1855-1856 J. M. DUDLEY(See 1848-1849)

–––––––––– 1862-1863 V. SANFORD

Rev. Vanlindon Sanford was born on April 2, 1823 in Cabell County, Virginia (now Lincoln County, West Virginia). He was reared in Kanawha County. He was married to Miss Caroline Strawn at Moundsville by Gordon Battelle in 1860. While in business in Charleston he was converted under the ministry of Dr. A. J. Lyda in 1850. He felt called to the ministry soon after he joined the church. He did not hesitate, but proceeded to close up his business and entered the ministry as his life’s work.

His father and mother were Methodists and his brothers and sisters were all religious. At one time four of the brothers were members of the West Virginia Conference - Vanlindon, W.D., Henry Clay and James. Their brother Robert was an accepted local preacher.

He was recommended for license to preach by the Forks of Coal River Mission on April 2, 1853. In June of the same year he was an assistant to Rev. D.H.K. Dix on the Logan circuit, Guyandotte District. He was received into the West Virginia Conference in June 1854 and appointed to Fort Lick Charge. He was admitted into full connection in the West Virginia Conference in 1857 and ordained elder in 1859. His appointments were Fort Lick (1854-55), Coal River (1855-56), Sandy (1856-57), Fayette and Raleigh (1857-58), Malden (1858-59), South Wheeling (1859-60), Murraysville (1860-62), Williamstown (1862-64), Harrisville (1865-66), Middlebourne (1867), superannuated (1867-1869), Wayne (1869-72) Nicholas (1872-73), although it seems that he did not fill this work), Coal River (1873-75) and Hamlin (1875-77). Rev. Sanford died May 1, 1901.

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1865-1867 W. P. L. HINDMAN

Rev. W. L. Hindman was admitted to the Western Virginia Conference in 1849. Appointments were Logan (1849-50) Summersville (1850-51), Wayne (1851-52), Pt. Pleasant (1852-53), Glenville (1853-55), Middlebourne (1855-57), Barbour (1857-59), Beverly (1859-61), Philippi (1861-62), Glenville (1862-63), Grantsville (1863-64), Williamstown (1865-67), Palatine (1867-70), Pruntytown (1870-72), Marion (1872-74), Sistersville (1874-1876) and Grave Creek (1876-77).Rev. Hindman died March 17, 1877 in Moundsville, West Virginia in his fifty-seventh year.

1848 - 1849 J. M. DUDLEY

Rev. John McDugal Dudley was born April 8, 1818 in Marion County, (West) Virginia. He was the son of a Revolutionary War soldier. He was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at age fifteen. He spent his early years on the farm, in school and in teaching. He was licensed to preach in 1842.

On June 23, 1846 he married Jeniza E. Price. Two sons, Homer P. Dudley and Wiley M. Dudley of the Des Moines Conference and two daughters, one of which was Mrs. Mary Griffith, survived.

He entered the Pittsburgh Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1842. Appointments in (West) Virginia included Kingwood (1843-44), Allegheny (1844-45), Lumberport (1845-46) and Kanawha (1846-48). In 1848 he became a member of the Western Virginia Conference, ME. His appointments were Williamsport (1848-49) Williamstown, Fish Creek Mission (1849-50), Elizabeth & Wood Mission (1851-52), Little Kanawha Mission (1852-53), Middlebourne (1853-55) and Williamsport (1855-56) Williamstown. In 1856 he located then joined the Upper Iowa Conference in 1857. He became a member of the Des Moines Conference at division. In 1872 he became superannuated after which he did supply work. Rev. Dudley died July 20, 1897 in Des Moines, Iowa.

1 8 5 0 - 1 8 5 2 A . D I X O N

Rev. Andrew Dixon was born in the year of our Lord 1805. He was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at eight years of age. Through all the years that followed, he fully exemplified, to the church and to the world, the truth of his conversion and the value of early piety. He was admitted on trial into the Ohio Conference in 1832, and was ordained Deacon, and received into full connection in 1834; was ordained Elder in 1836. In addition to other pastorates, he served Williamsport (Williamstown). He assisted in the organization of the West Virginia Conference in 1848, by division having fallen within its territorial limits. As a devoted and an acceptable minister of Christ, he spent years as an effective and efficient worker in the vineyard of the Master and many in the day of the Lord will acknowledge him as having been the instrument, in the hands of God, in bringing them to Christ.

For a number of years, on account of age and infirmity, he had been on the superannuated list, leading a quiet and somewhat retired life. Feb ruary, 1886, in the full assurance of faith, he fell asleep, and entered upon the reward promised to the faithful minister of Christ. “Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.”

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1872-1873 J. S. FREELAND

Rev. John S. Freeland was born August 23, 1845 in Mapletown, Green County, Pennsylvania. He was converted at age eighteen and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. On his nineteenth birthday he enlisted in Company D of the 159th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was in the battles of Hatcher’s Run and Five Forks and witnessed the surrender of General Lee. He was discharged in 1865. Upon returning home he entered college for a time. In 1869 he was licensed to preach and traveled with Rev. J.B. Blakeney, then presiding elder of the Morgantown District.

He entered the West Virginia Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1871. His appointments were Brandonville (1867-69), Boone & Logan (1869-70), Pt. Pleasant (1870-71), Clifton (1871-72), Williamstown (1872-73), Burning Springs (1873-76) and Ceredo (1876). In 1876 he transferred to the Iowa Conference.

Rev. Freeland died January 2, 1885.––––––––––

1875 – T. R. FAULKNER

Rev. T. R. Faulkner was born January 9, 1844 in Greenup, Kentucky. His father died before he was born. He attended school in Ironton, Ohio then Mt. Union College. He served four years in the Union army during the Civil War. Follow-ing the war he studied for the ministry. He was received into the Methodist Episcopal Church, West Viginia Conference in 1871 and served the following charges: Brandonville, Morgantown Circuit, Rowlesburg, Williamstown, St. Mary’s, Hatford City, New Martinsville, Letart, Nicholas Circuit Medaryville (Indiana), Albright, Grantsville, Bruceton and Freemansburg. On April 29, 1875, he married Martha V. Bishop. Three children blessed the home. Rev. Falkner died August 30, 1923 in Albright, West Virginia.

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1879–1881 – D. S. HAMMOND(also served Williamstown 1891-1893

Rev. Dr. David S. Hammond was born at Fairview near Moundsville on October 10, 1850. He was converted early in life and felt the call to preach. He attended Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio which later conferred a D.D. degree on him. He was appointed to Williamstown and other congregations during his ministry. He had an active leadership role in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was presiding elder of the Charleston District, member of the General Conference in 1896, member of the Book

Committee, Superintendent of the Boys School at Pruntytown, and member of the Board of Directors of the Asylum at Spencer, West Virginia. He was a strong, forceful and earnest preacher. He died March 30, 1922.

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1881–1882 – O. J. MOORE

Rev. Okey Johnson Moore was born April 13, 1860 in Sistersville, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia State Normal School (1877) and received a diploma from Drew University (1886). He married Ann Eliza Ruttencutter on April 4, 1882 who died in 1941. They had five children, three of whom survived their father, George Lankton, Ruth Moore DeKalb and Susan Moore Rothrock.

He entered the West Virginia Conference in 1880. Appointments included Ceredo (1880-81), Williamstown (1881-82) and Milton (1882 -1883). He transferred to the Colorado Conference in 1886 and to the North-East Ohio Conference in 1900.

Rev. Moore died November 14, 1947. Funeral services were held in Clearwater, Florida.

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1882-1883 – R. B. WARD

Rev. Richard Brooks Ward was born May 6, 1860 in West Mil-ford, (West) Virginia. He was the son of Grafton and Sarah (Brooks) Ward. He was one of three brothers who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps. His grandfather was Rev. Richard Brooks who was one of the first members of the West Virginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He graduated from Scio, now Mt. Union College in Ohio. In September 1883, he married Miss Katherine Metcalf at Williamstown, West Virginia. They had one son, LeMarck Ward, who was born in 1896. He entered the West Virginia Conference at the age of 20 and served Williamstown, Point Pleasant, West Union, Mannington, Cameron, Oakland (Maryland) and was superintendent of the Oakland District. In 1917, he transferred to the Pittsburgh Conference and served: Ros-coe, Mount Morris and Chester (West Virginia) from 1922 to 1925. He retired in 1925. During his ministry, he was elect-ed to the General Conference three times. He died July 13, 1938 in Covington, Kentucky at the home of his son.

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1883-1884 – W. W. KING

Rev. William Wirt King was born in West Virginia about 1863. He was the son of Rev. F. H. J. King of the West Virginia Con-ference and Rufina E. Wilson King. He was educated at Ohio Wesleyan College, Scio College and Illinois Wesleyan Univer-sity (M.A. and Ph.D.). He began his ministry in the West Vir-ginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1882. Among his appointments were at Quinnimont and Hinton (1882-83); Williamstown (1883-84); Benwood (1886-88); and Huntington (1888-91). In 1898, he moved to St. Louis and in 1900 then to Wilmington, Delaware where he stayed ten years. He then returned to the St. Louis Conference. In 1924 he was appointed President of Ozark Wesleyan College in Carthage, Missouri and retired there in 1930. He died in September 1957 in Walloon Lake, Michigan. His only son William Wirt Jr. died in 1947. His wife, Alta King, died December 24, 1958.

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1884-1885 – C. E. CLARK

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1885-1887 – J. L. CLARK

Rev. James L. Clark, D.D. was born in 1813. He was an original member of the West Virginia Conference, having been part of the Pittsburgh Conference. Appointments in-cluded: Kingwood (1848-50); Palatine (1850-51); Monon-galia (1851-53); Charleston Station (1853-55); Charleston District Presiding Elder (1855-59); Chapline Street Wheel-ing (1859-61); North Street Wheeling (1861-63); Triadel-phia (1863-65); Wheeling District Presiding Elder (1865-69); Grafton and Fetterman (1869-71); Grafton (1871-72); Oakland (1872-73); Clarksburg Station (1873-76); Cameron (1876-77); Parkersburg District Presiding Elder (1877-80); Fairmont (1881-82); Lubeck (1882-83); Parkersburg Mis-sion (1883-85); Williamstown (1885-87); and Parkersburg Mission (1887-88). He served nine years as secretary of the Conference and one term in the General Conference. He helped to organize the first West Virginia Conference His-torical Society and was the first Secretary for that organiza-tion. He was in the Conference for over 52 years. He died October 2, 1903 at Wheeling in his 90th year. He was buried in Terrentum, Pennsylvania.

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1887-1889 – W. J. HARKNESS

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1889-1890 – W. ANDERSON

Rev. William Anderson was born April 29, 1864 in Northumberlandshire, England. His parents were John and Margaret Anderson. On his mother’s side, his ancestry went back to Bishop Ridley, an English martyr. At the age of 14 he came under the ministry of Gypsy Smith, Methodism’s greatest evangelist in England and was converted. Later feeling called to preach, he entered East Keseick College, Yorkshire, England. In 1889 he came to the United States and made his home in Parkersburg, W. Va. He married Miss Mary E. Cotton of Parsons in 1892; and to this union two sons and a daughter were born. He was admitted into the West Virginia Conference and served the following charges: Williamstown, Cairo, Sistersville, New Martinsville, Wheeling (Chapline St.), Clarksburg, Mannington, Point Pleasant, Spencer, Richwood, and District Superintendent of the Buckhannon District. He believed in a well-equipped ministry. Besides his studies in England he also studied at Drew University Theological School where he received his Ph.D. Rev. Anderson died March 22, 1937.

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1890-1891 – G. BLEAKLEY

Rev. Gregory Bleakley was born November 2, 1859 in K i 1 1 e y e a, County of Armaugh, Ireland, the son of William and Eleanor Bleakley, and passed away at his home in Mt. Lake Park, Maryland, on Sunday, March 9, 1941, at the age of 81 years. Funeral services were held March 12th. at the Methodist church in Mt: Lake Park, a church formerly served by Mr. Bleakley. Immediate members of his surviving family were his wife, Blanche Gillespie Bleakley, and one son, Gregory.

At the age of fifteen years Mr. Bleakley received the call of God to enter the Christian Ministry. After completing his public school work in Ireland, he attended East Keswick College near Leeds, Eng-land. The Methodist Church licensed him to preach during the great revival that swept England at that time. Somewhat later he answer ed the call to come to the United States. He became a member of the West Virginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being admitted to the Conference on trial and ordained in the fall of 1888 under the local preachers’ rule,. During his active ministry Brother Bleakley

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served fourteen charges including Williamstown, was Conference Statistician for a number of years, and served on several committees. He retired in 1932 and moved into his home at Mt. Lake Park, Maryland, keeping up his work by serv ing as supply pastor at nearby Wesley Chapel, and contributing in many ways to the life of his community.

Mr. Bleakley was a great lover of God’s work and loved to preach it. He committed much of it to memory and could use “proof texts” most appropriately for all its great truth in his preaching. He was a hard worker and gladly gave all his time to the work of the ministry. His life was an epitome of living for the Kingdom of God. His prayers were frequent, and his devotion to all that pertained to the building of the Kingdom was well-known by the various churches he served.

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1891-1893 – D. S. HAMMOND(also 1879-1881)

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1893-1895 – W. HUNTER

Rev. William Hunter had 35 years as an active minister. Charges included Randolph Mission (1881-82); Elk River (1882-84); Mountain Cove (1884-87); Raleigh (1887-88); Nicholas (1888-1891); Centreville (1891-93); Williamstown (1893-95); South Parkersburg (1895-96); Ellenboro (1896-98); Belleville (1898-1900) and Shiloh and Hebron (1900-01). He spent 22 years in retirement in Parkerburg. His wife died about 1920 and Rev. Hunter died in 1940.

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1895-1896 – P. C. MAYS

Rev. Perry C. Mayes was born October 21, 1856 in Upshur County. He was converted in boyhood, entered the ministry in his early manhood and was admit ted into the West Vir-ginia Conference in 1880. He was ordained deacon in 1882 and elder in 1886. He served the following charges: Troy, Randolph, Boone, Mercer, Pleasant Retreat, Spencer, Guy-andotte, Middlebourne, Williamstown, Belington, Holly Grove and Camden, making twenty-two years in the minis-try. Rev. Mays died July 3, 1902 near Buckhannon.

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1896-1898 – G. W. KEPLER

Rev. George W. Kepler was born May 18, 1851 in Madison, Indiana. His early years were spent around Cincinnati, Ohio. His father died when he was young. On November 8, 1870, he married Jennie Lambert of Romney. Their children were Nettie (Mrs. Arthur Sharp of Sistersville), Anna (Mrs. Alfred Earhart) and a child who died when he was three months old. In 1883, he was admitted to the West Virginia Conference and sent to San-dyville then Clifton and Mason; Newburg; Oakland, Maryland; Davis; Cameron; Williamstown; St. Andrews; Point Pleasant; West Union; Middlebourne; Wallace; Thomas; West Huntington; and then Field Secretary of the West Virginia Conference Perma-nent Fund. Rev. Kepler died April 29, 1916 in Sistersville, West Virginia. The cause of death was acute indigestion. Burial was in the Knights of Pythias Cemetery in Williamstown.

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1898-1899 – C. W. UPTON

Rev. Caleb Wilson Upton was born April 22, 1840. In 1862 he married Anna Eliza Gainer of Barbour County. She pre-ceded him in death. For over thirty years of active ministry he never missed a roll call at the annual Conference. Inluded in his appointments were Williamstown, Cameron, where he built a church, and Philippi after it became a station. Rev. Up-ton died September 14, 1916 in Philippi. Funeral services were held in Philippi. Burial was in Fraternity Cemetery in Philippi.

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1899-1901 – G. S. BOGGETT

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1901-1902 – D. W. RUBLE

Rev. David W Ruble was born July 31, 1860 near Parkers-burg, West Virginia. On April 15, 1881, he was unitedin marriage to Emma L. Drain, who survived him with three children. He was converted at Alikanna, Ohio on February 18, 1883 at a meeting held by Rev. J. C. Smith. In 1887 he was licensed to preach. He was admitted to the West Virginia Conference in 1890 and served Belleville (1890-92), New-ark (1892-94), Sistersville (1894-95), Smithville (1895-96), Moundsville Circuit (1896-1901) and Williamstown (1901-02). He was chaplain of the State Prison at Moundsville for one year (1902-03) and was serving his third year as pastor of Zane Street Church in Wheeling (1903-06), when he died. He possessed great personal magnetism and many were brought out of darkness into light as the result. Rev. Ruble died May 23, 1906 at his summer cottage on the Mounds-ville campground.

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1902 – C. G. FARR

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1902-1904 – W. L. BARZE

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1904-1906 – C. B. MEREDITH

Rev. Clinton Buckner Meredith was born September 6, 1850 at Fairmont, West Virginia. He was united in marriage to Marion Maxwell, of Harrison County. They had twelve chil-dren. He joined the Conference at Huntington in 1880, and for forty-four years he traveled through the valleys and over the hills and mountains of this state, giving his whole time, strength and energy to the winning of souls and building up the Master’s kingdom. He was a strong and vigorous man, and his zeal for the Church knew no bounds. His field of labor extended from Williamstown in the Ohio Valley to the top of the Alleghenies. And when he was stricken down he was on his way to a former charge to preach the funeral of an old friend. Rev. Meredith died January 14, 1925, at his home in Morgantown, West Virginia. Funeral services were held in the First Church, Morgantown, his body was borne to its last resting place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Fairmont. Surviving were his wife and children: A.W., C.C., Mrs. C.L. Corder; Mrs. H.B. Squires; Mrs. F.P. Albright; W.A.; S.S., M.B., C.E., Mrs. S.H. White, Kate and Cora. He was also survived by four brothers and one sister; Judge W.S. Mere-dith and the Reverend T.G. Meredith, Wait Meredith, Melvin C. Meredith, and Mrs. Frances M. Davis.

1906-1908 – B. H. SHADDUCK

Rev. Burt Henry Shadduck was born April 15, 1869. He married Emelie Sheldon of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. They were the parents of Agnes and Selma (Goodrich) and Sylvia (McConkey). Other children raised in his home were Carolyn and Roberta Shadduck. His wife died February 28, 1937. In 1938, he married Alma Gahm in 1938, an accepted supply pastor and former missionary in Southern Rhodesia.He prepared for the teaching profession, intending to take up the practice of law. At the age of eighteen, he attended an old-fashioned revival service conducted by Clark Wilson and was converted. Eighteen months later he changed his plans for his life’s work and joined the Salvation Army where he was given a job training officers. He joined the West Virginia Conference, ME, in 1900, being admitted on trial. Two years later he was admitted into full membership. He obtained his doctorate from Presbyterian College at Grove City, PA in 1912. He served

Clay (1900-01), Shinnston (1901-03), Moundsville (East) Calvary (1903-05), Sutton (1905-06), Williamstown (1906-08), Mt. Clare (1908-11), Beckley (1911-14), Charleston Lawrence (1914-15) and Charleston Sixth Street (1915-16). He transferred to Northeast Ohio Conference, ME, in 1918. He retired in 1942. He was identified with Temperance. “When the tabernacle movement was at its height before the First World War, he was active in that work. In the later part of his life, he was in demand as a speaker at Bible conferences, and as a preacher, and was known for his publication of many small books.” Rev. Shadduck died March 2, 1950 in Ashtabula, Ohio.

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1908-1909 – C. E. LEATHERLY

Rev. C. E. Leatherly was born March 6, 1864 in London, Eng-land. In his youth, he served an apprenticeship in the British Navy and later joined the British Merchant Marine. He came to America to live in 1880. He was convert ed in 1881 in Bal-timore, Maryland. Feeling his call to the ministry, he attended Pennington Seminary, Wright’s University and Centenary Bib-lical Institute. He married Miss Carrie Rulong of Moundsville on February 7, 1894. He began his ministry in the Baltimore Conference serving as junior preacher on the Bently Springs Circuit. In the fall of 1888, he joined the West Virginia Confer-ence and served until 1926. Among the charges served were Fulton Greggs, Moundsville Circuit, Frenchton, Newburg, Ra-venswood, Dallas, Wesley Memorial, Davis, Williamstown, Glendale, Wadestown and Farmington. Rev. Leatherby died June 26, 1935. Surviving were his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Barder and Miss Mabel V. Leatherby; a son William H. Leatherby; two grandchildren, Charles E. and John Walter Barder. A son, A. Foster, preceded him in death in 1924.

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1909-1910 – M. R. EASTLACK

Rev. Milton R. Eastlack was born April 2, 1870 and served pas-torates at Shinnston, Williamstown, Harrisville and Beckley after coming to West Virginia. He died November 8, 1958 in Harrisville, West Virginia after a lengthy illness. He had been reduced to partial sight by the ravages of the disease which de-stroyed his body. Burial took place in the Harrisville Cemetery. He was survived by two sons.

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1910-1911 – P. D. FISHER

Rev. Perry Davis Fisher was born May 20, 1861 near Ripley in Jackson County, West Virginia. He was a son of Perry A. and Camilla A. Fisher. On January 17, 1886, he mar-ried Analliza Casto. They had four children: J. S. Fisher of Byesville, Ohio; L. W. Fisher of Toronto, Ohio; Mrs. C. E. Milam of Hollidays Cove, West Virginia; and Mrs. Georgia Brown of Charleston. On August 30, 1900, his wife died. On November 17, 1904, he married Cora Estelle Staats of Rip-ley. He joined the West Virginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1891. His appointments included: Cass-ville; Hamlin; Gold Town; Mount Union; Clifton and Mason; Ripley; Clendenin; Williamstown; Wallace; Kincaid; Wesley Church in Charleston and Dunbar. He retired in 1917, but continued to serve, on a retired basis, churches at Kincaid, St. Albans and Elkview. He retired to Charleston where his wife christened their house “Done Moving.” Fisher died August 22, 1946 in Charleston. Burial was in the Staats family cem-etery at Evans in Jackson County.

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1911-1913 – W. E. CRAIG

Rev. William E. Craig was born October 14, 1876 in Chester, Ohio. He was the son of Edward William and Elizabeth Cole-man Craig. He was converted in 1894. He graduated from the Conference Seminary (now West Virginia Wesleyan) in 1898 and Ohio Wesleyan (A.B. in 1902). In 1918, he was awarded the degree of doctor of divinity from Davis and Elkins College. He was received into the West Virginia Conference in 1902 and sent to Hartford for two years. He then entered Boston School of Theology and graduated in 1907. Returning to West Virginia, he was appointed to Central City (later Jefferson Avenue) in Huntington (5 years), Williamstown, Middlebourne, Elkins (1914-20), Thomson Church in Wheeling (1920-29) and First Church in Clarksburg (1929-31). While a student in Boston, he met Miss Flora Virginia Shimer, then a student at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. They were married February 27, 1907. They had four children, all of whom sur-vived him: William Edward, Jean, Ina and John Robert. He was also survived by three brothers.Elmer of Huntington; Marion of Wheeling and Eustace of Columbus, Ohio; and one sis-ter, Mrs. Alice Woodard of Point Pleasant. Rev. Craig died March 30, 1931. Burial was in the Odd Fellows cemetery in Clarksburg.

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Centennial Momentswere shared with

the Williamstown Congregation

during worship services in 2012

by Jean Pickering, Church Historian,

and others who presented information

concerning the life of the congregation

since dedication of the

present church building

on August 4, 1912.

Information about individuals who have

served as pastor of First Church

was researched by

Ginnie Lowther, Chair of the West Virginia

Annual Conference Commission on Archives

and History and Dewayne Lowther,

Little Kanawha District representative

on that Commission.

Reference sources included

Annual Conference Journals

and books published

by the Commission,

Melting Times and

Travelers on the Long Road.

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1913-1915 – D. L. ASH

The Rev. Dr. David L. Ash was born in Harrison county, near Clarksburg, W. Va., October 21, 1855, and departed this life at Huntington, February 9, 1925. He seemed to be coming to a beautiful and healthy old age, when a fatal disease took him and carried him away. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, who was formerly Miss Dora B. Hammond of Moundsville; a daughter, Mrs. M. P. Wiswell of Huntington; two sisters, Mrs. Louisa Swiger and Mrs. Martha Allen, of Clarksburg, and a brother, P. W. Ash, of Penn Run, Pa.

Doctor Ash united with the Church quite early in his life, and in 1878, at the age of twenty-three, began his work as a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he served for more than forty years. During these years he was the pastor of some of the important churches of the West Virginia Conference, among which were: First Church Moundsville; First Church Huntington; New Martinsville and Williamstown. He also served Wilsonburg, Marshall, Fulton, Bridgeport, Grantsville, Prun tytown, Weston, Wesley Church, ViTheeling and Sistersville. He served two terms as district superintendent-on Morgantown and Clarksburg districts. He took high rank in the councils of the Church. He served on important committees and commissions and was a delegate to one session of the General Conference. He graced the Board of Trustees of Allegheny College for a period or years, and the Board of our own Wesleyan College for twenty-five years, which place he held at the time of his death. In 1898-1899 he was secretary of the Conference.

Doctor Ash retired from the active ministry about five years ago and came to Huntington to make his home. He became a member of the quarterly conference of First Church, which he had served as pastor in the other day. His relation to the church was most beauti ful and helpful. He rendered. the pastor a most helpful service. The membership of the church loved him. He was ready at all times to serve as teacher in the Sunday School or the (leader ofprayer meeting. The last sermon preached by him was on the occasion of the Home-Coming event of First Church, last November.

Doctor Ash never seemed to grow old. His outlook upon life was that of a young man. As he went in and out among us he impressed us all with the genuineness of his Christian experience and as he lay upon his couch with the crossing of the river just a few hours away, he expressed a clear hope of the immortal life with God.

Funeral services were conducted in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Huntington, by the pastor, who was assisted by several Meth .odist ministers of the city and some visiting brethren of the Confer ence.

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1915-1918 – C. E. HAMRICK

Rev. Charles Elliott Hamrick was born July 3, 1875. His parents, William G. and Elizabeth Hamrick, were of Scotch-Irish descent and gave to their children an inheritance of frugality, steady purpose and earnest desire to serve their fellow men. Having obtained his early education in the public schools of Webster County, West Virginia, he answered the call to the gospel ministry and entered the West Virginia Conference Seminary (now West Virginia Wesleyan) in the spring of 1899, became a member of the Benjamin F. Martin Class and was graduated in 1903. In the same year he was received into the West Virginia Conference.

On October 19, 1904, he was united in marriage to Miss Iva B. Bender, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Bender, of Chapel, W. Va. Three children came to bless their home - Hayward, Randall, and Ruth.

He served the following charges: East Buckhannon Circuit, Buckhannon Circuit, Adamston, Fairview, Williamstown, North Street, Wheeling and Andrews - Grafton. He was sent to Grafton following the Conference in 1920, and though he served this church but 127 days, he had captured the hearts of the people. In the midst of successful revival services he was stricken with double pneumonia, and after an illness of but ten days, “was not for God took him.”

Rev. Hamrick died March 15, 1921. Funeral services were held at the church. Burial was in the Bluemont Cemetery, Grafton.

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1918-1919 –J. L. MARQUESS

Rev. J. Lawrence Marquess set sail for the “Land of Pure Delight” and the “City That Lieth Foursquare” November 9th, 1946, just thirty-seven days after he had taken up his residence in the parsonage at Valley Head, West Virginia.

Rev. Marquess was born in Taylor County West Virginia March 10th, 1881. He was educated in the public schools of his native state and at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

He entered the Ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1908 and gave many years of valiant and faithful service to the Kingdom of his Lord. He served fourteen charges during his Ministry - St. George ;

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(1945-49). He also served as a trustee of West Virginia Wesleyan College. Following his retirement in 1949, he served as visitation and supply minister in the Glen Dale United Methodist Church. Rev. Trevey died February 2, 1976. The funeral services were held in Glen Dale. Burial was at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling. He was survived by a brother, Otis Trevey, a sister, Miss Olive Trevey, a nephew, Howard W. Trevey, and two nieces, Helen E. Trevey and Edith T. Davis.

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1921-1922 – O. DALE. KING

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1922-1923 – C. A. SNIDER

Rev. Charles A. Snider was born November 26, 1876 near Grafton, West Virginia. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth Morae Snider. He graduated from Taylor County schools, West Virginia Wesleyan Seminary in 1900, did graduate work at Ohio Northern University, received his master’s degree from Sould College and received his doctorate from Oaskaloose College. On July 2, 1910, he married Miss Ards Sinsel. They were the parents of one son, Charles 0. Snider, and three daughters, Mrs. Franklin (Olive) (Baxa) Reese, Mrs. Erwin B. Sitter, and Mrs. Texel Knapp. He joined the West Virginia Conference of the Methodist Church in 1901 and completed the Conference Course of Study. He was ordained an elder in 1905. He served forty-one consecutive years in the following churches: Edgewood, Wheeling, Sistersville, Williamstown, West Main and St. Paul’s Grafton, West Union, St. Mary’s, Richwood, and Shinnston. He retired in 1942. Dr. Snider served on the Conference Board of Ministerial Training, Church Location and the Hospital Board of Trustees. He was a charter member of the Wesleyan College Emeritis Club and was a Mason and Odd Fellow. He was also quite active in philanthropic endeavors. At the time of his death, he was a columnist for The Buckhannon Record, writing a weekly sermon. In 1967, a book of his sermons and his memoirs was published. Rev. Snider died May 2, 1968 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital where he had been a patient about one week. He was buried in Heavner Cemetery. Surviving were his wife and children, one sister, Mrs. C.M. Garrett, one brother, Martin Luther Snider, thirteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

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1923-1925 – G. D. SAMPSON

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Horton ; Aurora ; Mt. Lake Park, Md. ; Pine Grove; Masontown; Williamstown; Thomas; Covington, Va, First Church Parsons; Crumpler; Evansville; Beverly, and Valley Head.

The last thirteen years of his life was a continual battle with illness, but in spite of it he remained active, cheerful and courageous. At the time of his ,death he was serving an eight-point mountain circuit.

On April 14th 1909 he was married to Miss Iva Dale Talkington who became the mother of his four children: Marjorie. (deceased), Eleanor (Mrs. Eleanor Lanham, Parsons, W. Va., Eugenia (Mrs. Eugenia Cullen, Covington, Va.) and E. Lawrence, Buckhannon, W. Va., and who labored faithfully with her husband in the promo tion of the Kingdom, until her death.

On June 15th, 1932 Rev. Marquess was married to Miss Nellie W. Marshall of Covington Va., who became not only a devoted wife but an associate minister, and shared the preaching ministry through the years, and carried on the work of the charge after her husband’s death.

Rev. Marquess was one of God’s “good and faithful servants who never found a task too difficult, nor an appointment too, hard. Toiling, sorrowing, rejoicing onward through life he went, compel led by his devotion to Christ and his love for humanity.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Stoneking Groves and Rev. A. F. Shomo at the Pleasant Valley Church in Taylor County.

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1919-1921 – B. T. TREVY

Dr. Bascom Taylor Trevy was born October 4, 1884 in Smithville, West Virginia. He was the son of Rev. William Blair and Mary Isabel (Taylor) Trevey. He attended the Buckhannon Academy, received his A.B. degree from West Virginia Wesleyan in 1913, his B.D. degree from Drew Theological Seminary in 1916 and his D.D. from West Virginia Wesleyan in 1936. He married Rose Christine Whittmayer on January 1, 1918, who preceded him in death on December 15, 1960. He was licensed to preach in 1910, entered the West Virginia Conference in 1991, became a deacon in 1915 and an elder in 1917. He served Burnsville (1911-12); Junior (1912-13); Horton (1915-16); Harrisville (1916-19); Williamstown (1919-21); Salem (1921-23); McMechen (1923-24); Elm Grove (1924-27); Terra Alta (1927-28); Oakland (1928-30); New Martinsville (1930-35); Weston (1935-37); Weston, First (1938); Buckhannon, First (1938-40); Asbury (1940 -43); Central (1943-45); Lauckport

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1929-1930 – R. D. HALL

Rev. Richard D. Hall was born January 18, 1872 in Coalton, Boyd County Kentucky. On March 22, 1898, he married Miss Effie Leah Bayes of Glenwood, Kentucky. Early in life he taught school. He entered the West Virginia Conference in 1902 and graduated from the Conference Course of Study. His appointments included Earl Circuit, Summersville, Ronceverte, Wadestown, Fairview, Stealey Heights in Clarksburg, Williamstown, Spencer and Huntington. He was pastor at two different Huntington churches: Jefferson Avenue from 1925 to 1929 and Alexander from 1933 until his death. Rev. Hall died November 18, 1934 in Ashland, Kentucky. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Ashland, Kentucky.

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1930-1934 – W. KNOX

Rev. William Knox was born June 1, 1888 in Tanfield, England. He attend ed Teacher Training Course and a Conference Course of study. He married Mae Raven on June 12, 1918. They were the parents of two sons, Kenneth and William. He began preaching as a supply in 1905 in England. He was admitted into the West Virginia Conference in 1927 and was ordained elder in 1929. He served the following charges: Waverly Circuit (1926-27); Lauckport Circuit (1927-29); West Union (1929-30); Williamstown (1930-34); Grafton, Andrews (1934-39); Huntington, Seventh Avenue (1939-45); Parkersburg District Superintendent (1945-49); Wheeling, Fourth Street (1949-53); Huntington District Superintendent (1953-55) and Central in Buckhannon (1955). He retired in 1955. Dr. Knox died January 23, 1969. Funeral services were held in Buckhannon. Burial was in Buckhannon.

1934-1937 – F. S. BISHOP

Rev. Fred S. Bishop, son of Aaron and Sarah Bishop, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, July 2nd: 1882 and passed to his eternal home April 5th. 1947 after failing health had forced his early retirement. He was married to Miss Mayme Hunt who preceded him in death. To this union five children were born. On October 23rd, 1928 he was married to Mrs. Ethel Hilleary by whom he had one daughter, Janet Lee.

At an early age, Mr. Bishop gave himself to the service of Christ and His Church, and prepared for the work of the ministry. He was elected to membership of the West Virginia Methodist Episcopal Conference

1925-1926 – H. M. RIDDLE

Rev. Harry M. Riddle was born August 3, 1886 near Harrisville, West Virginia. After high school he attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. After teaching for several years he decided to enter the Ministry of the Methodist Church. He was accepted by the West Virginia Conference of the M.E. Church in 1910. He was a Methodist minister for more than forty years. He served Smithton (1910-13), at school (1913-14), Clifton & Mason (1914-17), Huntington Guyandotte (1917-19), Wheeling Elm Grove (1919-24), Wheeling Wesley (1914-25), Williamstown (1925-26), Grafton St. Pauls (1926-28), Clarksburg Stealey Heights (1928-34), Charleston Sixth Street (1934-35), Wheeling Warwood (1936-39) and Terra Alta. After retirement he and Mrs. Riddle resided in Clarksburg where they attended the Stealey Heights Church. Rev. Riddle died August 6, 1963 in Clarksburg. Funeral services were held in Clarksburg. Burial was in the Benedum Cemetery at Bridgeport, West Virginia. He was survived by his wife, the former Laura E. Hess, whom he married on March 11, 1905. He was also survived by two children: Alta (Mrs. Fred Scanes), and a son, Charles.

––––––––––1926-1929 – B. F. NEWMAN

Rev. Benjamin F. Newman was born November 4, 1881 to Rev. Burwell and Lucy Ann Newman. The early settlers of Wayne County were a proud people. They and God made a majority. That pride of a name and fireside was inherited and nurtured in the life of Rev. Benjamin F. Newman. When Rev. Benjamin Newman brought his new bride, Miss Mae Garrett, to the family, two old families were joined. In 1912, when the young couple decided to serve the people called Methodists, it was a time of rejoicing. They served well at Hamlin (1912-13), Wayne (1913-16), Crumpler (1916-17), Hartford (1917-18), Dallas (1918-21), Clarksburg Broad Oaks (1921-24), Huntington Norway Avenue (1924-26), Williamstown (1926-29), Huntington, Jefferson Avenue (1929-31), Clendenin (1931-38), Wheeling Chapline Street (1938). When retirement approached in 1946, the love of their native hills beckoned and they returned to the old home in Lavalette. But they were not alone. They had sons Burl, Buford and Dennis and daughters Mrs. Lucille Snyder of Clendenin, Mrs. Helen Hendricks of St. Albans and Louise of San Francisco and eleven grandchildren. Rev. Newman died April 27, 1961.

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fall of 1918.

Reverend Cummings died December 8, 1978. Services were conducted at First United Methodist Church, Huntington, with The Reverend Garrett Evans officiating. Burial was in the Woodmere Memorial Park.

He is survived by two sons, Dr. M. H. Cummings, Jr., and Dr. J. Hugh Cummings. One brother, two sisters, 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grand children.

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1942-1946 – J. P. HUTCHINSON

Rev. James Parr Hutchinson was born in Wise, Virginia. His parents were E. Grant and Sarah J. (Greer) Hutchinson. He was a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and attended Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill. He served as a student pastor at Wesley Foundation of the Methodist Church at Morgantown, WV and also served churches at Ravenswood, Williamstown and Philippi. He retired as a minister because of ill health and then taught elementary school in Preston County, WV. He attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and belonged to Oakland Lodge 92, AF & AM and Camp 11, Woodmen of the World. Rev. Hutchinson died December 23, 1976 at the age of sixty-eight. Surviving were his wife, Janice (Graham) Hutchinson; and six nieces and nephews. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery.

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1946-1949 – P. H. McKAIN

Rev. Paul Hamilton McKain was born April 23, 1897 in Dunbar, PA. His parents were William F. and Florence Seckman McKain. He received his high school education at Center Township, Rogersville, PA (1915). He graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College (A.B. in Bible and Philosophy, 1920) and received a B. D. degree from Garrett Biblical Institute in 1922. He married Gladys Chlorine Patton on August 8, 1923 and their son Franklin was born in 1927. He was licensed to preach and received probationary membership in 1916. He was ordained deacon in 1922 and ordained elder in 1924. He served the following appointments: Stotesbury (1922-23); Mt. Hope (1924-27); Guyandotte (1927-30); Pine Grove (1930-31); Gassaway (1932-33); Rainelle (1933-39); Sistersville (1939-

in 1910 and served the following charges: Meadville, Belleville, Alma, Triadelphia, North St. Wheeling, Grafton Andrews, Kingwood, Clendennin, Central in Huntington, Williamstown, Came ron, and Wayside in Vienna.

A faithful minister of Jesus Christ, a fearless preacher of the Word, a loyal Churchman and although the vastness and granduer of the Fathers House always claimed his reverent attention, it was in the hearts and homes of his parishioners that brother Bishop truly lived. He made goodness attractive and clothed his deepest religious experience in the robes of simplicity.

Funeral services were conducted in First Methodist Church, Williamstown, by Dr. William Knox, District Super intendent, assisted by Dr. Roy McCuskey and Rev. J. W. Dawson. Interment followed in the Williamstown cemetery.

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1937-1939 – J. R. BRIGHT

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1939-1942 – M. H. CUMMINGS

Melville Homer Cummings was born August 23, 1880, in Pickaway, WV, to the late Hugh and Nannie Talbott Cummings. He married Mary Louise Kachmar in 1918, who preceded him in death.

Reverend Cummings attended Monroe County Schools; Trevecca College 1906-09; University of Chattanooga 1909-10. He was licensed to preach in 1910, was received in Full Connection and ordained Deacon in 1914 and was ordained Elder in 1917. He served the following appointments: Boomer, 1910-12; Clay, 1912-13; Ripley, 1913-15; Proctor, 1915-16; Wheeling Fulton 1916-18; Glen White, 1919-23; Ceredo, 1923-27; Fayetteville, 1927-39; Williamstown 1939-42; Ravenswood 1942-45; Coalwood 1945-47; Glasgow 1947-59; and retired in 1959.

He was the author of more than 1,000 poems and sacred songs including My Lord and King, There is a Gladness, What Will You Do With Jesus, Come Where the Blessings Fall, The Gospel According to You, and Jesus Is The One You Need. Many other songs appeared in “Echos From Beulah” published in Ripley, West Virginia. He also wrote a secular song, You Are My Sweet Heart that was well received by the music public. He served in World War I, summer and

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43); Andrews Grafton; (1943-1946) Williamstown (1946-1949; Grafton Andrews (1949); Athens (1949-51); St. Marys (1952-56); Broad Oaks (1956-58); Alderson (1958-63); and War (1963-66). He retired in 1966. Rev. McKain died June 5, 1979. Services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Beckley. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park. He was survived by his wife; son, Franklin; and three grandchildren.

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1949-1953 – R. D. LOWTHER

Rev. Russell Dewayne Lowther was born January 25, 1912 at Proctor, Wetzel County, West Virginia. He was the son of Ira Haymond and Alma Rymer Lowther. He was a graduate of Weston High School in 1933, the West Virginia Conference Course of Study in 1937, West Virginia Wesleyan College with A.B. degree in 1941 and Garrett Biblical Institute with a B.D. degree in 1944. He married Catherine Cecilia Bush on September 16, 1931 who preceded him in death in 1982. They were parents of two sons, Rev. Dewayne Rymer and Paul Haymond.

He was ordained elder in 1939 at the Annual Conference uniting the Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Methodist Protestant Church. He served nine churches on the Earl Charge in Nicholas County (1933-37), four churches on the Adrian Charge while attending West Virginia Wesleyan College (1937-41), (Cherry Valley in the Rock River Illinois Conference while attending Garrett Seminary (1941-44). After graduating from Garrett, he served Westmoreland (1944-49), Williamstown (1949-53), Glendale (1953-57), Grace-Bluefield (1962-67), First-Sistersville (1967-70), Trinity-New Cumberland (1970-73) and Edgelawn-Parkersburg (1973-74). He lived in Williamstown following retirement in 1973. He was the author of Laughter and Tears in the Mountains in which he shared information about serving churches in Nicholas County during the Depression. Rev. Russell Lowther died April 3, 1989 and is buried at Woodmere Cemetery, Huntington, West Virginia. Surviving family as of June, 2012 are his son, Dewayne, daughter-in-law, Mary Virginia Settle Lowther; granddaughters Paula Vantia McGrew, Sarah Virginia Hensley, Mary Catherine Perkins and seven great grandchildren: Stephen Russell McGrew, Amy LaVantia Powell, Catherine Brittany Perkins, Kelsey Michelle Perkins, Aaron Lander Perkins, Christian Dewayne Perkins, and Samuel Timothy Hensley.

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1953-1958 – J. H. CUMMINGS

Rev. John Hugh Cummings was born in 1923 at Glen White, W.Va. He attended Marietta College, Westminster Seminary (now Wesley Seminary) and Iliff School of Theology. Married Maude W. Schoenmaker. Children: John Hugh II and Margaret Ann.

Admitted on Trial in September, 1944 and received into Full Annual Conference Membership in September, 1946. Ordained Deacon in September, 1943 and Elder on September 22, 1946. Began preaching as Supply Pastor in 1942. Served: Ravenswood Circuit 1942-43; Attended School 1943. Johnson Memorial Huntington as Assistant from 1945 to 1947; Community Methodist Church in Colorado 1947-48; Ken 1948-50; Gassaway: Birch St. 1950-53; Williamstown 1953-58; St. Andrews Parkersburg 1958-60; Central in Charleston 1960-61; and became a professor at West Virginia Wesleyan college in 1961.

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1958-1960 – J. P. BYRD

Rev Joseph Price Byrd was born in 1907. Attended: Kingsport, Tennessee H.S.; Hiwassee Junior College; Emory and Henry College, A.B. Degree 1929; Candler School of Theology 1931-33.

Licensed to preach May 23, 1929; admitted into Conference on October 7, 1929; into Full Connection and Ordained Deacon, October 8, 1933; Ordained Elder, October 11,1936. Appointments served in the Holston Conference: Pocahontas, Virginia 1929; Springton, Blue field District, 1929-31; Princeton 1933-36; Kimball, Bluefield District 1936-41; Gary 1941-46; Man 1946-48; South Side, Huntington 1948-58; Williamstown 1958-60; Ronceverte 1960.

He was active in Lion’s Club; Odd Fellows Lodge; Rotary; Masons; Kappa Phi Kappa. He was an Intercollegiate Debater; Played varsity football, baseball, tennis; served as counselor, director and teacher in youth camps; was District Secretary of Evangelism and a member of Conference Board of Evangelism; taught in training schools. Led efforts to secure a new parsonage at Kee Street Church

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1968-1969 – R. A. CHANDLER

Dr. Robert A. Chandler was born April 5, 1916 in Eda, Caddo Parish, LA. He was the son of Dennis B. and Gladys Rebecca Allison Chandler. He married June Lyons on September 22, 1941. Their children were Mary Ann (11/25/1942), Betty June (11/1/1946) and Nancy Lynn (7/17/1956). He graduated from Ida High School, Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (B.S. in Mech. Engineering, 1937), Candler (B.D., 1953), Emory (M.A. in Philosophy in 1955) and D. D. degree from West Virginia Wesleyan in 1978. He served as a US Air Force pilot from 1942 to 1946 and attained the rank of major. Rev. Chandler was received on probation in 1951. His Conference service included Triadelphia-Fulton (1956); Assistant at Charleston Christ (1956-59); Bascom Rupert (1959-61); Elizabeth Memorial (1961-68); Williamstown First (1968-69); and Weston St. Matthew (1969-81). He retired in 1981. Rev. Chandler died January 3, 1997.

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1969-1972 – V. H. Ware

The Rev. Dr. Virgil H. Ware, 81, died at his Kanawha City home on March 9, 2004. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Jane Linn Ware, whom he married on July 24, 1943.Virgil was born July 20, 1922, at Marmet, to the late Reverend H.W. Ware and Ada Riggleman Ware. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 29th Infantry Division in the European Theater, and was a prisoner

of war. He described his war experiences, as well as his ministry and family, in his book, Letters to Our Grandchildren. He had a life long interest in his family and his hobby of woodworking.

Virgil earned a B.A. degree from Morris Harvey College in 1947 and the M. Div. from Vanderbilt University in 1950. He received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was ordained a Deacon in 1949 and an Elder in 1950. He was a third generation Methodist minister with over 50 years of service, serving churches in Lebanon, Tennessee, and in Summersville, Huntington, Charleston, Clarksburg, and Williamstown in West Virginia. Virgil served the conference in many capacities, including Conference Secretary from 1962-1972. He was Conference Treasurer and Executive Secretary of Pension Funds, Inc., from 1972 until his retirement in 1988. He continued to serve as an agent for the Conference Trustees until 1999. He attended and

in Princeton. Was pastor at South Side Church in Huntington when new three story education building was constructed and paid for. His hobbies were golf and hunting.

He married Ruth Chesley Trundle in Knoxvil le, Tennessee and they had two children: Cecil Kenneth & Leo Wesley.

––––––––––1960-1968 – J. R. WOODDELL

Rev. James Ray Wooddell was born in Charleston, West Virginia in 1929. Education: Charleston High School, 1947; B.A. Fairmont in 1951; M.Div. Boston in 1954. Annual Conference Relationship: Licensed to Preach,1946; Approved as Supply Pastor,1947; Deacon’s Ordination 1953; Elder’s Ordination 1954; Full Annual

Conference Membership,1954. Pastoral appointments:West Farmington, 1948-1951; Rockland, Mass., 1951-1954; Cross Lanes, 1954-1960; Williamstown, 1960-1968; Fourth Street Wheeling, 1968-1971; Wade Chapel and Upton Creek, 1973-1974; Tornado, 1974-1975; Belington, 1977: Asbury Charleston, 1981; Rainelle, 1984; Transferred to Virginia Confernce in 1990.

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1961-1962 – T. M. ZUMBRUNNEN

Rev. Thomas Michale Zumbrunnen was born in Monroe County, Ohio. When he was a boy, his parents moved to Marshall County, West Virginia. He married Elizabeth Conaway on Jun 19, 1919. After graduation from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1917 he entered Drew Seminary. After a year and a half, he served in the army for a short time but was discharged because of a heart murmur. After serving at Pennsboro, he returned to Drew Seminary where he graduated in 1924. He entered the West Virginia Conference in 1914. Appointments included Century (1914-1915), Pruntytown (1915-17), Pennsboro (1918-1920), Grafton St. Paul’s (1920-23) and Charleston Lawrence (1924). Until 1959, he served churches as pastor and district superintendent including Huntington District, St. Andrews Parkersburg, and Buckhannon District. After retirement in 1959, he served two years as supply pastor including two years at Williamstown. Until a few months before his passing, he was alert and active, regular in attendance at the services of the Church, daily visiting among the sick and aged always bringing a bit of cheer to drab paths of life. Funeral services were held in the First Methodist Church at Buckhannon on December 16, 1962.

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1963. Conference relationship: Ordained Deacon and became probationary member of what is now the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. Elder and full conference membership in 1965. In addition to First Church Williamstown, Rev. Faley’s appoinments included Kedron Pennsylvania, Associate Pastor at Covenant in Pennsylvania, and Johnson Memorial in Alderson.

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1988-1994 – D. K. CLARKE

Reverend Dr. David Keith Clarke. Education: B.A. University of Charleston 1960; M.Div. Candler 1963; Appointments: Associate St. Andrew’s, St. Albans 1963; First, Ravenswood 1968; Fairmont District Superintendent 1976; Bland Street, Bluefield 1982; Fourth St.- Simpson, Wheeling 1984; First, Williamstown 1988; Christ Church Charleston 1994; Retired 2004.

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1994-2000 - L. C. Farley[also served Williamstown 1980-1988]

2000-2004 – J. M. SHREVE

The Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Shreve. Education: B.S. West Virginia Wesleyan 1974; M.Div. Duke 1978; D.Min. St. Marys 1989. Appointments:Woodford-Rowan 1978; Kee Street Princeton 1985; St. Matthew, Weston 1992; First, Williamstown 2000; Johnson Memorial, Huntington 2004; Chapel Hill 2008

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2004-2004 – J. E. SHEPHERD II

Rev. James Emorey Shepherd II. Education: B.A. West Liberty 1967; M.Div. Methodist Theological School in Ohio 1972; Pastoral appointments: Castleman’s Run-Kadesh Chapel 1964; Associate, Thomson 1966; Laurel Point 1967; Friendly 1968; To Attend School 1969; Rolling Hills Parish (OH) 1969; Hundred-Rush Run 1972; Fort Ashby 1983; Steele Memorial 1991; Associate Pea Ridge 1995; Oak Hill 1996; Oak Hill-Harvey Chapel 1999; First, Williamstown 2004; Retired 2005.

occasionally assisted with services at Christ Church, Charleston.In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son

and his wife, David V. and Trudy Ware; three daughters and their husbands, Janice and Ray Sundstrom, Joyce and Steve Brown, and Gayle and Peter Jayne; grandchildren, John Warder, Sam Ware, Tim Harsha, Debbie Harsha Birckhead, Kristen Peck Eakle, Katie Peck, Rebecca Jayne, and Brian Jayne; great-granddaughter Georgia Warder; and one sister. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edgar G. Ware.

A memorial service was held at Christ Church, Charleston, on Friday, March 12, 2004, with Bishop William Boyd Grove, Dr. Keith Clarke, the Rev. Reggie Rowell and the Rev. Bill Deel officiating. Burial was in Claremont Cemetery, Boothsville. Memorials were made to the United Methodist Foundation.

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1972-1980 – J. L. WILSON

Reverend James L. Wilson died on June 13, 2011. His service was held at the Wayside Church in Vienna under the direction of Bishop William Boyd Grove, Rev. Dr. Patrick Kerr & Rev. Dr. Kenneth Krimmel. Burial was in the Clover Cemetery in Roane County. Education: B.A. from Glenville in 1955; M.Div from Pittsburgh Xenia Seminary in 1958. He was appointed to serve the following churches: Freemansburg Circuit 1952; Koppel Pennsylvania 1955; Brackenridge Pennsylvania 1958; Paden City 1961; Westmoreland 1969; First Church Williamstown 1972; St. Paul’s Parkersburg 1980; Wheeling District Superintendent 1983; Parkersburg District 1986; Wayside Vienna, 1989. He retired in 1997

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1980-1988 – L. C. FARLEY[also served Williamstown 1994-2000]

Rev. Leo C. Farley served First Church Williamstown from 1980 until appointed to Bishop Grove’s Cabinet as Superintendent of the Charleston District in 1988. Following his service there, he was again appointed to serve Williamstown from 1994 until his retirement in 2000. Following retirement

he served the Fairview church from 2000 until 2001. Education: B.A. Concord 1960; M.Div. Crozer Seminary

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2005 S. GEDON

Rev. Dr. Steve Gedon was appointed to serve First Church Williamstown in 2005. He received a B.S. degree from Penn State University in 1985, a Ph.D degree from Duke University in 1990 and a M.Div. Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2010. He was received as a Provisional Member of the West Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church at the 2010 Annual Conference Session by Bishop Ernest S. Lyght.

2005 INTERIM A. A. TUCKER

Rev. Dr. Andrew Arthur Tucker was appointed to serve as interim pastor of First Church Williamstown during the 2005 Conference year. Education: B.A. West Virginia University 1965; M.Div. United 1969;

S.T.M., United 1970; D.Min. United 1991; Pastoral appointments: Kingwood Circuit 1961; Hillsboro (OH) 1965; First, Hillsboro (OH) 1968; Fairview (OH) 1969; Sistersville 1970; St. John, Vienna 1974; St. Johns, Spencer 1978; Associate Director Conference Council on Ministries 1982; Elm Grove 1991; Midland North District Superintendent 1996; Wesleyan District Superintendent, 1997; Retired 2001.

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