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

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.

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 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 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.

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.

From organization May 10, 1867 to April 18, 1906

ADMISSIONS May 10, 1867By regular itineracyBy transferBishop Alexander W. Wayman, D.D. Rev. Peter SheppardRev. James D. S. HallRev. John H. OfferRev. George T. WatkinsRev. Matthew MarshallRev. Richard H. ParkerRev. Aaron PindleRev. Isaac J. HillRev. 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 1869.1869Rev. George W. PinkardRev. William B. DerrickRev. J. E. W. MooreRev. Thomas M. ColeRev. Richard R. Gassaway Rev. Richard W. Sylvester 18701870Rev. Lemuel W. LeeRev. Phillip M. OnlyRev. John H. RiddickRev. Shadrach JonesRev. Robert DavisRev. Richard H. GovansRev. James T. MorrisRev. J. D. S. Hall Rev. J. H. A. Johnson18711871Rev. Elisha WebbRev. Jonathan B. HamiltonRev. George D. Jimmerson 18721872Rev. Felix BrownRev. John F. LaneRev. Charles H. Hunter Rev. Robert Trust Rev. J. S. Henderson Rev. Benjamin L. Holloway Rev. Robinson Crusoe Rev. William Claxton  18731873Bishop 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 18741874Rev. William J. FullerRev. Thomas BernsRev. 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. ClarkRev. Warrick RheuRev. John E. CookeRev. Andy F. SimmsRev. Charles StewardRev. William H. WingfieldRev. W. H. Smith18751875Rev. Abram J. WilliamsRev. Thomas H. HurleyRev. William H. GrayRev. Wilson BeardRev. Joseph C. Mackey 18761876Rev. Isaac EwerRev. Benjamin F. LloydRev. Isaac C. Clark Rev. J. W. Montgomery 18771877Bishop 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 18781878Rev. Elias H. BoldenRev. Daniel DraperRev. S. M. G. CopelandRev. William H. BrownRev. Job H. Brown Rev. Payton M. Lewis Rev. Junius C. Ayler Rev. A. A. Bailey  18791879Rev. 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 18801880Rev. George W. SettlesRev. George DardisRev. John R. West Rev. Charles N. Grandison Rev. Garrett C. Vreeland Rev. Daniel J. Beckett Rev. Charles W. Woolford Rev. Felix Wood 18811881Bishop Daniel A. Payne, D. D. LL D.Rev. George T. Watkins Rev. James H. Turner18821882 Rev. Jacklin Strange18831883Rev. Daniel Mays 18841884Rev. James W. ThockmartinRev. Wellington G. AlexanderRev. Issac Ewer (readmitted)Rev. John C. Williams Rev. George W. Nicholson Rev. Phillip T. Matthews Rev. Thomas G. Thompson18851885Bishops W. F. Dickerson, D. D and H. M. Turner, D D. LL. D.Rev. William H. Hunter Rev. A. A. BurleighRev. Lemuel Sears Rev. William H. Morris Rev. Berry Wilson Rev. Charles M. Toney  18861886Rev. T. C. CostonRev. William D. CookeRev. Jacob FisherRev. A. B. JenningsRev. 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 18871887Rev. Jordan GordanRev. George W. TaylorRev. George T. MussingtonRev. F. F. CrawfordRev. 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 18881888Rev. George LeeRev. Jesse AsburyRev. James A. Kelley Rev. James E. Parago Rev. R. H. Miles Rev. J. K. Plato (readmitted) Rev. Jordan Lemons 18891889Rev. J. A. BooneRev. George T. WatkinsRev. Benjamin J. HargravesRev. Daniel J. BeckettRev. William B. Sample 18901890Rev. Simon W. WatkinsRev. A. J. NixonRev. 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)  18911891Rev. John Offer CustisRev. John G. MitchellRev. Frank W. OvertonRev. Simon P. SheppardRev. Moses Matthews 18921892Rev. John Henry RobinsRev. J. C. DuffieldRev. 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 18931893Rev. Charlas A. HolmesRev. Abraham L. GainesRev. George W. HarrisRev. William R. GullinsRev. John R. West (readmitted)Rev. R. L. KingRev. Edward F. Hardy Rev. K. K. Richardson (readmitted) Rev. W. E. Walker Rev. Frank M. Redd 18941894Rev. Levan Thomas WatsonRev. Thomas R. Sinkfield18951895Rev. D. A. TwymanRev. R. H. ColemanRev. Ovett E. BumgardnenerRev. W. W. WilsonRev. William J. Beckett Rev. Robert H. Davis Rev. L. A. Patrick Rev. Thomas H. Austin Rev. L. W. C. Metts Rev. St. Clair Grimstead 18961896Rev. 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  18971897Rev. J. L. JonesRev. Daniel P. SeatonRev. Fountain L. GibsonRev. Charles AugustusRev. W. E. J. HamptonRev. N. F. Turner18981898Rev. 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 18991899Rev. William H. Harris Rev. Spencer J. Drummond Rev. Samuel A. Poulson Rev. Richard H. G. Jackson Rev. Levi Postler 19001900Rev. James H. FitchettRev. 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 19011901Bishop 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. Cole19021902Rev. O. T. DayRev. Lemuel M. BeckettRev. Samuel B. W. TrentRev. W. T. H. AddisonRev. Samuel A. BrownRev. J. P. Q. WallaceRev. Andrew RobinsonRev. H. Q. McClainRev. James C. Wyatt  19031903Rev. Richard C. SilverRev. D. W. BakerRev. Perry PretlowRev. Samuel M. JohnsonRev. Wilson J. RobinsonRev. George C. TaylorRev. William J. HarrisRev. John T. SchofieldRev. John B. HarveyRev. John O. CustisRev. John S. MasonRev. W. O. O. SaundersRev. Turner L. Leggett Rev. William H. Barnes 19041904 Rev. Joseph Gwynn Rev. L. A. Wood Rev. Alex McNeal Rev. C. H. Stepteau Rev. W. H. Davis19051905Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D.Rev. Samuel S. MorrisRev. William H. SawyerRev. S. AikensRev. Charles W. RobinsonRev. C. R. SaundersRev. Andrew A. WeaverRev. C. W. MossellRev. William C. McDowellRev. N. W. Brown19061906Rev. Samuel W. FauquaRev. W. W. BarhamRev. David WilsonRev. A. A. SenabaughRev. Stephen B. Baptist