indefatigable in his labors to build up his congregations, both by doe- trine and discipline; and being an earnest promoter of piety, peace and tem- perance, he is esteemed and beloved by all who know him. In his preaching there is directness, and often do his lieks fall fast and heavy. Many a hard. covetous heart has been smitten by his sledge-hammer blows. Pious sneaks, so- called, hide from his presence, and men that do wickedly dread his contact. Above all, he is a Christian gentleman, practical and sincere, and his real worth ean scarcely be concealed.
REV. CHARLES H. GREEN.
The Virginia Conference has no man of sweeter spirit than Charley Green, who, hindered often by disturbed health, has yet toiled in the sacred calling, with testimony from on high to his sincere work. In all the years, though an- noyed, balked and, at times, forced from the active ministry by disease, he has not grown sonr, morbid or snarling. His ills have ripened his spirit into mel- low charity and charming courtesy. It is given to some souls to suffer the will of God, and there is shining proof of a superiority and elevation where the hobblings of infirm health do not put a fetter upon the clastie movements of the spirit. Godliness with serene contentment, genuine politeness, tender sym- pathy, is great gain. Brother Green teaches many lessons by his own life.
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