USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 30
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His first charge was Woodville Circuit, in Piedmont Virginia (he was ad- mitted in 1893), where there were eighty accessions. He has since served Drummondtown Station, Culpeper Station, Cape Charles City, and is now in his second year at Trinity, Norfolk, where nearly a hundred souls have been brought into the new life. He was married December the 8th, 1896, to Miss Nora N. Grant, oldest daughter of John D. Grant, Esq., Clerk of Accomae Cir- cuit Court.
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REV. FRED. GRAHAM DAVIS.
Mr. Davis was born and reared in the city of Cambridge, Dorchester county, Md. ; was a member of Grace M. E. Church, South, in that eity. October 22, 1894, he was granted lieense to preach by the fourth Quarterly Conference of Graee church, and was recommended to the Annual Conference for admission on trial. He was admitted on trial in November of the same year and sent to Berlin, on the Eastern Shore Distriet, where he did his first preaching.
In 1896 he was ordained a deacon, and received elder's orders in 1898. He is pastor of King and Queen Cireuit.
In person Brother Davis is about six feet in height and weighs from 165 to 170 pounds. In disposition he is one of the few who appear to dwell con- tinually in the sunshine of life and whose mother wit and original preaching win the hearts of both sinners and saints.
He has a strong, clear baritone voiee, and the power to present the old truths in a new and attractive way which has made him not only a successful, but an acceptable preacher to the charges he has served.
REV. JOHN WALKER PARRISHI.
Mr. Parrish was born in Augusta county, Va., January 15, 1850. His par- ents' names were Henry A. and Sarah C. Parrish. Ilis father, a Methodist steward and elass-leader, dying in May, 1856, his mother removed to Fluvanna county with her five fatherless children. She was a woman of great decision of character and of deep piety ; brought up her family in "the nurture and ad- monition of the Lord," and lived for many years to see John a faithful and suc- cessful preacher. How much he owed to this godly, praying mother none can estimate.
From earliest childhood he "wanted to be good" and "to be a preacher." In 1864, in the month of August, under Rev. W. I. Hunter's ministry, at Pal- myra, Va., he was happily converted, his pious mother being the chief instru- ment of his conversion.
His call to the ministry followed shortly afterwards, and a long struggle en- sned. After eighteen months he took counsel with friends beginning to feel the pressure felt by Paul, "Woe is unto me," etc. It was not till August, 1869, that he fully surrendered to the Divine summons, and the following January he entered Mountain View Academy, Palmyra, Va., to improve his education and prepare for the fulfillment of his vocation. To this purpose as much time was given as he was able, two years consecutively being employed at Mountain View under the instruction of Mr. James O. Shepherd. In October, 1871, he had been licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of Fluvanna Cireuit, held by the Rev. Jacob Manning, Presiding Elder, and a year later was employed by Rev. HI. B. Cowles, Presiding Elder of the Lynchburg District, as a supply on what was then denominated Amherst Mission, now part of the Mt. Pleasant Cireuit. He remained in charge of this field three years, building two new churches and developing and establishing our work there permanently. He was
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truly the apostle of the "Coffey settlement," being the instrument under God of the salvation of that secluded community, since a good appointment of Mt. Pleasant Cireuit and from which has come a missionary, Miss Ella Coffey, now in China.
From 1875 to 1881 he cultivated a farm and taught school, preaching on the Sabbath and working for his Master as he found occasion. In the latter year began his constant work as a local supply, an itinerant in reality, though not in name, living on the work and giving himself wholly to it, under appointment from Conference, extending to his reception on trial into the Virginia Confer- ence at the session of 1894. In this capacity he served Glenmore Mission three years, West Buckingham three, West Bedford six years (at two different times ) and North Bedford onc-in all thirteen years.
Hir ordination (as deacon 1875 and elder 188+) occurred while he was in the local ranks. Entering the regular work as an itinerant in 1894, he was ap- pointed to Concord Circuit; in 1898 to West Campbell; 1900-'01, to Meek- lenburg.
He is a man of solid parts and serious, earnest disposition, a good preacher, a diligent, systematic, faithful pastor. Nothing passes through his hands with- out fidelity. He has strong common-sense, sound piety, thorough consecration to the work of God. He is a good organizer and disciplinarian, prudent, quict, conservative, zealous, with no leanings to fanaticism or enthusiasm. IIis busi- ness talent is good; he is affable, and has an eye to the best interests of his people of all classes.
Ile was married in December, 1887, to Miss Mildred Tucker, of Amherst, daughter of John S. Tucker, deceased, long one of our most faithful men of that section. She is a helpineet indeed, and takes much interest in her husband's charges.
Brother Parrish has had great success in calling sinners to repentance. In the day of eternity many will rise up to call him blessed.
REV. THOMAS E. JOHNSON.
Mr. Johnson's parents were John and Sarah Johnson. Portsmouth, Va., was his birthplace. His natal day, June 30, 1871. At the age of fifteen he was converted and joined Wright-Memorial church, in that eity. Impressed with a divine call to the ministry, he sought better preparation, and attended Taylor University, Fort Wayne, Ind., spending several sessions.
In 1894 he was received on trial. His first charge was Port Royal Mission, where he married Miss Ida St. Clair Small, the daughter of Mr. P. D. Small, of Richmond. In 1895, as a deacon, he was selected for Middle Bedford Cir- cuit, serving two years. In 1897 he was appointed to Goochland Circuit. He is now serving his fourth year. He was ordained elder in 1900.
As a preacher he is a close student, a deep thinker, and a fluent speaker, being well versed in the Scriptures and profoundly read in Methodist theology.
Ile is indefatigable in his efforts to build up his churches, while esteemed and loved by all who know him.
REV. WILLIAM L. MURPHY.
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REV. EUGENE J. POTTS.
Mr. Potts is the son of the patriarchal and scholarly Joseph E. Potts, of our Conference. He took his first assignment to Gloucester Circuit in 1894 as junior, continuing for four years ; then New Kent and Seven Pines, where he now serves. Mr. Potts' college training was at Emory and Henry, in Southwest Virginia.
There would indeed be what the miners call a "balk" if he was not endowed with cleverness, for the House of Potts seems to have a rich lode of choice ore in its veins-mother wit. Mr. E. J. P. is not the exception. The reports con- cerning his pastorates bear witness to his devotion to his high calling and to the cleverness of his mind. He has been diligent in adding to his resources. ITis capital grows. HIe utilizes the material. It is clear enough that he is destined to take rank as a person of varied information and literary finish. There is a current of subtle humor that rises to the surface in sparkling globules of iri- descent and merry outbursts. This is the surest sign of a wholesome nature. It refreshes itself. No fanatie ever enjoyed a clever skit with pen or voice. An honest laugh purges the bad humors out of the soul. As the wise man hath it- "it doeth good like a medicine."
Mr. Potts is equipped for a rational, temperate, sound and successful career.
REV. JOHN T. PAYNE.
The subject of this notice is a son of Thomas E. Payne and Louisa J. Stiff, and was born in Richmond county, Virginia, in August, 1851. From his earliest recollection he had "steadfast faith in Christ as his Saviour" and in being called to preach the Gospel. At thirteen he made a publie profession of religion and united with God's people at Union, King George county. When fifteen years of age he started with his unele, Rt. Rev. Bishop Payne, of the Episcopal Church, as a missionary to Africa. On reaching Philadelphia, how- ever, he was advised by his physician not to undertake the trip, as the climate of Africa would be too trying to his constitution.
Ile then entered the Episcopal High School, near Alexandria, Virginia, where he was chiefly educated. When eighteen he became greatly troubled on the subject of "election," abandoned the idea of preaching, and began to teach and to study law. Under Professor Minor, at the University of Virginia, he completed the law course. For several years he practiced his profession under the abiding conviction, "I must preach or be lost." In 1879, unable longer to stifle the voice of conscience, he was licensed a local preacher. In 1883 he was ordained by Bishop Kavanaugh, and sent as a supply to Spottsylvania Circuit. At the session of 1884 he was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference and sent back to Spottsylvania Circuit, where he remained three years; in 1887 was sent to King and Queen Circuit; in 1888 was, by Bishop Granbery, in Ports- mouth, ordained Elder, and returned to King and Queen Circuit. He has con- ducted the college for young ladies at Bowling Green ; also the one at Gordons- ville.
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Through all these years he has wrought well for the good canse. He has re- entered the pastorate, and conducts Methodist interests on Bedford Springs. Singularly pure in spirit, devout in life, earnest and faithful, no better laborer toils in the Master's vineyard.
REV. LLOYD TANKARD WILLIAMS.
As certainly as Samuel was sent to the hidden David, so certainly the pastor sent to a new charge may sometimes be commissioned to discover and announee some hidden, waiting, coming man and minister. Some members of the Vir- ginia Conference. can look back to a thrilling hour when the strange heart- stirrings, the hitherto half-heard voices and callings, first took definite meanings and purpose as each stood before some lesser Samuel, to whom had come the designation of the Spirit, "This is he!" It was the solemn hour of a real anoint- ing, the outward echo of a wonderful "Follow Me!" that henceforth inspired the cry of the answering heart, "Woe unto me, if I preach not the Gospel !"
Both concealed in the local obseurity of the remotest church on the old Pun- goteagne Circuit, a new pastor found two young inen, or youths. Without word or hint from them or from any human being, the pastor became weighted with the deepest conviction that God desired these young men to go forth as preachers of His Word. Conversing with them separately, he was not sur- prised to learn that each had recurringly felt to clearest consciousness the di- vine impulse and leadings in this direction, but hitherto they had concealed from each other, and indeed from all others, these sacred thoughts and feelings. Each immediately commeneed to arrange his affairs so as to enter upon his prepara- tory work. Both entered Randolph-Macon College, and in due time they were received into the Virginia Conference, where they have since furnished abundant proofs of their Divine eall to the ministry. One of these young men was Lloyd Tankard Williams. He was born in 1868 near Harborton, in Accomae county, Va. His education was received from schools in his native county and from Randolph-Macon College.
Mr. Williams was licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of Pungo- teague Circuit in 1890. During the latter half of the Conference year of 1892-'93 he was in charge of the Cobb's Island Mission. In December, 1893, he was engaged by the Rev. J. Powell Garland, D. D., to supply Trinity, Lynch- burg, for that Conference year.
In November, 1894, he was received on trial into the Virginia Conference and returned to Trinity. He was again returned to Trinity by the Conference of November, 1895. At the Conference of 1896 he was appointed to Wheal- ton, Lancaster county, Va. In November, 1897, he was sent to Trinity, Nor- folk, where he remained two years. At the Conference of 1899 he was ap- pointed to Cabell Street church, Lynchburg; 1900-'01, South of Dan.
None but the good (not the "brave") deserve the fair, and the best deserve the fairest. In the highest, best sense Mr. Williams has been "good" from child- hood. Every one that ever knew him as a boy or a man will tell you this. This may explain why, since Adam, no one ever mated more wisely, more happily than he, when on January 28, 1897, he was married in Lynchburg, Va.,
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to Miss Urania Virginia Moon, of Campbell county, Va. A tribute to his sound judgment was this happy "selection of the fittest," as well as a tribute to the winning charms of noblest womanhood, embodied graciously in the beau- tiful girl that became his bride. No home holds a helpmeet superior to the fair, gentle, sweet-spirited mistress of the manse at the parsonage, South of Dan. Mr. Williams is as gentle, tender, sweet-spirited as his companion. ITis good- ness impresses you, perhaps more than anything else, even when he is chaining your attention by other qualities. He early professed conversion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he has lived his religion ever since. ยท Meek, unassuming, deliberate, you would not imagine that by nature he is quick, impulsive, impetuous. From childhood he has habituated his feelings, passions, impulses to such admirable control that under the most exciting condi- tions he is cool, calm, deliberate, and fully master of himself and the occasion. You would be deceived into thinking that this was natural to him, but he could tell you that it is "a second nature" and all of grace. But he is so modest and self- effacing that his equipoise is always disturbed, unbalanced when his merits are mentioned. And he will blush like a school girl when he reads this just tribute, penned by one who has known him almost from his boyhood.
"Lloyd" has mind as well as heart. When he speaks, whether in the pulpit or out of it, you are compelled to listen. He is an excellent preacher and is steadily improving. He is studious and painstaking. He will never attempt to soar by meteoric methods and flights. He will steadily grow and rise as the years go by nutil he achieves heights and places, unattainable to those who be- gan their ministry brilliantly, but perhaps depended too much upon that bril- liancy for future prestige and advancement. More and more he will be sought by churches requiring in one man the combination of a good man, a good preacher, a good pastor, and a good administrator and manager of Church affairs.
REV. ROBERT L. WINGFIELD.
Mr. Wingfield is of the house of the Albemarle Wingfields, a Methodist clan, noted for their superior citizenship and unwavering loyalty to our Church. Ile is great-nephew to Rev. Jesse K. Powers, as genuine an apostle as ever blessed this continent, for he was a prince with God. This venerable man, by his own request, has his sepulchre at the crossing of roads in the county of Chesterfield, where he preached often and held the first place of honor. He had laid by out of his meagre "allowance" (he received only the scant stipend-the crumbs from the table of a rich church), a dollar or so annually for a stone to mark the earth where his mortal part rests in hope. It was remarked by him that the marble shaft might recall the warnings he had given, and so, though being dead, he might still speak for Jesus to the people. And so it came to pass.
Certain wayward youths, returning one night under a cloudless sheen of the moon, full-orbed, from a doggery a mile down the road, and when, in passing, the snowy column arrested their attention. They drew rein, "It's a shame this fellow should set up his business so near the grave of this good man." They turned, spurred down the highway, hailed the saloon-keeper to his door; and
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the quaking sinner was given but brief hours to decamp from the neighborhood of the sacred spot. Not till "the books are opened" can be told the influence for good wrought by this lone marble monument, standing "like prophet hoary," above the mute yet eloquent dust of this "Paul the Aged."
It is an inspiration to have kinship to Jesse Powers. This writer knew him well. There was in one county two notable cases where the prayers of this apostolic man arrested the skeleton arm with its fatal shaft. Powers announced the success of his supplieations in the face of the doctors who in despair were leaving the house of the dying patient. They confessed with awe to the power of the man of God.
Mr. Wingfield is a native of Albemarle county ; his birthday, April 3, 1864; his parents, R. L. and A. A. Wingfield. He is their oldest son, bearing the exact name of his father. They were Methodists-each family.
The sense of sin and sorrow for transgressions were early experiences. He, however, was not converted till June, 1878, under the preaching of Rev. J. W. Howell, at Mt. Olivet, in Albemarle, joining the church during the revival.
HIe was educated at the Iligh School at Palmyra, the shiretown of Fluvanna, and at the University of Virginia. He became a local preacher, licensed by Rev. O. Littleton, in the spring of 1891, and served Burkeville as a supply. In 1894 he came into the Conference on trial, receiving Henry Circuit as his charge. He served that work four years. In 1896 he was received into full membership of the Conference. In June of 1897, he married Miss Linda Far- ley, of Amelia, Va. He is serving his second year on Goochland Circuit.
Mr. Wingfield has staying qualities. "He wears well." There is no thin veneer of taking elements that rub off, but he is a genuine man from surface to centre. He makes no display. There is no glitter. The Church soon finds out that the pastor has sterling traits that never tarnish. As might be predicted, Mr. Wingfield does thorough work. He builds with no untempered mortar. The people of God are nourished. There are converts. He is vigilant to prevent evil invading the flock over whom he is placed as shepherd. Men confide in him.
Mr. Wingfield is symmetrical in build-a manly form. He has an intelligent, benignant, winning countenance. His carriage comports with the bearings native to a Virginia gentleman, with gravity of face when in repose, genial withal in society, never loud in word or deed, ever mindful of his high ealling. - There is no truer loyalty to the Lord than the consecration and courage of con- victions that animate the soul of Robert L. Wingfield.
REV. G. E. BOOKER SMITH.
George Edward Booker Smith comes of Methodist stock. A Virginian and of gentle blood. In the year 1871 he was born in Cumberland county. Rev. W. R. Smithey's ministry led him to Christ. Five years later came the call to preach, and forthwith the Church put him in the local rank. It was five years afterward the Virginia Conference received him on trial and found him a success. Only the memory of his parents is the heart's treasury of infancy. Both died when he was bnt five years old, and at his mother's request her maiden
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sister took the care of George Edward and two brothers-one older, Dr. J. W. Smith, of West Virginia; one younger, William M. Smith, Esq., of the Cumber- land Bar.
William James and Virginia Morgan Booker Smith are with God, but the piety of the one and the faith and love of the other find expression in the soul and life of this son, who preaches the Truth to men.
Educational advantages did not thrust themselves upon him at every turn in the road. He made them. He was a student at Randolph-Macon College several years, and afterward took a special course of Greek and Philosophy at Richmond College, thus eminently fitting him for the work of his calling. Pedagogics have not tapped the flow of originality, neither eramped expression of earnestness in uttering his message. His audience never grows weary under his speech. When his heart is afire with his subject he leads his hearers step by step down into the well where Truth is found, and raises them to the surface full refreshed to meet the temptations and trials with which the world abounds.
His first appointment in the Conference was Wachapreague, on the Eastern Shore District. He put in four years-the tinic limit. An up-to-date church- building was dedicated, free from debt, and bears his name; two hundred in- crease lengthened the church register, and the entire neighborhood influenced toward righteousness.
To-day, the first month of 1901, he is filling a second assignment to Ep- worth, in Richmond. The city papers speak in complimentary terms of his work here; in fact, they quote extensively from his sermons.
If in the Providence of God his life is spared, we expect much from so faith- ful and sympathetic a pastor and preacher.
REV. WILKINSON LINWOOD WARE.
Mr. Ware, though young counting years, possesses a record worthy of imi- tation. Few men have a character so pure, noble and Christlike. Courageons. sympathetic, kind and gentle, he attracts both young and old by all the qualities that constitute genuine worth and Christian manhood. He has no superior among the meritorious men of the Methodist ministry as a thoroughly eonse- crated young man. An ideal portrait of him would represent a man on whose face the words, "All for Christ," arc legibly written. Like Paul of old, he seems to have been a chosen vessel. The hand of God was upon him, turning his feet to that path of usefulness which he has followed with fidelity and snecess.
Mr. Ware was the third son of Paulus M. and Ellen E. Ware, and was born in Amherst county, Va., April 5, 1877. IIc has parents of whom he is justly proud. Ilis father is a steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his mother is one of the brightest of Christian women.
He was converted at the age of seventeen in a meeting held by that aged and saintly divine, Rev. Pitt Woodruff. He must have received the pentecostal blessing immediately, as he at onee engaged in Church work. ITis prayers were so earnest and powerful his associates were amazed, and thought surely his mouth was filled with utterances from on high. He joined Ivy Hill Methodist church, and at onee commenced the study of God's Word. Soon an impression
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1. Rev. D. T. Merritt.
2. Rev. S. R. Drewry.
3. Rev. IL. R. Marks,
1. Rev. W. B. Moore.
5. Rev. J. R. Eggleston,
G. Rev. R. IL. MeAden.
7. Rev. IL II. Smith. 8. Rov. A. B. Sharpe. 9. Rov. W. (. Pace.
10, Rev. 1. C. Moore.
11. Rev. W. R. Evans.
12. Rev. G. W. Watkins.
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE. 439
of the Divine voeation fell upon him. The more he read the more he became eon- vineed that God was ealling him into the work of the ministry. As soon as the conviction took full possession of his mind his heart was so filled with joy and peace le surrendered his life to do whatever the Holy Spirit directed. At the age of nineteen, after receiving exhorter's license, he entered Randolph-Maeon Academy and spent two years tliere. The following two years he served as local preacher and teacher. Then he entered Randolph-Macon College, leaving after one term to supply Batesville Cireuit as junior pastor. In 1895 he was admitted to Conferenee and sent back to Batesville, and served one year. Then to Roekfish Circuit, where he gave the people two faithful years' service. Then to Whealton Station, Laneaster county, where he spent two years in suc- eessful work. He is (1900-'1) on West Mathews Circuit.
He was happily married to Miss Daisy Augustine Marshall, of Westmoreland county, Va., on October 19, 1897-a lady suitable in every respeet for an itin- erant's wife.
Mr. Ware is striking in personal appearance. Tall and slender; dark, wavy hair; the mild expression of the blue eyes and the smile which usually lights up the eountenanec are not easily forgotten. His friends are numerous, and he writes his naine in kindness, love and merey on their hearts. As a preacher, he is elear, earnest, zealous and faithful. He loves to preach. His heart is in the work. He preaches to save souls, and is tireless in his labors. Ilc has the consolation to know the world is better for his living in it. He lives for something. He does good, and will leave behind him a monument of virtue that the storms of time ean never destroy. Behold in him "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile."
REV. LOUIS CABE SHEARER.
Mr. Shearer was born in Appomattox county, Va., July 17, 1868. He is descended from a long line of staunch Methodists, being the fifth son of James E. and Mary J. Shearer.
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