USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 35
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
height is five feet eleven inches; weight, 150 pounds; complexion, brunette, having dark-brown hair and dark-blue eyes.
Of the many who have entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, few have been called upon to bear severer conflicts with con- science than the Rev. Jolin T. Payne, and very few, through such conflicts, have risen to higher faith in Christ or more abiding comfort in the Gospel he now preaches to others.
REV. WILLIAM GERARD BURCH.
Mr. Burch was born in Henry county, Va., September 8, 1872. His par- ents, J. W. and Sarah F. Burch, implanted good impressions upon his mind in early life, and he felt from childhood days that God was calling him into the ministry. The conviction did not become fixed until he reached the age of seventeen. Hle hesitated, and it was not until five years later that he yielded to this conviction. From that year until now he has been ready to do what- ever the Holy Spirit directed. He acquired a fair common school education, and it caused him to be intensely desirous of securing a college education. IIe entered Roanoke College at Salem, Va., and spent two years. He then entered Randolph-Macon College, from which he graduated with the degree of A. B. in Jime, 1898.
In 1896 he was licensed to preach the Gospel, and in 1898 was admitted, Bishop Hargrove presiding, into the Virginia Conference. Hle is a student of the Book of books, and he believes with Wesley in preaching a practical Gos- pel. Ile is himself, and no one else. He possesses, to a marked degree, a logical faculty, and is a thinker as well as a forcible speaker. His sermons are thoughtful, instructive, and show a careful preparation, and are usually delivered without notes.
Ile has fine personal presence, and in social life he is quiet, modest and magnetic. Ile gains the respect and confidence of all his friends. "He who sows courtesy reaps, friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." In all the qualities that constitute true manhood, he has no superior among the young brethren of the ministry.
For two years he was a successful pastor on Richmond Circuit. He has West Hanover for his charge during 1900-01.
1
REV. ADAM CLARKE BLEDSOE.
He is the only son of the late Rev. A. C. Bledsoe, D. D. He was born in the city of Portsmouth, Va., July 5, 1872. He was edneated in the public schools, Randolph-Macon and Emory and Henry Colleges.
Mr. Bledsoe was converted in early childhood, but failed to live up to his Christian privileges and duty. In 1896 he renewed his covenant with his God.
475
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
He felt that he was called to preach the Gospel of the Son of God, and began at once to prepare for the great work.
HIe was licensed to preach by the Charlottesville District Conference in July, 1899, and was appointed by the Presiding Elder to fill the unexpired term of the late Rev. R. W. Reed, on Mt. Pleasant Circuit. He gained a warm place in the hearts of the people, and was always welcomed in their homes. God greatly blessed his labors on the charge. Sonls were born. During the sum- mer of 1900 he assisted in revival work on Green, Nelson, Amherst and Rock- fish Cirenits. He wrought well, and found favor in many hearts.
Mr. Bledsoe is six feet tall and weighs 185 pounds. He has a ruddy glow on his cheeks, honest, open face, kind heart, and has inherited of his gifted father, winning speech in public.
He was admitted into the Conference at the session held in Norfolk, Va., November, 1900, and put in charge of Belmont, Charlottesville, Va., where crowds attend upon his ministry with tokens of large good.
He was married early in life to Miss Lottie Brown, of Nelson county, Va., who has adapted herself to the itinerant life-a helmineet indeed.
REV. A. A. WHITMORE.
Mr. Whitmore, son of Isaiah and Susanna P. Whitmore, was born July 2, 1854, in Ettrick, Chesterfield county, Va.
Being blessed of God with a pious mother, he was led to Christ at the carly age of ten years and ten months in a protracted meeting, held in his own town by Rev. James Bailey, a local preacher of our Church. In May, 1865, he was received into the Church by Rov. T. H. Campbell.
At the age of thirteen he was called of God to preach the Gospel, but on ae- count of the inability of his parents to educate him he tried to abandon the idea. - Making his mother his confidant, she encouraged him to study at night, and whenever he could spare the time from his work. This seemed to be so slow a process that he despaired of success, and at the age of eighteen married, hoping that the thought would no longer trouble him. But instead of being relieved of the conviction it continued to deepen, until in 1879 he made the fact known to his pastor, Rev. J. R. Sturgis, who advised him to take local preacher's license. This he was nuwilling to do, but being unable to find peace of mind, he consented to receive exhorter's license. Just at this time, on account of scarcity of work at home he moved to Richmond, Va. "Here he got employment in the Tredegar Tron Works. Uniting with the old Oregon Ilill Methodist church, of which Rev. W. P. Wright was then pastor, he was liceused to exhort. In 1882 he re- turned to Petersburg, of which Ettrick 'is a surburb, and engaged in business with the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company. In 1889 he was given local preacher's license by the West Street Mission Quarterly Conference, Rev. L. S. Reed presiding. At the Conference held in Petersburg in 1891 he was em- ployed by the Presiding Elder of the Eastern Shore District, Rev. J. D. Hauk, and sent to Hooper's Island, Dorchester county, Md., where he served as supply for two years. In 1893 he was admitted into the traveling connection and sent
476
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
to Cambridge Cirenit, Maryland, which he served for four years. In 1897 he was sent to Belle Haven Circuit; and in 1900, was returned to Cambridge Circuit, where he is at this writing.
Mr. Whitmore is held in high esteem by his brethren in the ministry for his piety and zeal. Ilis pleasant, thoughtful face reveals the man. To be in his company for a while is to feel the force of the Christlike life. Years of close application to books have made his sermons grow in interest and strength. Ile has the power of imparting the precious truths of God. His is a mind of strong native ability.
Personally, Mr. Whitmore is unobtrusive, and he places a very modest esti- mate upon himself. Ile loves his fellow-man with ardent devotion, and is ever ready to sacrifice his own interests for the welfare of others. In all his appoint- ments are to be found a host of friends who are greatly attached to him and appreciate his many excellences. Wherever he goes he brings things to pass. No work ever suffers under his careful oversight, and many souls are saved.
He is blessed in having a true helpmeet in his wife, who makes his work her care. She is beloved by all who know her. Twelve children crown their union, one or more of whom are in Heaven.
REV. SAMUEL OTTO WRIGHIT.
Mr. Wright was born in Canton, Pa., October 24, 1877, of devout Metho- dist parents. In fact, his ancestors appear to have been Methodists from the beginning of the movement in this country. On February 3, 1893, in his six- teenth year, he was "born again" -- consciously, glorionsly-after days of tra- vail and supplication.
Young Wright entered Randolph-Macon College in September, 1896, as a "Bib Lit.," or student for the ministry. Here during four years of ardnous study he took high rank for mental acumen, close application and solid piety. Ile captured the prizes offered by the Washington Literary Society for the best debater of the session of 1898-'99. He found time, amidst his onerous duties at college, to take an active part in the Young Men's Christian Association of the College. In June, 1900, he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and with the high esteem of the Faculty and students. At the beginning of the following session he was offered a Greek tutorship by the Faculty, but de- clined in order that he might enter at once and untrammeled upon his calling.
He was admitted on trial in the Virginia Conference, at old Cumberland Street church, Norfolk, Va., November 15, 1900, and appointed by Bishop Duncan to Powhatan Cirenit, where he is now actively at work and in univer- sal favor. In entering upon this, his first charge, he is equipped with splen- did natural endowments of body, mind and heart, coupled with the very best training and much cultivation. His well-disciplined mind is inquisitive, pa- tient, persistent, exact ; his body is small, well-proportioned, erect, strong; his facial expression shows determination ; his character is ideal.
He prepares cach sermon with consummate pains as to matter, arrangement and expression-carefully working and praying out all the details of his dis-
477
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
eourse before ventering to preach. His thought is refined, elear-cut, elevated, sustained. He is intensely evangelieal. His delivery is sometimes didatie, some- times impassioned-always fluent and engaging.
Hle is a tireless visitor-uone of his scholarly instincts being allowed to in- terfere with this saered dnty-and in the pastoral relation his cheerful and in- spiring disposition makes him a welcome and a charming guest in every home. Truly this talented, cultivated and consecrated life promises large returns to the Church of God.
REV. JAMES T. GREEN.
He is twenty-seven years old. He was born in Petersburg, Va., and received his early education in the publie school there. At the early age of twelve he left school and entered a store, and continued there as elerk until he was fifteen. At this time he entered the satchel business and continued in same until he was twenty-one, when he entered Randolph-Maeon Academy as a ministerial student, remaining there one year and doing fine work. In September of the following year he entered Randolph-Maeon College and spent nearly three years there. While pursuing his studies there he received a letter from Rev. J. E. DeShazo requesting him to take charge of the work which was assigned to Rev. W. E. Smith, who had to give it up. He accepted it, and did the work very acceptably until November. At this time he entered the Virginia Conference on trial, and was sent to Asbury, Manchester. His work at Asbury has been very sue- cessful. Besides adding many new members to the small membership, he has been largely instrumental in starting and raising funds on a building which is rapidly reaching completion, and will be, when completed, one of the prettiest and most conveniently-arranged frame churches in the State. His future pro- mises to be a nseful one.
REV. HAMPDEN HARRISON SMITH.
Mr. Smith is the son of Hampden II. and Emily Smith. He is a native of Loretto, Somerset county, Md .; born September 26, 1872. Ile lived on the farm until fifteen years of age. ITe then learned telegraphy, and used it as a business until he entered the ministry.
He was converted under the ministry of Rev. John T. Bosman in 1890, and nnited with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Allen, Md. Two years later he felt called to the ministry, and in September, 1893, was licensed to preach, while Rev. W. P. Wright was Presiding Elder of the Eastern Shore District. Ile entered Randolph-Macon College the same month, and graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1898. Ou November, 1899, he was received on trial into the Conference and appointed to Montross Cireuit, which he is now serving.
478
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THIE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
On November 22, 1900, he was married to Miss Carrie Lee Jeter, of Hanover county, Va., a lady of high Christian character, who will doubtless prove a true helpmeet in the work of the ministry.
Mr. Smith is a sincerely pious man, with a happy, genial disposition, and a keen sense of humor. He makes friends wherever he goes. His sermons show careful preparation and are made effective by apt illustration. IIe is one of the promising young men of the Conference, and bids fair to take a prominent stand among the brethren of his loved employ.
REV. JAMES A. WINN.
Mr. Winn hails from the sterling old county of Lunenburg. His parents were William E. and Mary E. Winn. He dates his natal day from the 27th of Sep- tember, 1877.
Through the influence of a Christian mother and a stern, though loving father, he was, at the age of thirteen, converted to Christ and brought into our Church.
At the age of eighteen came the call to the ministry. He entered Randolph- Macon Academy, Bedford City, remaining three sessions. He spent the colle- giate sessions of 1899 and 1900 at Randolph-Macon.
In the autumn of 1900, at Norfolk, Va., he was admitted into the Virginia Conference on probation. He was selected for Wachapreague, Va.
This is the simple and somewhat meagre recital of a youthful carcer: He starts off well-Christian parents. He goes straight forward along the provi- dential path. The duty of enlisting in the consecrated cohort is plain and discharged. Young as Mr. Winn is, there crops ont rich surface proof of best elements of character.
REV. GEORGE T. KESLER.
Mr. Kesler is not a raw recruit. He has mixed with men. The affairs of life are not new to him. He has the education of experience. The environ- ments of human society, as existing among us, are familiar to him. He begins where the Vanderbilt alumnus attains after years among the people.
Mr. Kesler was of German Baptist parentage. There is no sounder citizen than the genuine German Baptist. That class possess many solid virtues. Mr. Kesler began life on a farm. Ile tanght ten years in the State schools. He also had experience in trade, and his acquaintance with merchandise is of value, for it taught him the ways of men.
Ile was converted in 1886 and connected himself with the ancestral Church- the German Baptist. He was brought to God in a Methodist revival, hence the denomination he joined hampered him. He was too broad and liberal, so he cast his lot with the Methodists in 1888. Hle knows our Church, for he has held all the offices up to and including local Elder. Ile has been superin-
479
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
tendent of eight Sunday-schools and leader of prayer-meetings in several churches. When he came into our Conference he had traveled two thousand miles as local preacher and delivered two hundred sermons. He engaged in revival serviees with converts as the fruit, also baptizing disciples.
HIe has been a student. Before the secular and church committees, when examined as to his mental equipment, he never failed. Ile has given laborious days to the subjeets taught in colleges and in seminaries for lieentiates for the ministry.
There is little sap in Kesler-mostly heart timber. He was born in 1869, June 21st; he weighs 150 pounds ; height, medium. He has an intelligent, firm, strong countenance, with a touch of the Teutonic in the caste-a best ele- ment. He has not thought it would add to his efficiency in the ministry "to lead about a sister." The task set him by the Master seems to have needed his concentrated powers and attention. Nevertheless, Kesler, too, will by and by need a manse. . He has been selected to tend the flock on Smith's River.
REV. JOIIN ELLIOTT MCCARTNEY, A. M., B. D.
Mr. McCartney is one of the young men of our Conferenee. Ile was born January 7, 1870, in Bellefonte, Pa. Ilis early years were spent among the picturesque scenery which surrounds his birthplace. In 1884 he removed with his parents to Lynchburg, Va., and in 1885 came with them to Richmond, Va., which is still his home.
Early eraving an education, he sought every opportunity to acquire knowl- edge. A deep disappointment, therefore, was his when ill health caused a cessation of studies. This came in 1887. For four years he was engaged in mercantile life, identified with one of the large manufacturing interests of Richmond. This experience contributed much practical knowledge to his gen- eral preparation that will be of great value to him in his life work. Outdoor life so improved his health as to enable him again to take up his studies. He entered Randolph-Macon College in September, 1891.
In November, 1887, he was converted. The thought that led him to unite himself with God's people was that God had a work for him to do. For two years he resisted the call to preach, but in November, 1889, he applied for and received local preacher's license. His stay at Randolph-Macon gave more decided form to his life purpose. In 1897 he graduated with distinction, receiv- ing the degree of Master of Arts. Some of his friends, sincere and true, but not appreciating the ideal that gave life a meaning for him, tried to dissuade him from his studies, terming it a needless expenditure of time and money. But to him a call to serve the cause of Christ meant a call to thorough preparation. This idea still controlling him, he entered the Theological Department of the Vanderbilt University in September, 1897, graduating in June, 1900, with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. His three years' residence in the University gave him the largest returns. The influence of large, consecrated men, inti- mately known, confirmed in him the deeper meaning of life-service to God through service of our fellow-men. It was here the larger ideal of the Christian ministry entered his life, and with it broader and deeper sympathies. As a
480
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
necessary result, the field of Christian activity was widened. No one with so large an ideal can be narrow, provincial, or sectarian. Not one office, many ; not one work, many ; not all alike, diversified. With this preparation of heart and head he came up to the Virginia Annual Conference, at its last session in Nor- folk, Va., November, 1900, when he was ordained a local deacon by Bishop Duncan. He is now serving his first charge at Williamsburg, Va.
Mr. McCartney is sparely built, being five feet ten inches, and weighing one hundred and thirty-five pounds. He is between a blonde and brunette in com- plexion, with dark-gray eyes and a heavy suit of hair. Ile wears neither beard nor moustache. His quick, clastic step has often been commented upon as signifying a similar characteristic of mind. Ilis manner is one of reserve and deference towards those of wider knowledge and experience ever marks his deportment. In a circle of congenial friends vivacity marks his conversation, while those who know him well have often thanked him for the inspiration they have gathered froin one of his heart-to-heart talks. He is single.
As a pastor, he is never happier than when opportunity enables him to do something to help the weak or unfortunate, or to bring sunshine into a naturally or sorrow-darkened life. His bright sunny disposition makes him a welcome visitor wherever he comes, and has gained for him many gratifying friendships.
As a speaker in the pulpit, his bearing is one in every way in keeping with his sacred work, and shows that he feels the spirit of worship he tries to inspire in his congregations. Ile has a very unusual gift in prayer. In delivering his message he uses neither mannscript nor notes. His style is rather conversa- tional, with very few gestures. In presenting his subject, his thoughts are well connected, and his ideas clearly expressed so that his line of reasoning is easily followed. Ilis voice is clear and has good carrying qualities, which, with his careful enunciation, makes him distinctly heard in every part of the house. The impression his sermons make is such as to prompt the desire to be good as a basis for doing good. His teaching is practical Christianity. Ilis work is as yet in the future, but he gives promise of success.
REV. JAMES E. McCULLOCHI.
Mr. McCulloch was born July 29, 1873, in Montgomery county, Va. The days of his youth were spent on the farm-a good place for a prophet to be reared. Elisha has not been the only prophet called to the prophetie office from behind the plow. "The Lord made the country," and to the country he looks for most of his prophets. A man gets a training in the furrow that he does not easily get elsewhere. It teaches him how to take hold. "Jim" shows this train- ing.
At the age of twenty he made a complete surrender of his life to Christ. This meant, "I'll do what you want me to do." His conversion was soon followed by a call to the ministry, and in September, 1893, he received his license to preach. His call was to him first, a call for preparation. He felt that his vocation, if it was worth anything, was worth all that he could put into it.
Alleghany Institute and Randolph-Macon Academy, Bedford City, gave him his preparatory education. In the fall of 1895 he entered Randolph-Macon Col-
1
481
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
lege, where he remained until he took the A. B. degree, June, 1898. As in active life, so in college life, a man usually finds his level. Brother McCulloch took a high rank in the class-room; was prominent in the Literary Society, and was a leader in the Young Men's Christian Association. During his first year at college he was ordained local deaeon by Bishop Granbery at the session of the Baltimore Conference, held at Roanoke, Va. The next session, in addition to his regular work, he was pastor of Asbury chapel, Manchester, Va.
In November, 1898, he was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference, and was appointed as a student to Vanderbilt University. As at the college, so in the university, he has the full confidence, both of the faculty and of the stu- dents. This is shown by the honors bestowed on him. He has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association, was sent as a delegate to the Students' Conference at Oberlin, Ohio; was President of the Sociological Club last year, and now Chairman of the Missionary Com- mittee. Ile is a faithful, energetic, enthusiastic worker. He loves the truth, and earnestly seeks it. Like Melanethon, he is ever looking for new revelations of it. Those who know him best love him most. His future is bright. God has already blest his ministry. During his vacations more than six hundred souls have been converted under his ministry. As he shall leave Vanderbilt in June, we bid him godspeed.
REV. JESSE K. HOLMAN.
Mr. Holmau was born in Orangeburg, S. C., May 6, 1872, of orthodox Metho- dist parents. Ile was reared in the Methodist faith and taught in a Methodist Sunday-school.
While quite young, and before his conversion, he began to feel "woe is me if I preach not the Gospel." After his conversion, which was on his seventeenth birthday, the call to preach became even more distinct and imperative. This was a great cross to him, and one which he would not at first take up-trying to drown the voice of God in the rush aud roar of commercial life. After three years of this unhappy effort, he determined to yield himself up fully to God and to obey Ilis voice. llere a very great obstacle confronted him-he was twenty years old, without money and without even the ordinary branches of an English education. But God never calls a man to preach without making the way open and plain. Young Holman began to work with reference to securing money to edueate himself. He also gave himself with great earnestness to prayer. After many struggles and heartaches, he entered Randolph-Macon Academy at Bed- ford City, Va., in September, 1895. Ilere he remained three years, which he employed with diligence in procuring the rudiments of an education, in de- veloping habits of mental application and in laying a good foundation for accu- rate scholarship and wide culture. In the second year he won the declaimer's medal given by the Washington Literary Society.
In the year 1898 he was licensed to preach by the Lynchburg District Con- ference, and during the vacation of that year he served the East Halifax Cir- cuit, which was partially vacated by the sickness of the preacher in charge. In October of the same year he matriculated in Randolph-Macon College at Ash-
482
SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
land, but for lack of means he remained at college only three months, and then went on Caroline Circuit, where a preacher was urgently needed. He had an unusually blessed and successful time. There were many conversions and ad- ditions to the Church, and it is said more money was raised than for many years on that charge. In November, 1899, he was admitted on trial in the Virginia Conference, and sent to Smith River Mission. His faith and courage were severely tested, but his trust was in God, and he knew no such word as "fail." Ilis compensation for himself and horse for nine months of hardest service was $11.72. He was not deterred, however, from his work by lack of means. Hol- man had been withont money before. Elijah's God was his God. When he reached this field there was not a Sunday-school in this large primitive Baptist territory, embracing parts of three counties; when he left there were two. Ile raised $200 to build a church, and had great. joy of seeing his heroic self-de- nial and consecration rewarded by the conversion of fourteen precious and im- mortal souls. And be it said to his everlasting credit, he declared, after his first year's service in this discouraging field, that he would gladly return and live and die to save these people. But God opened the way for him to return to college, and, on the advice of friends who see in him the elements of future usefulness and greatness, he is now at Randolph-Macon College, better equipping himself for his life's work.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.