Former Pastors

MINISTERS OF SALEM UMC

These are the former pastors of Salem United Methodist Church. Information is gained from latest pictoral directory for those who were living at the time and from the WNCC Journal that noted their parting from our earthly ranks. My apologies for any mistakes. This type of work is tedious. Names of pastors goes back to about 1900 include according to my original source. This list is arranged chronologically. The best sources for info are:

Information from Fred Kaylor to S.B Carpenter was supplied by R.R. Garrison of Salem Church. It dates from January 25, 1959. Dates prior to 1884 he says are "PART GUESS WORK".
1939 Western North Carolina Journal--pages 114, 153 252. Contains history for MES prior to 1939. The records
1. The First Session of the WNC of The Methodist Church and contains
2. Journal of the Sixty-second Session of the Blue Ridge-Atlantic Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church,
3. Journal of the one Hundred and Twelfth Session of the North Carolina Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church,
4. Journal of the Fiftieth Session of the Western North Carolina Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South
North Carolina-Virginia Conference, 1967 for Years 64-67. Begin page 55.
1968 Journal of the WNC of The Methodist Church for years 1939 through 1968, pages363-366.

To this point, all information is taken from Journals 1903, 1921, 1922, and 1924 and after in my personal library. Numbers of years served comes from the dates the Journals said they were appointed. For example, Albert Wellons was appointed to serve The Morganton Circuit from 1943 to 1946 by the Journal's testimony. His term would have ended in the year in 1947 but then he would have been listed appointed to another charge. Dates of deaths are taken from Journal which included the account of their life's ministry. It may either be the year they died or the next year. I scanned the pictures and text of Journal articles into this document if a) I had the them and b) it would not have torn up my Journals. Those in the 1960's and earlier a showing man signs of tears.

If you have any information to give about these pastors (especially the early ones) please send it to me for inclusion in care of the Update.

Fred Kaylor, Noah Kaylor, Kelly Houck and Richard William Fullwood are listed on Garrisons work but it is unclear as to whether they were pastors or church members who were at early Conferences. Listed at the 80th Annual Conference in 1792 are Terrell Stacy, James Stacey, Thomas Dorsey, John Dorsey, Winfred Stamey, Alex Stamey, W.L. Sherrill and John Brown. Again, it isn't clear to me their positions from his paper.

S. F. England; 1884-1885.

O. H. Callahan; 1885--1886,

S. L. Triplet; 1886-1889.

S. P. Douglas; 1889-1890.

J. M. Levely; 1890-1891.

I. S. Ellington; 1891-1893.

G. S. Nelson; 1893-1894.

W.V. Honeycutt; 1894-1897.

A. G. Gantt; 1897-1898. Born in Cleveland in 1843, admitted to the Conference in Cheraw, SC in 1869 and died in Ft. Worth, TX in 1914.

J. A. Gownes; 1898-1899.

Hardie Bennett; 1899-1901.

S. B. Carpenter; 1901-1903.

W. G Malonee (1903-1905) and R.S. Abernathy are listed as appointed to the Morganton Circuit in 1903.

John Jones. John Jones is not listed on R. R. Garrison's records.

W. O. Goode; 1905 to 1907.

P. L. Terrell. Born Haywood County 1853, ordained in Asheville in 1882 and died in Granite Falls in 1926. He served Salem Church from 1907 to 1908.

N. M. Moldin. Served from 1908 to 1910 in Garrison's records and returned 1918 to 1919.

E. G. Powe. Garrison has him listed from 1910 to 1911.

J. P. Horbuckle; Garrison has him listed from 1911 to 1912.

H. L. Powell; Garrison has him listed from 1912 to 1913.

A. C. Swofford; Garrison has him listed from 1913 to 1917.

A. S. Burris; Garrison has him listed from 1917 to 1918.

N. M. Moldin returns for 1918 to 1919.

A. J. Burns. He is not listed in Garrison's history.

J. A. Frye; Garrison has him listed from 1919 to 1922.

AT THIS POINT I SWITCH TO CONFERENCE RECORDS FOR INFORMATION

J. C. Gentry. It appears that Rev. Gentry was appointed as presiding elder but he is marked as being an "undergraduate". The "preacher" is listed as J.M Price. They served the Morganton Circuit this way for the years 1921 to 1922.

L. L. Smith. He was born in Randolph county on August 10, 1870. He ws accepted into the WNC traveling ministry in 1894. He died in Hickory, March 31, 1953. He served the Morganton Charge from 1923 to 1927.

D. S. Richardson. He served the Morganton Charge from 1928 to 1930. He was born in Davie County in 1865 and admitted into the WNC traveling ministry in High Point in 1903. he died in Gilkey in 1932.

H. M. Wellman. He served the Morganton Charge from 1931 to 1934.

J. Max Brandon, Jr. Max was born in Rowan County on March 6, 1914. He was accpeted into the WNC Conference traveling ministry in 1937. He died in Kings Mountain on April 1, 1966. Was on the Morganton Circuit in 1936. He was on the Morganton Circuit in 1935 to 1938.

Garland. R. Stafford. He was Born in Buffalo, West Virginia on April 23, 1904. he was accepted into the WNC traveling ministry in 1927. he died in Statesville on December 4, 1996. He was on the Morganton Circuit in 1939 to 1940.

F. W. Dowd Bangle. He was born in Charlotte on Febuary 11, 1914. He was accepted into the WNC traveling ministry in 1939. He died in Winston-Salem on January 3, 1990. He served at Salem in 1941 to 1943.

Albert W. Wellons was born in Lenoir on September 13, 1915. It appears he was originally a part of another conference (BR-A) and admitted to the ranks there in 1937. He died in Winston-Salem on February 27, 1979. He served at Salem from 1943 to 1946.

huss HOSKIE OTHO HUSS

March 25, 1902-December 17, 1986

Hoskie Otho Huss was born on March 25, 1902, in the Laurel Hill community of West Lincoin County, North Carolina. His father, William Joseph Huss, and his mother, Dora Sain Huss were the parents of six sons and two daughters. The family moved to Catawba County during Hoskie's childhood. He and his brother M.F. Huss were boys, they were both received into the membership of Ebenezer Methodist Church in the Statesville District on the same Sunday. Shortly after, joining the church, Hoskie felt in his heart that God was him into the Christian ministry, just as He had called his brother D. Thurman Huss, who was a member of the Western North Carolina Conference until his death on August 13, 1971.

After graduation from Bandys High School in Catawba County, Hoskie enrolled in Rutherford College to pursue preparation for the ministry. When he had graduated from that~ institution, he advanced in his courses of study and continued his studies at Duke University. In 1934, at the age of thirty-two, he married Lilly Mae Carpenter, and she was his devoted and faithful helper and co-worker in the churches he served and in their home for fifty-two years.

Hoskie was received on trial in the Western North Carolina Conference at the 1934 session. He was admitted to full connection and ordained deacon in 1936 and was ordained elder in 1938. For thirty-four years this faithful minister served a series of charges, some of which were difficult situations. His early appointments were Robbinsville, 1934-36; Brevard Circuit, 1936-37; Todd, 1937-39; and Stony Point, 1939-41. In 1941, he became a "retired supply pastor" because of health, and in that connection he again served Todd (1942) and was then appointed to Mocksville (1942-43). At the conference of 1943, being in restored health, he assumed a full workload and was appointed to St. Paul (1943-44). His remaining appointments included Old Fort, 1944 47; Morganton Circuit, 1947-51; Kona, 1951-52; Monroe: North, 1952-54; Broad River, 1954-58; Concord-Mary's Grove, 1958-65; Casar, 1965-66; and Unionville, 1966-68. He retired from theactive ministry in 1968.

In all of these appointments, as a truly dedicated minister, Brother Huss gave his best to the people to whom he was sent to serve. His ministry was characterized by a kindly disposition a loving concern for people of all walks of life. His was an evangelistic nature, and across the Yhe influenced many persons to give their lives to Christ and to enter the fellowship of the church. In his retirement, he and his wife built a home near Lincolnton, North Carolina. This writer had the privilege of receiving them into the fellowship of Asbury Church in that area, where they became a big asset and made a significant contribution. Their only son, Charles Harmon Huss, and his family were also received into Asbury Church, as they were sharing the retirement home with his parents.

In the years after his active ministry, Brother Huss pursued the hobby of gardening and fruit trees on several acres he had acquired. He became so much a part of the ministry of Asbruy Church that in 1981 he was installed as minister emeritus, a position he held until after a long illness, at the age of eighty-four on December 17, 1986. He is survived by his son and two grandchildren. The funeral service was conducted at Asbury United Methodist Church Lincolnton, on December 19 by the pastor, Elton L. Strickland, and this writer. Pastor Strickland set the tone of the service by saying, "We have come here today not so much to mourn the passing of this servant of God, as to celebrate his life, which was lived so triumphantly among us and the congregations he served across the years." Interment was in the Asbury Church cemetery his beloved wife, Lilly, who had preceded him in death on June 11, 1986, just six before.

At a called session of the ministers of the conference in High Point on January 12, 1987, after the names of those ministers who had died since June were read, it was said, "God has now given them the greatest gift of all, eternal life." Hoskie Huss, by his life and ministry, fulfilled the scriptures: "What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

Miles A.McClean

[H. O. Huss was born in Lincoln County on March 25,1902. He was admitted to the ranks of Traveling Preachers in 1934. He died in Lincolnton December 17, 1986. He served at Salem from 1947 to 1950.]

Hovis GUY ARTHUR HOVIS

October 17, 1902 -- June 20, 1983

Guy Arthur Hovis was born on October 17, 1902, in Dallas, North Carolina, to the late Henry T. and Winnie Carpenter Hovis. The youngest of seven children, he was reared in a fine Christian home. He was educated in the Dallas schools, old Rutherford College, Brevard College, and Western Carolina University, from which he graduated in 1939. He also did correspondence work with Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Brother Hovis was a member of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference for nearly forty-four years. His first appointment was as a supply pastor at Warrensville in 1925. He served as a supply pastor for eight years while he made his way through college and the conference Course of Study in preparation for ordination and full conference membership. He was ordained deacon in 1928, admitted on trial in 1939, admitted into full connection in 1941, and ordained elder in 1943. He retired in 1968 and moved to Winston-Salem, where he lived until his death on June 20, 1983. Funeral services were held in the First United Methodist Church of Newton, North Carolina, by the pastor, Kenneth M. Johnson, assisted by Dallas M. Rush. His body was buried in Eastview Cemetery in Newton.

On November 7, 1925, Guy A. Hovis and Anne Kanipe, of Newton, were united in marriage, a union that lasted for fifty-seven years and to which was born a daughter, Kathryn Ann Hovis Peterson, born May 12, 1927, and now a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee. Brother Hovis is survived by his wife and daughter, four grandchildren, one sister, and three brothers.

During his active ministry, Brother Hovis served the following charges: Webster, 1939-40; East Bend, 1940-45; Bakersville, 1948-51; Morganton Circuit, 1951-55; Haw River, 1955-61; Denton Circuit, 1961-64; and Bethany-Cotton Grove, 1964-68. His first appointment paid less than $1,000 per year, and he never received a salary of much over $4,000. His many years of faithful ministry are a witness to the fact that he served for love of the Lord and for love of the church and not for material gain. His ministry also reminds us that wherever we serve, whether by choice or necessity, there is work to be done, and there are people who need the gospel of Christ. A congregation may be small, but its people still need a Sunday School for instruction, a church for worship, and a pastor who cares. Guy Hovis was such a pastor, and he endeared himself to those whom he served.

Reared in a period when the annual revival was the main thrust of evangelism in the local church, he used and magnified this type of evangelism throughout his ministry. Often serving large circuits where he could have contact with the local church only once or twice a month, he rejoiced in the revival season, which gave him an opportunity to give his time and efforts completely to one congregation for a whole week. Many of his summers were spent almost entirely in revival services, and no one can know the number of people, both young and old, whose lives were touched by his ministry in these meetings.

Many a preacher earns the reputation of being "a builder of churches." In a sense, such a title might be given to Guy Hovis. Although in the rural charges which he served he had few opportunities to build new churches, he took special pleasure in remodeling the old parsonages in which he and his family lived and in adding new Sunday School facilities to the churches which he served. In renovating one parsonage, he made the wood shingles and put on a new roof by himself. When a new appointment was in question, the family had a saying: "Go out and find an old parsonage that needs to be remodeled, and that is where we will go." In this, too, he used his unique talents to express his love for the church and its people.

Though death ends the earthly story of this life, as of every life, Guy Hovis still lives in memory of those friends who survive him, and the gospel of our Lord which he proclaimed still works as a ferment in the lives of those to whom he ministered. Indeed, "Blessed are those who die in the Lord," for "they rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."

J. Clay Madison

[G. A. Hovis was born in Gaston County on October 17, 1902. Admitted to the ranks of Traveling Preahcers in 1939. He died in Winston-Salem, June 20, 1983. He served at Salem from 1951 to 1954.]

HENRY ROY CORNELIUS

October 23, 1896- March 28, 1965

[He served at Salem from 1955 to1957]

It is always a tender moment when one tries to write the memoir of a beloved minister of the Western North Carolina Conference. On Sunday morning, March 28, 1965, Brother Roy Cornelius passed away at his home on the Old Sherrill s Ford Road, Route 2, Newton. He had been ill for only two days, and death followed a massive heart attack.

Henry Roy Cornelius was born October 23,1896, at Troutman, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Preston Cornelius. At the early age of three he said to his parents that he was going to be a preacher. This dream and hope never wavered as he grew into childhood and young manhood.

He attended Catawba County schools and continued his education at Catawba College, then located at Newton. He went on to Rutherford College and to Old Trinity College at Durham. In college he manifested a forthrightness of purpose and was loved and respected by his fellow students.

On June 30, 1928, he married the gracious and lovely Miss Lena Setzer. Down through the years these two walked together. They made their parsonage home a place of attractiveness and beauty. The warmth and geniality of these two good people made everyone feel at home.

He is survived by his wife; by a son, James C. Cornelius, Monroe; a daughter, Mrs. J. Banks Chilton, of Statesville; four granddaughters, six sisters and four brothers.

He joined the Western North Carolina Conference in 1923 and had to retire in 1960 because of poor health. During these years of retirement he attended the Friendship Methodist Church at Balls Creek Charge. In every way possible he tried to be of service to hiss church and pastor,

The charges he served are as follows: Helton; Norwood Circuit; Weaverville Circuit; Hayesville; Rockford Street, Mount Airy; Ruffin; Lilesville; North Monroe; Nebo; Bethseda; Morris Field; Morganton Circuit (1955-1957); and Concord-Hopewell. It was quite singular at the last church he served, Concord-Hopewell, was the church out of which he came as a young preacher.

For thirty-seven years Mr. Cornelius carried the banner of Christ across the Western North Carolina Conference. He saw this great conference grow from a relatively small conference into one of the great conferences of Methodism. Let us not forget that it was men like Mr. Cornelius who have helped make our conference extraordinarily influential and outstanding.

Let it be said that no one can fully measure the influence of a good man like Brother Cornelius. Only God can do this, but the warmth of his personality, the tender concern he had for people, the deep interest he took in the problems and sorrows of his people, instinctively drew others to him. His congregations always knew that in their pastor they had a man of utmost sincerity, deep devotion, and Christlike character. Roy Cornelius preached the gospel with deep conviction, and his people knew that his sermons were borne out of prayer and concentrated study.

Always Brother Cornelius tried to believe that his appointment was the appointment God would have him serve. He took the Methodist ministry seriously. For him it was a divine vocation---God's trust. He took hard and difficult churches and transformed them into places of influence and goodness. He did not serve the so-called "great" pulpits, but he made every pulpit great. He was able to lift his people's vision mid help them see the challenge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived a life that was utterly unselfish, self-effacing, and outgoing. When he moved from one appointment to another, his peeple could say, "We are thankful that a man such as this came our way.

His pastor, Byron Shankle, and this writer conducted the funeral service before a large congregation of friends and ministers of the Western North Carolina Conference, March 30th, 11:00 a.m., at the Friendship Methodist Church. He was buried in the faro-fly plot by the side of the Friendship Church.

So today we gratefully salute this gracious, kind minister who kindled in others a love for Christ and a brighter hope of a better day. He tried to make Paul's words his own Christian witness: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." We are led to say about this man what Tennyson said about his friend:

                 "Foremost captain of his time
                  Rich in his saving common sense,
                  And as the great only are 
                  In his simplicity divine."

Cecil G Hefner

Robert White, Local Pastor, 1858-1959. As of this time I can find no information on Rev. Robert White. If he continued as a local pastor, information on him may not be available.

edwardsm Moir W. Edwards

Can life be summarized in a few words? Even when we meet in memory of the beloved dead, we hesitate to try. All the complex values and motives of life, the depths of human emotions, the heights of intellectual achievement cannot hope to be comprehended in some short, simple statement. And yet, sometimes the truly great have a divine simplicity about them which may be briefly pointed out, and then nothing further need be added. Such is the case with Moir Edwards, a man who could be described as a good person, full of faith and of the Spirit of God.

Moir Williamson Edwards was born to Alfred and Dora Edwards at Salisbury, North Carolina. They moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he was very active at the Muirs Chapel United Methodist Church.

Moir attended Guilford College and Duke University, where he received his Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Duke Divinity School.

Moir joined the Western North Carolina Annual Conference in 1931. He served the following charges: Skyland, Hot Springs, Oilkey, Old Fort Circuit, Mill Spring, Drexel Circuit, Henrietta, Lexington: Trinity, Greensboro: St. Pauls, Madison, Winston-Salem: Trinity, Winston-Salem: First, Boonville-Mitchells Chapel, Morganton: Salem ( 1958 to 1962), Albemarle: Tabernacle, and Bakersville. In 1969 he retired with thirty-eight years active service.

On Easter Sunday in 1934, he married Edna Earle Farrow. They were blessed with two daughters, Gene Farrow Edwards and Anne Lane Edwards, who died in an automobile accident when she was twenty-five years of age.

The loss of Moir Edwards is a sad one. But the loss of his warm smile, his hearty laugh, his keen insight into truth, his genuine concern for people, his love for all those he called "friend" is equally a tragedy.

None of us likes to think about death. We are concerned with life, with our dreams, and hopes for the future; with our plans for the days ahead, and with the goals we seek to attain. The end of life seems so far away, and death is something that happens to someone else. There are times when death comes suddenly and unexpectedly. In the midst of life, with every joy of living near at hand, the one we love is taken from us.

With all our learning, with all our knowledge of health and disease, with all the precautions we can take, death is still but a step away from any of us. Incidents can happen with warning, as the sad events of the past few days remind us. Perhaps we can find some comfort in the fact that the step of death is common to us all. Whether the timetable of God puts death near at hand or far away, it is a step that we all must take. None can escape. Eventually we move into the mystery of life from which no traveler returns. We may not be sure of the precise moment appointed for each of, us, but we are certain, as long as history continues, that the time will arrive.

Our feelings in the face of death may be difficult to describe, but they arc common to all mankind. In spite of the fact that we know death eventually comes to all of us, we fight against it will all our strength and with all the knowledge that science can provide. Thus, when we turn to the book of the Psalms and read that the death ora person is "precious" in the sight of the Lord, the statement seems too difficult for us to grasp.

We hold many things precious, but death is not one of them. For us, life is precious, friends are precious, our possessions are precious. How can death be called "precious" in anyone's sight? When someone so near to us had died, the sun fades from our lives and we become as cold as the deepest sea -- empty and void, as in space.

The end of a person's life is a time of sorrow and pain and parting. It is a time that is not easy for us, but it is a time which is precious in the sight of God. John Denver, in one of his songs, shares with us his thought on the endless question of death: "So you speak to me of sadness and the coming of the winter. The fear that is within you now seems to never end. Where are the dreams that have escaped you and the hopes that you have forgotten? Where is the rhyme and the reason of it all?" It is here that we need to seek wisdom of God, for it clears a cloudy day.

For a few moments, let us try to see with the eyes of God, to understand with a divine understanding. This event, so sorrowful for us, is precious in the sight of God. Perhaps He will give us the grace to see our loss in the same way that he views it. Something about the death of Moir makes it an event of unequaled value in the sight of God.

Death is precious because Moir has died. After a person dies, his life becomes even more precious to each of us. There are many memories and thoughts which are etched in our hearts of Moir. I remember visiting Moir just a few days after our arrival at this appointment. I felt as ff I knew him because of an acquaintance in my last appointment who knew him personally. That first visit was one of warmth and concern for me. You see, I was young, and he was wise with age. He shared some thoughts with me about my appointment. He shared with me the way that I should serve my appointment. It was indeed very helpful. After our sharing business concerns, Moir shared with me some of his life. He loved sports and enjoyed boxing, fishing, and especially Duke football. He then took me on a journey looking back over his thirty-eight years in the active ministry. He shared with me how he met his wife, Edna, on the Duke Endowment, and how the two of them began their ministry together. He told me that in many communities which he served, he not only was the minister, but also the doctor. He even had a black bag that he carried around with him in his visits. MoWs ministry was a Ions pilgrimage which took him many places and into the hearts of thousands. He served his appointments with distinction.

As witnessed by part of his ministry here, I have heard person after person say of Moir, "he was a great man!"

I appreciated those times with him. The times of sharing, the times of living and loving, the times we traveled together, the times of just sitting and walkingt all of these take on a new dimension today. But the thing that sticks out in my mind was his efforts to come to church every Sunday it did not rain. It took Moir three and one half hours to get ready and come to Church. He came because he wished to come. He came because of his faith and his love for his Lord. He was here this past Sunday. While in Sunday School he led his class in prayer, and the evening before his death, he asked Edna to call a member of this church to see how he was getting along. His ministry continued even in his retirement. He couldn't get out and walk, but cards would find their way into homes which had sickness and death. I always considered him as my senior minister. I always appreciated his ministry. How sweet it is to know someone in this way! How right it is to care!

Death is precious because it is the time when Moir becomes one with God. If God has given us so much beauty in our relationship with Moir, does it all end with his death. No! Just as God has plan for the seeds, trees, and forests of the world, he has a plan for us. We watch the fruit tree as it seems to die in the autumn, its leaves falling to the ground. But that death is only a prelude to the buds and blossoms and fruit of the spring that follows. Death is the transformation of man into the beautiful existence beyond. John Denver in another song says it so beautifully, "He left yesterday behind him. You might say that he was born again." It is the prelude to this life which God has prepared for us, then, to touch also the experience of Death.

Many of you have read the book, I HEARD THE OWL CALL MY NAME. It is the story of a young priest who travels to a community of Indians and becomes their minister. The parish is located in British Columbia. The little village is called Kingcome.

While there, the pastor learns that he has a terminal illness. Among these vanishing Indians, the pastor learns enough of the meaning of life not to fear death. Through his faith and humanity, he becomes part of the village, of the Indians themselves, and witness to their rituals and beliefs and the gradual disintegration of a culture. One custom stands out in this Indian village of Kingcome. When a person would die, the community would bury the person and would place on the grave a reminder of what the person did in the community. There were no names, just articles placed on the graves. It was through these articles that persons in the village would know whose grave it was.

If I might borrow a little tradition today from the Kingcome Indians, I would place two articles as symbols to this community of the life of Moir Edwards. The first symbol would be a glove. This glove would represent the helping hand which he gave to persons in his ministry. The glove would be old and worn, with the fingers threadbare. This glove would look back on thirty-eight years of full service, and seven years during retirement. I have a feeling that Moir felt happy -- deep down in himself-- knowing that he had touched many lives -- working for something that God believes in -- something like the church -- something like caring, something that is eternal.

The second symbol would be the cross -- representing his faith and trust in God -- for those moments of joyful fulfillment -- looking back and seeing that he had done something for God -- that he stood for something that God wanted him to stand for -- that he had done something that God wanted him to do -- that he had not lived his life just for himself -- but that he had joined hands with God and had done something for somebody else.

He is survived by wife Edna, his daughter Gene (Mrs. Fred T. Jones, Jr.), three grandchildren, Anne Moir Jones, Frederick Thomas Jones III, Timi Gene Greene, and a son-in-law, Fred T. Jones, Jr., who was truly a real son and wrote the following tribute at the time of Moir's death.

Moir Williamson Edwards was a man strong in character. He steadfastly championed those things in which he believed. His wit was always keen, even in the face of adversity, and his smile was genteel. Many will remember his presence and caring in the time of sorrow. He could be depended upon to be there when needed. Even when he could not visit personally, he sent cards and greetings, and many have said that they were uplifted by these remembrances. He always had an interest in life, even to voting in the last election. He loved sports and particularly followed the Duke games. Most of all, he loved his church and his family and was vitally interested in the achievements of both.

Officiating at the funeral service at the Boonville United Methodist Church in Boonville were C.M. Worthy, Jr., Robert H. Stamey, and Derrea L. Parris.

C.M. Worthy, Jr.

morrisj Joseph Morris

September 28, 1932.February 24, 1993

Joseph Russell Morris was born on September 28, 1932, in Pound, Virginia, the son of Orbie M. and Allie Litchfield Morris. He joined the Methodist Church in Pound and, after earning his A.B. degree from Emory & Henry College in 1955, entered the Duke Divinity School. While at Duke, he met Nancy Elaine Sheffey, a nursing student, and, following his graduation with the master of divinity degree, they were married on September 20, 1958. That same year, he was ordained deacon, having been admitted to the Western North Carolina Conference on trial in 1956. In 1960, he was received into full connection and ordained elder.

In 1964, Joe and Nancy adopted a son, Joseph Rhett, and on February 18, 1965, they had a daughter, Palge Leigh. Their family increased with the addition of a danghter-in-law, Melody; a son-in-law, Keith Kramer; and two grandchildren. During his tenure in The United Methodist Church, Joe was pastor to Albemarle: Tabernacle, 1958-62; Morganton: Salem, 1962-65; Gastonia: Trinity, 1965-68; Bryson City, 1968-72; Eden: First, 1972-76; Canaan, 1976-82; Mars Hill, 1982-84 (including Bright Hope Laurel, 1983-84); Greensboro: Groometown-St. Andrews, 1984-88; High Point: Welch Memorial, 1988-92; and Claremont: Bethlehem, 1992-93. He was a member of various conference committees and served on the Board of Ordained Ministry.

Joe died on February 24, 1993, as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident. At the time, he was serving as pastor to Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Claremont, North Carolina, where his funeral was held on February 27, 1993. He was buried at Canaan United Methodist Church cemetery in Thomasville, North Carolina.

Joe was a loving husband and father, a truly dedicated and unassuming minister, a friend, and a man of integrity. He also had the smoothest golf swing in the conference!

Earl P. Crow, Jr.

davisj John E. Davis

John was admitted On Trial and ordained a Deacon to the Annual Conference in 1961. He was ordained an Elder and admitted into Full Connection to the Annual Conference in 1964. He was born March 2, 1938. He earned his BA from High Point College in 1960 and his MDiv from Duke University in 63. John married Grace Anderson Seavet August 14, 1963. he served as Mar: St. Mark's in 1963, Concord in 1964, Salem (Morganton) in 1965, Park Street in 1971, First Church/Cherokee Cooperative Parish (Murphy), Stallings in 1980, Kingswood in 1982, First Church Cherryville in 1988, Central Church in Mr. Airy, Northeast District Superintendent in 1995 and Marion District Superintendent in 1996.

andrews FLETCHER LANIER ANDREWS

(April 21, 1921 - May 2, 1997)

Fletcher Andrews was born on April 21, 1921, in Landrum, South Carolina, the seventh of eight children born to Robert Franklin and Susie Meaders Andrews. Three of the sons became United Methodist ministers, and one daughter married a minister. Fletcher's father was a depot agent for Southern Railway, and for a time the family lived on the grounds of Lake Junaluska Assembly.

After graduating from Swain County High School in Bryson City, Fletcher matriculated at Berca College in Kentucky, where he graduated (A.B.) in 1942. During World War II he served as an instrument flight instructor for the U.S. Navy in Pensacola, Florida. He married Angela Joan Whitener on April 15, 1944. Following his naval service, he worked from 1946 to 1950 as a Boy Scout executive in Georgia and also for the Cedartown, Georgia, Recreation Department.

In response to God's call upon his life, Fletcher was licensed to preach in 1947 and received the B.D. degree in 1953 from Candler School of Theology of Emory University. While attending Candler, he served (1950-53) as pastor of Aragon Methodist Church, Aragon, Georgia. At the 1951 session of the North Georgia Conference, he was admitted on trial. Ordination as a deacon followed in 1950, and in 1953 he was admitted to full connection and ordained elder.

Following seminary graduation, he served in Franklin, Georgia, 1953-56, and at Woodbury-Molena, 1956-59. In 1959 he returned to North Carolina, and his conference membership was transferred to the Western North Carolina Conference. In this conference he served as pastor at Advance-Mocks, 1959-62; Bethesda (Thomasville District), 1962-66; May's Chapel-St. Paul's, 1966-71; Morganton: Salem-Denton's Chapel, 1971-76; Messiah, 1976-81; and Centenary (Salisbury District), 1981-85. He was granted retirement in 1985, and, in that relationship, served as pastor at Fairgrove (Statesville District) from January 1989 to June 1990.

Fletcher and Joan were the parents of five children: John Fletcher (born on March 3, 1945), James Kenneth (born on April 16, 1946), Angela Whitener (born on May 13, 1947), Harry Franklin (born on September 2, 1948), and Marnie Whitener (born on December 9, 1951). John and Harry have followed in their father's footsteps to become United Methodist ministers.

Fletcher and Joan made a team. To help rear five children, Joan worked as a teacher and librarian. Due to their schedules, Fletcher became the chief cook of the family, and he became a gourmet cook while he was at it. He enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardens and made beautiful showings with both.

Fletcher was filled with boundless energy and curiosity. At every church he served, he worked to strengthen the lay leadership. He was also a tireless evangel who continuously preached the good news. He brought over 300 persons into the church by profession of faith. He was beloved in the churches he served and was often invited back, especially after his retirement. He enjoyed traveling and did as much as time and money would afford.

He died unexpectedly on May 2, 1997, and a memorial service was held at First United Methodist Church, Maiden, on May 5. As a part of that service, the hymn "My Times Are in Thy Hand" was sung. It was his favorite hymn, and the words are a testimony of his life:

                     My times are in Thy hand:
                     My God, I wish them there;
                     My life, my friends, my soul, I leave
                     Entirely to Thy care.
                     My times are in Thy hand;
                     Why should I doubt or fear?
                     My Father's hand will never cause
                     His child a needless tear.
          My times are in Thy hand;
                     I'll always trust in Thee;
                     And, after death, at Thy right hand
                     I shall forever be.

youngm C. Milton Young

Admitted On Trial to the WNC in 1955. Consecrated a Deacon in 1955 and admitted into Full Connection to the Annual Conference in 1959. Milton retired in 1996. Born October 6, 1931 in Burnsvelle. He earned his AB from from Beria in 1954 and his BD from Duke in 1957. He married Margaret Ray Wilson in August 19, 1959. He served at Elkwood-Sardis in 1957, at East Flat Rock in 1960, at Fair View in 1964, at Canaan in 1967, at Messiah in 1972, at Salem Church (Morganton) in 1976 [to 1990], at Konoak Hills (Winston-Salem) in 1981, at Andrews/Cherokee Cooperative Parish in 1985 and at Forest City First Church in in 1992.

whitec Clyde L. White

Jan 21, 1930 - April 12, 2001

Clyde was consecrated at Deacon in 1971 and was admitted at a Preparatory Member of the Annual Conference in 1975. He was ordained and Elder and entered into Full Connection in the WNC of the UMC in 1977. He retired in 1995. He received his AB from Asbury College in 1956. He married Virginia Vaye Sessoms August 24, 1957. He served the Boone Circuit in 1971, Rocky Springs in 1972, Collier's-Baton in 1977, Salem Church (Morganton) in 1981 to 1983, Catawba in 1986, Len: Whitnel in 1991. After retirement, he served at Friendship-Shady Grove in 1995 and retired again in 1997.

WILLIAM GETTYS BIGGERSTAFF

March 30, 1929-April 24, 1992.

William Gettys Biggerstaff was born on March 30, 1929, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, the son of the late Charlie and Winnie Gettys Biggerstaff. He was the fourth of five children in the family.

Bill graduated from Sunshine High School and went to High Point College, where he received the bachelor of arts degree in 1966. He felt God's call to preach at the age of eighteen when he and his family were attending church at Cedar Grove Methodist Church, in the Marion District. He did not answer that call, however, until 1960, when he was licensed to preach. He spent the first sixteen years of his employment in the textile industry, but when he answered God's call; he put his whole life into the church.

Bill was admitted on trial in the Western North Conference on June 11, 1967, and was ordained deacon in same year. He was ordained elder and admitted into full connection in 1969. His appointments were as follows: Greer's Chapel, 1961-65; South Davidson, 1965-69; Oak Grove (Thomasville District), 1969-71; Clover Hill-Oak Grove, 1971-77; Marion: East Marion-West Marion, 1977-84; Catawba, 1984-86; and Morganton: Salem, where he served from 1986 until his death on April 24, 1992.

He was married to Huldah Louise Upton on December 16, 1950. To this union two wonderful children were born: Michael Gettys (on December 11, 1952) and Linda Louise (Mrs. Rob) Traywick (on December 18, 1954). Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his family.

As a pastor, he loved and cared about others. He was known as a minister who was willing to listen to the problems of people. He rejoiced with those of his membership who rejoiced, and he shared the pain of those who were sick or troubled. He shared the "Good News" of Jesus Christ wherever he went.

Bill loved being a minister and he never wanted to quit. He had a deep faith and a sense of humor that enabled him to endure the lengthy illness which took his life. Funeral services for him were conducted by Alec M. Alvord, superintendent of the Marion District, and Frank G. Richards III at Salem United Methodist Church, Morganton, on April 26, 1992. Burial was in Cedar Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, in the Sunshine community of Rutherford County.

Bill Biggerstaff was a "big man" who walked "tall" among men. He was a beloved pastor, an excellent preacher, an able administrator, and an understanding counselor. His record of additions to the church reflected his concern and love for people. His devotion to our "connectional" system was reflected in the acceptance and payment of World Service and other apportionments across his entire ministry.

In his enthusiasm for the work of the church, Bill felt that he could never do enough for his Lord. He would have sung the following words with great affirmation:

            When we've been there ten thousand years 
            Bright shining as the sun,
            We've no less days to sing God'S praise
            Than when we first begun.

                                                     W.T. Medlin, Jr.

Don Freshour

Born October 14, 1944 in Marion, North Carolina to Arelin Freshour (was also an Associate Member of the WNC) and Hazel Plemmons Freshour. Don married Lynda Barton on March 13, 1965. He served the Avery Circuit starting in 1970, The Table Rock Charge in 1974, The Sunshine Charge in 1979, the Pleasant Grove-Alexander Charge (Forest City) in 1986, Pleasant Grove (Forest City) in 1987, and Salem Church in Morganton in 1992. Don was ordained a Diacon in 1972 and admitted into Associate Membership in the WNC in 1978.