Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-03-19

and clothes and one lesson per day for
services rendered.
In November 1869. the subject OF this
sketch protested religion aud became
a member OF Mill Greek Baptist
Church in Pittsylvania Co., Va and
served in said church for mary years
IS secretary. Feeling deep down in
his soul by the dictations OF the Holy
Spirit that he was called OF God TO tar
~ His Word as minister OF the Cos
pei, he was licensed by the above
named church in 1884 At the same
accepted of Mount Lexington Baptis e
Church. Pittsylvania, Va, in June
In October of the same year, he was
called to New Hope Baptist Church in
North DRnvilie.
On November 8. 1885, he was or
dained TO the work of the Gospel min
istry in Mill Greek Baptis. Church of
which Rev. X. b. Brandon was the
faithful pastor, and in May 1886, he
was called as pastor OF the Second Bsp-
fist Church of North Danvil'e. He
served this congregation and worked
daily as factory hand until 1888
Seeing that it was impossible for
him to succeed as q pastor and do
manual lsbor at the same time, the
Spirit of God led him in search Of bet
ter fields OF labor for Christ and the
great upbuilding of falling humanity.
Therefore on the morning of Novem-
Der 9Th, 1888 he left Danville for
Southws Sc, Va. Arriving here Deem
Der LIST, finding but one Baptist Church
in this region, ana it without a pastor
Rev. Brandon was cordially received
and began the PRONUNCIATION of the I'M
adulterated word of 'hrist, and since
that time truly the hand OF the Lord
has been upon this faithful minister.
He has been the means of organizing
eighteen Baptist Churches, (the great
est record of any minister in the West
during his short duration) He has
assisted in ordaining ten young men
to the work of the Gospel ministry.
Five of them are members of the
church in which be pastors. Many of
them are now in the colleges prepar-
ing themselves for the ministry, while
others have pastoral charges of church
es, and are accomplishing much good
for the lpbuilding of Christ's kingdom
on earth.
Elder Brandon has built three
churches, purchased ore and paid one
out OF debt. lie is now pastor OF the
Grocer Baptist Temple, one of the larg-
est and finest churches in this whole
section of West Virginia which cost
$4,000 Give thousand dollars), and also
of the beautiful Mt. Chapel Baptist
Church OF Keystone, West Va, which
cost $4,000. Great indeed has been his
success.
He also racks high in the following
secret organizations, viz: The Grand
United Order OF Odd Fellows, 1894
Good Hope Lodge, 8, Knights of Ply
thias; @. u o T. r 494; and Noun
tain Lodge, 4, Free Mssous The Rev.
has now living in Danville two broth
ers and one sister. viz. Rev. r. b..
Brandon and J. w. Brandon, Esq. and
Mrs. Lucinda Wooding. He has a
wife, Mrs. Ella Brandon and two low
ing girls, viz: Nicola and Lo tie Bran
don VINO consists of the family He
hes been loving faithful worker ev-
err since he has been in our midst
The writer doesn't hesitate a mo-
ment in saying that many souls have
been won for Christ by the teachings
IF Gods word. His work in this Sec
tion has indeed been a great blessing
to all concerned. 1t will last through
out time, and be q monument for Rev.
T. J. Brandon when he shall have re-
csived his call to come up higher,
when the Lord vill make him ruler
over many things" etc. The work
wrought by him is second to none in
the entire country consid ering his stay
in our midst. There is no minister OF
the gospel we venture to assert who is
more freely disp ,sed Co secret and be
nevo'ent organizations, as they have
always met his highest approval,
and especially the National Industrial
Bene fetal Eudawmaut Company of
LynchbnrR OF which Hon George Will
liams, Jr, has the honor of being
president This company is indeed
doing a marvellous work Success is
always assured with such influential
men as Rev. Brandon. Under his care
I'll and judicious administration this
part of western Virginia has been
greatly raised tn higher standard OF
Intelligence, and immortality has re-
ceived its death blow on every hand
Everything that pertains TO raising
people to a higher standard. has
been practiced and preached since he
has been in our midst, and we feel that
the Baptist denomination should feel
proud of such pious christian, loyal
friend TO the cause, and devout chris
tian minister.
The Grocer Baptist Temple is proud
of Rev. I. Brandon. he having been
in our midst nine years. When he
came here, there was no church, but
now the Grocer Baptist Temple has a
seating capacity of 900 persons. first
class choir. and one of the leading Sun
day Schools in the state with a men,
bership over two hundred. Mr.. X.
II. Moore, deacon of the above named
church is superintendent of this large
school. The Elkhorn band with excel
lent musicians are under the influence
the church.
In the conclusion of this sketch, we
say, may the blessings Of the Supreme
RHler of the Universe ever-attend
him through life, and may he continue
to preach the word with fervency and
when God calls him away to that ever
lasting blessed home. May he hear
the sweet, serene message "Well done.
thou good and faithful servant, thou
hast been faithful over a few things
enter thou into the JOY of thy Lord, aud
will make thee ruler over many.
w. K. PATTERSON.
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