Smyrna times., 1880-06-23
F0F h2 Smyrna ItWeS.
Methodist History on the Peninsula,

In 1927 the Philadelphia Conference was
held in this place. Bishop George made
his home at Robert Patterson S, and Bishop
Hedding at Judge Davis's. The business
proceedings of the Conference were trans
acted in the Friends Meeting House, and
the preaching was in the Methodist Church.
At this Conference two of our young men
joined the itinerant ranks, viz, James y.
Massey, and William Cooper.
The Union Sabbath School of this place
was dissolved in June 1897. The Metho-
dists having concluded to purchase their
books from the NJ. Z. S. 5. Union, the
other denominations withdrew. Since that
time they have organized schools attached
to the different churches, which are in a
flourishing condition. Beside the large
school at the Asbury Church, there are two
other schools of Methodists among the
colored people.
In 1929 Rev. Solomon Sharp and Rev.
Henry G. King were appointed to Smyrna
Circuit. One Sabbath morning in June.
while Mr.. King was preaching, an awful
solemnity rested on the congregation.
| That night one of the most powerful revi-
walls ] ever witnessed broke out, during
which many young men of this place were
soundly converted. They continued to
live here some time afterWard, manifesting
| by their useful lives the reality of the
religion they professed. Among these youths
were Pennel Coombe, John Ruth, John A..
Roche, and William Maginnes, who after
wards became travelling preachers. The
revival continued for two years, and was
felt not only in the church, but in the
stores and shops, on the streets, and various
business places. l might follow up the
useful career of these preachers, and men
ton the important positions they have held,
but as have arrived at the fiftieth year
since the ingress of Methodism into this
place which should close these sketches l
forbear.
DR.. Ph@bus was invited to attend our
Centennial Celebration last October, and
the part assigned him in the programme,
believe, was the first fifty years -of Metho-
dist History In this place. He was pre-
vented by sickness from being present,
and that part have endeavored to fill up
from books, and tradition, until 1920.
From that, year until 1929 was a close
observer OF passing events for one SC
young.
thought il would add to the interest oil
these annals to begin with Philip EnbWg
and Robert StraObridge, the two local preach
| IIOih "lO hSON w WIS
country in l760, and planted Methodisn
I in New York, and Maryland. In the nine
! teenth year of their emigration it reached
this place, and has continued here ever
! since, Thus ! have travelled over si1ty
nine years of our history concentrating my
, thoughts and efforts for nineteen years to
reach Duck Creek Gross Roads on this Pen
; insula.
| have endeavored TO be as concise in
these sketches as the topics would allow
and if have failed to interest the readers
. of them am sorry, for have done as wei
as could with the manifold duties devol
wing upon me. Many years since com
, mencsd writing the History Of Methsdlsm
| beginning With its founder, but was so dis
courageds that laid it aside. l was theI
in my youth, and had nothing to take VI
my time any further than ! dss:-re Th
task %%aas a peasant one. The plan woulc
t have enlisted the attention of the young
Q and believe it would have accomplished
much good, by disseminating knowledg
0 In an easy and attractive way,
Ny hand may cease writing, my blood may grow colS
D Ihe tomb may receive me for ages upIold
Ny spirit when soaring with spirits above,
i VIII think Of the glorious Church that love,
TheTruth will march forward though foes may assai
Their onslaughts though many, will never prevail;
The world will be conquered by Christ well know
}, SMYRNA, June 18th, 1880. S.P. NJ.