Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1905-07-28
Bishop 7. Carter

paper VIII uVuDtitss bt VI intSitNt W III
Carriers many friends in this section
Bishop Thomas Coke Garter was born
January |, 1851, in Carroll County Ten
i,essee. His father was a farmer wh)
toiled industriously and read widely,
both parents being constant students Of
the Bible. Timothy-like, Mr.. Carter
was taught the Scriptures from his
youth, and the family altar is among his
earliest recollections.
Doctor Carter has n twin brother,
,Joseh McKendre Carter, both Of whose
names point to a Methodist ancestry,
Coke and McKeudre being honored
bishops in that church. These two sons
were converted to Christ at the same
altar, and at the same moment, in an old
country church, when they were fifteen
years of age. Two years later they were
licensed to preach in the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Atnineteen Thomas began long
educational career by entering the East
Tennessee Wesleyan University. where
he passed through the Junior year. He
then enrolled at DE PAW University,
Greencastle, Ind, from which place he
graduated in 1875. That fall he became
principal of West Tennessee Seminary,
being elected president of Tullahoma
College twelve months later. He served
four years at its head doing some pas
,oral work in connection with school
duties.
The Church recognizing his work,
Doctor Carter was then sent to China,
where he founded az Kin-Kiang an
Anglo Chinese school which is still one
of the influential institutions of the
Methodist Church IN that empire. Ill
health compelled return to America
in 1888.
In this country literary duties were
awaiting him, and he at once became
editor of the Methodist Advocate, which
position he held for nearly ten years, re-
suming then to the pastorate. This
work has continued in Holston Con-
ference until the autumn of 1894, when
lie asked for dismissal from his denom-
nation that he might join our own.
His conference passed strong resolutions
of appreciation of his services in the
various positions he had filled.
1t was at Knoxville, Tenn, and Drs.
w. J. Shuey and William Mckee re-
ceived Doctor Carter into our Church,
and appointed him superintendent of
our mission field in the south. Since
that time his work has been before us.
At the general Conference of 1901, the
south was constituted mission district,
and its superintendency was committed
to Doctor Carter. The last quadrennium
was the most successful in the history
of our work there. With undated en-.
ergy and with all the optimistic enthu-
siasm of his nature, DR.. Carter threw
himself into the work, and is highly es
teemed by his brethren throughout thai
section. His report at the last Genera
Conference was splendid review o.
what had been achieved, and doubles.
persuaded the Conference to constitute {
regular southern district. When tina
was done he was recognized as the logi
cal man for the place, and was elected
bishop on the first ballot
Some inside our Church and som,
outside might ask why man from an
other denomination was elected bishol
rather than one reared in United
Brethren home. 1t was new departure
of course, but the delegates had the RICH
TO ballot foi whomsoever they pleased
The opinion prevailed that northern
man would scarcely fit the southern
aeld; besides, Doctor Carter had beef
prominent III the Methodist Church, be
ing thrice elected to her General Con
ference, aud was know to be possessed o
superior ability; again, we have the SAM
right to-get bishop from the Methods
rs they had to get Bishop Joyce from
our Church.
Bishop Garter is strong man in pull
pit and on platform, lie has frequen
:. calls fer lectures. When sunmoad for
waro at the Conference to receive thu
courtesies of those who had elected hin
he was absent, hot hiding among tn
stuff like Saul, but Oh his way to fill
3sc:ureeng agement. When bespeaks h
has every thing Oh tap that any occasion
1. -.