Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1883-03-15
REF. JOHN CHRISTIAN hEENER.
OReof the Bishops Of The Methodist EptS-
cOpdl Church, South.

Bishop Kecner was born in Baltimore Febru-
AIRY 7th, 1870 His father, the late Christian
Keener was in his day man of mark and one
Of the hest known MethodiSts of that city. The
son was pupil at Wilbraham Academy; aud
when its Principal, Dr. Wilbur Fisk, became
President of Wesleyan University, he becamca
member of its frstclass. He was graduated in
iS25 shortly after mis- graduation he was
converted and entered mercantile life, but a.
bandoning his secular prospects, he wen,
south entered the ministry, and was admitted
into tNc alabama Conference in 1913. In a
few years he was sent to New Orleans, then
post Of danger, and yet of honor because Of ila
importance He spent sctre of years there
in the passionate and presiding eldcrship. II
1866 hc was elected editor of the New Orleans
Christian Adrocpie, and q Ism he was elected
TO the Episcopacy." These particulars are
taken from brief ske,ch which appeared
in the + Zig .ilrocHe ru blished during the ses
sion of the General Conference held At Atlanta
May ISIS.
.PNhcp Kccner is above medium height and
of large frame His complexion and hair are
light or sandy" lie is alert, quick in move
mcat, mas no hesitation Of speech himself and
in his cagcrncsS anticipates what those would
say whose words do not fall trippingly rom
lheir tongues. His manner IS that of a man of
business He has capacity for affairs energy
in their conduct hopefulness Of success and
The decision of character which forbids the a.
abandonment of his pursuit when difficulties or
distractions present themselves in his path
These he either removes or surmounts, and then
goes on his way. Any ne observant of facial
lines and expression would readily judge h:m
TO be a man TO have an opinion and 70 give an
opinion; to have an obicc; and to pursue it; 10
expect success aud to achieve il where this is
possible TO energy, hope and strength Of viii.
The expression of benevolencc blends with that
otwill. and Jointly they tell Of man who wish
e. well go his fellow men, hut Who will not
'yaporizc about good deeds and then leave
them unattcr'p;c' and juperformed
/ Bishop Eeel'er has been u student, not only
orthodoxy but also Of general literature. lie
+ has a delicate perception Of literary beauty ;
and while the careful Determinations in his
| $ rlnons satisfy the nearer of thoughtful prepa-
ration the neat turns ofeApre>si wel-choscn
words and and chastc adornmcntS prove him
/ 90 be at once the enemy of slovenlinc,S ofstylc
and a friend 10 the unaffected graccS of speech.
/ lie is a preacher Of profit bat while true in
any case that full benefit can be gained from a
sermon by the attentive nearer only, it is spc-
/ cially true when compacmcss ofthousht and a
/ tsrse rhetoric distinguish it. For thc>> reasons
/ the nearer who listens e bishop Hccuc~ 'ru-t
attend closely
TlctlcftucsS, quick movement and prompt
speech wear TO some, who are unfamiliar with
the Bishops manner, an appearance ofbruSque-
ness; but better acquaintance soon satisfies
them of his warm, gcacrous and BENEVOLENT
nature IL need not he said that lac is pains
taking considerable and just in the work of the
I stationing-room but no man can conduct that
work through a dofcr or twenty ycgs and safe
, i,fy ali arties who may be affected thereby
/ That he is spiritual, faithful indu>.rioa. and
/ laborious goes without the saying Only such
men are chosen for this responsible office who
are beforehand believed to possess these and
thcothcr qualities needed in any one who is 10
te IN oycrsccr in the house of God
} Tie riSl'op resides i'm a suburb Of New Or
leans; bat, like his colleagues, travels thro'
c.cryplrt of the church. SUPPLEMENTARY in
/ Mctholi>m is not diocesan but general
Bishop Kceucr is deeply Interested in the
Mission Of Southern Mctholism in " vicq. anl
beyond doubt its deyclopm pa, and present pro-
missing condition are LARGELY due To the attcu-