USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 26
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His early years in study were under the instruction of his father and mother. One year he spent at Rock Spring Academy, Brunswick county, Va., Captain Poyner, Principal; another year at Gatesville Academy, Professor Agnew, Principal. Afterward he had three sessions at Randolph-Macon College.
Being duly recommended by the Quarterly Conference of Gates Circuit, he was in November, 1892, admitted into the traveling connection by the Virginia Conference, held in Granby Street church, Norfolk, Bishop Hendrix presiding. He was ordained deacon November, 1894, in Charlottesville by Bishop A. G. Haygood, and elder by Bishop W. W. Duncan in Lynchburg, Va., November, 1896.
He has served acceptably and efficiently the following charges, all in the Vir- ginia Conference : Port Royal Mission, two years; Richmond (county ) Circuit, one year ; Spotsylvania Cireuit, four years, and is now on West Bedford Circuit.
In June, 1895, Mr. Williams was united in matrimony with Miss Lucy Ellen Brown, daughter of E. D. Brown, of King George county, Va., a good woman and well adapted to her high but inadequately appreciated position.
In Charlie Williams the Virginia Conference has a sweet-spirited, zealous and unselfish member; the Church a diffident but hard-working, growing preacher, and the Lord an humble, devoted servant.
Ile has blue eyes and light hair. His height is five feet ten inches, and he weighs two hundred pounds.
REV. HENRY J. BROWNE.
This bright and alert preacher does not go beyond one hundred and thirty-five pounds nor over five feet eight. A very sunny face has Henry Browne. He is married. How could so clever a boy-preacher escape the silken lariats of love ? lle found his fate and fortune in 1889 at Meadsville, in Halifax county-Miss Gunn.
Ilis parents are Daniel II. and Sallie A. Browne; his birthplace, Powhatan ; date, June 6, 1855; converted and joined Church in 1868. He attended the High School at Lynchburg, Bethel Academy and Randolph-Macon.
His first essay at circuit-riding was with Rev. J. S. Porter, of the Baltimore Conference. It was a rough experience. There were nine "preaching places," and each must have a two-weeks' meeting. Of course, the boy was crippled in voice. The wonder is that the vocal cords were not lamed for life. It was his purpose to join the Baltimore Conference, but his physicians eautioned him to rest. Ile wisely went to his father's farm and remained for two years in the country. Ile did not dare to go, with his weak throat, northward for Church work, so, in March, 1884, he took the field again, on East Halifax, joining the Virginia Conference that year, in the winter, and served that charge two years ; then North Pittsylvania, two years; Chatham, one year; Cascade, four years; Bethany Station, three years; Henrico, three years, and Sussex, his present charge. Ordained deacon in 1886; elder, 1888.
REV. JAMES T. GREEN.
379
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
REV. MILTON L. WILLIAMS.
Mr. Williams was educated at Randolph-Macon, taught school for a few years, served for seven years with acceptability the Christian church of O'Kelly, an offshoot of the Methodists ; joined the Virginia Conference in 1887, coming into full connection. IIe served Berlin Circuit as his first appointment among us. There were over a hundred conversions on his work, church buildings improved, collections in full, and in advance of by-gone years. Ile served Surry Circuit. A new church was brought to completion and signs of prosperity were on every hand. In 1890, assigned to East Halifax; 1893, Chatham; 1894, Saxe's Island; 1897, South Chesterfield, his present parish.
Mr. Williams is a shepherd to the flock, looking well to the souls committed to his oversight. His gentle manners, sweet spirit, carnest picty commend him to all sorts and conditions of men. He is popular. His heart is in his calling. ITis soul sings in joy while it serves the good cause. His behavior begets confi- dence. His sermons are showers of manna for the souls of the saints. He has in his face the visible certificate of character, culture, thought and kindliness. The Church has a faithful son in him.
On September 30, 1900, he was forty-four. His parents were J. A. and Ellen Williams. Our brother was converted in 1869. He is married.
REV. J. A. THOMAS, B. S.
IIe was born in Kent county, Delaware, November 11, 1865; converted at sixteen years. His call to the ministry came immediately after his conversion. Ile taught school three years with a view of entering the ministry. After pass- ing through North Milford Academy he went to Dickenson Seminary, Williams- port, Pa. Here he took an active part in society debates, where he was called the "Irish Orator." After spending two years at the seminary, he entered Ohio Northwestern University and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1891. Hle supplied Berlin Circuit in 1891, entered the Virginia Conference in 1892, was ordained deacon by Bishop Hendrix during its session, and ordained Elder by Bishop Duncan in 1896, and served Windsor charge acceptably for four years. Hle is now on the Greenesville Circuit-historic Methodist ground.
REV. ROBERT E. BENTLEY.
A tall Anak answers to this name on the Conference roll. He stands consider- ably above six feet, and is straight as an arrow. He is spare, but not loose- jointed ; handsome of feature, fair skin, blue eyes, wears a full, dark beard, and weighs at best keep abont 165 pounds. His port indicates the high born purpose
REV. ERNEST L. PEERMAN.
381
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
which actuates him in all things, small as well as great. A kingly soul, large and unselfish, resides in this ereet form. He is courtly of manner, a gentleman by instinct and rearing, and yet with no obtrusive dignity which renders him unapproachable; is thoroughly companionable. A stranger even meeting him would confide in him; you can trust him with your purse and your honor. He has a pure mind and a pure heart, and is full of loftiest aspiration. He eovets earnestly the best gifts for pulpit and pastorate. He is studious, systematie, careful about details, industrious, and allows nothing to go by loose ends. He brings to the pulpit beaten oil-the best work of brain and heart. And he has for his companion and helpmeet Lina Porter, the pious and accomplished daugli- ter of the Treasurer of old King and Queen county.
Mr. Bentley was born and reared in Mathews county, Va., in the portion now embraced in the West Mathews Circuit, and in the membership of Providence church. He is of the family which gave Hobday and the Greens-C. II. and W. T .- to the ministry of the Methodist Church, and is of staunchest Wesleyan proelivities. His mother, a native of Gloucester, was converted at twelve years of age, and joined Singleton's chapel. Thence she came with certificate after her marriage into the membership, where she brought up her children in church and Sunday-school. She was a woman of deep, strong piety. No influence under heaven had so much to do in shaping the life and character of Robert as hier prayers, maternal example, and counsels. Eternity alone will reveal his indebtedness to her pious influence and training. Ife was not allowed to grow up in idleness. Work on the farm employed his hands and kept him out of mischief. At eighteen he became clerk in a mercantile establishment. One year was spent behind a drug-counter ; but the Master had need of him, and intimated it by the stirrings of desire to preach. These intimations reached far back into the vagne recollections of boyhood. As they grew more decided he choked them down until 1890, while traveling salesman for Gilbert Bros. & Co., of Baltimore, a drug firm, the "woe-is-mne-if-I-preach-not-the-Gospel," caused him to abandon every other concern and to yield himself up to God for the work. That fall he entered the Conference and was sent to Port Royal Mission. Next year he located to attend Randolph-Macon College. In November, 1892, he re-entered the travelling connection, and has served in succession, Nottoway, as junior preacher, one year ; Floyd-Street, Danville, two years; Matoaca, one year, and King and Queen, four years. Ile has just entered upon the pastorate of Lan- caster Circuit, one of the leading appointments of the Northern Neck.
In all his appointments he has done well the work committed to his hands. During his year as junior preacher in Nottoway he very materially aided in getting the Blackstone Female Institute on foot by soliciting loans to the school. At Floyd-Street, Danville, the house of worship was considerably renovated, a new organ bought, and 150 souls converted. At Matoaca a new ceiling was put in, the building newly painted inside and out, a new inclosure put up, and twenty souls saved. On King and Queen needed repairs were made at three of the churches, a commodious lot secured at Walkerton, an elegant new parsonage built thereon, and 150 souls wou to Christ. "Twas a fitting compliment worthily bestowed by the Bishop presiding over the Virginia Conference at its late session in Norfolk, that he should be sent to one of the best charges in the Rappahannock District. Happy will Lancaster be to retain his valuable ministrations for the full term.
Young men have ever been influential in the history of Church and State.
REV. THOMAS W. OGDEN.
383
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
REV. R. FLETCHER BEADLES.
Young men have ever been influential in the history of Church and State. Bonaparte had conquered Italy at twenty-five; Wesley and Whitefield had begun their great work while students at Oxford. It requires no prophetic vision to see that Rev. R. F. Beadles will play an important part in the history of his Church and of the Virginia Conference. There is much in heredity ; it is good to have a religious ancestry. Mr. Beadles is a son of Rev. R. B. Beadles, an honored member of the Virginia Conference, and was born in Middlesex county, Va., February 8, 1869, his father at that time being pastor on that charge.
Ilis educational advantages have been superior, and he has diligently availed himself of them. He received his education in the public schools on the several charges served by his father, and at Randolph-Macon College, which he entered in. September, 1887, remaining four sessions. While at college he was licensed to preach. From an early age he had the decided advantage of knowing what most of all he wished to be, and so from that time his thought, reading and effort has been concentrated npon one of the noblest and most difficult goals of Christian ambition-namely, to become a preacher.
In the summer of 1889 he had his first practical experience in the active work of the ministry, assisting Rev. W. H. Gregory, of the Albemarle Circuit. In September of the same year he returned to college. In June, 1890, the pastor of Lancaster Circuit having died, he was sent by the Presiding Elder to supply that work. At the Conference of 1890 he was sent by the Bishop as a supply to West Hanover Circuit, where he remained one year, returning to college in the fall of that year. On July 19, 1892, he was married to Miss Lena M. Col- lins, of Madison county, Va. His choice was wise; she has been to him a true helpmate-judicious, discreet, faithfully assisting her husband in his work. Three children have blessed their marriage.
He joined the Virginia Conference at its session in Norfolk, Va., in Novem- ber, 1892. Ilis first appointment was Greene Circuit, where he remained three years. Thence to Fairmont Avenue, Richmond, where he was pastor three years. From that station to Central, Portsmouth, where he is serving his third year.
As a preacher, Mr. Beadles is among the best of the younger members of the Conference. Wherever he goes the people hear him gladly and congregations increase. There is no turgidity in his public speech, no concealment of pov- erty of thought with words emptily sonorous and of sesquipedalian length; but he has studied the masters of English literature until he has acquired a style wondrously chaste, lucid and beautiful. Ile speaks easily and without notes ; his congregations do not have to "sit under" his preaching and wearily watch a process of sermon-making in the pulpit that ought to have been done in the study. Hle possesses the rare power of impressing a single truth upon the minds of his hearers, not by means of wearisome reiteration, but by present- ing the thought from new points of view and illumined by forceful and beanti- ful illustrations. God has blessed his ministry with gracious revivals. One of the most remarkable in the history of Central church, Portsmouth, occurred during his first year at that charge. There were 250 conversions,
As a pastor, he is diligent, visiting his people for their edification, and not frittering away his time in aimlessly going from house to house. If God shall see fit to prolong his days, a fair future lies before him.
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REV. JAMES E. OYLER.
385
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
REV. CHARLES W. TURNER.
Ar. Turner is near forty-three years, and a Virginian by birth. He is a man of medium size, well-proportioned and athletic in his makeup; has an easy, quiet manner, is faithful as a pastor and deservedly popular with his people. His sermons indicate careful study and his delivery is vigorous and impressive. Gifted with a full, well-toned voice, he rivets the attention of his audience and earnestly presents the simple truths of God's Word.
HIe entered the Conference in 1887, and was assigned to Middle Bedford for four years ; then to Madison Station, Lynchburg; West Goochland, Sussex, Din- widdie. Prince George is his circuit in 1900-'1.
The Lord has abundantly blessed his labors in the conversion of souls and the upbuilding of the Church. He assails sin with faithful direetness and exposes wrong without fear of the face of man.
Mr. Turner gains in force and command of his native and acquired powers every year. Work does not stunt him; it makes musele on the brain and gives quickness to the nerves. He has a future of great promise.
REV. CHARLES W. CAIN.
A pen picture, like the portrait of artist on canvas, must be deficient in many respects. While the one fails to show the hidden emotions revealed in the natu- ral eyes, the other cannot bring to light many of the nobler workings of the mind and soul of the object sought to be portrayed.
The Rev. Charles Wesley Cain was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, January 14, 1856. His parents, devout Christians and members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, made enduring impressions for good on their child's mind, though only eleven years of age when bereft of them. These goodly Methodists left little of worldly goods for their orphan boy ; but a richer legacy they could not bequeath than their pious lives, and that religious influence on his young and tender heart abided.
Like most other orphans with seant means, his lot in life was anything but pleasant ; much more of the thorns than flowers composed his bed. Despite dif- ficulties, his thirst after knowledge was slaked to some extent. He dipped into every fountain within reach.
ITis conversion occurred in September, 1871, giving a fresh impetus to his desire after knowledge. He began to feel, "Woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel." His plans of life gave way to the longing to preach Christ. He at- tended regularl the Sunday-school. His teacher, a lady of intelligence, refine- ment and sweet picty, planted good seed in his soul. To her he is a deeper debtor than to all others for an impetus towards a higher life. Whatever his achieve- ments, she will share in "that day" the reward.
In 1879 he received, at Monumental church, Portsmouth, Virginia, authority to preach. He exercised as a local preacher and taught school in Norfolk county until the following summer, when he was employed by the Presiding Elder, Rev. E. M. Peterson, to take charge of the Clarksville Station, to fill the vacancy oc-
REV. CHIARLES H. WILLIAMS.
387
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
casioned by the death of Rev. James Jamieson. In the autumn he was received into the Virginia Conference on trial and returned to Clarksville, where he re- mained two years. In November, 1882, as an ordained deacon, Orange became his parish for two years; in 1884, as elder, he took charge of Belle Haven Circuit, where, on account of failing health, he remained only one year. Ilis appointment in 1885-'86 was Mount Pleasant Circuit; in 1887-88, Henrico Circuit, and, by unanimous request of the fourth Quarterly Conference, the Presiding Elder, Dr. J. P. Garland, was asked to use his influence for his re- turn, which was granted by the Bishop. In 1889-'90 he was sent to Garysburg Circuit, and, during the year 1890, by reason of transfer of territory, he became a member of the North Carolina Conference, and, at its session in Wilson, North Carolina, he was returned to Garysburg, where he remained one more year. In 1891-'92 he took charge of Fairfield Station; in 1892-94, Maxton Station; in 1894-95, Dunn Circuit. In the fall of 1895 he was transferred by Bishop Wil- son back to the Virginia Conference, and, at its session in Richmond, Virginia, he was appointed to Nottoway Circuit, a new but very laborious charge, where he remained for two years; in 1897, Cambridge Circuit became his parish, where he remained till the Conference of 1900, when ill health forced him to re- tire from active work.
Mr. Cain, in person, is of slender mold; but with that energy which has been so conspicuous in surmounting so many difficulties, he has trained his body in the same school, so that each and every duty consequent upon an itinerant life is promptly and punctually performed. He is a deep thinker, a good sermonizer, speaks slowly and deliberately, and, while there are not showers of roses scattered over the congregation, the "Gospel is preached." No duty is neglected. He is ever ready to sacrifice self. In the social circle he is pleasant but quiet, nothing of noisy mirth; but those who know him best can see an undereurrent of tenderness beneath what may seem an icy surface.
November 22, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Sallie A. Cherry, of Portsmouth, Virginia, who is indeed a helpmeet for him in his work as an itine- rant Methodist preacher. Six children constitute the joy of their home. Two sweet little buds have been transplanted to the garden of God.
REV. JOHN LEAKE PRIBBLE.
Amherst has sent out elever men into the ministry. Our Conferenee holds in good value certain sons of this noble county. Pribble reekons it his native place. Ilis age on February 14, 1900, is forty-two. Ilis parents were J. R. and N. J. Pribble. He was "born from above" in October, 1877. He was educated at Randolph-Macon, matrieulating in November, 1879, remaining two sessions; preached as assistant on Henry Cirenit from January, 1882, till his return to college in the autumn, continuing two years at the institution; in 1884 was received as probationer in the Conference, and served Henry Circuit four years ; in 1888 he took charge of East Franklin four years; in 1892, Halifax four years ; in 1896, West Mathews four years; in 1900,. King George, his present charge.
He is nearly six feet, and brings down the seales at one hundred and forty.
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REV. L. HUNTER EARLY.
389
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
He is a blonde. His face, pleasant in conversation, is serious in thought ; his voice in lower keys is agreeable, but not mellow in the higher tones; gestures natural and fit; general manner quiet and easy. He is straightforward and direct, weighing matters well. He speaks to be understood. He has his own opinions. Ile is without pretension, plain and modest; kindly in disposition. He is married to an intelligent lady-a great gain to himself and his ministry.
The long pastorates of Mr. Pribble show his influence among the people and the good work he is doing. In the counties he has served there are, on all hands, proofs of his fidelity, force of character and the favor of God. He is a blessing to that region.
REV. JAMES WALTER BAKER.
Mr. Baker was born in Madison county, Va., October 28, 1866. His par- ents were earnest, consistent Christians, and their religious teaching and ex- ample proved a blessing to their children. His father is a Baptist, and for years he was an efficient and faithful deacon in that Church. His mother was a Methodist from her childhood, and loved her Church, but loved her Sa- viour more, and when the end came she died in the triumphs of Christian faith at her home, in Charlottesville, Va., on the 11th of June, 1897.
The subject of this sketch was converted under the ministry of that godly man, Rev William F. Bain, in the year 1886, and united with the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, South, and became an active and useful worker for his Master. He very soon felt a call to the Christian ministry, and, after many struggles and heart-searchings, he became convinced that the call was from God, and determined to prepare himself for the work. He accordingly entered Locust Dale Academy in Madison county, where he spent four terms, and one year at Emory and Henry College.
Mr. Baker was licensed to preach by Rev. J. Wiley Bledsoe, Presiding Elder of Charlottesville District, October 1, 1888, and as a local preacher he served the Church efficiently for four years on the Madison, Batesville, Gor- donsville and Concord Circuits.
He was received on trial into the Virginia Annual Conference at its ses- sion, held in Norfolk, Va., November, 1892, and ordained local deaeon that year. Ilis first regular appointment was to West Charlotte, where he la- bored earnestly and faithfully for two years; then to Clarksville for two years, and from there to Oaklette and Gilmerton, where he completed the full term of four years. For the Church year of 1900-'01 he is serving Ebenezer.
Mr. Baker's ministry has been blessed of God in the conversion of sinners and the edification of believers, and he gives promise of increased usefulness as the servant of Christ. Ile loves his work, and seems anxious to make full proof of his ministry. He speaks with case aud fluency, and his preaching is characterized by earnestness and effectiveness. He is a conscientious and sympathetic pastor, and his people are drawn to him. He looks after the af- fairs of his charge, and gives special attention to the details of his work.
Mr. Baker was first married June 27, 1893, to Miss Lizzie A. Asher, of Campbell county, Va., a young lady eminently suited to the demands of the
REV. GEORGE W. M. TAYLOR.
391
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
Methodist itinerancy. She only lived a few months after their marriage. Her sufferings were great, but she met death in the calm and peaceful hope of life forever in the presence of her God. His present wife was Miss Nan- nie Sue Asher, a sister of his first, and their marriage is characterized by mutual helpfulness and happiness.
REV. WILLIAM G. BOGGS.
The veteran, Charles H. Boggs, has a successor in this son destined to eclipse, in some degree, his noble father; though to pass him in many high qualities is not given but rarely to men. The boys are brought forward under better auspices than we, whose hair is silvering under the sunset rays. They must surpass us in nimbleness and finish. This junior is modest in manners, as he is firm in the faith, and his manly and kindly countenance wins'without words.
HIe was born in King William, December 23, 1862. His mother is Oeta- via Campbell Boggs. He had the use of the best schools before matriculating at Randolph-Macon, and he enjoyed a choice opportunity of ingraining his own education by teaching, as Principal of the Graded School in Suffolk, three years.
Ile was converted during his residence in that town, licensed in 1884, and connceted himself with the Conference in 1885. He served his first charge, Essex, three years; next, Danielstown (now Cabell Street), then in sueees- sion North Bedford, Amherst, West Point, Lancaster, Wright Memorial ( Ports- mouth), Wesley (Petersburg), Brunswick, his present parish.
Hc married Miss Lula M. Parham, of Murfreesboro, N. C., the daughter of President Parham, a superior educator. Miss Parham, with forebears whose characteristics were a refined type of Christianity and citizenship, fell heir to choice qualities and beautiful traits.
The test of apostolic virtues in a measure is the craving of persons in the supreme hour for the ministration of certain preachers. There are ministers who amuse us in drawing rooms, even in the pulpit, or instruct us in general conversation. But when the earth begins to reeede and eteruity looms up, then our hearts long for the men of God whose walk and conversation are represented by this sincere and trusty Methodist itinerant.
REV. W. ASBURY CHRISTIAN, A. M., B. D.
No young member of Virginia Conference is better fitted in the highest sense for the work of a Methodist Minister than the subject of this sketch. Since the day of his call to the ministry, the one high, Christ motive has controlled him. In college life his personal influence for good was most decided. No one who has had opportunity to know doubts his full consecration to his duty as he sees it. Ile is a man of accurate scholarship and real culture. He has given a large
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