USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 20
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In social life, he is open, manly, genial; but does not seek to please at the expense of duty or spiritual interest of others. He knows no compromise with sin.
lle was fortunate in his marriage. His wife-enltivated, amiable, domestic, pions-helps him in his itinerant work. They have clever children.
Ile was born in Bedford county, Va., May 7, 1854; moved to Appomattox when three years old. Ilis parents were M. A. and Martha C. Carroll. His father was from Louisa county, Va. ; his mother from Fluvanna. Her maiden name was Payne. She was the granddaughter of Mr. William Flannagan, on whose land was located Enon camp-ground, celebrated for great meetings in the carlier days of Methodism. The subject of this sketch descended from good Methodist stock as far back as the family record goes. He was converted to God in Smyth county at the early age of twelve; was licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of Lynn Street Station, Danville, September 11, 1877; was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference in November, 1880; or- dained deacon November 20, 1881, and elder November 16, 1884; married to Miss Alice Shearer November 13, 1883. He spent about four sessions at Randolph-Macon College; received the medal for oratory from the Washington Literary Society; was sent to Culpeper Cirenit in 1880, to Accomac in 1883 and to Franklin in 1887; Wright Memorial in 1890; South Princess Anne in 1891; Wesley, Petersburg, in 1893; Batesville in 1896; Lambert's Point in 1899, and Newsom's Cirenit in 1900. While at college he usually spent his vacation helping some brother on his cirenit. In this capacity he was two years on Culpeper and one on Appomattox Circuit. God has signally blessed his labors from the start, and doubtless will continue to do so to the end.
REV. EMMETT E. HARRELL, A. M.
Mr. Harrell is a native of Gates county, N. C. He was born April 22, 1858. Ilis parents were Sammel R. and Mary E. Harrell. They were by nature richly endowed in body and mind. To these gifts they added the richer charms of character, culture and Christianity. They were possessed of liberal fortune, and blessed with many children. The children were carefully trained in the Christian faith in the Methodist Church, and given the benefit of best schools.
Mr. Harrell was converted in 1874. He soon after entered Randolph-Macon College. He graduated A. B. in the class of 1881. From Randolph-Macon he
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1. Rev. W. T. Green.
4. Rov. W. W. Sawyer.
5. Rev. J. W. Stiff.
8. Rev. W. R. Crowder.
11, Rev. W. J. Twilley.
6. Rev. W. E. Grant.
7. Rev. W. T. Williams.
10. Rev. W. A. Tompkins.
2. Rev. E. P. Parham.
3. Rev. R. O. Payne.
9. Rev. J. B. Askew.
12. Rev. C. S. Wamsley.
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SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
went to Vanderbilt University, and graduated from the Theologieal Department of that institution in 1883. In 1882 he received his A. M. degree from Ran- dolph-Maeon.
In November, 1883, he was admitted on trial in the Virginia Conference. He was twenty-five years old, in robust health, with muscles hardened by ath- letie exercises, weighed 150 pounds, had a voice cultured in musie and strong and clear in speech, and, added to all this, he had a character and purpose, made strong by training in the home, the school, the college, the university. Few men have entered the Conference so thoroughly prepared for work as he. His first charge was King and Queen Cireuit. In 1884 he was changed to Chatham Circuit, where he continued two years. Since then he has served South of Dan, two years; Newsoms, four years; Wakefield, one year; Dorchester, two years; Keller, two years; Rocky Mount, two years. He is now (1900) closing his first year in South Boston.
Mr. Harrell's style is plain, pointed, practical. He makes no attempt at dis- play. The pulpit, with him, is not the place for exploiting one's learning, or advertising his superior advantages. His aim is to edify the Church and win souls, and in these he has success. He is self-poised without vanity. He is a man of deep piety and striet probity. He is industrious and persevering, and not easily discouraged. He has the gift and training for large affairs. He plans to the minutest details, and has tact in the use of the material and forees in hand. In conducting a " Local Option Campaign " or managing a camp- meeting, or in the ordinary work of the circuit or station, he gets the best results by putting all the workers to work. As an " all-around " Methodist preacher there are few men superior to him, and he goes on growing.
In November, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Laurentina Lewis, the danghter of Rev. W. B. Lewis, of the Mississippi Conference, and sister of Rev. B. F. Lewis and Rev. W. H. Lewis. Mrs. Harrell is good-looking, cultured, pions. Born and brought up in the itinerancy, she is no stranger to the defi- ciencies and demands of a Methodist parsonage. She knows just how to make the best of things, and appear satisfied with the surroundings. Cheerful, hope- ful, helpful, she has proven a true yokefellow. She has stimulated his endeavor, divided his sorrows, multiplied his joys, and by gentleness and grace helped him to success. They have four children.
REV. GEORGE IT. McFADEN.
Mr. MeFaden started life under auspicious circuinstances. He. was born in Dorchester county, Maryland, January 14, 1859. His parents were of a godly sort, and he was reared in the fear and nurture of the Lord. He was converted in his twelfth year and joined the Methodist Church in his native town.
Mr. MeFaden in early life felt a call to the Gospel ministry, and, yielding to the Divine summons, began to exereise his gifts and graces. He joined the Virginia Conference at its session in Norfolk, Virginia, November, 1886, and has served the following charges: Oaklette and Bethel, Prince Edward, Carters- ville, West Mathews, Gloucester Point, Hanover, Fifth-Street, Manches- ter, and is now serving his third year at Crewe. God has signally blessed his labor in each of these charges, and under his ministry many precious souls have
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REV. A. COKE SMITH, D. D.
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SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
been won for Christ, and the Church has been cdified and quiekened into higher life.
On September 19, 18SS, he was married to Miss Lillie Caldwell MeWhorter, danghter of William A. MeWhorter, Esq., of Norfolk county, Virginia, who has proven a helpineet indeed. One child-a boy-blesses their home.
Mr. MeFaden excels as a preacher ; at times he is truly eloquent. He has a good vocabulary and speaks with fluency and ease. His style is attractive and forceful, the matter of his discourses showing care as well as ability in its prep- aration.
IIe is intensely earnest in his efforts to promote the cause of Christ. He studies men as well as books, and knows something of human nature, as well as the theories of the "book-worm."
He impresses men with his own belief, and by the power of a godly life reveals to them the beauties of the religion of the Son of God. He,commands the re- spect of the community in which he lives, and exerts a salutary influence over those with whom he comes in contact. "His works praise him in the gates," and in many homes "his name is as ointment poured forth."
He is a man of deep convictions, and is not afraid to utter them when needful. He is of the kind "that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not." He is sought after by the churches.
"Me," as his familiars call him, is recognized as a manly man and as a genial, whole-souled companion.
REV. ERNEST STEVENS.
ITe is the son of John B. Stevens and Elizabeth Nelson Stevens. He was born in Petersburg, Va. He was converted and joined Market-Street church, under the ministry of Rev. Dr. R. N. Sledd.
His father literally gave him to God when an infant, but, being a very con- scientious and careful man, did not inform him of the fact until he had virtually decided to preach.
Mr. Stevens enjoyed good educational advantages and improved them. He attended MeCabe's University School, in his native city, eight sessions ; Univer- sity of Virginia, two sessions, and Randolph-Macon College two sessions before joining the Virginia Conference, and two sessions thereafter while preaching in Hanover connty.
Ile joined the Virginia Conference at Petersburg, Va., November, 1885, and was sent to South Hanover (now Ashland Cireuit), where he remained two years. He has since served the following charges : Edenton, N. C., four years ; Orange Cirenit, two years; Cabell-Street, Lynchburg, Va., four years ; Culpeper Station three years, and is now serving his first year at Barton Heights Station.
Mr. Stevens gives diligent and conscientious attention to his work, and snc- cess has marked his labors in every charge. Sinners have been convicted and converted, saints comforted and strengthened, and the church built up.
As a preacher he is clear and strong. He gets the marrow of the Gospel out of the text, and presents it in a pleasing, earnest and graceful manner. No at- tempt at display is made ; he realizes that Christ has sent him to preach the
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REV. LUTHER T. HITT.
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SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
Gospel, " not with words of wisdom lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect." Ile shuns not to declare the whole counsel of God, dealing lov- ingly but faithfully with sinner and saint. Among his intimate friends he is called " Jonah," but he bears no likeness to the recreant son of Amittai, who "rose up to flee unto Tarhish from the presence of the Lord," for a truer or braver man does not stand in our pulpits. It is taken for granted that the name was first given in admiration and love, bearing the original signification of Jonah-" dove "; since pleasing form and feature, gentleness and lovableness of disposition characterize Mr. Stevens. IFe is a valued member of the Virginia Conference. He has served as a member of the Board of Missions, the Epworth League Board, Committee of Examination on Course of Study, and was for a number of years Recording Secretary of the Virginia Conference.
Mr. Stevens is a man to trust, has eonvietions of his own, and dares maintain them ; true as steel, firm as a roek, and yet gentle as a dove.
Most remarkable to relate, he still remains unmarried.
REV. JAMES D. FORKNER.
Mr. Forkner was born June 23, 1861, in Surry county, N. C. His parents were Thomas Forkner and Elizabeth Tilley. He is of English and French de- scent. He is of medium height, spare build; has brown hair, fair complexion, and dark blue eyes. His manner is quick, easy, but dignified.
He does not remember the time, even in childhood, that he did not labor under the conviction that some day he would have to preach. He was converted at the age of sixteen, under the ministry of Rev. D. J. Traynham, of the Virginia Con- ference, at a meeting held at Fair View church, in Patrick county, Va. One year later he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, on the Sweetwater Circuit, in East Tennessee, of which the Rev. L. L. H. Carlock, of the Holston Conference, was then pastor.
He attended school at Hamilton Institute, in the village of Mendota, Va. This school was owned and controlled by the Masons. While at school he was licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of the Mendota Cireuit. After leaving school, he returned to his native county in North Carolina, and was recommended by the Quarterly Conference of Mount Airy Station in the fall of 1885 to the North Carolina Conference, where he passed an approved ex- amination, was admitted on trial, and was transferred immediately to the Vir- ginia Conference and appointed to Patrick Cirenit, where he remained four years. Since then he has served Halifax, East Franklin, Chatham, Mecklen- burg, Westmoreland, Cartersville, and at the Conference of 1899 was appointed to the West Dinwiddie Circuit, where in 1900-'01 he is pastor.
As a preacher, he is fearless and aggressive. He thinks for himself, and has the courage of his convictions. He knows and loves the doctrines of his Church. Wherever he has gone he has done the work of a faithful Methodist preacher. ITe is a successful revivalist, a clear exponnder of Bible doctrine, and a faithful pastor. The work of the Lord prospers in his hands.
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REV. J. R. GRIFFITH.
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SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
tations of promise and hope, and with illustrations from personal observation he bears testimony to the power of God to bless and save. One of his most striking characteristics is his power to stimulate in others the activities of Christian life, and in organizing these in the work of the Church.
By those who know him best, he is regarded as the very embodiment of energy and consecration. He is thoroughly charged with the spirit of his divine call, and a determination to make everything conserve to a victorious prosecution of his work.
Mr. Wiley is a native of Richmond, Va., and was born May 8, 1859. His parents were Methodists, and he was reared and trained in that faith. At twelve years of age he was converted and received into Broad Street church during the pastorate of Dr. John E. Edwards. He engaged successfully in secular business in his native city, but under a deep conviction of a divine call to the work of the ministry he abandoned all secular pursuits, and gave himself wholly to this high and sacred calling. IIe was licensed to preach in November, 1885, and in November, 1886, was admitted on trial in the Vir- ginia Conference. His first appointment was Fifth Street, Manchester, where he remained two years, serving that charge with great acceptability and success. Ile was then stationed at Trinity church, Lynchburg, where he served three years. He served consecutively West Charlotte, one year; Appomattox, three years ; West Campbell, three years; East King and Queen, one year, and is now serving his second year in charge of Richmond City Mission. This Mis- sion was projected by the laymen of Richmond for the purpose of reaching those who come under the influence of no Church. For this work Mr. Wiley possesses special qualifications, and the marked success that has already at- tended his labors has demonstrated the wisdom of this appointment. In all his fields of labor he has served with marked energy, fidelity and sneeess, and large numbers have been converted and brought into the Church.
REV. JOIIN W. NICHOLSON.
Mr. Nicholson is a North Carolinian, born in Warren county ; forty years old on March 25, 1900. Ile is of Seotch-Irish stock; his distant ancestors were Methodists-none near him of that faith. He was educated in private schools ; entered the railway service; elected clerk of the county he was in, declined re- election ; studied law; edited awhile the Abingdon Virginian ; joined the Vir- ginia Conference in 1886 and assigned to Middle Bedford; changed to West Bedford to allow a dying saint, John W. Howard, to retain the parsonage of the former circuit. God blessed his work. In 1887-'88, on Cartersville Circuit, had two years of prosperity; 1889-'90, West Mathews; 1891-92, Accomac; 1893-'96, West Brunswick : 1897-1900, South Princess Anne.
lle is a hard worker, and popular, especially among the young. He spends much time in pastoral work. When opportunity offers, he delights in preaching to the negroes, among whom he has had much fruits, to the praise of God's merey. Sunday-schools flourish, decaved old churches are repaired; the ham- mer and saw are heard. He is a man of perfect health and tireless energy. Mr. Nicholson has a fine face. He wears spectacles.
REV. GEORGE E. BOOKER.
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SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
REV. JOSEPHI G. LENNON.
We put into a few lines data that gauge the man nearer to truth than any general statement. These trophies tell of victories won and of energy, fore- sight and zeal that know no flagging. He wrought on "hard fields." What sheaves ! Who has equaled him ? What record outshines the simple story of Joe Lennon ?
Ile was licensed to exhort in 1875 ; to preach, August, 1877, in Monumental church, Portsmouth, Virginia. He was a local preacher in charge of North Bedford in 1879-built Union church, 96 converts; returned in 1880, built Mt. Carmel and gained 47 converts; ordained deacon in 1881 and sent to Bedford Mission, where he rebuilt Mount Horeb and commenced a new church ; 27 converts; 1882, Fox Hill-repaired church, 31 converts; 1883, returned to Fox Hill-built parsonage and had converts ; 1884, Roanoke Island and Dare- repaired Bethany and Stumpy Point churches and had fifty-two accessions; sent back-a great year with him, 160 accessions; 1886, ordained local elder and admitted into Conference. He had won his spurs. He was sent, for the third time, to Roanoke, and built three churches-one at Croatan, one at Manteo, one at East Lake-and had 30 accessions; 1887, Pasquotank-re- paired and carpeted Union and Newbegun, built New Mt. Hermon and had 83 conversions; 1888, received into full membership in the Conference and re- turned to the same circuit-successful year; 1889-'90, Currituck-good years, converts ; 1891, Perquimans Circuit; 1892, Dorchester-success, 20 acces- sions ; 1893, Belle Ilaven-built tower to Belle Haven church and New Broad- water chapel, 35 accessions ; 1894-'95, Huntersville (Norfolk), pleasant years; 1896, Liberty Street, Berkley-sad season, beloved wife died, his soul in the dust. In 1897, Caroline Circuit-prosperity, 29 added ; 1898, Epworth, Rich- mond, Va .- sweet season, converts, married Miss Nellie T. Burruss, daughter of Atwell Burruss, Esq., of Caroline county, sister to Rev. Frank Burruss, of our Conference, a handsome woman, in her prime; 1899, Cartersville; returned in 1900.
Mr. Lennon, counting the difficulties he has met and overcome, would wear, if the Church decorated men with orders and diamonds, the sparkling cross of the Legion of Honor. God has in reserve better insignia.
REV. ROBERT M. MAXEY.
Among the strong and growing men of the Virginia Conference must be numbered Rev. Robert M. Maxey, now pastor of Asbury church, Richmond, Va. Ile was converted in 1877, but from childhood he felt that God had called him to preach His Gospel.
He attended Randolph-Macon College two sessions at his own charges, and joined the Virginia Conference on trial in Norfolk in 1886. Matoaca was his first charge, serving two years ; from there he was sent to West Dinwiddie, where he served for the full time limit-four years. He was then two years pastor at Benn's, in Isle of Wight county ; three years on Brunswick Circuit; two years
REV. GEORGE WESLEY JONES.
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SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
at Cambridge Station, Md., and is now in his second year at Asbury, where he is very popular, both as a preacher and a pastor.
Hle is happily married to Miss Bradley, and God has blessed the home with five boys and a little girl-the pet of the household.
Brother Maxey is a native of Powhatan county, Va., and a nephew of the now-sainted Dr. R. N. Sledd, and the resemblance is striking, both in the pulpit and out of it. Ile has a strong mind and is a diligent student. For two years he attended the Union Theological Seminary. He never goes into the pulpit with "unbeaten oil." His sermons are well thought out and carefully prepared. He gives his congregation something to think about and something to feed their souls upon. His thoughts are well expressed in clear, strong language, but he aims rather at eloquence of thought than beauty of rhetoric. He has given himself to the ministry of the Word, and is truly a man of one work. The Lord has greatly honored his ministry in the conversion of souls. He frequently helps his brethren in series of meetings, and where he labors he binds the hearts of the people to him. He is devoted to the Virginia Conference, and tenderly loves all of his brethren.
Hle is good company ; he not only interests others when he talks, but he pos- sesses the rare faculty of being a good listener when others talk.
A man of good physical health, strong mind, diligent, studious, and conse- crated to the Master's work, he gives promise of a long, useful and successful life in the ministry of our Lord.
REV. RICHARD T. WILSON.
Mr. Wilson came within the chancel of the Conference from the law courts. He prospered in his profession. It brought an ample income and angmenting repu- tation. Under his own roof-tree he lived, surrounded by wife and children, with all reasonable comforts. He could look with certainty to an old age of lessening labors, quiet days and good things stored away in abundance.
In connecting himself with the Conference, he must needs enter upon a new vocation, whose highest prize to the purse is a mere "support," and graded down- ward through the pay given negro porters, the stipend shrinks to the necessity of stinting for raiment and rations. Old age must take the dole of charity- slim and seant.
Mr. Wilson must start as a junior, confronted at the threshold by an income inferior to the expenses of his past years. He bankrupts, of his own will, his own wallet. Children cannot know the reasons that check their former habits, and their complaints test the fortitude of faith and high purpose.
There are men in the parsonage who could not gain elsewhere a larger reve- nue than at the altar. They do not know the pull upon the courage and conse- cration of men, with aptness for affairs or special skill as experts, who sacrifice shekels of silver in the service of the Lord. There are men, maybe, in their own hired houses, endowed with the genius, taet and energy that command wealth, renown and power. They see their children slighted by playmates with sneers at patches. The son craves education, but must drudge for dimes. It is the erneifixion of the soul, yet the man of God never falters. He knows what
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REV. WILLIAM B. BEAUCHAMP.
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SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
Egypt can give, for he has walked daily between beckoning riches and renown Ile chooses rather the march over the desert's sands.
In years agone there was once seen a superb machine darting through dale, bounding ont of woods, leaping along the gorges, with the swiftness of an ante- lope, vet with the majestic mien and bellow of a bison. And when, at its mightiest momentum, there was caught a glimpse of a dim taper held by hand of a woman, waving a warning in deepest canyon. In the twinkle of an eye, between breaths, the reversing lever jerked back to the last nick. From sooty rim of smokestack to flange on the hot wheels, the mass of metal quivered.
And so in life. Men in mid carcer change only with a shock felt in every fibre. Hlas any mortal with ambition throbbing at every whir of wheels, with fire-box red and roaring, with every pound of power on piston; then a viewless hand suddenly sends the backing-bar to the last noteh-has he, can he ever for- get the crash with mental mechanism or the crisis of destiny in the heart ? What disarray! He must go far and rest in the silence of distant Arabia.
The heroic decision of Wilson touches in sympathy the core and quick of such souls. "They have felt the same."
Mr. Wilson was born in Nottoway county, Va., October 4, 1847. He was left an orphan at an early age, his father, Charles Wilson, having died when he was four, and his mother, Elizabeth Wilson, when he was seven years of age. Ile has had fine edneational advantages, was trained at the best primary schools, and graduated at the Virginia Military Institute in 1870. Upon the recom- mendation of the Superintendent of the Institute, he was elected to the chair of Professor of Mathematics in Ewing Seminary, Arkansas, where he begun publie life. Having determined to make law his profession, he soon resigned, returned to Virginia, proscented his studies, and in 1871 begun the practice of law in Sussex county. The next year he was elected Commonwealth's Attorney of the connty, and moved at once into a large and Inerative practice, which continued until he connected himself with the Conference at its session in Danville in 1887.
Ile professed conversion when a boy, but being without parental restraint, wandered away from the path of rectitude. In 1868 he professed conversion while alone in his room at college, and felt that he was called to the ministry. Having projected his plans for the future, and being ambitious of snecess in his chosen profession, he declined to obey the call, and begun a conflict with his convictions which lasted for nineteen years, until he was driven into the ministry by the conviction, "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel." He attempted to. compromise with his convictions of duty to preach by being active as a layman, and was specially enthusiastic in Sunday-school work, having been a Sabbath- school superintendent for sixteen years and a steward in Market Street church, Petersburg, for nine years. It cost no small struggle to get his consent of mind, with a wife and six children, to exchange the comforts of a pleasant home, where his means enabled him to supply their every want, for the fortes of an itine- rant minister's life.
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