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History of African Methodism in Virginia; or Four Decades in the Old Dominion:
Electronic Edition.

Butt, Israel L. (Israel La Fayette), b. 1848

Funding from the Library of Congress/Ameritech National Digital Library Competition supported the electronic publication of this title.

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First edition, 2000
ca. 475K
Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2000.

        © This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.

Source Description:
(title page) History of African Methodism in Virginia or Four Decades in the Old Dominion
Rev. Israel L. Butt, D.D.
253 p.
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton Institute Press
1908
Call number BY1683 V817 B988h (United Methodist Church General Commission on Archives and History, Madison, NJ)

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Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

Languages Used:

LC Subject Headings:

Revision History:

        

        ISRAEL LA FAYETTE BUTT, D.D.

        

        

History of African Methodism
in Virginia
OR
Four Decades in the Old Dominion

BY

REV. ISRAEL L. BUTT, D. D.
Presiding Elder of the Norfolk District, Virginia Conference



INTRODUCTION BY
REV. BENJAMIN F. LEE, D.D., LL.D.

Norfolk, Virginia
1908

HAMPTON INSTITUTE PRESS
HAMPTON, VIRGINIA
1908

Page verso

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1908 by
REV. ISRAEL L. BUTT, D.D.

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.

Page 3

THIS BOOK
IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED
TO MY
FAITHFUL WIFE
ROSE ZILLAH BUTT.

Page 5

Preface

        In writing this book I have had in mind to write a brief history of African Methodism in Virginia, for the A. M. E. Church and her many readers and ardent laborers in the bounds of the State, and sketches and bits of history in the connection generally.

        This little volume may not comprehend all the necessary items of the work done by the Church in our State since its organization May, 1867, but it is a beginning; other historians from this, with new data gathered, may write a more comprehensive book, taking in all necessary points of progress.

        It seems that I was pressed into this service by Providence. The necessity for such a book came up incidentally in 1905. I said that I would think the matter over and decide what I would do. At the expiration of two weeks I had concluded to attempt the writing of this work.

        Seeing many of the old pioneers passing away so rapidly, I felt the need of such a publication and considered that it was the duty of some one who was contemporary with the fathers, and having spent thirty consecutive years of the forty in the Virginia Conference I undertook the task. It has been my aim to take up the main body of the work done and give sketches of the men who did it and not the organization of every individual church except in a few cases. I do not claim perfection for this little work; getting data even from the Conference Journal has been a very difficult task. I have striven hard for accuracy and have endeavored to get a sketch of every minister who has labored in the Conference since its organization, whether he is living or dead. The living whose sketches do not appear failed to send them to me for publication.

Page 6

        It has been my aim to present to my readers the growth and all improvements as far as I was able to get correct and accurate data and also to make mention of the men who have produced and caused the growth of the Church work in the State.

        I desire to thank my numerous friends who have so kindly aided me in gathering data and material for this book. Especially am I obligated to Rev. Alfred J. Nottingham and Rev. Samuel S. Morris, A. B. These young men have been of great assistance to me and such was my confidence in them that I asked them, that in case I deceased before the completion of this work, to finish it.

        I trust that this little volume will be an incentive to others struggling for the Master's cause and at the same time add to the literature and future history of Virginia and the A. M. E. Church in general. If it can be made to fulfil this mission and at the same time pay tribute to both the dead and living pioneers of my state, and instil in the young ministry and laity of the Church a patriotic spirit and a zeal for African Methodism I shall be perfectly satisfied and amply paid for the labor and sacrifice in presenting this work.

        All of which I cheerfully submit

I. L. BUTT.

Page 7

INTRODUCTION

        THE dark races have not been insignificant in history making; but in history stating they have been very slow. While it is true that the history stater is entirely dependent upon the history maker, it is equally true that the race class lacking either is a great sufferer and the class possessing both occupies a place in the plane of higher attainments and advantages.

        Had the African class of Americans possessed its own chroniclers, its own expositors, its own historians from the time it first gazed upon the new world and entered upon the bewildering life therein, who cannot see what a different place it would now hold in the body politic. If its every play of genius had made an impression on the formative pages of current history; if its every suggestive invention had been afforded time and encouragement, instead of being snatched by a more wily and leisurely class; if its grand characteristic of imagination had been given the wings of consideration and patronage; if its religious nature could have been regarded with more respect, and its sincerity have been appreciated at its real value, what an elevated place it would occupy, as compared with its actual status. If it were free from cowardly patrons, who do not hesitate to say in private, "O, he is a good fellow--but, you know," who gouge his eyes out through the daily press, to show how loyal they, the writers, are to the false theory in which they themselves do not believe, of the impassible and indestructible distinctions between essential inferiority and superiority of races, while they force their blind captive--Samson like--round and round in the interminable circle of their mills.

        If the history of the Jew had depended upon the Egyptian, the Assyrian, the Roman, the English, the Russian, the German--Jew-baiters--for its statement to the world, then should we have the counterpart of the case of the sons of Africa in the United States--in the world, indeed. No other class in the United States receives so large consideration; none at

Page 8

so great disadvantage. It is not my intention in these lines to either complain or condemn, but to state our disadvantages, in order to congratulate the few of my race-variety who have attempted writing records, chronicles, history. In this, by common human course, churchmen lead, so far forth as number of instances go; while, by equally as common course, as concerns breadth of scope and patient proving, as well as quality of work and reliability of statement the nonsectarian, nonecclesiastical ventures of this class suffer nothing in comparison. In all classes of church denominational chroniclers there is liability to some narrowness and egoism; we rarely escape it. In the work to which the reader is herein directed there is good reason to look for truth, reliability, candor, sincerity, faithfulness and that degree of acquaintance with his topic to warrant the expectation that the author will give us his story in a style and diction at once pleasing and respectable. Doctor Butt has made what there is of his life on the very field and amid the very men and scenes that enter into his story, having to take comparatively little at second hand. The very foundations of the structure he describes were laid while he was but a looker on; the superstructure has depended not only upon his fidelity, his industry, and devotion for its height, its breath and its symmetry--to a large extent--but it has felt his artistic and constructive touch also. Doctor Butt has been the child of the church, he is now considered one of the fathers to the present A. M. E. generation.

        The field embraced in this sketch has been interesting from the beginning of America's life here. It has never been noted for its inclination to Methodism however but is the home of many of the best Baptist people, and most active of the black race. Yet in this field African Methodism has wrought well in respect to the evangelization of the class constituting its communion, solidifying it in Christian graces. But it cannot be said that Virginia African Methodism has accomplished in the material of its own forming as much in the line of promoting and advancing the education of its people and its ministry as other church sects among the African descendants

Page 9

in Virginia, nor so much as the African Methodist church in many other states. It has suffered for want of courage in this kind of work, and, perhaps from being later on the field and less popular than some other ecclesiastical bodies and some other African Methodist states; yet in respect to missionary ventures, church interests and connectional loyalty, the African Methodist Church has no superior state nor superior African Methodism. Virginia African Methodism has not been ungenerous in advancing the interests and methods for education organized by other states, but has been unfortunately constituted--it would seem--in reference to conducting educational institutions itself. A little more industry in the state on this line would have made Virginia African Methodism the pioneer of a given feature of education of our people for which and by which it would have been highly exalted. The author of the History of African Methodism in Virginia with others wrought well, but lost a noble opportunity for Virginia African Methodism to stamp upon the church the impress of an original movement in the line of education.

        It may be hoped that this sketch of its history may yet instigate this part of the church to a movement by which the rescuing of our girls and training them to avoid the courses of destruction to which they are urged may be aided. Lightly as this subject is treated it is the great desideratum of the present. Virginians can afford to take it up, and can well carry it to success. God bless this most attractive part of our work, and give to this book great consideration by American readers of all classes.

B. F. LEE,
Wilberforce, Ohio

Page 11

THE REV. I. L. BUTT, D. D.

        is a strong, logical and forceful Gospel preacher; he is indeed a model sermonizer. As a pastor, he has few equals and no superiors; when it comes to a point of systematic pastoring, he is exact, which is a strong point in any one's character and business.

        As a presiding elder, he indeed knows the law and government of the A. M. E. Church, and how to handle men. He is positive and firm and yet sympathetic with his brethren. He conducts his quarterly and district Conferences in a business-like manner, and with some system. Indeed, he is a No. I Presiding elder, or The Presiding Elder of the Virginia Conference at this time.

        As a preacher, he puts the mind to thinking, the heart to burning, and lifts the soul; as a pastor he takes good care of the flock and leads them out into green pastures and protects them and all their interests; as a Presiding Elder he looks after every interest of the church, both local and general, and brings his district up to new heights.

A. J. NOTTINGHAM

Page 12

Contents

Page 13

Page 14

Page 15

Page 16

        

REV. I. L. BUTT, at the age of 29 years.

Page 17

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR,
REV. ISRAEL LaFAYETTE BUTT, D. D.

        The subject of this sketch was born May 3rd, 1848, near Northwest Bridge, Norfolk County, Va. His parents were Adaline and John Wesley Butt. They were slaves, hence young Israel came into the world as chattel and was in that condition until he reached the age of fourteen years and three months, when the Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln made him free.

        His father and mother were strict Methodists and their son was reared as such. His grandfather, on his mother's side, Israel Grimes, for whom he was named, was a strong, wonderful and powerful preacher in his day, as well as a consistent member of St. John's A. M. E. Church, Norfolk, Va., for many years. In 1876 Preacher Grimes transferred his membership to St. James A. M. E. Church, Eureka, to help plant a house of worship there. He was born September 25, 1779, and died November 1, 1881, in Norfolk Va. His grandfather, on his father's side, Charles Bonaparte Butt, was a consistent Methodist for many years and a man of considerable literary qualifications; he died 1864 about seventyfive years of age.

ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY

        One night in August, 1862, Rev. Butt's father planned an escape to the Yankees who were encamped at Norfolk. To obtain freedom they had to make a trip of twenty miles that night to reach the headquarters of the Union soldiers. Late in the night when his owners were slumbering and all nature was wrapped in silence, the father, son and a little girl who lived on the same farm set out for Norfolk. They were sometimes in the woods, then in the cornfields and again on the road, seeking to shun any person whom they might chance to meet. At day-break they were only three miles from Berkley. Then the father was taken very ill and using the woods as his hospital, he halted until 10 A. M., at which time he was sufficiently recovered to travel again. Then they came out of the woods and went to grandfather Grimes' house about two and a half miles away and near the site of the present railroad draw-bridge, where they remained two or three days. Mr. Quarker Armstrong, a great-uncle who lived here, took them

Page 18

in a row boat and carried them across to Norfolk. At the bridge they were halted by the Yankee guards and questioned. This was the first time the subject of our sketch had ever seen a Yankee, and he fell in love with them, admired their beautiful uniforms, guns, bayonets, swords, and the bright buttons on their clothes, and wished that he was a soldier. The guards passed them through the lines and they were soon in Norfolk, and safe from their pursuers. Their next stop was to report to the government authorities and receive assignment to the quarters used to accommodate persons leaving their owners in search of freedom. Rev. Butt's father was at once put to work in the government service, unloading and loading cargoes of coal, bombshells and various kinds of war implements and ammunition that were being sent to the front for fighting. His pay was $20.00 per month. Young Butt was given a position as water boy, supplying the hands that worked there; this service he performed well until about the middle of 1863, when his father sent him to the U. S. government school which was taught by Yankee teachers in the Bute Street Baptist Church, Norfolk, remaining there three weeks. His father then hired him to a Yankee man of Princess Anne County to haul cord wood out of the woods to the wharf to be shipped to Norfolk. In this position he remained until January 4, 1864, when he enlisted in Company A, 38 Regiment U. S. Colored Volunteer Infantry. After serving three years one month, twenty-three days, he received an honorable discharge. Although a mere boy he was a faithful and brave soldier, never being punished for any crime or marked for disobedience while in the army, and even through several severe and trying marches he was never a straggler from the ranks.

        He was converted to God May 3, 1866, at Brazos, Santiago, Texas, while in the army. In February, 1867, he was mustered out of the army and returned home.

        December 5, 1867, at the age of 19 he married Miss Rose Zillah Simmons of Norfolk. Returning from the army almost wholly ignorant of books and letters and having married at such an early age made the pathway to intellectual progress seem almost insurmountable. He had almost concluded that his education was at an end, but at the same time there arose in him a craving for an education that would not be satisfied. He naturally inherited a love for books from his parents. His father, mother and both grandfathers all had a fair knowledge of books and read fluently before the Civil War; but because of existing laws in the state, they dared not teach their son

Page 19

and grandson for fear they might be detected and the child sold away. Besides this, his mother died when he was about seven or eight years of age, and his father having enlisted in the army October, 1863, furnished reasons, together with others equally obvious, why he could not procure an education at an early age. When young Butt went into the army he did not know his alphabet, but his tent-mate, Mr. Edinborough Foreman, while lying in his tent taught him the alphabet and how to read a little. In 1867, though there were no schools, colleges and universities such as we have today, yet so hungry and thirsty was he for knowledge that he determined to have an education. He began to study privately as best he could, getting any one who could and would hear his lessons. At this time he was working on a two-acre lot of his father's near the city of Norfolk and for a few months came into the city at noon and had one of the Yankee teachers who was instructing at St. John's A. M. E. Church to hear his lessons from 12 M. to 1 P. M. After this he took private lessons in Mr. Dempsey Ferebee's night school in Norfolk, from there he attended night school at the Odd Fellow's Hall on Bute Street, Norfolk, under Rev. J. D. S. Hall who was pastor of St. John's Church. He then studied under Thomas Bayne, M. D. of Norfolk. While attending night school he had to plow and do other farm work, walk ten miles each day and get his lessons at night. To accomplish this he often carried his spelling book and reader in his hat and a copy of the New Testament in his pocket. As it was the rule to stop the horse occasionally for rest a few minutes he would take out his spelling or reading book, get a few words or sentences, commit and try to repeat them as he ploughed on. Sometimes he would read a few verses from his Testament and commit them, taking the contents as he understood it or memorizing various passages.

        He worked at different times for two white Northern men, on their farms. One Mr. Kent, who was high sheriff of the County, and one Mr. Rusha Denise, who was the Clerk of the County Court. At noon while resting, he often requested them to hear his reading and spelling lessons, which they did gladly, but as they were not Christians he had to take his Scripture lessons to God in prayer. He felt very much discouraged at this juncture and the outlook seemed dark; however, he took courage and went forward resolved to improve himself. Here he began to feel that God had a work for him to accomplish, though not just certain what; he was impressed to study and prepare himself for whatever work or station that God

Page 20

might assign him to, so he pushed on with the work of preparation.

        May 25, 1869, twenty-two days after he reached the age of twenty-one years, he was elected constable of Tanners Creek Township, Norfolk County, Virginia. There he served with distinction three years and was elected Magistrate or Justice of the Peace of the same Township and served six years, until 1878. During these terms of office, he made many important arrests, and tried many important cases, with some of the best and leading lawyers of Norfolk to plead in his courts, yet there was not one appeal case from any of his decisions. His reports to the courts of Norfolk County always stood the test and he had the praise of courts and people with whom he lived and dealt. In August, 1867, he joined St. John's A. M. E. Church, Norfolk, under Rev. George T. Watkins, D. D. He was baptized and received into full membership in the same church by Rev. J. D. S. Hall; licensed to exhort in St. John's Church January 26, 1874, by Rev. W. D. W. Schureman. Licensed as local preacher in the same church March 21, 1876 by Rev. John E Cooke. He joined the Virginia Annual Conference April 12, 1877. He was ordained Deacon at Farmville, Va., April 26, 1878, by Bishop John M. Brown, D.D. and ordained Elder by Bishop Daniel A. Payne, D.D. L.L.D. at Danville, April 18, 1881.

        On the 30th day of April, 1876, while a local preacher in St. John's he oraganized St. James Church at Euerka in his own house, and on the same day organized the Sunday school in Bro. Isaac Lewis' house, who was then a member of St. John. The corner-stone was laid by the Masonic order May 15, 1876, the church completed and occupied July, 1876, dedicated in February, 1878, by Bishop John M. Brown.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Wilberforce University of Xenia, Ohio, June 18, 1903.

        He took the Corespondence Course in Theology from Payne University, Selma, Alabma, and graduated with honors June 1, 1905.

MINISTERIAL CAREER

        He joined the Virginia Annual Conference April 12, 1877, at Wytheville, Va., serving the following appointments.

        
1 Norfolk Mission 1 year
2 Chesterfield circuit 3 years
3 Henry circuit 2 years

Page 21

4 Hampton Station 4 years
5 P. E. Danville district 1 1/2 years
6 Staunton station 8 months
7 Bridgetown circuit 2 years
8 Eastville station 6 months
9 Capeville circuit and station 4 years
10 Trinity station, Berkley 4 years
11 P. E. Portsmouth district 5 years
12 P. E. Norfolk district 5 years

WORK DONE

Page 22

Page 23

        A formal opening of this church took place Easter Sunday, April 3, 1904, conducted by Bishop B. F. Lee, D. D.,

Page 24

Rev. I. L. Butt, D. D., P. E., S. M. Johnson, D. D., P. E., J. C. Williams, B. D. P. E. (9) On the Jamesville circuit the Mount Zion and St. Joseph Church purchased a lot and built a parsonage at Belle Haven. The Mt. Zion Church completed in 1905.

VARIOUS OFFICES HELD

        Rev. Butt was elected secretary of the Portsmouth District conference and Sunday school Institute Sept. 13, 1886; Norfolk District Conference in 1889, then as general secretary of the Annual Conference April 1903.

        He has served as trustee for the following institutions, Dickerson Memorial Seminary, Portsmouth, Va.; Kittrell College, Kittrell, N. C.; Norfolk District School, Norfolk, Va.; Wilberforce University, Xenia, Ohio.; Girls Training School, Roanoke, Va.

        He was member of general conference in 1900 at Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago in 1904. He served as member of General Connectional Boards 1902-04; Missionary Board, 1904-08; Allen Christian Endeavor League.

Page 25

VIRGINIA CONFERENCE DIRECTORY

        From organization May 10, 1867 to April 18, 1906

        

ADMISSIONS
May 10, 1867

By regular itineracy By transfer
Bishop Alexander W. Wayman, D.D.  
Rev. Peter Sheppard Rev. James D. S. Hall
Rev. John H. Offer Rev. George T. Watkins
Rev. Matthew Marshall Rev. Richard H. Parker
Rev. Aaron Pindle Rev. Isaac J. Hill
Rev. Jacklin Strange  
Rev. George Williams  
Rev. Lewis H. Wayne  
Rev. William F. Williams  
Rev. William H. Smith  
Rev. John W. Diggs  
Rev. Joseph K. Plato  
Rev. J. H. Hughes  
1868. 1868.
Rev. Cato L. Dailey  
Rev. John B. Lewis  
Rev. Robert Armstead  
1869. 1869
Rev. George W. Pinkard Rev. William B. Derrick
Rev. J. E. W. Moore Rev. Thomas M. Cole
Rev. Richard R. Gassaway  
Rev. Richard W. Sylvester  
1870 1870
Rev. Lemuel W. Lee Rev. Phillip M. Only
Rev. John H. Riddick Rev. Shadrach Jones
Rev. Robert Davis Rev. Richard H. Govans
Rev. James T. Morris Rev. J. D. S. Hall
  Rev. J. H. A. Johnson
1871 1871
Rev. Elisha Webb Rev. Jonathan B. Hamilton
Rev. George D. Jimmerson  
1872 1872
Rev. Felix Brown Rev. John F. Lane
Rev. Charles H. Hunter  
Rev. Robert Trust  
Rev. J. S. Henderson  
Rev. Benjamin L. Holloway  
Rev. Robinson Crusoe  
Rev. William Claxton  

Page 26

1873 1873
Bishop P. J Campbell, D.D., LL.D  
Rev. Jeremiah Cuffey  
Rev. Americus Singleton  
Rev. John W. Ruff  
Rev. J. H. Cary  
Rev. James H. Haynes  
Rev. Greenberry Smith  
Rev. Isaac J. Pindle  
Rev. William Claxton  
Rev. Charles Brown  
Rev. James Cooke  
1874 1874
Rev. William J. Fuller Rev. Thomas Berns
Rev. James H. Scott*

        * He died Dec. 25, 1906 at Carroll, Md., and was buried there, Dec. 27, 1906. He was pastor at that place.


 Rev. S. B. Clark
Rev. Warrick Rheu Rev. John E. Cooke
Rev. Andy F. Simms Rev. Charles Steward
Rev. William H. Wingfield Rev. W. H. Smith
1875 1875
Rev. Abram J. Williams Rev. Thomas H. Hurley
Rev. William H. Gray Rev. Wilson Beard
Rev. Joseph C. Mackey  
1876 1876
Rev. Isaac Ewer Rev. Benjamin F. Lloyd
Rev. Isaac C. Clark  
Rev. J. W. Montgomery  
1877 1877
Bishop John M. Brown D. D., D. C. L.  
Rev. Israel L. Butt  
Rev. John C. Williams  
Rev. Robert M. Cheeks  
Rev. William Williams  
Rev. J. H. Accoe  
Rev. Thaddeus Peeden  
Rev. Charles Acworth  
1878 1878
Rev. Elias H. Bolden Rev. Daniel Draper
Rev. S. M. G. Copeland Rev. William H. Brown
Rev. Job H. Brown  
Rev. Payton M. Lewis  
Rev. Junius C. Ayler  
Rev. A. A. Bailey  

Page 27

1879 1879
Rev. William H. Bryant  
Rev. John H. Thomas  
Rev. Robert T. Lewis  
Rev. Edward Scarboro  
Rev. J. W. Scisco  
Rev. Moses C. Young  
Rev. Isaac Uphur  
Rev. Geo. W. Johnson (readmitted.)  
Rev. Simon P. Cornick  
Prof. J. A. M. Johns  
1880 1880
Rev. George W. Settles Rev. George Dardis
Rev. John R. West  
Rev. Charles N. Grandison  
Rev. Garrett C. Vreeland  
Rev. Daniel J. Beckett  
Rev. Charles W. Woolford  
Rev. Felix Wood  
1881 1881
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, D. D. LL D. Rev. George T. Watkins
  Rev. James H. Turner
1882 1882
  Rev. Jacklin Strange
1883 1883
Rev. Daniel Mays  
1884 1884
Rev. James W. Thockmartin Rev. Wellington G. Alexander
Rev. Issac Ewer (readmitted) Rev. John C. Williams
  Rev. George W. Nicholson
  Rev. Phillip T. Matthews
  Rev. Thomas G. Thompson
1885 1885
Bishops W. F. Dickerson, D. D and H. M. Turner, D D. LL. D. Rev. William H. Hunter
  Rev. A. A. Burleigh
Rev. Lemuel Sears  
Rev. William H. Morris  
Rev. Berry Wilson  
Rev. Charles M. Toney  

Page 28

1886 1886
Rev. T. C. Coston Rev. William D. Cooke
Rev. Jacob Fisher Rev. A. B. Jennings
Rev. Joseph B. Tynes  
Rev. Jessie C. Young  
Rev. Thomas A. Wood  
Rev. K. K. Richardson  
Rev. James H. Garner  
Rev. William H. Carter  
Rev. Joseph H. Duckett  
Rev. Peter E. Steward  
Rev. James Parson  
Rev. S. A. Rucker  
Rev. Z. H. Hughes  
Rev. James E. Blount  
Rev. James Carter  
Rev. E. T. Hickman  
Rev. Lewis Evans  
1887 1887
Rev. Jordan Gordan Rev. George W. Taylor
Rev. George T. Mussington Rev. F. F. Crawford
Rev. R. H. Hollis  
Rev. William H. Lee  
Rev. Irwin W. L. Roundtree  
Rev. P. R. Reed  
Rev. Simon P. Cornick (readmitted.)  
Rev. George W. Blount  
1888 1888
Rev. George Lee Rev. Jesse Asbury
Rev. James A. Kelley  
Rev. James E. Parago  
Rev. R. H. Miles  
Rev. J. K. Plato (readmitted)  
Rev. Jordan Lemons  
1889 1889
Rev. J. A. Boone Rev. George T. Watkins
Rev. Benjamin J. Hargraves Rev. Daniel J. Beckett
Rev. William B. Sample  
1890 1890
Rev. Simon W. Watkins Rev. A. J. Nixon
Rev. Alexander W. Twyman  
Rev. Paul W. Lee  
Rev. John T. Schofield  
Rev. William J. White  
Rev. John Briggs  
Rev. Robert T. Timberlake  
Rev. A. A. Bailey (readmitted)  

Page 29

1891 1891
Rev. John Offer Custis Rev. John G. Mitchell
Rev. Frank W. Overton Rev. Simon P. Sheppard
Rev. Moses Matthews  
1892 1892
Rev. John Henry Robins Rev. J. C. Duffield
Rev. William D. Naylor  
Rev. J. T. Reed  
Rev. J. W. Williams  
Rev. Morgan S. Simmons  
Rev. Elijah M. King  
Rev. J. C. George  
Rev. A. I. Williams  
Rev. Pinkey L. McDowell  
1893 1893
Rev. Charlas A. Holmes Rev. Abraham L. Gaines
Rev. George W. Harris Rev. William R. Gullins
Rev. John R. West (readmitted) Rev. R. L. King
Rev. Edward F. Hardy  
Rev. K. K. Richardson (readmitted)  
Rev. W. E. Walker  
Rev. Frank M. Redd  
1894 1894
Rev. Levan Thomas Watson Rev. Thomas R. Sinkfield
1895 1895
Rev. D. A. Twyman Rev. R. H. Coleman
Rev. Ovett E. Bumgardnener Rev. W. W. Wilson
Rev. William J. Beckett  
Rev. Robert H. Davis  
Rev. L. A. Patrick  
Rev. Thomas H. Austin  
Rev. L. W. C. Metts  
Rev. St. Clair Grimstead  
1896 1896
Rev. P. S. Jefferson  
Rev. J. H. A. McClammy  
Rev. L. T. Barker  
Rev. Edward T. Bailey  
Rev. C. E. Lark  
Rev. George E. Fountain  
Rev. Alfred J. Nottingham  

Page 30

1897 1897
Rev. J. L. Jones Rev. Daniel P. Seaton
Rev. Fountain L. Gibson Rev. Charles Augustus
Rev. W. E. J. Hampton Rev. N. F. Turner
1898 1898
Rev. J. R. Davis  
Rev. James W. Wright  
Rev. W. J. Miller  
Rev. Albert R. Montague  
Rev. J. B. Whidbee  
Rev. George R. Jones  
Rev. William R. Howerton  
Rev. T. J. Duncanson  
Rev. N. H. Field  
1899 1899
Rev. William H. Harris  
Rev. Spencer J. Drummond  
Rev. Samuel A. Poulson  
Rev. Richard H. G. Jackson  
Rev. Levi Postler  
1900 1900
Rev. James H. Fitchett Rev. N. F. Turner (readmitted)
Rev. Benjamin F. Newsome  
Rev. John H. Ross  
Rev. Kenneth J. Billups  
Rev. Lewellyn L. Berry  
Rev. George W. Adams  
Rev. Samuel S. Morris  
1901 1901
Bishop Benjamin F. Lee, D. D. Rev. John C. Williams
  Rev. Louis H. Reynolds
  Rev. Thomas A. Green
  Rev. H. S. Roberts
  Rev. P. R. A. Smith
  Rev. A. P. Bender
  Rev. C W. Cole
1902 1902
Rev. O. T. Day Rev. Lemuel M. Beckett
Rev. Samuel B. W. Trent Rev. W. T. H. Addison
Rev. Samuel A. Brown Rev. J. P. Q. Wallace
Rev. Andrew Robinson Rev. H. Q. McClain
Rev. James C. Wyatt  

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1903 1903
Rev. Richard C. Silver Rev. D. W. Baker
Rev. Perry Pretlow Rev. Samuel M. Johnson
Rev. Wilson J. Robinson Rev. George C. Taylor
Rev. William J. Harris Rev. John T. Schofield
Rev. John B. Harvey Rev. John O. Custis
Rev. John S. Mason Rev. W. O. O. Saunders
Rev. Turner L. Leggett  
Rev. William H. Barnes  
1904 1904
  Rev. Joseph Gwynn
  Rev. L. A. Wood
  Rev. Alex McNeal
  Rev. C. H. Stepteau
  Rev. W. H. Davis
1905 1905
Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D. Rev. Samuel S. Morris
Rev. William H. Sawyer Rev. S. Aikens
Rev. Charles W. Robinson Rev. C. R. Saunders
Rev. Andrew A. Weaver Rev. C. W. Mossell
Rev. William C. McDowell Rev. N. W. Brown
1906 1906
Rev. Samuel W. Fauqua Rev. W. W. Barham
Rev. David Wilson Rev. A. A. Senabaugh
Rev. Stephen B. Baptist  

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FIRST DECADE

African Methodism in Virginia

        NORFOLK was the nest, and St. John's Chapel, now St. John's Church, the first egg laid in the Old Dominion which was but an earnest beginning of the results which have followed.

        Before the war clouds had passed or the echo of booming cannon ceased, the members of St. John's expressed their dissatisfaction with existing conditions, and the Official Board May 4, 1863, voted unanimously to annual the discipline of the M. E. Church South; and on October 13, the officers of the said Church having obtained possession of their property through Major General Dix, the federal officer, agreed to unite with the Baltimore Annual Conference.

        Professor Woodbury, superintendent of the government school in Norfolk, was largely instrumental in this congregation's choice of the A. M. E. Church, and he proffered his services to go to Baltimore and secure Rev. A. W. Wayman, an elder in the Baltimore Conference, to come to Norfolk and confer with the members of St. John.

        Professor Woodbury went to Baltimore, Rev. Wayman came to Norfolk, and since that time African Methodism has been a potent factor in the uplift of our people in this the mother of States.

        Bishop Wayman in his "My Recollections" tells us that he came to the city by the sea having received the information from the flock that was as sheep without a shepherd, glad of the opportunity to preach the text, "I seek my brethren." Rev. Wayman was met at the boat on that memorable Sunday morning by Bro. Peter Sheppard, known throughout Virginia as "Father Sheppard"*

        * Died in Norfolk, Va., May 30, 1907, and buried in Cumberland Street Cemetery


and escorted him to the church on Bute street. At night he preached the desired text. Monday afternoon Rev. Wayman preached again from the text "We are journeying to the place of which the Lord said: I will give it thee; come thou with us and we will do thee good." Num. 10: 29. At night the official members met and unanimously
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adopted an instrument of writing prepared by Rev. Wayman affirming their allegiance to the A. M. E. Church. On Wednesday night Rev. Wayman spoke again from the text "We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." Zech 8: 23. The congregation endorsed the action of the official board, and 800 members became followers of Allen with the following ministers: Revs. R. H. Parker, James Tynes, Peter Sheppard, Americus Woodhouse and Amos Wilson.

        Rev. Wayman having returned to Baltimore soon came again to Norfolk bringing Bishop Daniel A. Payne and Rev. John M. Brown. The Bishop preached, reviewed the situation, and appointed Rev. John M. Brown pastor of St. John's Church, Norfolk.

        From this point, 1864 to 1867, all of the ministers who labored in Virginia were members of the Baltimore Annual Conference, and reported their work to that Conference until the organization of the Virginia Conference.

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FIRST SESSION OF THE VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

        The Conference was organized May 10, 1867, in Richmond by Bishop Alexander Washington Wayman. "I love thy Kingdom Lord" was sung, prayer was offered and 2nd Psalm read as a scripture lesson. Rev. J. R. V. Thomas was appointed secetary and Rev. Wm. H. Hunter assistant secretary.

        The following names were enrolled.

        Bishop A. W. Wayman, D. D.

        Rev. J. D. S. Hall, transfer from Baltimore Conference.

        Rev. Geo. T. Watkins, transfer from Baltimore Conference.

        Rev. Richard H. Parker, transfer from Baltimore Conference.

        Rev. Isaac J. Hill, transfer from Baltimore Conference.

        Rev. John H. Offer.

        Rev. Peter Sheppard.

        Rev. Matthew Marshall.

        Rev. Aaron Pindle.

        Rev. Jacklin Strange.

        Rev. Geo. Williams.

        Rev. Lewis F. Wayne.

        Rev. William F. Williams.

        Rev. Wm. H. Smith.

        Rev. Joseph H. Plato.

        Rev. John W. Diggs.

        Rev. J. H. Hughes.

VISITORS

        Revs. John M. Brown, Wm. H. Brown, Richard A. Hall, and Wm. H. Hunter.

RESOLUTIONS

        The following resolutions were offered by Rev. John M. Brown and adopted by the Conference.

        1st. Resolved that there be a committee of three appointed whose duty it shall be to draw up an address to our people in the state of Virginia congratulating them upon their recent success, and in the advanced position they have been placed in the several Acts of Congress, and by the impartiality shown in the selection of the Grand Jury.

        2nd. Resolved, that the same committee be authorized to write an address to all colored Methodists in Virginia, defining our position and stating the points of agreement and disagreement, and urging all to unite in one common fold.

Signed, J. M. BROWN and WM. H. HUNTER.


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        This resolution shows the wisdom and alertness of the early organizers of the Virginia Conference to spread African Methodism in the very incipiency of the Christian work among our people who had so recently been emancipated.

        When the fourth disciplinary question was reached, "Who are admitted on trial?" the following brethren were presented: Lewis H. Wayne, William Williams, Wm. H. Smith, John W. Diggs, J. H. Hughes and Joseph K. Plato; Thornton McCoy and Thomas Wright were presented for local membership from St. John's Chapel, Bute Street, Norfolk. They came by a petition from the quarterly Conference of their Church, dated May 8, 1867, and signed by Rev. Geo. T. Watkins, pastor and brother George W. Dawley, Secretary. Bros. Thomas Hewlett and Henry Halyard of 3rd St. Church, Richmond, were presented at the same Conference for local membership.

        Carefulness of the early organizers in receiving persons in the ministry is shown by the following:

        Rev. Wm. H. Hunter presented Rev. J. H. Hughes for itinerant work, whereupon Rev. J. R. V. Thomas objected on the ground that Bro. Hughes had been rejected by the Baltimore Conference; a spirited debate followed and the motion was laid on the table.

        May 11, 1867, Rev. Wm. Hunter offered a motion that Rev. Hughes be admitted into the itinerancy without debate, which motion was lost, but the Conference voted that the Bishop be empowered to give Rev. Hughes work in the Virginia Conference if he saw fit to do so. He was finally admitted.

        At this Conference Rev. Peter Sheppard was absent on account of the demise of his wife. He sent an excuse, which was accepted and a vote of condolence was tendered the bereaved brother.

        The first persons to be admitted into full membership in the Conference in answer to question 6 were Revs. Richard H. Parker and Isaac J. Hill. Brothers Matthew Marshall and George Williams were continued on trial.

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VISIT OF THE GRAND JURY

        The Grand Jury of the United States Court for the District of Virginia gracing the Conference with their presence, were introduced by Rev. John M. Brown and received by Bishop A. W. Wayman, who made them welcome in well chosen remarks. It is worthy of note that six (6) members of this jury were men in whose veins coursed "Negro Blood," three of them from Alexandria and three from Richmond.

ORDINATION OF DEACONS AND ELDERS

        On Saturday morning, May 11, 1867, the following were recommended for ordination, and on Sunday, May 12, 1867, were ordained deacons: Bros. Aaron Pindle, Lewis H. Wayne, J. K. Plato, Wm. Williams, Jacklin Strange, Wm. H. Smith; John W. Diggs and Matthew Marshall. In the afternoon of the same day Bros. Richard H. Parker and I. J. Hill were ordained elders, and on Tuesday afternoon, May 14, Bros. L. H. Wayne, Wm. H. Smith and J. H. Offer were given elders' orders. Rev. D. A. Peterson and Drs. Nelson Head of the M. E. Church South, and Mitchell of the M. E. Church North, were among the visitors at this Conference.

CONFERENCE COLLECTIONS

        
1 Contingent Money $82.33
2 Baltimore Association 12.00
3 Missionary Money--Richmond Church 7.98
  Total receipts $102.31

        The meagre amount raised in those pioneer days seems now but the widow's mite when contrasted with the hundreds of dollars brought up to the Conference each year by those who have caught the mantle of the fathers.

APPOINTMENTS FOR 1867-68

        
I Richmond District, Presiding Elder J. D. S. Hall.
  1 Richmond Station Rev. J. D. S. Hall.
  2 Richmond City Mission Rev. Wm. Williams.
  3 Fredericksburg Rev. J. K. Plato.
  4 Port Royal  
  5 Farmville Rev. Mathew Marshall

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II Portsmouth District, Presiding Elder Rev. J. R. V. Thomas
  1 Portsmouth Station Rev. J. R. V. Thomas.
  2 Portsmouth Circuit Aaron Pindle.
  3 Smithfield Circuit Revs. I. J. Hill and George Williams.
III Norfolk District, Presiding Elder Rev. G. T. Watkins.
  1 Norfolk Station Rev. Geo. T. Watkins.

        The above is all that the record shows relative to that year's appointments. There must have been more appointments, but since the journal is silent on the matter the desired information cannot be given. The keeping of an accurate record by the Conference in its infancy was doubtless similar to the keeping of perfect records by many of our early churches; various conditions were apparent that militated against an accurate and systematic record such as is possible today, but the fathers served well their day and generation and are worthy of our unstinted praise and commendation.

        At the adjournment of the Conference the following names appeared on the roster:--Bishop A. W. Wayman, Revs. J. D. S. Hall, George T. Watkins, Richard Parker, I. J. Hill, Peter Sheppard, John H. Offer, J. R. V. Thomas, Matthew Marshall, Aaron Pindle, Jacklin Strange, George Williams, Lewis H. Wayne, Wm. Williams, Wm. H. Smith, John W. Diggs, J. K. Plato, Americus Woodhouse, Wm. F Williams, J. H. Hughes, Thornton McCoy, Thomas Wright, Henry Halyard, Thomas Hewlett and George Thornton.

        (See statistics of 1867 for comparison with Conference reports 1906.)

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SECOND SESSION, 1868

        This Conference, like the former one, was held in Richmond, March 26, 1868, with Bishop A. W. Wayman presiding. Devotional exercises were conducted by the Bishop, and Revs. J. R. V. Thomas and Benjamin T. Tanner were elected secretaries.

        Brothers Cato L. Dailey, John B. Lewis and Robert Armstead were admitted into the Conference.

        Under question fifth: Who remain on trial? Brothers Aaron Pindle, Jacklin Strange, J. W. Diggs, William F. Williams, George Williams and William H. Smith were reported. The names of Brothers J. K. Plato and J. H. Hughes were dropped. Rev. J. H. Offer was admitted into full membership.

        At the ordination of deacons Rev. Robert Armstead received orders, and through a request coming from our Church at Richmond, Brothers Thomas Hewlett and Henry Halyard were also ordained.

        In consequence of extreme necessity Revs. Aaron Pindle, Jacklin Strange and John W. Diggs were advanced to the eldership and ordained by Bishop A. W. Wayman.

        Here the Virginia Conference elected her first delegates to represent her in the General Conference. The ministerial delegates were Revs. George T. Watkins and Richard H. Parker; the lay delegates were Brothers Jesse Lee, Thornton McCoy, James Smith and Thomas Wright. The maiden entrance of our Conference into the highest court of the Church was quite significant, as the General Conference met in the capitol city, Washington, May, 1868. Each delegate was allowed $20.00 for expenses.

        During this year St. John's Chapel of Norfolk had procured the deed of the property from the M. E. Church South, and deeded it to the A. M. E. connection through its pastor, Rev. G. T. Watkins. For this act they received a vote of thanks from the Conference.

        Among the many distinguished visitors who paid their

Page 39

respects to the Conference in session were Bishop Doggert, Revs. N. Heard, G. W. Langhorne, E. M. Peterson, J. H. Crown and L. M. Lee of the M. E. Church South. These ministers were introduced to the Conference by the Rev. George T. Watkins, and Bishop Doggert and Rev L. M. Lee, D. D., made interesting remarks to the brethren. The good Bishop referred to the transfer of St. John's property, and promised to use his influence in getting all of the churches South to transfer their property to the A. M. E. Church. A resolution was passed that the pastors of the Norfolk and Portsmouth stations and the Secretary of the Conference constitute a committee to assist the Bishop in making the appointments.

        The following resolutions were adopted relative to the visit of Bishop Doggert:

        "Whereas, Bishop Doggert, of the M. E. Church South, in company with a number of Elders of the said Church, have honored the Virginia Conference of the A. M. E. Church with a visit;

        Therefore be it resolved, That the Virginia Conference of the A. M. E. Church feel to honor the visit of the reverend gentlemen, and to return thanks to them in person for the very many kind offices which the Church they represent have bestowed upon us as a Church;

        Be it further resolved, That we invoke them to continue their Christian efforts in assisting our Church to get within its borders all the Anglo-Africans of the Republic to the end that among us at least there may be one fold with the one Shepherd, Jesus Christ."

J. R. V. THOMAS,
B. T. TANNER,
J. A. HANDY.

        The Virginia Conference in its infancy put a high estimate upon education. This is seen from the fact that the Conference heard with great pleasure of the purpose of the South Carolina Conference to establish a Theological Seminary for our ministers, and they appointed Rev. George T.

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Watkins to correspond with Rev. Richard Harvey, a son of Virginia, later Bishop Cain, who was chairman of the trustee board, with a view of uniting with them in this great and laudable undertaking. So from its very beginning this Conference has been on the side of education, and has since done much for the advancement of the cause.

        The grim reaper death began early to visit the ranks of our brethren. In January, 1868, two passed from labor to reward. One was Rev. Lewis H. Wayne, who entered the ministry from Israel Church, Washington, D. C. He was a faithful minister in the Conference, and died at his post in the full triumph of faith. His first and only appointment in the Conference was P. E. of Wytheville district and pastor of Wytheville Church, both at the some time. The Rev. George Thornton died January 8, 1868, while serving the Middleway Circuit as its pastor. He was one the most eloquent and useful men in the Conference at the time of his death. He entered our Church in Pennsylvania through Rev. William H. Gilliard, and was licensed to exhort on the Chambersburg circuit in 1862 by Rev. John M. Brown. The two brethren were the first to fall on the battle field of Virginia, to be followed by a number who have since laid down their arms and reported at Eternity's headquarters.

        At this session Revs. J. D. S. Hall and J. R. V. Thomas were transferred to the Baltimore Conference.

        The total contingent moneys received was $77.75. Conference expenses $23.25. $54.00 was divided among the needy preachers, only 50 cents being left in the treasury. Mark the improvement as we proceed during thirty-eight years.

        There were twenty-two charges reported at the Conference, with twenty churches.

        Number of full members, 3994

        Number of probationers, 232

        Presiding Elder districts five.

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THIRD SESSION, 1869

        The third session of the Virginia Conference was called to order by Rt. Rev. A. W. Wayman, in St. John's Chapel, Norfolk, Va., April 21, 1869. Rev. William D. W. Schureman was elected secretary and Rev. William B. Derrick, assistant.

        Brothers George W. Pinkard, Richard Sylvester, Richard Gassaway and Jacob E. W. Moore were admitted on trial. The following were read into full connection: Brothers Aaron Pindle, William F. Williams, William H. Smith, Jacklin Strange, John W. Diggs, Thomas M. Cole, W. B. Derrick and Matthew Marshall.

        For ordination this year the record shows that John B. Lewis, Cato L. Dailey and Richard J. Gassaway were made itinerant deacons, and David I. Owens local deacon for Portsmouth Church, and Elias Hill local deacon for Smithfield. Brothers Peter Sheppard, Americus Woodhouse, George Williams and William F. Williams were given itinerant elders orders.

        Rev. James A. Handy, of the Baltimore Conference, and Rev. Joshua Woodlin, of the Philadelphia Conference, were introduced to the brethren and proved to be of much service in shaping the work of this young Conference body.

        The annual sermon was preached by Bishop A. W. Wayman from 2 Kings 4: 26. It was well delivered, and accepted by the hearers.

        Bishop Wayman called the attention of the Conference to the subject of the Presiding Eldership, and advised the establishment of said office. On motion of Rev. George T. Watkins the office was created and six districts formed. Ten dollars and twenty-five cents were paid over to Rev. Joshua Woodlin for the Book Concern; this amount seems small to-day, but it was like the grain of mustard seed, and has since wonderfully increased.

        No statistical table nor list of appointments is recorded for this year, hence we are deprived of useful information at this point. Five hundred copies of the Annual Conference

Page 42

minutes were ordered, and $10.00 were appropriated as part payment, but we haven't any knowledge of the work being done.

        Transferred to Virginia Conference from Baltimore Conserence Rev. W. B. Derrick and Thomas M. Cole.

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FOURTH SESSION, 1870

        This session of the Virginia Conference was held in Emanuel A. M. E. Church, with Bishop A. W. Wayman presiding. Rev. W. B. Derrick was elected temporary secretary.

        Rev. P. M. Only, Shadrach Jones, Richard H. Govans and J. D. S. Hall, transfers from the Baltimore Conference, and Rev. J. H. A. Johnson transfer from the Philadelphia Conference, were introduced. Following Rev. Johnson's introduction, Rev. W. D. W. Schureman moved that he (Johnson) be permanent secretary, and W. B. Derrick assistant; the motion prevailed. In response to the fifth question: Who are admitted on trial? the following named brethren were presented: Lemuel W. Lee, John H. Riddick, St. John's Chapel, Norfolk; Robert Davis, Bethel Church, Hampton, and James T. Morris for itinerant work, and Edward Williams of the M. E. Church for local membership. Into the relation of full membership Shadrach Jones, John B. Lewis, Cato L. Daly and Robert Armstead.

        Ordination--Itinerant Deacons, George W. Pinkard, J. E. W. Moore, Richard H. Govans and Shadrach Jones.

        The Bishop asked if these brethren used tobacco. P. E. J. H. Offer answered that Brother Jones did use the weed. Local Deacons, Thaddeus Peeden, Robert Crusoe and Michael Brown. Ordination--Itinerent Elders William B. Derrick, Thomas M. Cole and Robert Armstead.

        Rev. J. H. Offer preached the annual sermon; text Ezekiel 10: 14. It was listened to with marked attention.

        On motion of Rev. J. Strange the following Committee on Circuits and Stations was appointed: Revs. J. H. A. Johnson, Matthew Marshall and George Williams. Here we note the first committee of the kind since the organization of the Conference.

TEMPERANCE DISCUSSION

        The fathers put great stress upon the temperance question, and did all in their power to check the great evil of intemperance,

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as the following discussion apropos the temperance report will attest. The report had been read, and very reluctantly was the motion for its reception carried. Bishop Wayman said the reason for this was because the report included tobacco, and therefore was hard for the brethren to swallow. Rev. J. Strange moved for its adoption. Rev W. B. Derrick was given the floor, and made an able argument in favor of the report, as also did Rev. J. Strange. The report was not wholly concurred in by Rev. J. D. S. Hall. In course of his remarks he asked if any one was ever disfigured by the use of tobacco. He asked the Rev. Derrick to show a plant that had a poisonous quality. "Why," he said, "the brother himself has enough poison in him to kill ten men; there is poison in every breath he draws." Rev. Hall thought that too much was being said about tobacco, and that it tended to make men hypocrites. Rev. John H. Offer said that he felt that the use of tobacco was an evil, and but a stepping-stone to the whisky shop. Rev. Hall rose to a question of privilege, and asked if Brother Offer regarded his statement as true in all cases. The answer was in the negative. Rev. Offer then spoke earnestly in defense of the report and in denunciation of tobacco. The discussion was continued at some length by Rev. J. Strange and Matthew Marshall. At the conclusion of the debate the report was adopted on a vote of 13 to 4.

        The report on Circuits and Stations showed Eastville Circuit to be forty miles long from end to end, comprising seven churches. It was divided into two circuits and called Eastville Circuit, embracing Eastville, Capeville and Bridge town, and Pungoteague Circuit, embracing Pungoteague, Franktown, Belle Haven and Occohonic Neck. This arrangement showed the wisdom of the fathers, and rapid development followed. Rocky Mount Circuit was found to be fifteen miles long, and was treated in a similar manner.

BISHOPS' SALARY

        Instead of paying the Bishops out of a general treasury

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as we do now, they were paid by the districts which he served, and each Conference was assessed to make up the amount of salary. This money was designated "The Bishops' Money." The Conference at this time was assessed $385.00. The Rev. W. D. W. Schureman, chairman of committee on said assessment, reported $265.75 raised, with a balance of $119.25 due. This was in the days of organization in Virginia, and the small amount then paid our general superintendents gave satisfaction.

        At this point Bishop Wayman, having reviewed the mission field, said: "There was a necessity of having several young brethren ordained as deacons for the missionary work." Still he enjoined the strictest caution on the members of the Conference in proceeding with the matter. He designated Lemuel W. Lee, John Riddick, J. T. Morris and Robert Davis. Revs. J. D. S. Hall and J. W. Diggs spoke against the ordination of L. W. Lee; Rev. W. D. W. Schureman took issue with Rev. Hall, and a heated colloquy followed between Schureman and Hall, joined in by Revs. J. H. A. Johnson and George T. Watkins. The Conference refused to admit Brother Lee on grounds of illegality. Yet the Bishop's decision was that it would be legal to ordain these brethren for the missionary field as soon as they were admitted on trial. The Bishop called the attention of the Conference to the petition and requested Rev. George T. Watkins to make a statement concerning the matter. This was done, and the members signed the petition and Brother Lee was passed for ordination. This gives us an idea of the carefulness which these early fathers exercised in advancing preachers, and the observance of the Apostle's advice in laying hands on no man hastily.

        The Bishop called the attention of the Conference to the publishing of the minutes, and thought it not necessary to publish the previous year or years' minutes since the time had passed. Rev. W. D. W. Schureman was interrogated as to the failure to publish previous minutes. A warm discussion ensued, participated in by Revs. Schureman, Watkins, Derrick

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and J. H. A. Johnson concerning the number to be printed. However, 1000 copies were agreed upon.

        The Book Steward reported $37.78 in hand for publication of the last year's minutes. But the work was not done, because many of the papers were scattered, and all proceedings of the Conference were not in the journal.

PREACHERS' AID SOCIETY

        The treasurer, Rev. Schureman, reported that on June 10, '69, he deposited in the Freedmen's Saving Bank, Norfolk, $16.85 for said society, as ordered by the last Annual Conference.

        Here we have the first mention of a preachers' aid society, which has developed step by step into our present Connectional Preachers' Aid with its many advantages.

ORDINATION OF ELDERS IN ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL

        The ordination of elders did not take place at the seat of Conference, but in Norfolk. Bishop A. W. Wayman preached, the ordination sermon from the text, Acts 20: 32, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God and the word of his grace which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Revs. William B. Derrick, Robert Armstead and Thomas M. Cole were ordained.

        From the very beginning the Conference imbibed a missionary spirit which has continued with increased energy and interest up to the present, as shown by the following resolutions, presented by Rev. W. B. Derrick:

        Whereas, There has been a missionary fund created in the South Carolina Conference for the purpose of raising a certain amount of money whereby a missionary might be sent to Africa to plant the banner of Christ, also that of the African Methodist Episcopal Church;

        Be it resolved, That we, the members of the Virginia Annual Conference, do hereby endorse the movement of said Conference;

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        Resolved further, That we shall use all means that lay in our power to aid on the well-begun work by raising in our respective churches the sum of five dollars ($5.00) to aid the progress of the Word to the land of our forefathers. The resolutions passed after some discussion.

        Revs. J. N. Duvant of the Episcopal Church, and J. M. Nickerson of M. E. Church were introduced to the Conference.

        An assessment of four hundred and forty-four dollars ($444) was levied on the Conference for the support of the Bishop.

        The Finance Committee reported for contingent purposes

        
$137.50  
Number of full members 4589
Number of probationers 377
Value of church property $48,420

APPOINTMENTS FOR 1870-71

  • 1 Norfolk District, Rev. J. D. S. Hall, P. E.
  • 2 Norfolk Station, Rev. J. D. S. Hall, Pastor.
  • 3 Eastville Circuit (to be supplied),
  • 4 Pungoteague Circuit, Rev. Thomas M. Cole.
  • 5 Onancock Circuit, Rev. W. F. Williams.
  • 6 Hampton Circuit, Rev. James T. Morris.
  • 7 Norfolk Circuit.
  • 1 Portsmouth District, Rev. Wm. D. W. Schureman, P. E.
  • 2 Portsmouth Station, Rev. Wm. D. W. Schureman, Pastor.
  • 3 Deep Creek Circuit, Cato H. Daly.
  • 4 Suffolk, Richard Govans.
  • 5 Smithfield, Richard H. Parker.
  • 1 Richmond District, Rev. Jacklin Strange, P. E.
  • 2 Richmond Station, Rev. Jacklin Strange, Pastor.
  • 3 Rev. Robert Davis.
  • 4 Mecklenburg, Rev. Lemuel W. Lee.
  • 5 Farmville, Rev. Peter Sheppard.
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  • 6 Charlotte C. H., John H. D. Riddick.
  • 7 Pittsylvania, Phillip M. Only.
  • 1 Staunton District, Rev. William B. Derrick, P. E.
  • 2 Staunton Station, Rev. William B. Derrick, Pastor.
  • 3 Greenville, Rev. George Williams.
  • 4 Waynesboro (to be supplied).
  • 5 Middleway (to be supplied).
  • 1 Salem District, Rev. Isaac J. Hill, P. E.
  • 2 Salem Station, Rev. Isaac J. Hill, Pastor.
  • 3 Cave Spring, Rev. J. E. W. Moore.
  • 4 Rocky Mount, Rev. George W. Pinkard.
  • 1 Wytheville District, Rev. John H. Offer, P. E.
  • 2 Wytheville Station, Rev. John H. Offer, Pastor.
  • 3 Blacksburg, Rev. Aaron Pindle.
  • 4 Wake Forest, Richard J. Gassoway.
  • 5 Stony Creek (to be supplied).
  • 6 Pleasant Grove, Shadrach Jones.
  • 1 Winchester District, Rev. John W. Diggs, P. E.
  • 2 Winchester Station, Rev. John W. Diggs, Pastor.
  • 3 Midway, Robert Armstead.
  • 4 Alexandria (to be supplied).
  • 5 Petersburg (to be supplied).
  • 1 Norfolk City Mission (to be supplied).
  • 2 Richmond City Mission (to be supplied).
  • 3 Chesterfield Mission (to be supplied).
  • 4 Berryville Mission (to be supplied).

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FIFTH SESSION, 1871

        The Fifth Annual Session of the Virginia Conference was held in the city of Staunton, April 12, 1871, with Bishop A. W. Wayman presiding.

        The Assistant Secretary of previous Conference, W. B Derrick, called the roll and Rev. W. D. W. Schureman was elected secretary and W. B. Derrick assistant secretary.

ADMISSIONS ON TRIAL

        (1) Rev. Elisha Webb of M. E. Church, South, ordained elder by Bishop Pierce. (2) George D. Jimmerson.

ADMISSIONS INTO FULL MEMBERSHIP

  • (1) Bro. George W. Pinkard
  • (2) Richard J. Gassoway
  • (3) Jacob E. W. Moore
  • (4) Philip M. Only
  • (5) Richard H. Govans

ORDINATION--DEACONS

        Lemuel W. Lee, John H. Riddick, Robert Davis and J. H. Morris.

ORDINATION--ELDERS, ITINERANT

        Richard J. Gassoway.

        Elder--Local, Edward W. Williams, St. John's Chapel.

        The annual sermon was delivered by Rev. W. D. W. Schureman. Rev 4:7.

        The Rev. C. L. Daly was superannuated by the Conference on motion of Rev. W. D. W. Schureman, and an annuity of $100 was granted him to be paid through the Book Steward. Brother Daly stands as the first minister to be granted this relation in the Virginia Conference.

        In response to the question, Who has withdrawn from the connection this year? the name of J. D. S. Hall was given.

        One death was reported--Deacon Elias Hill of the Smithfield Circuit.

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        Rev. Schureman reported $195.95 collected on the Bishop's support and that there was a balance due of $99.55. The report elicited much discussion and resulted in the presentation of resolutions by Rev. Derrick urging the delinquent pastors to settle in full.

FINANCES

        
The Finance Committee reported (contingent) $114 40
Number of full members 4793
Probationers 359
Churches 54
Value of church property 714 50

APPOINTMENTS

  • 1 Norfolk District, Rev. J. B. Hamilton, P. E.
  • 2 Norfolk Station, Rev. J. B. Hamilton, Pastor.
  • 3 Norfolk Mission, Rev. Thornton T. McCoy.
  • 4 Hampton, Rev. J. T. Morris.
  • 5 Norfolk Circuit, Rev. J. B. Lewis.
  • 1 Portsmouth District, Rev. J. F. Lane, P. E.
  • 2 Portsmouth Station, Rev. J. F. Lane, Pastor.
  • 3 Portsmouth Mission, (to be supplied)
  • 4 Suffolk Mission, R. Govans.
  • 5 Deep Creek, Richard H. Parker.
  • 6 Smithfield, Shadrach Jones.
  • 1 Richmond District, Rev. W. D. W. Schureman.
  • 2 Richmond Station, Rev. W. D. W. Schureman.
  • 3 Richmond Mission, M. Marshall.
  • 4 Chesterfield, Henry Halyard.
  • 5 Prospect Mission, George Jimmerson.
  • 6 Boydton Mission, L. W. Lee.
  • 7 Charlotte C. H., (to be supplied)
  • 8 Pittsylvania C. H., P. M. Only.
  • 1 Staunton District, W. B. Derrick, P. E.
  • 2 Staunton Station, W. B. Derrick, Pastor.
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  • 3 Greenville, J. H. Scott.
  • 4 Mint Spring, R. J. Gassoway.
  • 5 Culpepper C. H., (to be supplied)
  • 6 Gordonsville, (to be supplied)
  • 1 Salem District, Rev. Jacklin Strange, P. E.
  • 2 Salem Station, Rev. Jacklin Strange, Pastor.
  • 3 Cave Spring, Rev. J. E. W. Moore.
  • 4 Rocky Mount, George W. Pinkard.
  • 5 Mount Lebanon, John H. Riddick.
  • 1 Wytheville District, Rev. John H. Offer, P. E.
  • 2 Wytheville Station, Rev. John H. Offer, Pastor.
  • 3 Blacksburg, W. F. Williams.
  • 4 Pleasant Grove, George Williams,
  • 5 Wake Forrest, (to be supplied)
  • 1 Winchester District, Rev. J. W. Diggs, P. E.
  • 2 Winchester Station, Rev. J. W. Diggs, Pastor.
  • 3 Midway, Robert Armstead.
  • 4 Duffield, (to be supplied)
  • 1 Eastern Shore District, Rev. A. Pindle, P. E.
  • 2 Eastville, Rev. A. Pindle, Pastor.
  • 3 Pungoteague, Rev. Thomas M. Cole.
  • 4 Onancock, Robert Davis.
  • 5 Modistown, Peter Sheppard.

        Rev. Jonathan B. Hamilton to Virginia Conference from Baltimore Conference.

        Rev. Isaac J. Hill was transferred to the New York Conference.

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SIXTH SESSION, 1872

        Third Street A. M. E. Church, Richmond, was the seat of the Sixth Annual Session of the Virginia Conference. It convened March 27, 1872, with Bishop Wayman presiding officer.

        After the devotional exercises Rev. W. B. Derrick was elected secretary and Rev. A. Pindle assistant.

        Among the visitors at the opening of this Conference we note the following: Rev. H. J. Young of Kentucky Conference; Rev. Wells, Rev. Garlin of M. E. Church South; Rev. Troy, Second Baptist Church; Rev. A. Binga, First Baptist Church, Manchester; Mr. W. P. Powell, New York; Rev. Warner of M. E. Church and Rev. Mannly of the City High School, who invited the Conference to pay a visit to his school which was accepted for March 28, 12:30 P. M.

RESOLUTIONS

        I Whereas, The Rev. H. J. Young, Endowment Agent of Wilberforce University is among us and his presence is hailed with pleasure, and Whereas, knowing his mission is one of vital importance,

        Be it Resolved, That he shall receive all help that can be rendered by us in aiding so laudable a cause.

        W. B. DERRICK.

        II Whereas, Rev. B. T. Tanner, editor of The Christian Recorder is among us and his coming is received with profound delight, and

        Whereas, knowing that the Book Concern is in a crippled condition by reason of past difficulties, therefore,

        Be it Resolved, That we, the members of the Virginia Conference, will contribute the sum of two ($2.00) each, that our church organ may be kept going.

        The resolution prevailed and the sum of $29.25 was immediately put upon the table for said purpose. This is but an evidence

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of the fact that the Virginia Conference has always stood ready to aid the departments of our church whenever an appeal was made.

        At 3 P. M. opening day, the annual sermon was preached by Rev. J. B. Hamilton; Text, Acts 16; 17; "The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God which show unto us the way of salvation." Theme: Ministers of Christ and their work." So excellent was this sermon, the speaker was requested to furnish the publishing committee with a copy.

ADMISSIONS ON TRIAL

        Felix Brown, Charles H. Hunter, Robert Trust, J. S. Henderson, Benjamin L. Holloway, Robinson Crusoe. Rev. Wm. Claxton presented his parchment from the M. E. Church. After lengthy discussion he was admitted.

        Richard Forrester of Richmond was admitted as a local member.

ADMISSIONS--FULL MEMBERSHIP

        Robert Davis, Lemuel W. Lee, J. T. Morris, James H. Scott.

ORDINATION--DEACONS

        George D. Jimmerson, Wm. Williamson.

ORDINATION--ELDERS

        Rev. Philip M. Only, Jacob E. W. Moore, Shadrach Jones, John B. Lewis, Richard H. Govans.

DELEGATES TO GENERAL CONFERENCE

        Rev. W. D. Schureman, Rev. J. B. Hamilton, Rev. J. F. Lane, Rev. W. B. Derrick, Rev. J. H. Offer.

        On motion of Rev. J. T. Morris, Rev. J. F. Lane was requested to read the decision of the judges in the case which gave the church in the city of Portsmouth to the members of the African M. E. Church.

        The name of John H. Riddick was dropped, since he had joined another church.

        There was one death during the year, Rev. Cato L. Daly.

        The statistical table, financial items and list of appointments were left out of the journal for this year.

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SEVENTH SESSION, 1873

        April 9, 1873, the Sixth Annual Session of the Virginia Conference convened at Emanuel A. M. E. Church, Portsmouth. The devotional exercises were conducted by Bishop Wayman, then the roll was called, after which Bishop Wayman introduced Rt. Rev. J. P. Campell, D. D., LL. D., as the presiding Bishop of the Virginia Conference. Bishop Campbell took the chair and addressed the Conference with reference to the history of the church, her administration and great mission in the world; and said his only object is to build the church and lift up fallen humanity.

        The annual sermon was preached by J. F. Lane; text, Matt. 6:10--"Thy Kingdom Come." A vote of thanks was tendered the preacher and he was requested to give a copy of his manuscript for publication.

        The missionary sermon was delivered by Rev. W. B. Derrick.

        
Public collection $15.00
From Society 45.00
Total $60.00

        This is the first account of a missionary sermon since the organization of the Conference.

        Under disciplinary question 6th, Bro. Robert Trust was discontinued.

ADMISSIONS

        Charles H. Hunter, Phelix Brown, Benjamin L. Holloway, George D. Jimmerson, J. K. Plato and R. Henderson.

ORDINATION--DEACONS

        Phelix Brown, C. H. Hunter, Benjamin L. Holloway.

        The death of the Rt. Rev. Wm. Paul Quinn was reported and the Conference convened on the third day at 3 P. M. and held funeral services in memory of the deceased prelate, which was participated in by three other Bishops, J. P. Campbell, A. W. Wayman and James A. Shorter. Bishop Campbell

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lined hymn 441, Bishop Shorter led in prayer; Bishop Wayman read the scripture lesson; the choir sang. Bishop Campbell preached the funeral sermon; text, II Timothy 4:6--8

ADMISSIONS INTO ITINERANT WORK

        Brothers Jeremiah Cuffey, Americus Singleton, John W. Ruff, J. H. Cary, James H. Haynes, Benjamin F. Holloway, Green Berry Smith, Isaac J. Pindle, William Claxton, James Cooke, Charles Brown.

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EIGHTH SESSION, 1874

        This session was held in Danville Va., April 10, 1874, with Rt. Rev. J. P. Campbell, D. D., LL. D., presiding. The Bishop lined hymn 296, "Let us use the Grace Divine;" The secretaries chosen were Revs. W. B. Derrick and John F Lane.

        The following brethren transferred from the North Carolina Conference were introduced: Revs. Thomas Bems, S. B. Clark, J. E. Cooke, Charles Steward and----Smith.

ADMISSIONS INTO TRAVELLING CONNECTION

        James W. Fuller, James H. Scott, Warwick Rhue, Andy F. Simms and Wm. H. Wingford.

FOR LOCAL WORK

        George Rose and Aaron Nowill.

ADMISSIONS INTO FULL MEMBERSHIP

        Robinson Crusoe, James H. Haynes, Benjamin L. Holloway and G. B. Smith.

ORDINATION--DEACONS

        Revs. Americus Singleton, John W. Ruff, Jeremiah Cuffey and J. S. Henderson.

ORDINATION--ELDERS

        Revs. Robert Davis, George W. Pinkard and James H. Haynes.

        The annual sermon was preached by Rev. W. D. W. Schureman. He was tendered a vote of thanks and requested to furnish a copy of his sermon for publication.

        Bishop Campbell here had occasion to speak of the danger of building churches on ground not properly deeded to the A. M. E. Church as per discipline. He instructed and urged the pastors never to build on such faulty foundations.

        The missionary sermon was preached by Rev. John W. Diggs. Text Matt. 10: 6-7. The collection was $111.36.

        Bishop T. M. D. Ward was introduced to the Conference. The brethren arose and received the distinguished visitor who made some helpful remarks to the Conference. Rev. Derrick

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responded in well chosen words. At this juncture the presiding Bishop addressed the Conference on the office and function of Presiding Elder. A motion to create the office of Presiding Elder per discipline was lost. These fathers felt that they were not yet able to carry this independent burden. Dropped James Cooke and S. B. Clark.

        The Rev. G. B. Smith at his own request was granted permission to locate for the purpose of going to school.

        Statistics, finance collected and appointments were omitted from the record.

EDUCATIONAL ITEMS

        On motion of Rev. Matthew Marshall, Bishop Campbell, D. D., LL. D., appointed a committee consisting of Revs. Matthew Marshall, Geo. D. Jimmerson, J. Strange, J. E. W. Moore and J. H. Cary to present a plan by which a Conference High School might be founded somewhere within the bounds of the Virginia Conference. Thus we see that the fires of education had begun in earnest to burn in the breasts of the fathers, although many of them did not expect to obtain much by it because of their advanced age, but desired that the young men and women of the church might be benefitted.

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NINTH SESSION, 1875

        Richmond was the seat of the Ninth Session of the Annual Conference, held April 1, 1875. Religious exercises were conducted by Bishop Campbell, D. D., LL., D. Revs. W. B. Derrick, A. Pindle and W. D. W. Schureman were elected secretaries.

        It was announced that Rev. Thomas Hurley had been transferred from the Ohio Conference and Rev. Wilson Beard from the Illinois Conference.

        At 7:30 P. M. the Rev. John E. Cooke preached what is commonly known among Methodist ministerial bodies as the annual sermon. The text, Heb. 12:28.

ADMISSIONS ON TRIAL

        Bros. A. J. Williams, William H. Gray and Joseph C. Mackey.

        These brethren were required to preach a trial sermon before the Conference, prior to their admission. This plan might be well followed today in many cases.

ADMISSIONS INTO FULL MEMBERSHIP

        Bros. Jeremiah Cuffey and J. H. Carey.

ORDINATION--DEACONS

        Chelsa Dimmington and Wilson Beard.

ORDINATION--ELDERS

        Charles H. Hunter.

        One death was reported, Rev. Benjamin L. Holloway.

        For the first time in the history of the Conference a report on the state of the church was read. Rev. Robinson Crusoe was located; Bro. Felix Brown expelled; and Revs. A. Singleton and C. Steward were dropped. "Rev. S. B. Clark deserted his work," said the Bishop, and by a prevailing vote was left without an appointment.

        The seat of the Electoral College was fixed at Farmville, second Wednesday, September, 1875.

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No. of members 6167
No. of Probationers 417
No. of Churches 58
No. of Value of churches $115,505
No. of S. S. scholars 3963

APPOINTMENTS

  • 1 Norfolk, J. E. Cooke.
  • 2 Norfolk Circuit, Robt. Armstead.
  • 3 Princess Anne Circuit, Peter Sheppard.
  • 4 Portsmouth, John H. Offer.
  • 5 Suffolk, Aaron Pindle.
  • 6 Deep Creek, James Haynes.
  • 7 Southampton, A. J. Williams.
  • 8 Richmond, W. B. Derrick.
  • 9 Richmond Mission, Thomas Hurley.
  • 10 Chesterfield,
  • 11 Hampton, W. D. W. Schureman.
  • 12 Smithfield, P. M. Only.
  • 13 Mt. Moriah, J. C. Mackey.
  • 14 Fortress Monroe,
  • 15 Farmville, John W. Diggs.
  • 16 Charlotte, Wm. C. Gray.
  • 17 Mecklenburg, L. W. Lee.
  • 18 Prospect, John B. Lewis.
  • 19 Danville, J. Strange.
  • 20 Harmony, Shadrach Jones.
  • 21 Pittsylvania, Geo. W. Pinkard.
  • 22 Henry C. H.
  • 23 Patrick Mission,
  • 24 Salem, Geo. Williams.
  • 25 Blacksburg, J. Cuffey.
  • 26 Cave, Jas. W. Henderson.
  • 27 Rocky Mount, Jas. H. Scott.
  • 28 Wytheville, M. Marshall.
  • 29 China Branch, R. J. Gassoway.
  • 30 Max Meadow, C. H. Hunter.
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  • 31 Bristol Mission, J. W. Filler.
  • 32 Carroll Creek, A. Simms.
  • 33 Staunton, R. Davis.
  • 34 Mint Springs, Wilson Beard.
  • 35 Greenville, J. E. W. Moore.
  • 36 Winchester, J. Spriggs.
  • 37 Berryville, James H Cary.
  • 38 Summit Point, W. Rhue.
  • 39 Eastville, R. H. Parker.
  • 40 Franktown, R. Govans.
  • 41 Onancock, J. K. Plato.
  • 42 Drummondtown, J. W. Ruff.

        Rev. G. D. Jimmerson was transferred to the North Carolina Conference.

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TENTH SESSION, 1876

        This session met in Emanuel A. M. E. Church, Portsmouth, Va., at 10 A. M. March 29, 1976, Bishop Jabez P. Campbell, D. D., LL., D., presiding, who conducted the opening exercises.

        Revs. W. B. Derrick and A. Pindle were elected secretaries.

        Rev. Benjamin F. Lloyd was transferred from the Baltimore Conference.

        The annual sermon was delivered by Rev. Richard Parker: Text Acts 16:19. A vote of thanks was tendered him for it.

        The following questions were proposed by Rev. W. B. Derrick: 1st. Are persons who absent themselves from communion for six months and are living at a distance to be considered members? 2nd. What class of people are to be withdrawn without certificate? Bishop Campbell replied.

        Ans. I. There are but three ways by which members can be considered no longer members of any individual church. (1) by death; (2) by expulsion; (3) removal by certificate."

        Ans. II. "Persons that remove all their goods and effects with the intention of not returning.

        A member of the Conference asked, "What money is to be considered Church Extension Money?" The Bishop replied, "All money raised for purchasing land and the erection of new churches."

        Rev. G. B. Smith, having returned from school, asked permission to enter the itinerant work again. On motion it was granted.

ALLEN MONUMENT

        Revs. W. D. W. Schureman, W. B. Derrick and John Offer were appointed to attend the unveiling of a monument to the memory of Richard Allen.

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DELEGATES TO GENERAL CONFERENCE, 1876

MINISTERIAL

        W. B. Derrick, W. D. W. Schureman, Jacklin Strange, Aaron Pindle and John H. Offer.

LAY

        Richard G. Forrester and Jeffrey T. Wilson.

ADMISSIONS INTO ITINERANT WORK

        Isaac Ewer, C. Clark and J. W. Montgomery.

ORDINATION--DEACONS

        Bros. A. J. Williams and Joseph C. Mackey. Elders, James H. Henderson, Thomas H. Hurley, Greenberry Smith and Benj. F Lloyd. Bro. Thaddeus Peeden was ordained local elder for Hampton Church.

BISHOP'S DECISIONS ON POINTS OF LAW

        1st. That any member has the right to an appeal to the ensuing quarterly Conference. 2nd. The appeal must be presented when the question is asked, Are there any appeals? If not presented at this time it is with the pastor whether it be admitted. 3rd. Only unfinished business can be brought before an adjourned quarterly Conference.

        The journal of this Conference closes without financial report, statistical table or list of appointments.

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Personal Sketches

REV. PETER SHEPPARD

        Almost a century ago--September 15, 1816--at Norfolk Va. the subject of this sketch was born. He was converted April 27, 1837, 5:30 A. M. Entered the ministry in 1864, and was ordained by Bishop D. A. Payne. He joined the Virginia Conference at its organization in 1867.

        The following charges have been under his pastoral care: Farmville, Modestown, Princess Anne Circuit, Norfolk Circuit, Smithfield, Mt. Moriah, Savageville, Drummondtown, Capeville, Union Bethel, Deep Creek, Bridgetown.

        Father Sheppard built the first church at Hampton, Farmville, Prospect, St. James, Berkley, and Southampton. Churches were rebuilt and completed by him at Sewall's Point, Oak Grove, New Mill's Creek, Union Bethel and Bridgetown.

        Seven hundred and twenty-five (725) have been led from darkness into spiritual light and life through his efforts. He has had three hundred and seventy-five (375) persons to unite with the church.

        His educational advantages were obtained from the federal public schools and private institutions.

        This gospel veteran joined the Cumberland Street M. E. Church 7:30 P. M. on the day of his conversion. In 1844 a division of the Methodists left him in the M. E. Church South, where he remained until 1863, going then with the colored membership in the A. M. E. Church. He helped to lay the foundation of the first African Methodist Church in the Old Dominion, known as St. John's Chapel, literally laying the first brick. He raised the largest amount of the $7700.75 required to erect the church.

        He passed away May 30, 1907, in Norfolk, Va., and was buried in the Cumberland Street Cemetery.

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REV. JACKLIN STRANGE

        The subject of this sketch was born in Frederick County, Virginia, May 29, 1836. He was converted in 1851. He entered the ministry in the Baltimore Conference in 1867. He was ordained by Bishop A. W. Wayman; he was transferred to the Virginia Conference in 1867 at its organization.

        He has served the following charges with marked success: Staunton three years and built a church; Third Street, Richmond two years; Wytheville two years and completed a church; Danville three years and built a parsonage and completed a church; Presiding Elder over the then Lynchburg District four years. He then transferred to the Baltimore Conference and stayed one year, then came back to Virginia to Winchester; laid the foundation for a new church, Staunton, and built a parsonage; Presiding Elder of the Portsmouth District four years; Norfolk District four years; Danville District four years; Wytheville one year; Roanoke two years; Drummondtown one year; Richmond two years; Smithfield three years-He has had many conversions and accessions to the church.

REV. JOHN HENRY OFFER *

        * This sketch was written by his daughter, Mrs. Ann E. Martin.


        In Anne Arundel County, Md., February, 1825, the above named saw the light of day.

        At the age of sixteen he was converted and joined the church at West River, Md. He was married in the city of Baltimore, March 22, 1853, to Miss Martha Parker. Licensed to exhort in Bethel Church 1856; to preach in 1859: joined the itineracy in 1866 and connected with the Virginia Conference 1867, at its organization. His first appointment was to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He was ordained deacon and afterwards elder by Bishops A. W. Wayman, D. D., and D. A. Payne, D. D., LL. D., respectively.

        The following charges have been served by Rev. Offer: Wytheville, Portsmouth, Franktown, Smithfield Circuit,

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Chuckatuck Circuit, Bridgetown, Eastville, Onancock, Drummond. He served Wytheville District as Presiding Elder. He was superannuated in 1899, and passed into his rest in 1902.

        During his long and useful ministry eight (8) churches and one (1) parsonage built and (3) three churches were remodeled under his supervision. Hundreds of conversions and accessions to the church crowned the results of his labors.

        Rev. Offer organized churches at Onancock, Savageville, Bridgetown, Wytheville, Eastville, Franktown, Capeville, Drummond, Pungoteague, a