USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
On the 26th of December, ISS8, he was married to Miss Fanny M. Durret, daughter of the late Mr. John D. Durret, of AAlbemarle county, Va. A son and a daughter were the result of this marriage; and, after five years' of blissful union, God took the devoted wife to Himself. Only those who have experi- enced such bereavement know of its depths. While Mr. Tompkins deeply felt the pangs of grief occasioned by the loss of the companion of his bosom, yet he also realized God's sustaining grace. The death of the devoted wife, which ocenrred on the 5th of May, 1894, was followed by another heavy affliction in the loss of his library, all his sermon notes, clothing, and other valuables, by fire on the 12th of January, 1895. Hle then had to rise, as it were, out of the ashes ; for he lost nearly everything, and was severely burned himself. However, the kindness of friends and the abundant grace of God enabled him to bear this affliction also ; and he now regards this, along with his other afflictions, as chas- tisements of a loving Father.
On the 18th of May, 1898, he was again married. This time to Miss Mary Jimmie Gibbs, daughter of Mr. P. N. Gibbs, of Bedford county, Va. She is a helper to him, sharing his labors and sorrows as well as his joys.
Mr. Tompkins is a man of medium stature, and is rather sparely built. He is a decided blonde, of a retiring disposition ; nervous, a dyspeptic, and suffers from defective vision. From the latter cause he has worn spectacles for ten years. llis mind is slow in its movements, yet he is considered by some to be a good preacher. He makes no effort at oratory. His sermons are simple presen- tations of the truth as he understands it; and his effort is to instruet his hearers and move them to righteousness of life; but to this end, he urges the necessity of a sound conversion to God. It cannot be said that he is gifted as an exhorter. lle has never doubted his conversion nor his heavenly call to the ministry, and he is conscious of the Divine acceptance through Christ.
REV. JOHN L. BRAY.
Mr. Bray was converted under the ministry of Rev. James C. Martin, at old Bethlehem church, in Gloucester county, Va., at the age of sixteen. He was
REV. GEORGE E. B. SMITH.
347
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
born January 1, 1870. His parents were John R. and S. G. Bray. He was licensed to preach in 1887, studied at Randolph-Macon, joined the Virginia Conference in November, 1889. Ilis first appointment was West Buckingham. At the Conference of 1890 he was appointed to Trinity, Lynchburg. At the Conference of 1891 he was sent to Oaklette and Bethel; during that pastorate Bethel was put with the East Norfolk Circuit. At the Conference of 1892 he was appointed to Oaklette and Gilmerton. At Gilmerton a handsome new church was built, paid for and dedicated. At the Conference of 18944 he was appointed to Wicomico, Md. The parsonage was refitted and many church difficulties settled ; one new church was completed, paid for and dedicated, and splendid revivals blessed the charge. From the Conference of 1895 he went to the Belle Haven Circuit, remained two years and had splendid revivals. At the Conference of 1897 he was appointed to Capeville Station, remained two years, paid the debt on the parsonage, and put many needed repairs on the church and left the church entirely out of debt. At the Conference of 1899 he was read out for Rocky Mount Station, where God is blessing the work.
On September 17, 1891, Mr. Bray married Miss Pauline Clements, of Glou- cester county.
REV. EDGAR POE PARHAM.
Mr. Parham was born at "Greenwood," the home of his parents, in Sus- sex county, Va., May 14, 1856. ITis father, Rev. G. W. S. Parham, who died June 17, 1899, in Petersburg, Va., for a great many years was a local preacher in the Methodist Church. His mother was Miss Mary J. Hunt, of Sussex county, Va. Both branches of the family were Methodists. Their home was for years one of the regular stopping places of the weary itinerant. His father had an excellent library in which were many choice Methodist books. These the young man read with great avidity and largely made up for the lack of school privileges which were meager and unsatisfactory.
Mr. Parham was converted to God in 1875, during a revival at Concord church, conducted by Rev. J. H. Riddick. The impression was strong on his mind from his youth that God had called him to preach; but with the drawbacks and discouragements which surrounded him it cost no little of struggle, fear and suspense to his mind to begin the work. He was licensed at Concord church, October 9, 1880. That grand man, now in Heaven, Rev. E. P. Wilson, who was then Presiding Elder of the Petersburg District, condneted the examination, and his name was signed to the paper anthoriz- ing the untrained and raw recruit to enlist in the Lord's army of Gospel preachers. In the summer of 1882 he was employed as junior preacher on the Middlesex Circuit, Rev. D. G. C. Butts being the pastor. The following fall he was admitted on trial, and sent to Chatham Circuit; in 1883. or- dained deacon and sent to West Charlotte, remaining two years; 1885-'86, Montross: 1857-'88, West Lancaster; 1889, King William; 1890-'93, Gooch- land: 1894, Cartersville Circuit; 1895-'96, Buckingham; 1897-'1900, Hvco Cirenit ; 1900-'1 he was assigned to Dorchester Circuit, Md.
REV. JOIN R. GILL.
349
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
REV. MOMFORD S. ELLIOTT.
Mr. Elliott is of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents were William and Eliza- beth J. P. Elliott. From his father he inherited the manly virtues and ready wit of the sons of the evergreen Isle, and from his mother the firmness and per- sistence of the Scottish blood. The place of his nativity is Halifax county, Va., and he began life April 16, 1862. He was born and bronght up on a farm. Ilis childhood, youth and carly manhood were spent in the open, where wide stretches of farm and forest give expansion to the mental vision, and towering mountains inspire the ambition that aims at highest things in thoughts and deeds.
His parents were pious folk, and carefully taught the lad of the precepts and life of the Holy One. At the age of sixteen-in 1878-he made a publie pro- fession of religion, and united with the Christian Church (O'Kelly Metho- dists). At this early age he felt called of the Spirit to the work of the minis- try, but his duty to his parents and other engagements for the time forbade his heeding the call to the sacred work. Later, when free to do so, he set himself in earnest to meet the call of God and fit himself for his high vocation. His parents and the public schools had prepared him for academie studies, but the money to maintain him in the higher schools had to be earned and saved. At last, by industry and economy, the goal was in sight. He spent one year in an academy in his native county, and then matrienlated in the famous Bingham School of North Carolina, where he took a three-years' course.
He was licensed to preach in the Christian Church, but his first work in the pastorate was as a supply on Middle Bedford Circuit in 1884, under Rev. Paul Whitehead, D. D., Presiding Elder of the Lynchburg Distriet. In the same voar he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. At a Quarterly Conference for Middle Bedford Circuit, held November 9, 1889, he was re- licensed to preach and recommended to the Annual Conference for admission into the traveling connection. He was admitted at the following session of the Virginia Conference, and appointed to West Goochland Mission. Here he spent one year. His next charge was Milton Mission. On this hard field he served three years, during which the charge greatly advanced spiritually and materially. In 1893 he was appointed to Essex Circuit, and was returned 1894 and 1895. During his three years on this circuit a new and commodious par- sonage was built, the church buildings were improved, revivals of religion blessed the communities, members were added to the Church, and all interests of the Church were greatly advanced. In November, 1896, he was read out for Halifax Cirenit, where he served four years. He is now (1900-'1) at Chat- ham. Under his faithful ministry Halifax has taken and holds the lead of all cir- cuits on the district. Revivals have raised the standard of piety and increased the membership and enlarged the liberality of the people. All assessments are annually paid in full. The parsonage has been enlarged and greatly improved, three new churches have been erected and two others greatly improved at a cost of several hundred dollars.
Mr. Elliott was married December, 18SS, to Miss Sallie B. Pullen, of Bedford county, Va. She is a woman well fitted in mind, in heart, in enlture and man- ners to be the preacher's helpmeet. Her gentleness and faithfulness, by the arithmetic of love, divides his labors and sorrows, while multiplying his com-
3
9
10
12
1. Rev. A. C. Jordan.
1. Rev. H. J. Brown,
7. Rev. R. E. Barrett.
10. Rev. James Cannon, Jr.
2. Rev. C. W. Leftwich.
5. Rev. C. W. Cain.
8. Rev. J. L. Pribble.
11. Rev. M. L. Williams.
3. Rev. B. F. Smith.
6. Rev. C. W. Turner.
9. Rev. W. G. Boggs.
12. Rev. J. T. Payne.
351
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
forts and joys. The light of her presence and deftness of her hand transforms the uncomely and comfortless house into an inviting and cheerful home. The. three bright little boys and the baby girl of the parsonage refleet in their behavior the faithfulness of the mother's training and the excellence of the father's life at home.
Mr. Elliott has a strong mind, well-balanced, a ready tongue, a pleasant man- ner, a gentle nature, a consecrated spirit, a studious habit. He is industrious, practical, persistent, successful. He is a man who brings things to pass. He buys good books-better, he reads them and mentally digests their contents. Ile grows nourished on solid food. His preaching is strong, elear, seriptural, persuasive, convincing. He diligently covers every part of the pastor's legiti- mate field. Ilis example exemplifies his Gospel. He is diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Faithfulness brings reward. Success brings promotion and honor. Men like M. S. Elliott cannot be kept down. The high places of Zion open to the sesame of merit, and her honors are for the Christlike.
REV. EUGENE HUBBARD RAWLINGS, A. M., B. D.
Mr. Rawlings is the son of L. T. and Mrs. E. J. Rawlings. He was born near Powellton, in Brunswick county, Va., October 23, 1865.
The precepts and example of Christian parents early gave to his life a trend and inspiration to which, under God, he often says he attributes all that has been good in his life. As would be anticipated from such home influence, at an early age he yielded his heart to God-Rev. W. II. Atwill at that time being his pastor. The conviction that he ought to preach, though never overwhelming, was with him even before his conversion, and afterward grew with his growth in grace. Yielding to this eonvietion while yet in his sixteenth year, he entered Randolph-Macon College to prepare for his work. While there he was face to face with the problem of self-support, which has developed the manhood in so many young men. By grit, grace, industry, perseverance and the favor of God, he spent six years at Randolph-Maeon, and three more at Vanderbilt. When, in 1887, he left Randolph-Macon, he left behind him a record in class work, society, and Young Men's Christian Association work that few can equal.
Ile was resolved to preach, but coveted a full preparation. In April, 1884, he had been licensed to preach by Rev. F. J. Boggs. During his vacations he had done good work as supply. During the summer of 1886 he attended the Moody Summer school at Northfield, Massachusetts. He was urged to enter the work at once; but the way being opened, he entered the Biblical Department of Van- derbilt University September, 1887. His three years there were full of success. Ranking casily second in class work, he was unrivalled either in his department or in the University, in general favor with his fellows and in oratorieal power. While at Vanderbilt he was ordained local deacon by Bishop Keener, at the ses- sion of the Tennessee Conference, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, October 21, 1888. In June, 1890, he graduated with degree of Bachelor of Divinity, and was chosen by the Faculty to represent his class on the Commencement occasion.
Ilis ministry has from its beginning been blessed of God. In Young Men's
REV. ROBERT S. BAUGHAN.
353
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
Christian Association work in his College, and in prayer services or occasional preaching he did much good even while a student. During his vacations he filled with great acceptance several important charges. After leaving Vander- bilt, in the fall of 1890, he supplied Reidsville Station, Western North Carolina Conference, for five months. Here he so thoroughly won the hearts of his peo- ple that they begged him to unite with that Conference, that they might ask his return. But he was a Virginian of Virginians, and declined their request. In November of that year he was received on trial into the Virginia Conference, and was assigned to the Ashland Station. After four months he was transferred and placed in charge of Calvary church, Baltimore. Returning to the Virginia Conference at the end of the year, he was assigned to Clay Street church, Rich- mond. Since then he has been pastor at Centenary, Norfolk; Clay Street, Rich- mond, a second term, and 1900-'1, Monumental, Portsmouth. Simply naming the responsible charges over which he has been placed tells of the estimate in which his work is held. Few men are so well prepared for the work-with fine, natural powers, well trained and stored by preparation, pleasing address, kind and sym- pathetie heart, a tongue charitable almost to a fault, fluent and foreible in speech, withal having deep piety. He has already done a fine work, which we doubt not is the earnest of years of usefulness to the cause of Christ and the Church.
Since January 21, 1891, he has had the best of all assistance in his work. On that day he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Belle Powell, daughter of Dr. R. S. Powell, of Brunswick, his own native county. Mrs. Rawlings is a helpmeet indeed-being eminently qualified by endowment, education and a sincere, ardent, religious nature for the important and delicate duties of the Methodist itinerancy. For the welfare of Zion and the glory of God, we can offer few more pregnant wishes than that God may grant to these, Ilis servants, long and fruitful lives.
REV. JAMES W. HECKMAN.
Mr. Heckman is a native of Franklin county, Virginia. Ilis parents were German Baptists, called also "Tunkers" or "Dunkards." As that Church did not believe in Sunday-schools and revivals, he (after his conversion) joined the Baptists. He did not fancy elose communion. In an interneeine war about calling a pastor the congregation "split," and Heckman quit. Ile was drifting away from God; but wishing to be in the pale of some Church, he attached him- self to the Campbellites. The more he found out about their tenets, the less he. liked their doctrines; so, in honesty to them and himself, he withdrew.
He knew nothing of Methodism, but held deep prejudices against that Church. He was a neighbor of the Methodist preacher, but seldom went to church. His sonl was in trouble. He borrowed of Rev. Mr. Duke two works on Baptism, also a Discipline. He read Ralston and MeTycire's Catechisms on Church Goverment. New light broke upon him. He saw in the Methodist Church true Seriptural doctrines and a wise government.
Mrs. leekman was converted in the autumn of 1876, and the lmsband was soon restored to the joys of salvation. "Thank God !" says Brother Heckman,
REV. FRANCIS B. MeSPARRAN.
355
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
and the words came as artesian waters from the depths. "Never doubted since." They joined us.
He was licensed in January, 1887 ; served as local preacher till Conference of 1890; he was at that session admitted on probation ; his first charge was Snow Creek Mission, remaining two years; in 1892, to King William, serving four years; in 1896, Goochland, one year; in 1897, West Bedford, three years; in 1899, Spottsylvania, still continuing there.
"A clear case." The story of a man sincere, faithful to his light and worthy is here told.
In King William a parsonage was built, churches repaired. "God has used me every year in the salvation of sinners and for five years in building up be- lievers. Hallelujah !"
REV. WILLIAM A. COOPER.
His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth A. Cooper, and he was born in the city of Baltimore, December 17, 1866. He is descended from Methodist an- cestry for at least four generations. At the early age of fourteen he heeded the call of the Spirit of God, made profession of his faith in Christ, and at once united himself in church membership with the people of God. His only eduea- tion was received in the public schools of Baltimore, and he afterwards pursued a liberal course in classical and theological studies under the tutorship of Dr. T. J. Dodd, a distinguished educator and author, at one time professor in Van- derbilt University.
In September, 1889, Mr. Cooper joined the Kentucky Conference, and for ten years labored on mission, circuit, and station within its bounds. Ile was happily nited in marriage August 26, 1890, to Miss M. B. Mann, of Winches- ter, Kentucky, and has been blessed in this union with four interesting children.
In November, 1899, he was transferred to the Virginia Conference, and as- signed to Danville Circuit, which he served for a year, after which he was sent to Clarksville, where he has just entered upon his work.
Mr. Cooper has more than ordinary talent for public speaking. Ilis style is ornate and intellectual. He has always been a diligent and successful student, and has a well-trained intellect and a mind well-stored with knowledge. IFis books are his well-beloved companions, and he prepares his sermons with greatest care. He garners winnowed grain. God's people are fed with choice loaves. They command his best exertions.
REV. DANIEL B. AUSTIN.
Mr. Austin was born December 6, 1845, on Roanoke Island, N. C., and reared as a fisherman and boatihan.
Hle entered the Confederate service March, 1863, was captured February 12, 1864, and remained a prisoner until the close of the war.
REV. ALEXANDER L. FRANKLIN.
35 7
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
IIe was married May 31, 1866. He was converted in August, 1868, under the ministry of Rev. B. H. Jarvis, a local preacher, who at that time was in charge of Currituck Mission (afterward Dare Circuit), and immediately joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was licensed to exhort in Sep- tember of the same year. He was licensed to preach in 1877 by the Quarterly Conference of Dare Circuit. He entered the United States Life Saving Ser- vice December 17, 1878, and remained nearly thirteen years. In that service he rose to the position of Captain of the Life-Saving Station, which position he voluntarily resigned, much to the regret of the Department, to enter upon his great work of saving souls.
He moved to Currituck county in 1879. He was admitted on trial in the Virginia Conference in 1891 in Petersburg, Va., and was appointed as junior preacher to Granby Street Station and Huntersville, Norfolk, Va., where he remained three years. He has since served the following charges in the order named with faithfulness and success: East Suffolk and Magnolia, three years ; Ebenezer, two years. Ditring his second year at Ebenezer he suffered the great loss of the death of his wife. At the Conference, held in Petersburg, November, 1899, he was appointed junior preacher to Central, Central Mis- sion and Brighton, Portsmouth, Va., but was removed and put in charge of South Brunswick Circuit, Petersburg District. Pious, prudent, modest, diligent-a man to be trusted is D. B. Austin. He preaches well-plain, prac- tical, pointed, fervent. The Spirit attends the Word, souls are saved and the Church edified. In November he married Miss Stainback. He is now pastor of Wesley church, in Petersburg.
REV. EMMETT F. GARNER.
In the city of Petersburg, Va., he was born March 21, 1867. While quite young his parents removed to Isle of Wight county, Va. At Uzzle's elmirch, in that county, he was converted in 1885, under the ministry of the Rev. J. WV. Hilldrup. Licensed to preach in 1887 by the Quarterly Conference of that circuit, he was sent to Gloucester as junior, serving three years under the Elder. He acquitted himself well of that work. Many souls through his in- strumentality were brought to Christ. He was admitted into the Virginia Conference from Gloucester Circuit, in the city of Lynchburg, November, 1890, and sent to the Montross Circuit, where he remained one year, and where about thirty souls were happily converted under his ministry.
In the fall of 1891 he was married to Miss Mattie L. Gayle, of Gloucester county, and sent to the Wicomico Circuit in Maryland, where he spent two years, during which time between one and two hundred souls were brought to Christ, and one hundred added to the Church. In 1893 he was sent to Onley and Locustville, where he labored successfully two years, building up the Church and adding many souls thereto. In the fall of 1895 he was sent to Accomac Circuit (now Atlantic), where he remained three years, and had much success in the work of the Lord, seeing about fifty or seventy-five souls brought to Christ and nearly as many brought into the Church. In 1898 he was sent to Chatham Cireuit, where he wrought for two years with distinct sue-
REV. JAMES E. MCCULLOCH.
359
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
cess, and where about half hundred souls were converted through his instrumen- tality, and about forty received into the Methodist Church. In every field to which he has been appointed God has been with and blessed the labors of his hands. He is ( 1900-'01) serving Whealton Station.
REV. SAMUEL W. DAY.
If there was need of man who could bring victory out of a doubtful contest, Samuel Day would be selected. He does not take up his task with forewords of brag and bombast. Rather a profound silenee would attend his initial work. He is not a church bully. He never shuts his eyes and ruslies at difficulties. It is the time when he uses them wide open. He knows that obstacles, if prop- erly tilted will roll out of the way without the uproar of blasting. He oils the traek. If, however, they must be split, the hand of Samuel Day will drill the best path for the powder. Nevertheless, not a erumb of dynamite beyond the necessary amount is exploded. No mortal could earry so firm a face as Day without gaining credit for earnest purposes in life.
The story of his eareer ean be squeezed in a nutshell : Hanover is his birth- place; date, March 2, 1854; began to reside in Caroline county in 1856; is of Methodist stock ; brought up under the tutorage of his grandfather, Rev. Luther Wright; baptized in infancy; converted in 1886; joined the church at once; heard the call to preach; heeded it not ; brought back to duty like Jonah, by nmutterable grief ; gave himself to the ministry ; lieensed on Caroline Circuit in 1891, entering the Conference in November of that year; sent to Montross. IIe remained four years. Think of a lad instructing such an intelligent a citizen- ship as the Virginia Peninsula contains for the full quadrennial, when such a long term puts to proof the men who have preached for forty years! Surely, he must have led the life of a retiring student-sermonizing all the time? He indeed finished a church enterprised by his predecessor; and he erected Le- banon. The preparation for pulpit and attention to carpenters did not get all his time. He gave evidence of the presence of a man with apostolic credentials. Spiritual signs and wonders attended on his ministrations. Men and women were rescued out of the hands of Satan. The miracle of conversion witnessed to the viewless presence but mighty power of God. Sinners were delivered from the kingdom of darkness. Christians rejoiced and raised victorious paans. Peace and prosperity marked his career.
From Montross he was dispatched to West Hanover Circuit to tend the interest of Methodism. He wrought faithfully and well for three years. Souls were saved. The church strengthened. In the winter of 1898, he was chosen for Madison Station, Lynchburg, Va. He is serving his third year. God has everywhere honored this trustworthy, energetic and prudent apostle of Metho- dism. He has fetched from the waving field and yellow harvest rich sheaves. With sincere Immility, this stalwart reaper would rather conceal the shock of grain than point to them. llis brethren know and vale him. He has won friends in every parish. It would be a wrong if mention was not made of Miss Ida Lee Smith, of Caroline, whom Mr. Day was wise to select and fortunate to win to wife early in his career-April 27, 1893. He frankly and gladly yields
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.