USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 33
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Hle says : "From boyhood I felt that I ought to preach, but shrank from it." Ile was first licensed to exhort, and in 1893 was licensed to preach, but feel- ing the need of a better education he attended Randolph-Macon College ses- sion of 1893 and 1894. Before the elose of the session his health gave way, and he had to return home. The next fall he again devoted himself to teach- ing and home Church work.
In 1896 the District Conference of the Richmoud Distriet at Williams- burg recommended him to the Virginia Conference as a suitable person to be admitted on trial. At the Conference held in Lynchburg in 1896 he was admitted on trial-Bishop Dunean presiding-and was sent to Cheritou, Eastern Shore Distriet. He remained there two years and did good work. The two churches were strengthened numerically and spiritually.
Like his father, among the neighbors and people with whom they were reared and lived, they have their confidence and esteem-ever ready in all good and useful work-leaders in the temperance cause, devoted to Metho- dism, fervent in their religious profession.
On May 24, 1899, he was married to Miss T. Lilian Wilson, of Cheriton, Va.
Ile is now serving his third year on the Berlin Circuit; has had good re- vivals, and the Lord is blessing his labors.
REV. JAMES EDWARDS BROOKS.
A hearty, whole-souled companionable preacher responds to the above name on the roll of the Virginia Annual Conference. Dr. Lafferty would call him "a clubable person." Without shining talents or broad and deep erudition, he is, nevertheless, a good and useful preacher and successful pastor. He brings things to pass for the Lord, and in the brief space of four years one hundred souls have been couverted under his ministry.
Ile is a native of Mathews, which county has given many and useful preach- ers to the Virginia Conference-Humphrey Billups, Thomas Diggs, Hobday, the Greens (two of them), W. J. Williams, Bentley and others now coming. Hle was born on Milford Haven July 3, 1867; was baptized by and named for Rev. F. M. Edwards, a great preacher in Mathews Circuit, and well-beloved pastor. He was of good Methodist stock, in which his section abonnds. From "the Haven" to "the Point" almost everything is Methodist-to the mumber of about twelve hundred, and of the robust type. "A shout in the camp" is often the subject of petition in their meetings, and "ecclesiastical vows" are not un- usual when the revival is up to the high-water mark. His parents are James D. and Ency E. Brooks. His grandparents were Gamaliel and Margaret Tilly and George Keeble and Elizabeth R. Brooks. Ilis maternal grandparents held their membership in the old Haven Meeting Honse, perhaps the first Methodist Church established in Mathews. Hle was the best child and the third son. "Eddy" was a preacher from a school boy. His teachers relate how he as- sembled the school children in a fence corner, and with a broken rail laid up for a pulpit he would hold forth until they were affected to tears, when he would call them to the "mourner's bench." If they did not pray as they should, he
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would go among them, chuck them down, and then resmne his prayer or the thread of his discourse. These boyish performances seemed to point the way to the prophetic office, and intimated in some sense the Divine call.
Hle was brought up in the Sunday-school at Salem church, which succeeded the old Meeting House before mentioned. He was converted in Angust, 1882, under the ministry of Rev. George C. Vanderslice, of precious memory, in a gracions revival during the last year of his pastorate on Mathews Circuit, and united with Salem church. His name was entered on the Register in the hand- writing of Rev. George C. Vanderslice: "Reci'd by prof. Ang. 1882." From this time until his twenty-seventh year he was for the most part engaged in mercantile pursuits at Fitchett's Wharf, at Whitestone, Lancaster, at Nor- folk with Whitehurst & Dozier, and with Watt, Rettew & Clay, in all which he was esteemed for probity of character and application to business. At an evangelistic meeting in Norfolk during this period, realizing that he had drifted from God and indulged in pleasures that laid a burden on his conscience, he distinctly, deliberately re-consecrated himself to God. Then the call to preach revived, and a clamor was heard in his inmost soul. Immediately he conferred not with flesh and blood, but relinquished a good business prospect to respond to the call. Feeling his need of educational equipment, he entered the Ran- dolph-Macon Academy in 1894, where he spent three sessions. Jannary 1, 1897, he was employed by Rev. W. C. Vaden, Presiding Elder of the Eastern Shore District, and sent to Dorchester Cirenit. From the start the work pros- pered in his hands. Homes unnsed to the presence of the preacher were en- tered, the poor and needy and sick soon found a friend in him, congregations in- creased. A gracious revival swept over the charge. He reported to the en- sning Conference considerable increase of membership and every interest of the Church in good condition. November, 1897, he was received into the Confer- ence on trial at its session in Danville and returned to Dorchester. After serv- ing two years this kind and liberal people, he was assigned to Wicomico in 1900.
January 20, 1898, he was happily married to Miss Jennie Harrington, of Madison, which nnion has been blessed with the gift of a fine boy, Master Ed- wards Harrington.
He is now in his second year on South Dorchester, where he acceptably serves a kind and liberal people.
REV. J. FRANKLIN CAREY, A. 'M.
Mr. Carey was born in Worcester county, Md., February 12, 1873. IIe is the son of Josiah J. and Susan M. Carey.
In the year, 1888, under the ministry of Rev. E. A. Gibbs, he was converted to God, and united with the Church at Bishopville, on the Berlin Cirenit. In the year, 1895, he graduated at Washington College, Md., and received the de- gree of A. M. from the same institution in the year 1898. After his gradua- tion he was appointed Principal of the Grammar school at Bishopville, in his native county, where he served three years.
In the year 1898, at the District Conference which convened at Onancock, Va., he was licensed to preach. During the summer of that year he acted as
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a supply on the Wieomico Circuit in place of Rev. C. II. Galloway during his temporary illness. Here he had great success, and was exceedingly popular with all classes. At the ensning session of the Virginia Conference, held at Portsmouth, Va., he was received on trial in the traveling connection, and was appointed by Bishop Hargrove to Port Norfolk Station, where he continued his services two years. In this young and growing charge he has done a fine work, and is deservedly held in high esteem by his Church and by the community generally. Ile is pastor of Mt. Vernon, near Norfolk, Va.
Mr. Carey is of medium height, spare built, of dark complexion, with dark hair and eyes. His face indicates honesty and sincerity. In the pulpit he is ealın and self-possessed, rarely, or never, becoming unduly excited or animated. Ilis sermons show the result of careful study and preparation. The most thoughtful hearer is his greatest admirer. Such a man will grow.
In the social circle Mr. Carey exhibits the elements that go to make up the successful pastor. IIe is genial aud pleasant, without compromising his dig- nity by excess of levity. His life has promise of great usefulness.
REV. L. HUNTER EARLY.
Mr. Early manifests in many directions the virtues of honored parents, and noble ancestors. He is the son of Sarah A. and J. W. Early, great nephew of Bishop Early, cousin of Rev. Thomas II. Early, also cousin of the late General Jubal A. Early. His parents are staunch Presbyterians of the old stock. Botetourt, his native county, may well be proud of this gifted son.
Ilis conversion at the age of seventeen was due largely to the influence of his pious mother, who from his earliest childhood taught him the Word of God.
Ilis educational training was first received from the publie schools, after- wards he attended Sunnyside Academy two years and Randolph-Macon Col- lege three years. He joined Conference at Portsmouth in 1898, was sent to Rockfish Circuit, and is now serving his second year.
Ile is an earnest, consecrated preacher, and a most faithful and efficient pastor. Ilis sermons are strong and helpful, clear and concise; in fact, they would do credit to many of maturer years. He is modest and discreet and somewhat retiring, but a man of strong religions convictions, and his Chris- tian life is one of great vitality. Ile walks among his people firm in con- science, clear in perception, unsullied in integrity. To the erring ones he is ever gentle and kind, always striving to lead thirsty, sin-sick souls to the Fountain of Life. He never fails to have a word of encouragement for the disheartened, cheer and comfort for the distressed, sympathy for those in trouble, approbation for those who merit it. Ilis is indeed a most genuine character. No flaw, no weakness can be found in the sincerity of his nature. It can be truly said of him what Carlyle said of Richter, "He advances not with one faculty, but with the whole mind-with intelleet, pathos, wit, hu- mor, imagination-he moves on like a mighty host irresistible;" and as he goes forth "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" to meet suc-
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cess and failure, vietory and defeat, sunshine and shadow, surely the influ- ence of such a life must result in infinite good. Surely its echoes will "roll from soul to soul and live forever and ever."
REV. HENRY W. DUNKLEY.
He was born in Halifax county, Va., in 1873. His elementary education was obtained in the public schools of that county. Until twenty he remained at home helping on the farm and clerking in the store. At the early age of nine he was converted, but never remembers the time when he did not feel deeply impressed that .he must preach. In 1894 he received local license to preach, and the same fall entered Cluster Springs High School and continued there for two years, doing fine work, preparing himself for the ministry. After leaving school he was employed by the Presiding Elder to do evangelistic work, and in one of his meetings, held in Danville, 120 souls were converted. At the close of this meeting a church was organized by him. Soon after this the Presiding Elder employed him to take charge of the church as pastor. At once he undertook the stupendous work of buikling a church with a seating capacity of one thousand. After a great deal of hard work, God blessed his efforts with success. As soon as the church was completed revival services were held by him, and 235 persons were converted. A large number of these united with his church, which he named Washington-Street Tabernacle. After two years of successful work in that field, he decided to enter Randolph-Macon College. A few weeks after commencing his work at college he joined the Virginia Conference, but continued his work at college for two years. Since leaving in June he has been engaged in evangelistie work. Hundreds of souls have been converted during the short summer.
REV. FRANCIS BLACKWELL MOSPARRAN.
He is the son of Rev. J. E. MeSparran, an honored and useful member of the Virginia Conference. He was born at Concord Depot, Campbell county, Va., June 3, 1876. Having been reared in a godly home, he soon became im- pressed with the necessity of yielding to religious instructions and dedicating himself to the God of his father.
Under the preaching of Rev. H. E. Johnson, D. D., at old Cumberland Street church, Norfolk, during the pastorate of Rev. W. G. Starr, D. D., at the age of sixteen, he was happily converted. Two years after this he entered Randolph- Macon College, and spent four years in preparing himself for the Christian ministry. Ile was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference at Lynch- burg, Va., November, 1896, Bishop W. W. Duncan presiding. Ile has served with great acceptance and success the following appointments: flasker Me- morial, Richmond, Montross Circuit, Washington Street, Danville, and Ma- toaca Station. Bishop Duncan, in 1900, selected him for Surry Cirenit.
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On December 5, 1899, he was married to Miss Bessie Helena Diacont, of Richmond, Va., who, with great zeal and consecration, has entered into all of his work.
Mr. MeSparran possesses many qualities favorable to success in his great calling. Ile is of medium height, stoutly built, with a well-trained mind and untiring zeal. As a student, he is diligent and progressive.
REV. WALLACE R. EVANS.
Mr. Evans was born in Petersburg on the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1876. His parents were Richard Evans and Bettie O., his wife, of Welsh and Irish blood, respectively. In the summer after Wallace's birth the family removed to Murfreesboro', N. C. There the child grew up; there he attended the town schools, among others " The Murfreesboro' Male Academy "; there at the carly age of ten he entered the Methodist Church, be- ing the subject of very early religious impressions, and having felt even from his earliest childhood that he must preach the Gospel.
In 1893, being then seventeen, he left Murfreesboro' to engage in business in Richmond, Va. In the course of three years' life there he was recommended by the Quarterly Conference of St. James' church for local preacher's license, which was granted by the District Conference the same year. In the autumn of that year he gave up his position with Rosenbaum & Co. and entered Richmond College to prepare himself for the proper discharge of his ministerial duties. At that institution he made a favorable impression on its very intelligent Presi- dent and others with whom he came in contact, applying himself to his studies with ardor and self-sacrifice.
The Epworth League of Laurel-Street Methodist church had commenced a mission in the vicinity of the Male Orphan Asylum, since developed into a Church called " Epworth." While at college Brother Evans was placed in charge of this, under the superintendence of the pastor of Laurel-Street, Rev. T. J. Taylor, to whose kindness and brotherly oversight he has always felt much indebted. While there a revival meeting resulted in about eighty professions of conversion. Here the young preacher tried "his 'prentice hand " under an experienced and skillful leader. In the spring of 1897, Charles T. Gibbs, the young preacher in charge of Charles City Circuit, sickened and died, and in June Brother Evans was appointed to fill his place, and remained till the close of the Conference year.
At Danville, Va., in November, 1897, he was received into the Virginia Con- ference on trial and appointed to West Street, in Petersburg. The next year (1898), he was appointed to Trinity, Lynchburg, where he is finishing his second year, having been ordained Deacon at the Conference of 1899, held in his native city.
On the 29th of November, 1899, he was married to Miss Lillie Dearing Mar- shall, of Lynchburg, in every way a suitable helpmeet, whose love and intelligent co-operation in his work does much to smooth and brighten his way in life.
Alas, as these pages are passing through the press, the devoted wife is called home to Heaven.
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Mr. Evans is a promising preacher, with a lively, vivacious manner, good voice and pleasing style. As a pastor he is faithful and diligent, and, being studious and earnest and free from eccentricities or unpleasant peculiarities, may be expected by Divine grace to move steadily forward in the path of useful- ness and honor. Ile is affable, and makes and retains friends wherever he goes.
REV. JESSE B. LAVINDER.
Mr. Lavinder, a young man of much promise, was born in Franklin county, Va., September 15, 1873. His parents are Wingfield T. and Ahnira J. Lavin- der. In that part of the State ( Piedmont ), rendered picturesque by its varicd elevation-for here the mountains stoop to kiss the valleys-Mr. Lavinder, a farmer lad, looked npward and beheld the peaks of the Blue Ridge; and, while he gazed upon them, lofty aspirations were born in his young mind. When he was fifteen years of age these high aims were ennobled and hallowed by the work of the Holy Ghost, regenerating his heart, which gave a new impetus and point to his life.
Hle was licensed to preach April 7, 1894; and, as a local preacher, he is said to have been faithful.
Ile was admitted into the Virginia Conference on trial November, 1896. and sent as "junior preacher" to Albemarle Circuit with Rev. D. G. C. Butts as his senior. They had a good year. At the close of that year he was appointed to "Meadows of Dan Mission," where the Lord blessed and used him abundantly. HIe is now on East Halifax.
In a recent letter he writes: "The spiritual condition of the churches is bet- ter than usual. I mean to work the mission for everything it is worth this year and bring the best report to Conference ever yet brought from this part of the moral vineyard."
Mr. Lavinder was married to Miss Nettie E. Nash, of Franklin county, Va., June 23, 1898.
REV. JOHN R. EGGLESTON.
IIe is a student at our College, whetting his axe. He has also the advantage of training at the Academy. The wholesome condition of a youth reared on a farm is a possession of value; and, in addition, he has had experience in com- mercial pursuits, where human nature is mirrored.
Ilis parents were Gay F. and Elizabeth Eggleston. He is of an old, solid, worthy Virginia family, in comfortable cireinstances. John was born in 1873. Ilis mother was a Baptist, a saintly woman, and from his infancy he was tutored in the ways of righteousness by her words and examples. The father came into the Church since the son joined the ministry. With these worthy people, the boy remained till his majority.
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It is fortunate for our Conference that we are drawing our forces in part from this class. It has all the best elements of physical development that the country gives. And, going from the pure air and untainted environments into a Christian college, thence into the Conference-what more could we ask ? These new men seem to bring a breath of health, of lung, hip and heart.
REV. PATRICK II. CLEMENTS.
Mr. Clements has for ancestors Methodist people for a hundred years; so he has a right to shout, on proper occasions. His birthplace was on the rich level of blue grass found all along the platform of the Blue Ridge. He dates from October 9, 1861. He was blessed with the favor of working on a farm in early life. It beats a gymnasium to strengthen the thews and tendons of a young fel- low. And he learns much of the things needful in the country pulpit, as illus- trations and the drift of thought. He also was clerk in a store, another valuable aid in knowing the people. Our Academy at Bedford and our College at Ash- land educated Mr. Clements, "in book-learning."
Ile is stont for his inches, five feet nine; 165 pounds; hair, auburn; voice clear, sonorous, reaching. Ile speaks with moderate speed, perhaps faster than the average.
He came into the Conference in the usual way in 1895. He and Miss Coffey were married April 19, 1899. They have a clever boy to gladden their hearts.
Mr. Clements served two years at South View and Providence, near Lynch- burg, and then was assigned to Lunenburg, where he now expounds. He has made marked improvements in the material and spiritual condition of his present charge. There is much subterranean, wholesome humor in "Pat" Clements, which bubbles up at times. And, withal, the grave questions he is charged to exponnd, fill his soul with profound seriousness.
REV. JOIN COURTENAY HARRY.
Mr. Harry is the fourth son of Rev. William Thomas Harry and Eliza Jane Pascoe; was born in Cornwall county, England, January 15, 1873. His parents moved to America in October, 1883.
Rev. William Thomas Harry and his devoted wife were pions, god-fearing parents, and reared a large family in the fear and admonition of the Lord, all of whom, at an early age, were brought into the Church.
The subject of this sketch joined the Methodist Church at Gum Spring, on the West Goochland Circuit, in the fall of 1886, under the pastorate of Rev. R. II. Mullen. At the age of fourteen he felt the Spirit of God calling him to preach the Gospel. Six years later, September, 1893, the Spirit of God came with greater force, and he gave himself up to follow where the Spirit led. God opened the way, and in the fall of 1894 he entered Randolph-Macon College and remained there two years.
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In Danville, in 1897, Mr. Harry was received on trial in the Conference, and was stationed at Floyd Street, Danville. At the Conference of 1898 he was sent to Franklin Cirenit, and returned in 1899.
Mr. Harry is squarely built, full-chested, broad-shouldered, five feet seven inches high, and weighs 135 pounds. He has deep-blue eyes, dark hair, and fair complexion.
On July 17, 1900, at Red Valley church, Franklin Circuit, Mr. Harry was happily married to Miss Julia Elizabeth Price, daughter of the late John W. Price, of Franklin county.
Mr. Harry's service has been short but most fruitful. He is deeply pious, very modest, and unceasingly diligent. Such a transparently true man im- presses individuals and congregations. As a preacher he is entirely free from all artificiality. Ilis spiritual life is of the same type with his physical-it is healthy, robust and attractive.
There is the promise of a long and useful career to this exceptionally fine young preacher.
REV. WALTER J. WILLIAMS.
Mr. Williams was born in Mathews county, Virginia, during the month of February, in the year 1868.
In his seventeenth year he was converted at the Mathews tabernacle and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, der the ministry of the Rev. George C. Vanderslice.
Before his conversion, far back in boyhood's days, an inward influence directed his heart and mind to the work of the ministry. This feeling gained strength, and became more clear as a distinct call to the work, after his conversion and union with the Church. But a painful accident-the loss of a hand by the ex- plosion of a gun soon after his conversion-led him to doubt the call and culmi- nated in the decision to fit himself for a seenlar calling. He entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College, in Baltimore, Maryland, and in due time gradu- ated therefrom.
Strange to say, on leaving the college, there came to him a call of God to preach that impressed itself with such distinctness that he at once prepared to obey it. It was clear, unmistakable, imperative. For some years he gave him- self to a preparation for the work of the ministry, closing this preparation with a period at Randolph-Macon College.
In Petersburg, November, 1891, he joined the Virginia Conference, and was sent to the North Pittsylvania Circuit. The following year he served as junior preacher on Pungoteague Cirenit, with the Rev. J. M. Anderson. In November, 1893, he was appointed to Culpeper Circuit, where he remained for years. At this date ( October, 1900) he is closing his third year on West Charlotte Cirenit.
In December, 1893, Mr. Williams married Miss Mary L. Edwards, of Mathews county, Virginia, who has proved in every sense a helpmeet indeed.
No young man in our Conference has grown more steadily, continuonsly and in so many improving ways as Walter JJ. Williams. He has grown physically into fine proportions, commanding presence, and grace of movement. He has
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grown intellectually. He is a student of men and books; but above all, he is a student of the Book of books. His devotion to the study of the Bible is remark- able even among ministers. Joseph Parker avers that above all the volumes in his study, he prizes the copy of the Bible whose text is ahnost concealed by his pencilled comments and thoughts. The margins of Mr. Williams's study bible are pencilled with seed thoughts and comments that are creeping over the text as the days go by. He has grown spiritually. Tender, gentle as a woman, meek, lowly of heart, he is also a strong, a mauly Christian. ITis religion is of the type that is beautiful to the mind and heart of its possessor, and very helpful and cheering to his fellow men.
Ile is a strong and growing preacher. He successfully cares for and wisely manages all the affairs of his charge. No department of the work is ignored or neglected. IIe is not only popular, but is also greatly beloved.
REV. JOSEPH D. LANGLEY.
Mr. Langley's parents were Charles II. and Portia V. Langley ; place of birth, Norfolk, Va .; date, on August 27, 1867. Parents were active Christians and loyal Methodists; early influences, all religious. He was converted under the ministry of Rev. Joseph H. Riddick at the age of twelve, and joined Granby Street church. He was ahnost continually engaged in some form of religious work-teaching and superintending Sunday-school-until he went to college.
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