Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-11-26
Aume Aistprg.
HISTORICAL SKETCH
BETHESDA CHURCH.
BY REV. JOHN s. HARRIS.

By REV. JOHN s. HARRIS. ..''
Robert Robertson, native of North Carolina,
was added to the Eldership in 1915; was man
of exemplary christian character removed to
Hall County, Georgia, in 1926, where he died IN
1910. Of his family, one remains with Us as the
wife of one of our Elders. etsst ..s.
Allison Hope was born in Cabarrus County, N.
Carolina, in 1880. When quite young man, he
came to the bounds of Salem Church, in Union
District, in which, for short time, he served as an
Elder. In 1912, he removed to Bethesda and was
reelected an Elder here in 1875, After twenty
three years Of devoted service here, he was con-
strained, by the necessitous condition Of Church,
Mt Pleasant, just organized near his residence, to
transfer his services thther; but after very few
years the Church was dissolved, and he returned
to Bethesda, and rested from his earthly lahors,
August 29th, 1912, being 81 years old. His wife,
who had been Miss Jane Moore, survived him sew
eral years. And of two children-Robert s. is
invested with the Office, so long and exemplariy
filled by his father; and the daughter was model
wife of physician and Elder Of the Church in
North Carolina r-.
John NJ. Lindsay was man Of great energy OF
character, an earnest minded christian and very
prominent and efficient Elder, to which Office he
was admitted in 1924 being the same year in which
he professed religion. Having spent his Lite Of 81
wears, within few miles of his birthplace, he en-
tered into his Heavenly rest December 4th, 1877.
He left widow, who had been Miss Catharine NJ.
Miller, the subject of severe affection in her per-
son, until relieved by death few years AFTER and
family of four SONS and daughter, who are use-
full members of society-three being communicates
in the beloved church, and one of them Deacon.
Samuel McNeel served only four years in the
Edership, being elected in 1924 and released by
death, April 4th, 1928, at the age of 81 He mar
ried Miss Elizabeth Rainey, with whom be lived
for a long period Of life. His Official work in the
Church was soon, but well done.
James s. Williamson, son of former Elder,
was enrolled among the Eldership in 1926. With
much earnestness did he M his station until he re-
moved to Pamela County, Mississippi, in ls46.
He was there reelected, to serve In Church,
called Fredonia, but after many years, was trans.
fered to act in the same capacity in the Church OF
Sardis He raised an interesting and promising
family to cheer his maturing age.
William Wallace married daughter Of our Eli
der, Robert Love, and was appointed to this Office
in 1926, but removed to Mississippi about 1880,
and died in 1857 leaving wife and seven children.
He was firm and jealous christian, and is remem-
bered for his official fidelity. - --.-,
Robert Ash was inducted into the Office of Elder
about 1880 was an humble and earnest chris
tian of retiring manners married Margaret
Campton, of whom, children are still amongst US.
His decease occurred January l1th, lS40, at the
age of so, and he rests amongthe fathers OF the
Church.
Samuel Moore, born and nurtured in the con-
gregation, was joined to the Eldership in 1888.
Modest and dident in spirit, he was still sincere
and decided christian, and had the interests of his
church at heart. He died May 9th, 1852, at 60
years of age, leaving considerable family, all OF
whom follow him in the ways Of righteousness.
R. Mitchell Love, was the third generation OF FL
ders. He entered the Office in 1888, and wore the
robes with acceptance and usefulness, until bis
sudden death, February 18th, 1853. His family
of five children, four now living are all communi-
cants in the Church of their godly ancestry.
DR.. George Campbell was born in York District,
and devoted himself to God in early life. Was
called to the Eldership in 1852, but in 1854 re-
moved to Pleasant Hill, in North Carolina, where
he also served as an Elder until his death, Novem'
Der 2lst, 1861, being only thirty-6ve years old.
Thus early passed away the lovely man, devoted
christian, successful physician and noble officer In
the Church. ---.'.a.-e. -.
Beside this long catalogue of names of such az
have been removed from us as Elders, the follow
ing still live to adorn their Office John Starr, elect
ed in 1888; VIM. Hanna, elected in 1888; F. A
Erwin, elected in 1852; J. c. Tipping, elected IL
1881. J. Moore, elected in 1852; +. f. Moore
elected in 1852; J. NJ Mcdowell, elected in 1857
R. S. Hope, elected in 1857; j. NJ. Moore, elect
ed in 1857. Of these officers, living and associa
ted with him in ruling the Church, the Pastor vii
add that they constitute, in most respects, mode
session. Intelligent men, of Christian spirit, they
love and seek after whatever promotes the peace
purity, growth and prosperity Of the Church.
The Deacons of the Church.-The Office Of Dea
con in this Church was not filled until 1874
Whence the neglect, we cannot tell; but suppose
it to have been the fault Of the Ministers in moi
unfolding the scriptural warrant for this officer
The first election resulted in the choice Of the fol
lowing:
Col. A. S. Williamson, who removed to Pano
Ia, Mississippi two years after, and was there in
vested with the same Office, but now lives in Mar
shall County, still useful member of the Church
Jas. Ash, who, however, on hegrounds Of bod
ily in6rmites, declined the Office; but to-day stil
lives as one of the brightest specimens Of the sui
fering saints.
F. A. Erwin, who discharged the duties Of thi
Office until his promotion to the Eldership, eigh
years after.
Jas. NJ. Mcdowell, who also served with grea
fidelity until his advancement in 1857.
Jas. Williamson, who, however, for only a teV
months was permitted to serve the Church, beiDl
called to his final rest, November 9Th, 1874, in tn
6sth year of his age His piety was undoubted
having yielded largely the fruits offaith and right
eousness.
In 1853, there were also added, VIM. Burris, D
D. Moore and Jos. c. johnson, the two former o
whom are still with US in service, whilst the latte
removed to North Carolina, in November, 1858.
So, also, were then elected, Gustavus A. vii
liams who, as an active and faithful officer, only
demitted his Office when summoned to his reward
July Goth, 1855, in the 35th year of his age, leav
ing as a sweet and blessed heritage to his widow
and four children, the example ofan earnest chris
tian life.