USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 34
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Earlier education was received in the city schools of Norfolk and the Norfolk Male Academy. Ile entered Randolph-Macon College on the 1st of February, 1892, and took his academie training there. He went to Vanderbilt University in November, 1894, and graduated from the Biblical Department in June, 1897. He had fair success in his school career.
Ilis first appointment was to Belmont church, Charlottesville, where he re- mained one year, and was then transferred to the charge at West Norfolk, and stayed there during 1899. At the Petersburg Conference, in November, 1899, he was sent to West End church, Hampton, Va., where he is now serving his second year.
Mr. Langley received at Randolph-Macon College the Declamation and the Sutherlin medals. He is a student, but no pedant. He is a pastor. Books do not anchor his feet. He has energy, but mixed with love of quiet hours, so there is never a case of the fidgets or perpetual and aimless pottering.
Ilis voice is deep, full, resonant ; gestures, numerous but easy. He does not stand, like a graven image, in the pulpit. He has movement and animation. Ilis sermons are prepared out of the old Gospel themes; no sensation nor pie- turesque titles. He feeds the flock-a shepherd.
Mr. Langley is not without adaptation for revival work. He brings to pass best things. There are results. The work in his pastorates show gain in finances and healthy growth.
Mr. Langley draws the beam at 120 pounds; height, five feet six inches; eyes and hair, dark brown-ahnost black.
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REV. SAMUEL R. DREWRY.
Mr. Drewry was born in Franklin county, Va., July 12, 1862. His parents were Richard and Jane Drewry. He had serious impressions on the subject of religion when but a child. The fear of death tormented him. He realized that he was a simmer "without hope and without God in the world," but fought against his convictions. He was sometimes deeply affected under the preaching of the Gospel. He had a singular conviction long before his conversion, that he would some day be ealled to the ministry. An enduring impression was wrought on his mind by the first sermon he heard Rev. J. II. Amiss ( the Elder of the Distriet ) preach at Rock Spring church, in Franklin county, where Mr. Drewry was born again. He has never forgotten the text-"The Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." The sermon thrilled him and caused him to long after the "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost" of which the Elder spoke. He was happily converted in a short time after this event and joined the Methodist Church in October, 1889. The next May he was licensed to preach and joined the Vir- ginia Annual Conference on trial in the following November. Ilis first charge was the Henry Circuit, and he is sure that no one ever launched ont into the itinerant ministry with greater anxiety than did the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Drewry, withont question, has no little quaking of nerves, but there is record of "men of statue" who, in the initial hour of their ministry, confessed to utter despair-Dibrell, Duncan and preachers of their renown and powers.
Mr. Drewry has served chiefly charges in the Danville District ; and far from collapse, he has wrought to the edification of the people and to the upbuilding of our Zion. He is now in Culpeper, ready for every word and work in the line of duty. Hle can be counted on to acquit himself like a man. The rugged features portray the stern qualities of the heroie spirit within.
REV. W. ELLINGTON MOORE.
Mr. Moore is pastor of Graec church, Newport News. He is a native of Tide- water Virginia. His birthplace is York county. The native day was December 27, 1872. On attaining his majority, he was brought to Jesns under the preach- ing of the venerable and godly Rev. Joseph E. Potts. He counected himself with our Church on that charge. In 1897, he enlisted in the Virginia corps of Southern Methodism. His first service was on the Chase City Cirenit, continu- ing till the Conference of 1900, when he was assigned to his present parish.
Mr. Moore is stout, pulling the beam at 170. He has an excellent physical outfit. He is of medium height. His hair is brown, eyes gray. He is mar- ried. He uses books diligently, but is not a reelse, for he visits his people. Hle has aptness for pastoral oversight.
He uses notes in the pulpit. He never reads a sermon. His discourses end when the sand in the hour-glass runs half ont-thirty minutes. As he speaks briskly, the sermon is, in fact, the usual forty-minute speech.
Hle believes in revivals, though he makes no pretensions to the role of an evan-
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gelist. He is successful in continued meetings. In physical frame, in mental furniture and in elevated moral purpose, Mr. Moore bids fair to compass best events for his own upbuilding in character for the welfare of Zion and weal of society. His future as regards an honorable and useful career seems assured.
REV. WILLIAM LEWIS JONES.
Mr. Jones was born in Gloucester county, near Sign Pine, in 1866. In the public schools of this county he received his elementary education.
At the age of sixteen he entered the mercantile business as clerk, and worked in this capacity until he became twenty-one years old, then he started in business for himself, and continued it very successfully for five years. About the end of the last year he felt deeply impressed that it was his duty to preach. Very soon after he sold out at a heavy loss and started to school. In the fall of 1894 he entered Randolph-Macon Academy and remained a year. Here he gained special distinction as a scholar, and won the debater's medal. The following September he entered Randolph-Macon College, and continued his work there nearly three years. In November, 1898, he joined the Virginia Conference. His first appointment was Asbury, Manchester. The following November he was sent to West Point, Va. After spending a very successful year, he was selected for New Kent Circuit, where he now is.
On Tuesday, November 13, 1900, he was married to Miss Mary L. Norment, a lady of many excellent traits.
This condensed record lets light into a life. The "forsaking all" was the apostolie custom. Happy is the preacher who can test his own sincerity by a deed of self-sacrifice. It certifics the public that a true man is seeking their advantage, and not his own gain. Woe worth the day when the pulpit became a prize to ambition and a "best business."
REV. ROBERT E. BARRETT.
The early part of his life was spent on the farm, attending the country schools and as clerk in a country store. He was converted at a meeting condneted by Rev. M. B. Barrett, of the Christian Church (O'Kelly Methodists), in August, 1876, and at once connected himself with that denomination, continuing in it nine years.
Hle was licensed to preach among that people in November, 1880, ordained in 1882, and held appointments in the counties of Southampton, Sussex and Surry umtil November, 1885, when he was received in full connection into the Virginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
At that Conference he was appointed to South Dorchester Circuit, Maryland, where he served one year. At the Conference of 1886 he was sent to the Caroline Circuit, serving four years; in 1890 he was sent to King and Queen; in 1892,
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Surry; in 1893, West End Mission, Petersburg; in 1895, Blandford; in 1899, Cape Charles, where he is now serving his second year.
Ile has black hair, large, brown eyes; small, dark mustache. He is five feet ten and a half inches high, and weighs one hundred and forty pounds.
He was happily married to Miss E. E. Burruss, of Richmond city, on August 8, 1889.
Mr. Barrett is a native of Southampton county, Virginia; born April 12, 1858. Ilis parents, John B. and Lucy G. Barrett, were consistent members of the Church.
Mr. Barrett has experience in his work ; is a Methodist by choice, after a ser- vice in another denomination, and his vigilance, energy and loyalty will re- dound to his credit and the good of the Church.
REV. THOMAS S. LEITCHI.
Mr. Leitch is the son of a Methodist nobleman-Thomas M. Leitch, of Buck- ingham, Va. The young man could not have desired superior surroundings to inspire him with elevated purposes of life. ITe was born under the ancestral rooftree in 1865, June 14th. When he reached his majority, the grand Vir- ginia gentleman, upright citizen and devout Christian, died. Upon the son, Thomas, came the cares of the family. He gave his best exertions without stint to the task set him by the loss of the head of the family. Twelve years after- wards, he received the divine monition, summoning him to service in the sanctuary. He connected himself with the Conference in 1898, and then at- tended Randolph-Macon. At the succeeding session, he took the field, assigned to North Bedford Circuit. He was returned to the same work at the ensuing Conference.
Mr. Leitch is a superb specimen of robust manhood. Though past thirty, the bloom of boyhood remains on his cheeks. With this physical basis for suc- cess, superadded to the inherited virtues, the future has in keeping for him a carcer of distinction and moral worth. The Church will be his debtor for best service.
IIe married Miss Inez Smith, of Spottsylvania, in 1895.
REV. WILLIAM B. MOORE.
Mr. Moore is a native of Campbell county, Va., dating his birth from Feb- ruary 14, 1865. His early life in those rude years following the civil war, during social and industrial convulsions, had the usual experience of the Vir- ginia boy on a farm-work. At sixteen, by consent of his father, he went to Baltimore, where he studied and worked by turns. At nineteen, he taught in winter, studied and worked during vacations.
At twenty came the call to preach. Ile attended Randolph-Macon two years,
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and was admitted to the North Carolina Conference, where he served seven years in successful pastorates. In November, 1898, he was transferred to the Virginia Conference and assigned to Surry Cirenit, which he served two years. He is now the pastor at Matoaca. The reports from his charge show industry and enterprise. He has wrought out his own career. The story shows the ele- ments of firm fibre and resolnte purpose. The factors of success belong to him. The likeness well represents Mr. Moore to the eye.
REV. JOSEPH N. LATHAM.
One would turn in passing to look again at the face of Rev. J. N. Latham. A face like his clearly indicates perfect poise of the mind and genuine sincerity of the heart. A more modest man, a more gentle spirit we have not among us. He is quiet and reserved in manner, his voice is seldom heard on the Conference floor, and there are few who feel that they really know him. Yet he is far from being cold or indifferent, for children love him. To those with whom he is thrown in intimate association he opens the door of his soul in the most cordial friendship.
Joseph N. Latham was born in Plymouth, N. C., May 15, 1868. His parents were Joseph A. and Martha Norman Latham. On his mother's side he came of ministerial stock, Rev. W. C. Norman, of the North Carolina Conference, being a cousin, and Rev. Alfred Norman, well known two generations ago in North Carolina Methodism, having been a great-uncle.
He has enjoyed fine educational advantages-first at the Academy in Onan- cock, Va., then at the University of North Carolina, then at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Va. In each of these institutions he stood at the head of his classes. At Randolph-Macon he received the Pace medal for English essay, his subject being, " Tennyson and Ilis Masters." He also received the medal for oratory from the Washington Literary Society of the same institution. At college he was a hard student, storing his well-trained mind, not only with the subjects in the regular course of study, but also doing a great deal of general reading. He cultivated his fondness for literature, and to-day he is a lover of books. He has always been a very discriminating student, buying and reading only the very best books.
Mr. Latham joined the Virginia Conference at its session in Norfolk, Novem- ber, 1892, and was sent to Ilighland Park, Richmond, Va., where he remained four years. He was then sent to Williamsburg, Va., where his ministry was greatly blessed for three years. At the Conference in Petersburg, November, 1899, he was sent to Park View, Portsmouth, Va., which church he is now serv- ing with great acceptability. He is a good pastor, looking well after all the interests of the church. He visits the sick and is especially sympathetic and helpful to those who are in trouble. But the strongest point in his work is his preaching ability. In the pulpit he has few equals among his brethren. He is an expository preacher, unfolding the text and presenting its true meaning in clear, strong, chaste language. No one can fail to understand what he says. He prepares carefully, writes mich, but speaks without the assistance of man- script or sermon notes in the pulpit. His voice is rich and strong, there are no
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harsh notes, no screams, no rantings. He is graceful in gesture and calm and easy in his delivery. When he is preaching the people listen because he has something to say, and says it well.
Mr. Latham was married to Miss Amanda Cross, of Ashland, Va., June 29, 1893. This union has proved a most happy one. She enters heartily into all his work and fills the delicate position of a minister's wife in an ideal manner. Three children have come to bless their home-two of them remain.
REV. LLOYD C. MOORE.
Noted Appomattox is his native county ; his birth, January 19, 1874; Wesley and Susan Moore his parents. His early life was on the farm, under the kind care of a loving father and mother, who gave him their concern and attention. In a best home circle, his character grew so syunnetrically that his boyhood was exemplary.
The education of the lad began in "the old-field schools," which, despite their long hours, gave but indifferent instruction. He continued for seven years in these inferior schools, doing well under the conditions. One year was spent in a private school.
At the age of fifteen his mother died. It was a severe loss to him. IIe drifted away from the anchorage of her loving counsels. But in July, 1892, he gave his heart to God in a revival, joining the church promptly. With his conversion came the conviction that he must preach the Gospel. He did not heed the call. Ile returned to his old ways for a year. Again the Spirit smm- moned him to service. In 1893, under the preaching of the Rev. G. H. Wiley, he was reclaimed. Ile enlisted in the sacred band, obeying the call to the min- istry.
Ile entered Randolph-Macon Academy in 1893, and remained three years, gaining distinction and honor in all his studies. He then attended Randolph- Macon College three years, where he is now a student, with the expectation of his degree in June, 1901.
His first labor in the Church was in Amherst, at Tabernacle, where God blessed his services in twenty-three conversions and a number of reclaimed per- sons. He is a zealous worker, preaching for results.
In the summer of 1899 he had charge of Asbury, Manchester, for two months, and of Floyd Street, Danville, one month, in the fall, leaving a good report in each charge, and wimming the love and respect of his congregations.
At the Conference of 1899 he passed a creditable examination and entered the body on probation. He was assigned to Blandford, in Petersburg, Va., where he had success. On September 20, 1900, the Church reluctantly relieved him to complete his course at college.
Mr. Moore has wisely used the learning of the lecture room as he gained it. Hle put into practice the truths he had reaped and garnered. It is the best method. The training of the effective "Helpers" in the distant days consisted in their hearing the Elders and Seniors discussing great questions in private or in the pulpit, and then the juniors applied the information gained. The
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famous debater, Charles James Fox, said he became the first speaker in Parlia- ment by practicing at each session.
Stuffing without exercise will ruin even a robust constitution. A dozen years at college and "seminary" will breed martinets ; seldom, if ever, a Lee, Dunean, Langhorne. Bedford Forrest learned war in battle. Pat Cleburne, enlisting as a private, dying a lieutenant-general, found out how to fight by fighting.
There is the make-up in Moore that brings to pass notable successes. The future has in store honors, sheaves, much fruit, if he remains the stalwart son of a worthy race and a loyal soldier of the great Captain. And he will, for he can say, "My heart is fixed."
REV. JOIIN W. GEE.
Mr. Gee was born in Lunenburg county, Va., March 3, 1875; father and mother were Dr. E. C. and Mrs. M. F. Gee. He lived and worked on the farm until the age of eighteen; joined Church at ten. He left home for school at eighteen, attending the Hoge Academy at Blackstone, session 1894-'95; the Randolph-Macon Academy at Bedford City, session 1895-'96; Randolph-Macon College from fall of 1896 to end of session 1900, at which time he received diploma as Bachelor of Arts. He enlisted in the Virginia Conference Novem- ber, 1900, and is now serving Richmond Circuit. His life has not been very eventful, but quiet and peaceful. He was reared in a Christian home where Methodism prevailed.
Mir. Gee, with the environments of his regulated boyhood and studious youth, could but attain his majority with seasoned virtues and resolute Christian pur- poses. Ile has in his bones and blood the choice elements of Virginia Method- ism. A minister so fitly equipped must need prove of value in the ranks of a Conference.
REV. THOMAS W. OGDEN.
Mr. Ogden is a native of Amherst, and was reared in the county. He was born March 14, 1875. His parents were John W. and Celicia Ogden.
The first sermon Mr. Ogden heard was by the late Rev. W. F. Robins. His text was taken out of the Ogden family Bible. "My carliest religious impres- sions were made by hearing my father read aloud this Bible and sing 'the old- time hymns.'" It was through the influence of Mr. O. G. Burford, who con- dueted a Sunday-school five miles north of Lynchburg, a devout young man, that Mr. Ogden took the first steps towards the Church. He was converted iu April, 1891, and joined the Church. He became active in Sunday-school and Church affairs. In 1894 he entered Randolph-Macon Academy, spending three years; licensed to preach, 1896; in September he entered Randolph-Macon Col- lege, but weak eyes stopped his studies. He assisted Rev. R. T. Clarke nine
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months on West Amherst. Eyes improving, he attended Vanderbilt; eyes gone awry, left that sehool ; thought he would quit the ministry, but he helped Rev. D. W. Reed, and after his death supplied churches left vaeant by death of Rev. J. K. Clayton, continuing till Conference, 1899, at which he was received on trial and sent to North Nelson Mission, a new field, with only one church and fifteen members! Ile is serving Woodville.
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In this compact report is the story of a divine movement in a man's career. Mr. Ogden is at the threshold of Conference life. The extended narrative from . which this reduction is made discloses a man with a purpose and prompt to use the openings of Providence. It may safely be predicted that he will do the Church and State a service of value.
REV. WILLIAM L. MURPHY.
Mr. Murphy is a native of Princess Amme. lle, at fifteen, took a "course" in a Norfolk mercantile house; then began business at his own home on his own account. In the meanwhile, in the midst of trade, there came "the still, small voice," assigning him to another calling. The reader of these pen portraits will have it in proof that "God never calls a loafer." Matthew was a busy revenue officer. Peter was pushing his trade.
Mr. Murphy heeded the call. Ile attended the Randolph-Macon Academy for two years and the College one year. He joined the Conference in 1898. He was selected for South Hill Circuit. Did he have diligence ? A short story will toll. Ile built one of the handsomest country churches in the Conference; painted another church; bought a valuable parsonage; got two saloons out of the hamlet of South Hill-all in one year. There was progress in spiritual affairs. Mark you, that was Murphy's first year. The Methodists of South Ilill knew when they had the right man. "Let him go?" Never. He is there now-his second year.
The Master does not summon to the sacred service men concerned chiefly for comforts. It is the stalwart soul-ready "to spend and be spent"-that is a legate of the Great King, and charged with a commission that Michael would barter his coronet of sparkling honors to secure.
The parents of Mr. Murphy were William J. and An E. Murphy. His birthday is September 26, 1871.
REV. ROBERT N. HARTNESS.
Mr. Hartness was born in Iredell county, N. C., May 4, 1870. His boy- hood days were speut on the farm and in the public schools of that county. The strong, sound, physical build of the mau clearly indicates that to active farm life he is directly indebted for such a blessing. He was educated in both the publie and high schools of North Carolina and Georgia. He was converted in
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his fifteenth year, and joined the M. E. Church, North, October, 1885. By the force of surrounding circumstances the way opened, and he joined the M. E. Church, and was licensed by the same as a local preacher September, 1895. He was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference, Methodist E. Church, March, 1896; was ordained deacon March, 1898, and elder March 25, 1900. He served Fairfax charge as a supply from June 13, 1896, to March 14, 1897; then he was appointed to Highland charge, aud served there one year; then to Claremont, Va., which charge he served from March 17, 1897, to November 13, 1900, when he withdrew for the purpose of joining the Virginia Conference of the M. E. Church, South; and his application was accepted by the Confer- ence, held in Norfolk, Va., November 14-22, and he was appointed by the Bishop to the Appomattox Circuit. The friends of Mr. Hartness confidently believe from the commendable qualities he possesses as an itineraut preacher that his subsequent career will fully vindicate the wisdom of the Conference in admit- ting him as a member of that body. As a man, he is quiet, modest, and minis- terial in his bearing, commending himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
As a preacher, his sermons are not gaudy, but elear and convincing, point- edly and earnestly presenting and proving "what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." His piety and consecration brighten the promise of his success in the itinerant ministry.
REV. FRANK BURRUSS.
Mr. Burruss is the fourth son of Atwell and Ella T. Burruss, and is of Meth- odist lineage on both sides of his ancestry. He was born Jamary 28, 1870; baptized in infancy by Dr. Spencer, and joined St. Paul's church, of Caroline Circuit, at the age of twelve. Having been trained in the "mirture and admo- nition of the Lord" by godly parents, he never underwent the questionable preparation for effective ministry in a life of outrageous and riotons living. Obedient, respectful, affectionate and faithful as a son; upright and down- right as a friend and citizen, he has always sustained in his community the high esteem won by strict adherence to sterling principle: He received his early schooling from his father, who for many years was a teacher in both publie aud private capacity. Frank early felt the call to preach, but strove against it for some years, until, in 1891, conviction would no longer be withstood, and, pur- suant to his purpose of preaching, he entered Randolph-Macon College to pre- pare himself for the work. Here he remained till 1896. Before joining the Conference he spent one year assisting Rev. C. F. Comer on the Madison Cir- cuit. Entering the Conference at its session in Dauville in 1897, he was sent as junior preacher to Mathews Circuit with Rev. J. E. DeShazo. In 1898, he was seut to Montross, Westmoreland county ; in 1899, to Ridgeway, Danville District, where he is now (1901) serving his second year.
Ilis preaching is clear and full of convincing argument, and persuasive, with- ont much show of rhetorical figure, aud under Divine blessing has produced good fruits. On November 28, 1900, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Walker, daughter of William M. and Elizabeth Walker, of Westmoreland county. His
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