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THE HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 outkiTi Methodism 
 
 ON THE 
 
 E?AGIFIG ^OASfH. 
 
 By the Rev. J. C. SIMMONS, D.D., 
 
 Of the Pacific Annual Conference. 
 
 WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY 
 
 THE REV. 0. P. FITZGERALD, D.D. 
 
 Nashville, Tenn.: 
 Southern Methodist Publishing House. 
 
 1SS6. 
 
^- vim 
 
 Entered, aceording to Act of Congress, in the year 1886, 
 
 By .J. C. SIMMONS, 
 
 in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 S.41 
 

 %)EDlQ fl5IOK- 
 
 To the clear band of preachers who answered to the 
 First Roll-call of the Pacific Conference — half of 
 whom have answered to the roll-call above — 
 
 J. Boring, D.D., 
 A. M. Wynn, 
 
 C. Gridley, 
 
 W. R. Gober, 
 
 J. S. M ALONE, 
 
 J. M. Fulton, 
 
 J. F. Blythe, 
 A. M. Bailey, 
 M. Evans, 
 
 W. A. Simmon's, 
 D. B. Leyxe, 
 
 E. B. LoCKLEY, 
 
 S. W. Da vies. 
 
 J. W Kelly, 
 — these pages are lovingly and tearfully dedicated by 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 IfffiT the Conference held in Santa Rosa, October, 1877, my 
 il'}^ brethren of the Pacific Conference, by formal resolution, 
 requested me to prepare the material for a History of Southern 
 Methodism on the Pacific. I was, even then, the only effective 
 member of the Conference who was present at the organization 
 of the body, and who had been intimately and actively connected 
 with it in all of its history. 
 
 I accepted the duty with no high estimate of my ability to 
 meet the demands of the Conference. I had read much of Church 
 history, some of it contemporary history, and from personal obr 
 servation I knew it to be an exceedingly difficult task to be a 
 correct, faithful historian. I knew there were currents of fact 
 and thought into which a historian is liable to drift, sometimes 
 unduly magnifying the actions of men, sometimes giving too 
 great prominence to certain events, sometimes overlooking the 
 true heroes and neglecting the record of events best calculated 
 to reveal the truth. 
 
 Notwithstanding this, at the call of my brethren I undertook 
 the work, and to me it has been " a labor of love." I have lived 
 over again the scenes of other years, and have held communion 
 with the beloved companions whose voices have long since been 
 hushed in death. 
 
 I have sought in all directions for facts and incidents illustrat- 
 ing the history of the important period of which I was to write; 
 I have called publicly through the press, both in California and 
 in the Eastern States, for facts connected with our history; I have 
 
 (v) 
 
vi Preface. 
 
 written innumerable letters to all parts of the country — in a word, 
 I have left no stone unturned to get at the truth. 
 
 Many of my brethren have responded to these calls, and have 
 helped me much. Others from whom I expected much have 
 sent me only a few lines, or neglected to respond to my requests. 
 I have tried to be accurate in all I have written, and feel assured 
 that more fault will be found with me for what I have not written 
 than for what I have written. 
 
 In looking over my manuscript, I am not satisfied with my 
 work. The names and deeds of a whole host of laymen — the 
 rank and file of our sacramental army — men whose names are in 
 the book of life as those who have done much for the planting 
 and maintaining Southern Methodism on this coast — are not re- 
 corded in these pages. Had it been possible, I would have em- 
 balmed each name in grateful acknowledgment, and recorded 
 each deed with gladness; but I could not. 
 
 I have done what I could. Some future historian may again go 
 over the field and gather what I have left. 
 
 I thank God that I have been spared to finish this work, and 
 with an earnest prayer for his blessing upon this humble child 
 of my love and toil, I submit it to the public. 
 
 J. C. SIMMONS. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 
 'HERE were good reasons why this book should be writ- 
 tj ten, and that Dr. Simmons should be the writer. The 
 History of Southern Methodism on the Pacific Coast pos- 
 sesses extraordinary interest as a record of Christian propa- 
 gandist™ under new and peculiar conditions, and of Chris- 
 tian heroism demonstrative of the fact that the love of Christ 
 is still a constraining power, and that it endues his servants 
 with supernatural energy, fortitude, and self-abnegation, as in 
 the first ages. 
 
 This history exhibits in a remarkable manner the vitali- 
 ty of the true principles of the gospel of Christ. Southern 
 Methodism on the Pacific Coast, tried in the fires, has come 
 forth as gold. Its history is a record of trial and disaster 
 on the one hand, and of unconquerable zeal and hard -won 
 success on the other. The opposition of enemies, many of 
 whom verily believed they were doing God service in the ef- 
 fort to destroy it; the misconceptions of friends; the misfort- 
 unes of good men; the blunders of novices; the pressure of 
 special antagonism during the dark days of the Civil War — 
 these obstacles to success, together with the intrinsic difficul- 
 ties that all evangelical religious organizations have had to en- 
 
 (vii) 
 
viii Introduction. 
 
 counter in that field, could have been met and overcome only 
 in the strength of Him who is head over all things to the 
 Church, and who hath promised to be with his people alway, 
 even unto the end of the world. These pages detail those 
 struggles and triumphs with truth - loving fidelity, and with 
 the glow that kindled anew in the author's soul as he re- 
 called the times, scenes, and the actors of those early days. 
 This history furnishes a fresh demonstration of the inde- 
 structibility of the truth as it is in Jesus, and I doubt not will 
 strengthen many in their adherence to the principles for which 
 Southern Methodism has stood on the Pacific Coast and every- 
 where during the stormy times that are now, as we may 
 hope, happily passing away as the Church and the Nation enter 
 upon a new era of peace and prosperity. 
 
 It was time that this book should be written and printed. 
 The peculiar phases of the early life on the Pacific Coast, so- 
 cial and religious, are vanishing rapidly. The actors, too, are 
 passing off the stage. The pathos of this book is found largely 
 in its record of the heroism, the sufferings, the trials, and tri- 
 umphs of the holy dead. A little while longer, and all the 
 voices that could have told the story will be mute forever, 
 and the testimony of eye-witnesses and participants no longer 
 accessible. Posthumous historians have the advantage of the 
 mellowing and harmonizing perspective, but they lack the 
 vivid touch and the inside view of the contemporaneous au- 
 thor. No man of the next generation could be the writer of 
 this work. With it, some future historian will have the ma- 
 
Introduction. ix 
 
 terial that will enable him to assign to Southern Methodism 
 on the Pacific Coast its proper place in the annals of this 
 century. 
 
 Dr. Simmons was the proper person to perform this task 
 — to him a labor of love. The unanimous request of the 
 Pacific Conference was to him tantamount to a command to 
 undertake it. The honor was his by right of seniority in the 
 service of the Church on the Pacific Coast. He had under- 
 standing of all these things from the beginning. The earlier 
 chapters give the reader an inside view of the thrilling scenes 
 of that early period. lie was present at the birth of the 
 Pacific Conference, the mother of Conferences in all that re- 
 gion; he helped to nurse it in its infancy; he has watched its 
 growth through all its history. He possesses the prime quali- 
 fications of a historian — knowledge of the facts, and genuine 
 love for his subject. 
 
 The method of the author is his own. The current of 
 the narrative flows on in a continuous stream, but the biograph- 
 ical sketches, usually short and graphic, come in in proper 
 chronological order, relieving the tension of the reader, and 
 giving the page before him a pictorial interest. The humor 
 and pathos of the book are characteristic. Not every one will 
 be touched with its pathetic side as was the writer of this In- 
 troduction in passing it through the press — but few will be 
 able to read it through with dry eyes. The humor has the 
 flavor both of the old Georgia hills and of the new life of our 
 farthest West. In the judgment of the author, fidelity to 
 
x Introduction. 
 
 the truth of history demanded that he should not omit the 
 statement of the facts concerning the differences that agitated 
 Church and State during the troublous times from which we 
 are now emerging. He tells us how inter- Methodistic rela- 
 tionship was interrupted, and illustrates those unhappy times 
 by detailing incidents that furnish a true view of the situation. 
 
 His tone is that of a man of honest and earnest conviction, 
 not that of a partisan. He would be unlike himself if he 
 wrote in any other than a fraternal, broadly Christian spirit. 
 
 It is perhaps proper to say here, that if any friendly reader 
 should think that too little space is given to some men and 
 matters, and too much to others, the explanation may be found 
 in the fact that the author was furnished with the facts in 
 some cases, and was unable to obtain them in others. His 
 impartial, irenic, brotherly spirit is everywhere apparent. 
 
 The book meets a want. The author is entitled to the 
 thanks of his brethren for the faithfulness with which he has 
 discharged the duty imposed upon him by them. I commend 
 his work to their favor, and invoke upon it the blessing of 
 God. O. P. FITZGERALD. 
 
 Nashville, Tenn., May, 18S6. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 ^HE History of Southern Methodism on the Pa- 
 cific Coast, if faithfully written, will reveal the 
 fact that the work has been difficult and peculiar. 
 No one who has not been engaged in it can appreciate 
 it. Even a visitor to our coast could form but a partial 
 idea of the many difficulties to be met and overcome. 
 
 Though California, with all its wealth of minerals, 
 and its mightier agricultural resources, had been in the 
 possession of the Spaniards for more than one hundred 
 and fifty years, yet no discovery of either gold or sil- 
 ver had been made, nor had the soil of her rich valleys 
 ever been turned by the plowshare of the diligent 
 husbandman. 
 
 Tens of thousands of wild cattle and immense bands 
 of horses roamed through the valleys, while now and 
 then some vessel would glide in through the Golden 
 Gate and slowlv take in a cargo of hides and tallow. 
 Sometimes a hardy trapper would pitch his camp on 
 the bank of one of its limpid rivers, and stir, by barter 
 for pelts, some of the inhabitants to a little activity. 
 
 The coast of California had been explored as early 
 1602. Roman Catholic missions had been established 
 at many points, and the old Catholic fathers became 
 possessors of untold wealth. The Rev. Calvin Colton 
 tells us that in 1825 the possessions of these fathers 
 were estimated at 1,200,000 cattle, 100,000 horses, 12,- 
 000 or 15,000 mules, 1,000,000 sheep, many thousand 
 
 f.») 
 
12 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 hogs, and not less than $1,000,000 in specie and bullion; 
 while there were not less than twenty thousand In- 
 dians, who were the most abject slaves to these eccle- 
 siastical tyrants. They made them work without com- 
 pensation, save their living, and punished them at will. 
 They gave them but little, if any, religious instruction, 
 and no education whatever. 
 
 As early as 1840 the salubrity of the climate of Cal- 
 ifornia began to be made known, and a few hardy, 
 restless spirits crossed the plains and came to this 
 coast; and by 1845 tnere were about five thousand 
 Americans and foreigners who had braved the dangers 
 of the long and arduous journey, and had located here. 
 
 By the year 1846 there were two thousand Ameri- 
 cans and three thousand foreigners, who were friendly 
 to the United States Government, and about three 
 thousand more who were either hostile to it or neutral. 
 
 At the conclusion of the Mexican war, on February 
 2, 1S48, a treaty was made, ceding to the United States 
 the present States of California and Nevada, the Ter- 
 ritories of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, part of 
 Colorado, and part of Texas. 
 
 During the same month the first £old was discovered 
 by a man named Marshall, near Coloma, while engaged, 
 with others, in di^ofinof a mill-race for General Sutter. 
 Prospectors immediately commenced searching the ad- 
 jacent gulches, and finding gold in great abundance, the 
 news flew like wild -fire, and soon almost every man 
 in California went to the mining region. Not only so, 
 but the news reaching all parts of the world, vast 
 crowds began to collect from all parts of the civilized 
 world, and by the year 1852 there were in California 
 two hundred and fifty thousand men. Many of these 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 13 
 
 men were of the most daring and reckless character. 
 Mad in their pursuit for gold, they were capable of 
 almost any crime. The abundant yield of the mines 
 kindled in all hearts a desire for sudden wealth; and 
 as the rapidity with which the country had been filled 
 up prevented the possibility of proper organization as 
 citizens, or the enforcement of law, men became reck- 
 less to the last decree. The restraining: influence of 
 woman being absent, many who would have acted dif- 
 ferently gave way to a lawless spirit to an appalling 
 decree. Gambling: was the order of the dav. Men 
 who had been looked upon as the most exemplary 
 Christians in the older States, and even some ministers of 
 the gospel, were caught in the swelling tide and borne 
 away into this vice. Whole blocks in the city of San 
 Francisco were given up entirely to gamblers, and 
 every form of this vice was practiced. Vast piles of 
 glittering gold lay in the greatest abundance on the 
 tables of these gamblers. Men who had been a few 
 months in the mines, and had dug out thousands of dol- 
 lars, went thither and lost the whole in a few hours. 
 Crowds went surging from place to place in the mines, 
 as rich diggings were announced from time to time by 
 lucky prospectors. 
 
 Perhaps in the history of the world there never was 
 seen just such a sight — the whole population of a State, 
 with scarcely an exception, rushing from place to place 
 in search of gold, all hoping and expecting to get rich 
 in a few months at least, many of them having thrown 
 off" the restraints of law and society. 
 
 Now, it was to this surging, seething mass of gold- 
 hunters that the Church proposed to send the preach- 
 ers of the gospel. These men must not be wholly 
 
'14 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 abandoned to evil influences. Many of them had been 
 taught the truths of Christianity in the homes of their 
 childhood, and it would not do to let them drift forever 
 from their moorings. Therefore, at the meeting of the 
 Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 
 May, 1S49, tnev determined to establish a Mission in 
 California. It was to be classed as a foreign mission, 
 and put under the immediate supervision of Bishop 
 Robert Paine. The work could not have been put into 
 better hands. From that memorable day to the day 
 of his death Bishop Paine manifested the liveliest in- 
 terest in the work on this coast; and although it was 
 never his privilege to visit the field to which he sent 
 the first preachers, yet not a movement of the Church 
 here ever escaped his notice. A short while before 
 his death he gave expression to his deep love to all 
 who were engaged in the work, and to the lively in- 
 terest he felt in its success. 
 
 In July, 1S49, after correspondence with the Rev. 
 Jesse Boring, D.D., of the Georgia Conference, Bishop 
 Paine appointed him Superintendent of the Mission. 
 In August, the Rev. D. W. Pollock, of the St. Louis 
 Conference, and the Rev. A. M. Wynn, of the Geor- 
 gia Conference, were appointed to accompany Dr. 
 Boring. They at once commenced making prepara- 
 tions for the voyage. They were ready to leave early in 
 1S50, on the first steamer that was to sail for the Isth- 
 mus of Panama. In the meantime they were ordered 
 to take collections in their respective Conferences to 
 assist in bearing their expenses to their distant field of 
 labor. Dr. Boring canvassed Georgia, the Rev. A. M. 
 Wynn, South Carolina, his native State, and the Rev. 
 D. W. Pollock, Missouri. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 15 
 
 California came into the Union at a time when Free 
 Soil doctrine was at fever heat: all saw that when it 
 was admitted, it would come in as a Free State; and 
 hence many of the leading men of the Church, South, 
 thought we could never successfully occupy it, and 
 were therefore bitterly opposed to the mission. Others 
 were very lukewarm in the cause, and it required a 
 great deal of persistence and energy to stem the tide. 
 Especially was this so in Georgia and South Carolina. 
 In Missouri the case was somewhat different. This 
 State being the point from which the vast majority of 
 emigrants to California overland started, more of her 
 sons came to California than those of any other South- 
 ern State; therefore the people had a personal interest 
 in sending ministers to California. They were send- 
 ing them to their sons and brethren. Missouri has 
 ever played an important part in California Methodism. 
 There are, and ever have been, more Missourians in 
 the Church on this coast than any others. 
 
 One reason why the brethren met with such oppo- 
 sition, or indifference, in their efforts in Georgia and 
 South Carolina, was that the memory of the fierce 
 conflict through which the Church had passed in reach- 
 ing a division, and the organization of two separate 
 bodies of Methodists in the United States, were fresh 
 in the minds of many. We had found peace in a sep- 
 arate ecclesiastical life, and they thought to enter terri- 
 tory other than that South of Mason and Dixon's Line 
 was but to invite strife and re-open trouble. Their 
 tutelage in the grand school in which God by his 
 providence had placed them was too meager for them 
 to see that by this division the shackles of sectional- 
 ism that had long bound us were stricken off, that 
 
16 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 now the world was indeed "our parish," and that we 
 must fulfill our destiny in giving a Methodism to the 
 world that knew no North, no South, no East, no 
 West. It was our misfortune that the name that had 
 been given us seemed to make us sectional, but it was 
 only in appearance. It was ours to preach a Christ 
 whose kingdom was not of this world — the Christ of 
 all nations. We bear in our hands no thonsrs with 
 which to bind men to this or that political party. 
 Those who seek admission into our Societies will be 
 required to frame no shibboleth to escape the sword of 
 politics. 
 
 But Dr. Boring and his brother missionaries met 
 difficulties right at the door of their enterprise. Men 
 who should have thrown all the weight of their influ- 
 ence in their favor did every thing to hinder them in 
 their work. Not only so, but after they had been 
 commissioned and sailed, a majority of the Church 
 settled down not only into a feeling of apathy and in- 
 difference toward fhem and the work, but a good deal 
 was said and written at home about the abandonment 
 of the field on the Pacific Coast. These things, of 
 course, reached the ears of these devoted men, and it 
 may be that it was overruled for the good of the work. 
 It caused them to rely more upon God, and it also fired 
 them with a determination to succeed, if success were 
 in the bounds of possibility. Their very isolation ex- 
 erted its influence in causing them to rely more upon 
 themselves than they otherwise would have done. It 
 required six months for letters to leave San Francisco 
 for Georgia and an answer to return; and six months 
 in California at that time were equal to two or three 
 years in the older States in the movements and changes 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 17 
 
 of men. And withal, their enemies on the Pacific Coast 
 (and their name was legion) taunted them with the 
 fact that the "Church at home had forsaken them." 
 These men were seriously pressed to give up the forlorn 
 hope, and to take what they were assured was a far bet- 
 ter chance, which, had money been the consideration, 
 was true. It was a dark day when these two men, both 
 feeble ones (for Wynn was an invalid, and but for his 
 will power, sustained by the great Head of the Church, 
 would have given up — Pollock had returned), stood 
 alone against such fearful odds; and we feel assured 
 that no one can ever fully appreciate their situation. 
 More than three thousand miles stretched out between 
 them and home. After a year of unparalleled toil and 
 suffering, and the announcement of their inevitable 
 failure, with not a word of re-inforcements coming, all 
 seemed to be lost. But thanks to God and those in- 
 domitable men, the mission lived, and three Annual 
 Conferences are, in part, the result. 
 
 The eyes of these men were on the jiclds waving 
 white to the harvest, and not on their resources and 
 the meager support they ivere receiving from the 
 Church at home. San Francisco, Sacramento, Stock- 
 ton, San Jose, Marysville, Nevada City, Sonora, and 
 numerous other cities, towns, and thickly-settled agri- 
 cultural regions of the country, were open to them. 
 Every local preacher who could be found and utilized 
 was put into the field — perhaps at one time six or eight. 
 These men were meeting with success. But we will 
 not anticipate. 
 
 Despite all opposition, these three faithful ministers 
 reported themselves ready to sail early in 1850. Ac- 
 cordingly they met in the city of New Orleans in Jan- 
 2 
 
i8 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 uary, expecting to sail the first of February. On the 
 way to New Orleans, the Rev. A. M. Wynn married 
 a sister of Dr. Boring's wife. 
 
 When they reached New Orleans, they found that 
 every ticket on the steamer had been sold, and great 
 crowds were waiting for the next one. They at once 
 purchased their tickets for the steamer that was to sail 
 the first of March. For one month they waited as 
 patiently as they could, and on the first day of March 
 they set sail, and after a long and perilous voyage of 
 forty-five days they landed in San Francisco, April 
 15, 1850. 
 
 They found the Bay of San Francisco, like a mighty 
 forest, bristling with the masts of vessels from almost 
 every nation under heaven. The surging multitudes 
 they met in the city rivaled the babbling hosts of Babel. 
 Among the first things that arrested their attention 
 upon landing was a multitude of houses that seemed 
 all doors, filled with great crowds of men, drinking, 
 smoking, cursing and gambling. On tables set here 
 and there were vast piles of gold-dust, as well as of gold 
 and silver coin. Old and young were betting reck- 
 lessly on the turn of a card or the revolution of a wheel 
 of fortune. Occasionally, seated at a table, would be a 
 woman, set, as it were, to lure men to more freely and 
 foolishly stake their money on the issues of a game of 
 chance. 
 
 This was the place to which the Church had sent 
 them, and these were the men to whom they were to 
 preach the gospel of purity and peace. 
 
 In the new, the strange, the anomalous circumstances 
 in which the gold-hunters of California were placed, 
 far away from home and its influences, without even 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 19 
 
 the restraints of law, much less the hallowed associa- 
 tions of social and family bonds, it was but natural that 
 they should give way to the intoxicating excitement of 
 the hour and plunge recklessly into any vice that might 
 suggest itself to their minds. Then they were thrown 
 into intimate association with men who had made 
 crime and law-breaking the habit of their lives. For 
 of all men, these were the most readily drawn to such a 
 place as California then was. They were ever ready 
 to present what might not suggest itself to the minds 
 of the more innocent. 
 
 When once the barriers that hedge about our moral 
 natures are broken down, it seems next to impossible to 
 restore them to their former strength. The soul, once 
 exposed to the scorching simoom of sin, is ever after- 
 ward less strong to resist evil. So those who came 
 first to California, and giving way to the demoralizing 
 influences that surrounded them, found themselves ever 
 afterward weaker than before and harder to influence 
 for good, while those who had once been religious, and 
 had in their greed and grasping for gold let go their 
 hold on Christ, drifted so far away that it was next to 
 impossible to restore them. 
 
 At this time not one man in ten thousand intended 
 to make California his home. Men had come to " make 
 their pile," and return to the home of their childhood 
 and enjoy it. They cared nothing for the well-being 
 and prosperity of this land. They would sacrifice any 
 of its interests to make money. As money-making was 
 the one grand object had in view in coming to Cal- 
 ifornia, covetousness might be said to be the ruling pas- 
 sion and desire of all hearts; and if, as Paul says, "cov- 
 etousness is idolatry," this was at this early period a 
 
 / 
 
20 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 land of idolaters. It is true that they were not io- n o- 
 rant idolaters; they had most of them been reared in 
 Christian lands, and many of them had been professors 
 of Christianity; but they were allowing the desire for 
 gold to drown all the religious elements of their nature. 
 Gold in sight, and gold in reach in such unusual quan- 
 tities, had a tendency to kindle the passion for gain into 
 a more intense flame. Then the manner in which for- 
 tunes were lost and won — mining being in some sense 
 a chance game — created a very unhealthy state of mind 
 in those engaged in it. 
 
 The cosmopolitan character of the population — being 
 composed of men from every nation under heaven, 
 each bringing with him his peculiar customs, manners, 
 and religion — kept all more or less excited in a manner 
 different from any experience of their former lives. 
 
 We mention these as a few of the difficulties that were 
 in the way of the first missionaries who came to Cal- 
 ifornia; and some of these difficulties, or their effects, 
 linger after a third of a century has wrought its changes 
 on the moral face of this new State. 
 
 These brethren, taken from appreciative Churches 
 and people in the older States, found themselves stand- 
 ing in the midst of the surging throngs of San Fran- 
 cisco with scarcely a man who cared whether they re- 
 turned or remained — with scarcely a man who would 
 stop long enough to answer a question, much less to 
 help them or their families. They stood alone. They 
 must find their own homes and form their own plans. 
 The land was before them, and they were left to the 
 dictates of their own judgment as to what and how 
 they should proceed. 
 
 Steamers that had been brought round the Horn 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 21 
 
 stood puffing at the rude wharf ready to carry the 
 eager crowds up either of the two grand rivers that 
 drained the vast San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. 
 Sacramento, Marysville, and Stockton were the three 
 most important points from which men went to the 
 mines. The two former were on the way to the north- 
 ern and the latter to the southern mines. 
 
 These missionaries, immediately upon their arrival, 
 held a consultation as to what was best to be done. 
 They decided that Dr. Boring should remain in San 
 Francisco, as he was the Superintendent of the Mis- 
 sion; D. W. Pollock should go to Sacramento, and A. 
 M. Wynn to Stockton. 
 
 Brother Pollock went at once to his field of labor, 
 but Dr. Borinsfs wife being: in delicate health, he de- 
 termined to take her to San Jose for four months, dur- 
 ing which time A. M. Wynn remained in San Francisco. 
 
 Brother Wynn secured the old original court-house 
 of the city in which to preach, and in May, 1850, or- 
 ganized the first Society of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, South, in California, consisting of eleven mem- 
 bers. We can find no record of this organization, and 
 can give no names. 
 
 In the latter part of July, 1850, the Rev. A. M. 
 Wynn went to Stockton (Dr. Boring having returned 
 to San Francisco and taken charge of that work), and 
 in a few weeks thereafter organized a Church there in 
 a hired room. 
 
 About the same time the Rev. D. W. Pollock organ- 
 ized in Sacramento. Soon after this organization he 
 procured a lot on Seventh, between J and K Streets, 
 upon which a small wooden chapel was erected. D. 
 W. Pollock was said to be a very brilliant preacher^ 
 
22 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Frail of body, his physical man could scarcely bear the 
 strain of the mind when in full play. His flights of 
 fancy and the gorgeous beauty with which he arrayed 
 his thoughts would at times remind one of his celebrated 
 namesake, author of "The Course of Time." He was 
 well calculated mentally and spiritually to arrest the 
 attention of California's excitable population. But his 
 health began rapidly to decline, and before many 
 months, while the fields were waving white to the har- 
 vest, with a heavy heart he turned his face homeward, 
 a confirmed consumptive. Reaching Alabama, he tar- 
 ried a few months among her sunny scenes and hospi- 
 table people, when he ended his career in triumph. He 
 was with us but a brief season, but no doubt his del- 
 icately-strung spirit echoed many a time to the gor- 
 geous scenery of our enchanting State. His hands, 
 however eager, were not to bind the sheaves; but 
 doubtless in his happy Eden home his ear has often 
 caught the shout of the reapers as they bent to the 
 stroke in the field he loved so well. 
 
 The charge in Sacramento, made vacant by the return 
 of Brother Pollock, was supplied with a Brother Penn- 
 man, a local preacher sent by Dr. Boring, the Superin- 
 tendent. He took charge in the spring of 185 1. His 
 labors were of short duration. During his pastorate the 
 congregations were very small, and the outlook not at all 
 encouraging. 
 
 We have been enabled to preserve a few of the 
 names of those who composed the first class in Sacra- 
 mento; they were: Dr. J. S. Curtis, as class-leader; 
 Sister A. M. Winn, wife of Gen. Winn; Sister Alex- 
 ander, Louis E. Brook, William Shoemaker, Judge 
 McGrew, and W. W. Stovall. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 23 
 
 Dr. Curtis lived in the vicinity of Sacramento for 
 many years. He was ardently attached to the Church, 
 South, and ever strove to sustain and honor it. We 
 are not informed as to whether his wife was a member 
 at its first organization, but we know that in subsequent 
 years she was one of its brightest ornaments. She was 
 one of the most sweet-spirited women of the age, ever 
 ready to minister to the wants and comforts of the min- 
 isters of Jesus. While Dr. Curtis was upright, con- 
 sistent, and pious, yet a cloud hung over his sky. As 
 he often confessed, when a young man he felt a call of 
 God to preach his gospel, but he refused obedience to 
 his will, and the memory of this disobedience gave a 
 dash of bitterness to all his after-life. Time and again 
 have we seen him point with sorrow at this, the great 
 mistake of his life, and warn young men not to follow 
 his example. In the evening of his life his reason 
 became clouded; but from frequent expressions of his 
 confidence in God, we cannot but believe that the great 
 Shepherd was with him as his spirit entered the dark 
 valley and shadow. 
 
 Sister A. M. Winn was from Mississippi, and was a 
 consistent member of the Church. Like the women 
 who ministered to Jesus and his disciples of their sub- 
 stance, Sister Winn was ever ready to give of her 
 means to those who were engaged in the same Master's 
 service. Quiet and unassuming in her manner, her life 
 was her greatest praise. She died in Sacramento in 
 1862, full of faith and hope. 
 
 Sister Alexander, at this writing, is still a member of 
 the Sacramento charge, perhaps the only one of the 
 original number who is still connected with the Church 
 in that city. 
 
24 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 W. W. Stovall, though an upright, good man, yet he 
 left the communion of our Church to engage in unde- 
 nominational evangelistic work. In this we believe he 
 made a great mistake. Every man who does work for 
 Christ should hold allegiance to, and be under the imme- 
 diate direction of, some recognized evangelical denom- 
 ination. There should be some recognized body to 
 give him authority, some home to which he can invite 
 those who are brought to Christ through his labors, 
 and some power to whom he will be responsible for 
 his actions. There never was a time when the author- 
 ity of the Church was more needed than now, never 
 when there were stronger influences brought to bear 
 to injure the cause of Christ in the eyes of the world. 
 Thousands of young people are loath to give up the 
 pleasures of the world and take upon them the restraints 
 and vows of the Church — vows by which they re- 
 nounce the vain pomp and glory of the world, with 
 all covetous desires of the same. And if the man who 
 is used as an instrument in the hands of God in bring- 
 ing such to Christ is himself not a member of the 
 Church, they will make his example an excuse for not 
 uniting with a Church that requires such self-renun- 
 ciation. 
 
 We give a brief history of the Church in Sacramento, 
 taken from an early history of Sacramento City, writ- 
 ten by Barber and Baker in 1846. Also another taken 
 from Thompson and West's History of Sacramento 
 County, 1880. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 25 
 
 ASBURY CHAPEL; or, M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. 
 
 This Church has been subject to the same mutations that have 
 characterized every thing else in Sacramento. The building was 
 erected in August, 1S50 — a neat frame structure about thirty-four 
 by sixty feet in its dimensions. The parsonage was situated in its 
 rear, as at present. The Rev. Mr. Pollock was the missionary, 
 under whose direction and by whose exertions it was planned and 
 built. The Society which worshiped in it was small, and the ability 
 of the membership by no means commensurate with the outlays 
 necessary to free it from debt. In fact, a large portion of the mon- 
 ey paid for it Avas raised among those not connected with any 
 Church. The minister was a man beloved by all who knew him — 
 one who combined all those rare traits of character which make the 
 truly good and great minister of the gospel. Early in the fall of 
 1S50 his failing health compelled him to forsake his field of labor 
 and return to his home in the South, where, in 1851, the disease 
 contracted during the ever-memorable fall of 1S50 terminated his 
 earthly career. The recollection of his many virtues will ever 
 remain fresh in the minds of those who knew him under the try- 
 ing circumstances which surrounded him during his brief stay in 
 Sacramento. With his departure departed the prosperity, present 
 and prospective, of Asbury Chapel — for the Rev. Mr. Pennman, 
 who succeeded him, soon engaged in secular pursuits, and then re- 
 turned home. For several months the voice of a preacher was 
 not heard in the deserted chapel — till the appointment in the 
 summer of 1S51 of the Rev. W. R. Gober (late member of the 
 Assembly from Santa Clara) to its charge. The debt of the 
 Church had now increased to over $2,000; the members, few in 
 number, and scattered through the country; those who remained 
 were backsliders and lukewarm — giving altogether a doubtful 
 aspect to the successful accomplishment of the enterprise. Not- 
 withstanding these discouragements he went to work, and by his 
 example infused new life and strength in that w r hich remained. 
 The whole of the interest and part of the principal was paid, the 
 church newly pewed, painted, and curtained, and prosperity again 
 began to mark her career. Of an exalted standard of Christian 
 and moral excellence, and great dignity of bearing, Mr. Gober 
 had to be known to be appreciated; to a casual observer he would 
 
26 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 sometimes seem supercilious, but a nearer acquaintance with him 
 would dissipate any such preconceived notions. 
 
 In the spring of 1852 he was succeeded by the Rev. John Mat- 
 thews, from Tennessee, whose ministry was attended with some 
 success, and was highly acceptable to his congregation. Again 
 the Church-debt increased to an amount sufficient to make it a 
 matter of doubt whether or not it could ever be overcome. It 
 was thought to be easier to raise money to build in a different 
 part of the city than the amount requisite to release the mortgage 
 on this. An attempt was made, several thousand dollars sub- 
 scribed, but not enough to purchase a lot and build. In this di- 
 lemma the mortgager notified the trustees that a week would be 
 given to redeem it. The time arrived, and not a dollar had been 
 raised, when one of the trustees, from his private funds, paid the 
 entire debt, amounting to two thousand six hundred and fifty 
 dollars. In three weeks after, the memorable fire of November 
 2d occurred, by which all the churches, except Mr. Benton's, 
 were destroyed. The thought of building again was scarcely en- 
 tertained, in view of the financial enervation caused by the fire. 
 The Society obtained permission to worship in the County Court 
 room, which continued for about eight months. 
 
 At the second session of the Pacific Annual Conference Mr. 
 Matthews was returned to Sacramento, but in a few weeks aban- 
 doned the charge and went home. Bishop Soule immediately 
 appointed the Rev. B. T. Crouch, who accompanied him to Cali- 
 fornia, to succeed him. But little time elapsed before active 
 measures were taken to rebuild on the site of the old church, the 
 lot having been given the trustees for that purpose. With the 
 assistance of the trustees, a sufficient amount was subscribed to 
 guarantee the successful accomplishment of the work. A neat 
 brick basement, thirty-seven and a half by sixty-five feet, was 
 erected at a cost of between $6,000 and $7,000 — $2,000 of which 
 remained unprovided for at its completion. To raise this the 
 Home Missionary Board was memorialized, the response to which 
 was a draft on its Treasurer for $2,000, to be paid in yearly in- 
 stallments of $500 each. There is no legal claim on the Society 
 for the original debt — hence it is altogether unincumbered. If 
 ever finished as the plan contemplates, it will be second only to 
 
Os the Pacific Coast. 27 
 
 Mr. Benton's church in size and appearance. The Rev. B. T. 
 Crouch deserves much credit for his activity and energy in prose- 
 cuting the work and raising the means to pay the debt contracted 
 in building, as well as for the able manner in which he filled his 
 position as resident minister. With more than ordinary ability, 
 combined with a noble impulse of doing good, his friends hope 
 for him a career of much usefulness to the Church. He is now 
 President of the Female Institute at San Jose, and stationed 
 preacher of that place. 
 
 The Rev. A. Graham, an able and deeply pious minister, was 
 appointed by the Conference which recently held its session here, 
 pastor of Asbury Chapel. The Society was almost unanimous 
 in its request for his appointment, and the writer doubts not that 
 it will result in great good to the Church and community. The 
 membership, though numbering only thirty-five, were never in 
 a higher state of prosperity, spiritually, than at present. The 
 clouds and gloom of the past have been dissipated, and a fine 
 prospect is presented for the future. 
 
 Thompson and West say: 
 
 In April, 1850, the Rev. D. W. Pollock organized this Church, 
 holding the first meeting on Seventh Street, between J and K 
 Streets. 
 
 Mr. Pollock was a remarkably earnest and energetic man. It 
 is said that he himself planned and mainly built the first church- 
 edifice of this denomination in Sacramento. This, a wooden 
 building, stood on the same site as the present brick church, and 
 was completed during the first year of Mr. Pollock's ministry. 
 • The fire of November, 1852, destroyed the house of worship, 
 and what was intended as the basement of another house was 
 erected on the same spot in 1S53 at a cost of $5,000. This was 
 of brick. Afterward the plan was changed, and the present 
 edifice was the result. This house was dedicated July 10, 1S59, 
 Bishop Pierce, then recently from Georgia, conducting the serv- 
 ice. 
 
 In the fall of 1850 Mr. Pollock, on account of ill health, re- 
 turned to Alabama, where he died in the following year. His 
 successor at Sacramento was a Rev. Mr. Pennman, who remained 
 
28 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 only a short time, when he abandoned the ministry and engaged 
 in other pursuits. 
 
 In this connection it is fact worthy of mention that, 
 in addition to other efforts made to save our Church 
 property in 1S52 in Sacramento, those put forth by 
 Sister W. R. Gober, the wife of the preacher in charge, 
 stand forth prominently. 
 
 She was a young and inexperienced Southern girl, 
 and while the duties of her household, in which she 
 then had but little skill, were pressing upon her, she 
 took the streets and collected from business -men, and 
 miners from the mountains, few of whom she had ever 
 seen before, over one thousand dollars. This was done 
 in a few days. 
 
 This is but one of the many instances which have 
 marked the energy and devotion of the preachers' 
 wives and other women of California. In fact, the 
 Church in California, in every period of its history, 
 owes more to the women than to any other human 
 agency. They have ever stood by the ministers of 
 God, and encouraged and helped them in their work. 
 
 During this time Dr. Boring, who was acting pastor 
 in San Francisco, was not idle as superintendent of 
 the Mission, but labored with great zeal, earnestness, 
 and ability. From time to time he visited Sacramento, 
 Stockton, and many other places in the interior, every- 
 where strengthening and encouraging the preachers 
 and people. 
 
 In the fall of 1850 A. M. Wynn visited Sonora, then 
 the most flourishing town in the southern mines, having 
 a population of three thousand, while there were ten 
 thousand miners in the immediate vicinity, who pur- 
 chased their supplies and got their mail there. There 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 29 
 
 was not a single white woman in or around the town. 
 Prior to this visit there had never been a sermon 
 preached or a prayer offered in public, either in the 
 town or the surrounding country. The rich mines 
 found in and around the town kept the people constant- 
 ly stirring with excitement. No Jtime was given to 
 any thing else but the accumulation of gold, with its 
 concomitant results and labors. 
 
 With the assistance of a Rev. Mr, Annis, a local 
 preacher from Arkansas, who was then merchandising 
 in Sonora, Brother Wynn secured the use of the largest 
 gambling-house in town in which to preach. Notice 
 was given to the miners that there would be preaching in 
 this house, and about seven hundred assembled. The 
 great majority of them were men of intelligence and cul- 
 ture ; for, as a rule, the early comers to California were 
 men of more than ordinary energy, and many of them 
 were men of fine education. These men, for the time 
 being, donned the miner's garb, and with pick and shovel 
 toiled day after day in the mines. Most of them had 
 been reared under gospel privileges. While they were 
 here, far away from the homes and scenes of their child- 
 hood, their mothers, wives, and children were then sur- 
 rounded by these hallowed influences. A call to wor- 
 ship once more, met with a ready and 'hearty response 
 from them. Quietly they seated themselves, and ear- 
 nestly they listened to the familiar notes of the gospel 
 message. In the company before him there were those 
 who had once been members of the Church. The serv- 
 ice was of the. most solemn and impressive character. 
 The audience was deeply moved. Memory awoke from 
 her enforced slumbers, and clothed the scene with un- 
 wonted interest. In that company there were affec- 
 
30 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 tionate husbands, far away from their wives — fathers 
 who had not seen their children for years. 
 
 These men, in their eager search for gold, had thrown 
 themselves into the midst of the wildest scenes of excite- 
 ment, and after months of voluntary exile from the altars 
 where their fathers worshiped, lived, and died, and 
 where their precious ones bowed even then to pray for 
 them, were aroused by the sweet songs of Zion, and 
 the pathetic preaching of this man of God, who had 
 tracked them to their wilds to tell them of Jesus and his 
 love. Their feelings overcame them, and with an emo- 
 tion that swept that vast assemblage, they bowed and 
 wept in convulsive sobs. The preacher rose with the 
 tide ; he caught a mightier inspiration, his voice trem- 
 bling with an emotion deeper than ever felt before. 
 Again and again, as with a master hand, he swept their 
 heart-strings. Taking advantage of the occasion, he 
 at once organized a Church of thirteen members. 
 
 He preached again in the afternoon, and the next 
 morning secured a lot on which to build a church, and 
 opened a subscription for means to build it — two or 
 three of the members agreeing to hold services and 
 look after the affairs of the Church until a missionary 
 could be sent to them. No doubt but that most if not 
 all these thirteen had been members of the Church 
 before. There were hundreds of men all through the 
 mines that had been members of the various Christian 
 denominations in the older States, some few of them 
 holding on to their integrity as Christians ; while many 
 others, yielding to the pressure to sin that had been 
 brought to bear on them here, had renounced their 
 religion and become openly profane. Out from under 
 the eye of those who knew of their professions, they 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 31 
 
 neglected their religious duties, and followed the mul- 
 titude to do evil. This state of affairs made the work 
 in California exceedingly difficult. 
 
 Of the three original missionaries of our Church, 
 A. M. Wynn seems to have been the Evangelist ; for 
 soon after this visit to Sonora, we find him going to 
 Sonoma, Napa, and Benicia, and preaching in each 
 place. He organized a Church in the town of Sonoma. 
 
 Although the city of Stockton is reached by the trade 
 winds that sweep up through the Straits of Carquinez 
 from the bay, yet it lies so low, the tides from the ocean 
 affecting the slough upon which it is built, and is so 
 near to the swamp and overflowed lands that border 
 the San Joaquin and Mokelumne Rivers, as well as the 
 intervening sloughs, that the climate is trying to those 
 who are easily affected by heat and malaria. In cross- 
 ing the Isthmus, both Brother Wynn and his wife took 
 what is known as Panama fever, which is nothing less 
 than a malarial fever of a persistent, malignant type. 
 Once in the system, it is exceedingly hard to eradicate, 
 and is easily aroused to renewed action when circum- 
 stances favor its development. After some months of 
 sojourn in Stockton it was found necessary to make a 
 change of climate. Not only so, but as San Jose was 
 then the capital of the State, it was thought by Dr. 
 Boring and others that it was much more important to 
 occupy and hold this point than Stockton. Therefore 
 Brother Wynn was sent to this place in the spring of 
 
 1S51. 
 
 On April 16, 185 1, the anniversary of their landing in 
 California, Dr. Boring and Brother Wynn met in San 
 Francisco to consult about the interests of the work and 
 to plan for future operations. 
 
32 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 When they came to the Mission it was expected that 
 the following year at least double the number of preach- 
 ers were to be sent out. But a year had passed, and not 
 one had come. Nor did they know of any movement 
 on the part of the Church at home by which they were 
 to be strengthened. Pollock had gone back, Wynn 
 was himself in feeble health, and the work was devel- 
 oping and enlarging under their hands. What were 
 they to do ? It looked like a sin to give it up, and like 
 folly to prosecute it by themselves. They saw that 
 California was destined to become one of the leading 
 States of the Union; that it was the gateway to the 
 great West, and perhaps would be, at no distant day, 
 the point from which all the great mission-fields of the 
 Orient were to be reached. For our Church to aban- 
 don the field in view of such prospects and possibilities 
 as these, was more than they were willing to consent to. 
 They stood alone, almost beyond the reach and sym- 
 pathy of the Church at home, surrounded by new and 
 strange difficulties; struggling on, in spite of ill health, 
 embarrassments, discouragements, and meager mission- 
 ary appropriations, they felt as none but those in like 
 circumstances could feel. 
 
 Another source of embarrassment lay in the fact that 
 no other Christian organization on the coast sympa- 
 thized with them. The name — Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, South — to the minds and hearts of all from 
 north of Mason and Dixon's Line, meant not only sec- 
 tionalism, but slavery. They linked their Church, nat- 
 urally, with that institution; and no declaration to the 
 contrary, and no explanation would, or could, convince 
 them to the contrary. They were looked upon as slav- 
 ery propagandists, who formed the vanguard of that 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 33 
 
 power that intended, after all, to make California a 
 slave State. But these men knew theirs to be a right- 
 eous cause. They knew that the policy of our Church 
 was non-interference with political matters; that while 
 our name might, to the unthinking or the uninformed, 
 make us appear to be sectional, yet we were the least 
 sectional of all the Churches in the land. 
 
 Having once planted the standard of our Church on 
 the coast, they determined not only not to abandon it, 
 but to do all in their power to gather about it those who 
 would make its principles a success. Their reliance 
 was upon God. They saw vast fields waving and 
 white to the harvest; they knew that these fields 
 were the heritage of our Lord, and felt that as serv- 
 ants of the Lord they must not only enter, but abide in 
 them. 
 
 They kneeled and prayed together to the Lord of the 
 harvest to send them help, and after committing them- 
 selves to divine guidance and direction, they determined 
 to make one more appeal to the whole Church at home. 
 The Rev. C. Gridley, formerly a member of the Louis- 
 iana Conference, was employed by Dr. Boring to take 
 charge of the Church in Stockton upon the removal of 
 Brother Wynn. He was present on this memorable 
 occasion, and assented to the plans formed. 
 
 They requested each one of the Annual Confer- 
 ences to raise $1,000 within its bounds, independent of 
 their regular missionary collections, and that the Bishop 
 appoint a missionary from said Conference until twenty 
 men should be sent out, the $1,000 paying the neces- 
 sary expenses of each respectively — all to be done 
 within the next twelve months — so that on April 1^, 
 1852, we might organize a regular Annual Conference 
 
 3 
 
34 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 of twenty or more members. This was a grand con- 
 ception. God was evidently in it, and it was to bring 
 forth abundant fruit. 
 
 The appeal was made to all the Bishops and through 
 the several papers of the Church. It was a desperate 
 venture, but it was to take that risk or die; and it was 
 adopted, and succeeded — so said even Dr. Stevens, the 
 historian of Methodism. He pronounced the move- 
 ment wise and forecasting. The original suggestion 
 came from Dr. Boring. 
 
 But even this last grand struggle for life was assailed 
 by a high dignitary of the Church — Dr. C. B. Parsons — 
 who was at the time a member of the Parent Board of 
 Missions, then located at Louisville, Ky. He not only 
 censured the plan, but influenced the Board to change 
 it by allowing the Annual Conferences within whose 
 bounds the extra $1,000 might be raised under this 
 plan to elect its own missionaries instead of leaving the 
 selection and appointment to the Bishops, where it 
 belonged. As simple as this change seemed, it did 
 great harm to the Mission by sending to it some men 
 that we would have been far better off without. There 
 is ever a class of men who, if they do not succeed in 
 their own Conferences, think they can do better else- 
 where; and if opportunity offers, they are ever ready to 
 go. But, as a general rule, men who are unfit for the 
 work in one place will do but little good if sent else- 
 where. And, above all things, a work like this, at this 
 time, needed the best men the Church had to give. 
 Another fact: It is often the case that men are willing 
 to let an objectionable man go from them, though they 
 may be convinced his going will be an injury to the 
 work to which he goes. The work in California suf- 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 35 
 
 fered as much from men not adapted to it as from 
 almost any other cause. 
 
 After this meeting, Brother Wynn returned to San 
 Jose and Brother Gridley to Stockton. Brother Wynn 
 secured the Assembly Chamber as a place of preaching. 
 He soon had a fine congregation, and organized with 
 a membership of sixteen. We are enabled to procure 
 only the names of the following of this first class : The 
 Rev. Charles Campbell, wife and two daughters, 
 Mrs; Dr. F. G. Ray, Miss M. R. Campbell, Marcus 
 Williams and wife, Dr. L. H. Bascom and wife, A. 
 Hatler and wife, and J. W. Powell. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Campbell was a local preacher 
 from the State of Kentucky. He came to California in 
 1S49 with the first great rush to these golden shores. 
 He entered heartily into this organization, and exerted 
 all his influence for its promotion. He was a man of 
 strong mind. His sermons were alwavs original and 
 logical. In an early day in Kentucky he posted him- 
 self on the immersion controversy, and was frequently 
 called upon to defend Methodist views on that subject, 
 in which he was ever successful. . He lived for a time 
 in San Francisco, where he identified himself with the 
 Methodist Church, South, in that city. Subsequently 
 he moved to Oakland, and was, I believe, elected its 
 second mayor. In early life he had studied law, and re- 
 suming his study of that profession, he began its prac- 
 tice. From Oakland he removed to Stockton, where he 
 was elected District Attorney of San Joaquin County. 
 He afterward removed to Yolo Countv, where he end- 
 ed his career in 1862. Wherever he lived he exerted a 
 good religious influence, preaching whenever opportu- 
 nity offered. He was licensed to preach about the time 
 
36 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Bishop Kavanaugh was, and was successful in his min- 
 istry in Kentucky. But instead of turning all his 
 thoughts and energies to the one grand theme, as did 
 the Bishop, he filled his hands with secular business, 
 and hence he did not accomplish as much for God and 
 his fellow -men as he would otherwise have done. 
 Whenever we heard his clear and forcible expositions 
 of Scripture we grudged such powers to the world. 
 
 His wife was a sweet-spirited, devoted member of 
 the Church, and while she was not demonstrative, yet 
 she ever felt a deep and abiding interest in the cause 
 of Christ. She survived her husband some four years. 
 A little more than two years before her death she was 
 stricken with paralysis, that destroyed her power of 
 speech, and no doubt weakened her mind. But during 
 all her illness, whenever the name of Jesus was spoken 
 of to her, her eye would kindle, and with her well hand 
 she would point heavenward, as much as to say, "All 
 is well, and soon I shall pass to my home above, where 
 I shall be free from life's ills and sorrows." She died 
 at the residence of her son-in-law, the Rev. J. C. Sim- 
 mons, in Vacaville, in 1S66, and was laid to rest beside 
 her husband in the quiet cemetery in Woodland, to 
 await the resurrection trump that shall call all God's 
 people to glory, immortality, and eternal life. 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Ray, wife of Dr. F. G. Ray, soon 
 after she united with the Church in San Jose, removed 
 to Georgetown, in El Dorado County. There was no 
 organization of our Church there for a number of years, 
 but she remained faithful to the Church of her fathers, 
 and although denied the religious privileges and associ- 
 ations that were vouchsafed to many, yet she was faith- 
 ful to her duties, and never- for a moment lost her reli- 
 
> 
 
 On the Pacific Coast. 37 
 
 o-ious enjoyment. Her reverence and love for the Bible 
 was most remarkable. She never could bear to see one 
 use it for a profane purpose, nor would she place another 
 book on it as it lay on the table. She lived a consistent 
 Christian life, loved and honored by her family and 
 friends, and died in great peace at the little town of 
 Liberty, in San Joaquin County, in 1868. 
 y' Miss Margaret R. Campbell, the second daughter of 
 the Rev. Charles Campbell, married the Rev. J. C. 
 Simmons, June 28, 1853, and has shared the fortunes 
 of an itinerant's life to the present writing. She has 
 ever encouraged her husband to devote his whole life 
 to the work of the Christian ministry, has shared his 
 travels and privations, and assisted in rearing their five 
 children, by diligence and economy, to the estate of 
 manhood and womanhood. 
 
 Marcus Williams was a member of the. Methodist 
 Church, South, before coming to California. He united 
 with the Church at the first organization, glad once 
 more to be associated with the people of his choice. 
 He acted as steward of the San Jose Charge to the day 
 of his death. He was ever faithful to his Christian 
 duties, and the savor of his influence was good. His 
 house was the preacher's home. His end was peace. 
 His wife was also a devoted Southern Methodist. It 
 was ever her delight to have the preachers at her home, 
 and to minister to their wants. 
 
 Dr. L. H. Bascom was a half-brother of Bishop Bas- 
 com, and shared in the intellect that distinguished that 
 family. He came to California at an early day, crossing 
 the plains with his family. For a time he practiced 
 his profession in Santa Clara County. His mind was 
 far-reaching in its movements, and the plans he laid for 
 
38 History of Southern Methodism. 
 
 his beloved Church were always on a large scale. It 
 was largely through his influence that two entire blocks, 
 located in what is now the heart of San Jose, were 
 secured to our Church for educational purposes. He 
 was exceedingly dignified in his carriage, and seemed 
 as one born to move in the higher circles of society. 
 His hospitality was proverbial. It was ever his delight 
 to have his friends around his board, and especially did 
 he rejoice to have the company of the preachers of 
 his Church. In his latter years he was greatly afflicted 
 with asthma. He was ready when the summons came 
 for his passage to the Church above. His wife, who 
 still survives him, is one of the most remarkable women 
 we have ever known. Possessed of great vivacity, ana 
 remarkable for her humor and wit, it is ever a delight 
 to be in her company. In an early day she met the 
 strange surroundings of the new order of things that 
 obtained in California with the utmost tact, making 
 every thing minister to her humor. Drawing from the 
 greatest hardships and the most unexpected and unfore- 
 seen difficulties the most amusing incidents, she laid 
 them away in memory's casket, and with them regaled 
 and delighted her friends ever afterward. Her fund 
 of personal adventure and amusing trials seemed in- 
 exhaustible. During the memorable first Legislature, 
 when San Jose was the capital of the State, many of 
 the legislators boarded with her, when she lived in a 
 rude shanty. It is said that frequently, when these 
 statesmen would come in to their meals, and she was 
 hurried with her work, she would set them to turning 
 "flap-jacks," toasting bread, or stirring "frijoles," and 
 no one ever felt it other than a privilege to do what she 
 bade him. Could some short-hand reporter, without 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 39 
 
 her knowledge, catch some of the numerous incidents 
 related by her in one of her happy moods, and give them 
 to the world with the life and flavor with which she 
 relates them, it would make one of the most amusing 
 books ever written. Her devotion to her Church has 
 been life-long and ardent. Like Lydia, she ever ^con- 
 strained" the servants of Jesus to make her house their 
 home. That home has been the resting-place of many 
 a weary itinerant. 
 
 Of J. W. Powell we can learn nothing. 
 
 While Wynn was pushing the work in San Jose, and 
 Gridley in Stockton, Dr. Boring was laboring with 
 equal zeal in San Francisco. Up to this time no steps 
 hall been taken to build a house of worship in this city. 
 But now Dr. Boring, hearing of a house that had been 
 framed in the east, and had been brought round Cape 
 Horn, made arrangements for its purchase. The build- 
 ing had been originally intended for a warehouse, but 
 it was thought by certain changes and modifications it 
 could be made to subserve the purposes of a church. 
 It was forty by sixty feet in dimensions. It was erected 
 on a lot fronting on Powell Street, near Clay, and called 
 Wesley Chapel. 
 
 About the same time C. Gridley began to consummate 
 the plans, already inaugurated by A. M. Wynn, for 
 building a church in Stockton, while Wynn began the 
 erection of a large brick church in the city of San Jose. 
 
 After the one in San Francisco, the church in San 
 Jose was the first completed. The building of such a 
 house at this early period was attended with no small 
 difficulty. The labor, toil, and expense were immense. 
 Those engaged in the enterprise met with many dis- 
 couragements. Every man was intent on his own busi- 
 
40 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ness, and business was then transacted on the high- 
 pressure system; hence the preacher had almost every- 
 thing to do. He had to order and look after materials, 
 make contracts, make and collect subscriptions, pay 
 bills, superintend the work, and keep ends together 
 generally. But in San Jose he had such men as Bas- 
 com, Langhorne, Hicks, Hoppie, Basham, Hammond, 
 and Charles and Thomas Campbell. These men, with 
 their noble families, seconded all the efforts of the 
 preacher, and, so far as time would allow, gave material 
 aid; but " time was money " then, and every hour spent 
 outside of business was like so much gold lost. How- 
 ever, this indefatigable missionary threw his whole 
 soul into the work, and by incessant begging, toiling, 
 and perseverance, often working with his own hands, 
 and giving very largely of his own private means, the 
 church was at last completed. 
 
 Dr. Boring, who preached the dedication sermon, 
 says, as copied from the Christian Observer, of Oct. 
 27, 1852: 
 
 On Sunday, the 17th instant, according to previous notice, the 
 church recently erected by the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South, in the city of San Jose, was dedicated to Almighty God. 
 
 The building is thirty-six by fifty feet, built of bricks, well 
 plastered, having a hard finish, and is fitted up in handsome style, 
 with carpets, lights, etc. Altogether, this is the best church-edi- 
 fice we have seen in the State, and does honor to its pastor and 
 the citizens of San Jose. But the best is yet to be told. The 
 house, though a fine one, and of course costly, was entirely paid 
 for before the dedicatory prayer was offered up. The preacher, 
 the Rev. A. M. Wynn. under whose untiring efforts the enter- 
 prise has been thus far carried on, reported to us at the close of 
 the sermon that the whole property (lot, building, and fixtures) 
 had cost $5,350, of which $1,750 had been paid, leaving a debt of 
 $3,600 to be provided for. This was a formidable sum to parade 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 41 
 
 before an audience of three hundred persons; but knowing the 
 liberality of Californians, and the indomitable energy of San 
 Jose Californians, we presented the debt and asked that it should 
 be met before the house was offered to God. No undue means 
 were used, no excitement created, and yet in a short time the 
 whole was consummated by the presentation of the very hand- 
 some sum of $3,600. It should be noted, too, that owing to some 
 unexpected delays, the church was not yet completed by so much 
 as a week's work. This is a rare example — a church not only 
 not left in debt, but paid for before it is finished. We feel no 
 hesitation in saying that this is the best, the very best, contribu- 
 tion we have ever known, in proportion to the number of persons 
 present. 
 
 Wicked as California is supposed to be by our Atlantic friends 
 and brethren, and little worth the "vast expetiditure of money' 1 '' 
 in the missionary enterprise of the Pacific, we challenge them to 
 present a parallel to the example of these worthy San Jose 
 friends. We note with great pleasure the fact that this extraor- 
 dinary contribution was led off promptly and encouraged at every 
 step by young men who were not members of the Church, and 
 that the men of the world generally, with remarkable liberality 
 and promptness, undertook and carried out the enterprise. 
 
 There are some whose names we should like to announce but 
 for the appearance of invidious distinctions, and the fact that all, 
 both old and young, in the Church and out of it, seemed deter- 
 mined alike to blot out the debt. 
 
 One case we cannot, in justice to our feelings, omit. There 
 was one present, a lady, a lone woman with whom we had met 
 and tarried a night near three years ago at the Half-way House 
 on the Isthmus, between Chagres and Panama, when on our way 
 to this country. We shared her hospitalities, read the word of 
 God, and sung and prayed in her tent in that strange land. She 
 was on her way to the land of gold, as she said, " to make money 
 to give to God and his cause." She has prospered in her labor 
 of love, and being present at the dedication, was amongst the first 
 to give one hundred dollars. We had not seen her since parting 
 at the door of her tent on the Isthmus and under her blessings 
 until her name broke upon our ears as the contributor of the above 
 
42 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 sum. The recollections and emotions awakened at the moment 
 were of an inexpressible sort. God bless Miss ! and wher- 
 ever the influences of Pacific Methodism are felt may this worthy 
 example be spoken of as a memorial. 
 
 We avail ourselves and brethren of San Jose of the occasion 
 to express the pleasure experienced from the kind example of the 
 Rev. Mr. Corwin, pastor of the Congregational Church in that 
 city, and his congregation, as also those of the members of other 
 Churches, in assembling with us and contributing to the interest 
 of the occasion. Mr. Corwin, being present, was requested, in 
 conclusion of the service, to lead in the dedicatory praj^er, in 
 which God was eminently nigh to hear the cry of his servant and 
 people. Long may the sweet savor of this memorable occasion 
 rest upon the people of the beautiful plains of San Jose. 
 
 We cannot forbear the expression of our strong conviction 
 that God will bless and prosper the people who thus contribute 
 to his cause. We shall expect to hear of his goings forth among 
 them to salvation. 
 
 This was the first Southern Methodist Church wholly 
 built and dedicated in California. It was kept in con- 
 stant use until 1875, wnen it -was torn down and a new 
 and beautiful wooden building was erected in its place. 
 For nearly a quarter of a century around its altar gath- 
 ered our people. There all our Bishops who have vis- 
 ited our coast, from the venerable Bishop Soule to the 
 sainted Marvin, have preached the word of life. There 
 our people have dedicated their children to God. There 
 the blushing bride and manly groom have assumed the 
 solemn vows that have made them one. From it the 
 silent dust of God's saints, from the pilgrim of four- 
 score years to the infant of a day, have been borne to 
 their last resting-place in the quiet city of the dead. 
 Many an angel has shaken out his pinions and sped 
 from the throng of her worshipers to bear to his home 
 of light the glad news that lost sinners were coming 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 43 
 
 with tears of penitence back to God and the fold of 
 his flock. 
 
 Not long after the church in San Jose was completed 
 Dr. Boring was called to Stockton to dedicate one 
 there. This church had been completed under the 
 labors of C. Gridley. As already said, he was a local 
 preacher from Louisiana who had been employed by 
 Dr. Boring and put in charge of the Church in Stock- 
 ton. While a man of sterling integrity and undoubted 
 piety, yet he was lacking in that mature judgment that 
 would have made him a safe financier. He was ex- 
 ceedingly sanguine.; and as money was plenty every- 
 where, as fortunes were being made as by magic, and 
 there seemed to be money in every thing, Brother 
 Gridley took obligations and risks that were disastrous 
 in their results. He made contracts, giving his personal 
 obligations for their payment. When he saw the dis- 
 aster that was coming upon him and the whole enter- 
 prise, he concluded to go to work and meet his obliga- 
 tions with what he could make by personal labor and 
 speculation. Hay was held at an enormous ngiure. 
 There were thousands of acres of land covered with 
 the finest grasses, and he hired men and teams, at 
 enormous prices, and went to mowing. This only 
 involved him more. He then borrowed $1,000 and 
 went to San Francisco and obtained the name of 
 Brother Jesse Boring, the Superintendent of the Mis- 
 sion, as indorser. This note was to bear interest at the 
 rate of eight per cent, per month, and to be compounded 
 when not paid. The understanding was that this note 
 was to be paid as soon as the money on the church 
 could be raised. At last the building was finished, and 
 Dr. Boring called on to dedicate it. The $1,000 bor- 
 
44 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 rowed, with Dr. Boring as indorser, was to be used in 
 finishing the church. But when Dr. Boring reached 
 Stockton, and inquired into the state of affairs, he found 
 the note unpaid and the Church otherwise hopelessly 
 in debt and under mortgage. This note proved the 
 utter financial ruin of Dr. Boring. It was to him the 
 "Old Man of the Sea," whose relentless limbs were 
 never unclasped from his neck. 
 
 In justice to this great and good man, as a faithful 
 historian we will at this point give the facts as we knew 
 them to exist. When the revelation was made to him 
 of the state of affairs into which this transaction had 
 thrown him, he made a desperate effort to pay this note 
 and fiee himself from debt. He toiled and planned, 
 made money and paid thousands of dollars, but the 
 magnitude of the debt was too great, and he was 
 crushed. The parties who held the note waited and 
 worried long, but finally sued the Doctor at San Fran- 
 cisco. He was advised to "confess judgment," and, as 
 he says, knowing little or nothing about, law, and be- 
 lieving the lawyer to be his friend, did so. This con- 
 fessing judgment covered every thing he had in the 
 world. This simply, but immutably, bound him hand 
 and foot. At the time he had property enough to pay 
 his own debts, but this judgment stood like an iron 
 wall between him and his own creditors. 
 
 At the third annual session of the Pacific Confer- 
 ence, held in Stockton, Bishop Soule presiding, the 
 parties who held the mortgage against the church came 
 forward and offered to release the mortgage if the 
 friends of the Church would raise a certain amount of 
 said mortgage. The effort was made with success. 
 When the amount necessary had been raised within 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 45 
 
 $1,000, Bishop Soule stated that he held a certain 
 fund in trust from the late Bishop McKendree, to be 
 applied as he (Bishop Soule) should see proper to 
 any Church purpose. He said he was willing to 
 apply $1,000 of it to the payment of this debt, pro- 
 vided Dr. Boring: would not suffer his claim to de- 
 prive the people of Stockton of the Church property. 
 He said he was unwilling to give it without this pro- 
 vision. Dr. Boring, who was breaking down under 
 the weight of the burden that this Church had laid 
 upon him, saw that if he stood in the way now the 
 whole thing would be irrecoverably lost to the Church, 
 and that if he did not get relief from this source he 
 must go down individually. So, with the spirit of a 
 martyr, he stepped out of the way of the Church, and 
 it was saved to us. As to the righteousness of suffer- 
 ing a brother thus to stand under the load while the 
 Church is free, is a question that is referred to a higher 
 tribunal than any on earth. 
 
 At this Conference Dr. Boring was elected a dele- 
 gate to the General Conference to convene in Colum- 
 bus, Ga.; and while at that Conference attending to the 
 work of the Church, the Sheriff of San Francisco sold 
 under execution for this debt his last acre of land, with 
 all his personal property and household goods, and left 
 him and family penniless. 
 
 With his financial credit ruined, with honest debts 
 unpaid and disappointed creditors suffering, it is not 
 strange that there should have been whispers of his 
 want of integrity and uprightness as a Christian minis- 
 ter. But for more than a quarter of a century God has 
 spared him to vindicate, by an undeviating devotion to 
 the grand interests of the Church for which he has 
 
46 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 suffered and labored so long, the integrity of his heart 
 and purpose. 
 
 Since his return to his native State and Conference 
 his brethren who have known him from the bea-inninof 
 of his ministry have honored him with many prefer- 
 ments, and by their acts of trust have shown their ut- 
 most confidence in his fidelity. No man in Georgia 
 occupies a more enviable place in the esteem and con- 
 fidence of his brethren than does this prince of pulpit 
 orators, the Rev. Jesse Boring, D.D. 
 
 Sacramento was the next point at which a church- 
 building was erected. Nor was it exempt from troubles 
 and disasters. It had been built by D. W. Pollock. 
 Upon his return home to die — as before stated — the 
 Rev. Mr. Pennman, a local preacher, had been put in 
 charge. He was a mere adventurer, with more brains 
 than piety. He remained but a short time. His after 
 history was not good, and his end sad. Under this 
 state of affairs the little band that had been gathered 
 by Pollock had become disorganized. In September, 
 1 85 1, the Rev. W. R. Gober reached California, and 
 was immediately put in charge of Sacramento. The 
 church had been closed for months. This church- 
 building was only a shell, not even lined or papered, 
 with a debt and mortgage of over «$2,ooo, drawing in- 
 terest at three per cent, per month. W. R. Gober was 
 never able to find any record of the organization, or the 
 names of the members who composed it. He at once 
 organized a class of seventeen members. The Sunday- 
 school at the beginning of his administration was com- 
 posed of two little girls — Maggie Jamison being one of 
 them — with the pastor and his wife as the superintend- 
 ent, officers, and teachers 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 47 
 
 In the fall of 1S52 the parties holding the morto-ao-e 
 against the church-building determined to foreclose by 
 a certain day in the near future if the debt was not paid. 
 At length the mortgage was foreclosed, the property 
 sold, and the last day for redemption was near at hand. 
 
 Judge McGrew proposed to W. W. Stovall that they 
 should raise the money on a joint note. They made 
 the effort, but could find no one who would loan the 
 money on those terms. Affairs were growing desper- 
 ate. We had one of the most eligible lots for a church 
 in the city of Sacramento, and if we suffered it to pass 
 from our hands now, the chances were against our ever 
 securing such an one again. W. W. Stovall had some 
 $1,600 iii his possession of his own money. He bor- 
 rowed $950 more from J. B. Brewton, and paid $2,650 
 to the man who held the debt, and thus saved the 
 church. He afterward paid Mr. Brewton the amount 
 he had borrowed of him and the interest, at the rate of 
 five per cent, per month for the time he had it. Two 
 weeks after this occurred the disastrous November fire 
 that laid the whole city of Sacramento in ashes. Our 
 church went down with the rest, leaving us only a 
 naked lot for all the expenditures that had been made. 
 Our brethren of the Methodist Episcopal Church lost 
 a fine brick church they had just completed. In fact, 
 there was but one church-building left standing when 
 the smoke cleared away, and that was the Congrega- 
 tional church on Sixth Street. 
 
 The next church was the one built in Sonora. It 
 was found that the title to the lot on Powell Street, 
 San Francisco, on which our church was built, was de- 
 fective, and the building was sold. Another lot was 
 purchased, and, after a substantial brick basement was 
 
48 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 erected on it, it was discovered that this lot was public 
 school property, and the trustees of the school gave us 
 just what our improvements cost us for them, and we 
 had to seek a home elsewhere in the city. 
 
 Dr. Boring could not answer all the calls that were be- 
 ing made upon him to visit places and preach. The spirit 
 was willing, but the flesh was weak. His sagacity saw 
 but a single remedy, and that was to issue a weekly pa- 
 per — a silent preacher that might deliver messages of 
 peace and hope in hundreds of homes in a single day. 
 The thought grew upon him. It is true that every 
 thing connected with printing at that time was exceed- 
 ingly costly. But the people could be reached with a 
 paper. Not only so, but it would serve as an engine 
 for defense against the attacks of numerous enemies. 
 The matter was settled, and on Jan. 5, 1852, the first 
 number of the Christian Observer was issued. It sup- 
 plied, in part, the lack of ministerial service. 
 
 About this time two or three more missionaries ar- 
 rived. The paper did well for a time, being ably edit- 
 ed by Dr. Boring himself. In the meantime, one of 
 the new arrivals, the Rev. J. S. Malone, studied the 
 Spanish language with all the fervor of his ardent nat- 
 ure, and soon introduced several columns in the Span- 
 ish language in the Observer. This was intended to 
 reach the Spanish population, which at the time was 
 very numerous in certain sections of the State. 
 
 The paper did well until, finding it only partially sus- 
 tained, it was thought best to suspend its publication; 
 and so at the San Jose Conference, in 1S53, Dr. Boring 
 made a full report before the Conference, and request- 
 ed the Conference to appoint an auditing committee to 
 examine the books ; whereupon, Messrs. Breeden and 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 49 
 
 Horn, both laymen, and expert book-keepers, were ap- 
 pointed. They examined the books and pronounced 
 them correct. By order of the Conference, Dr. Boring 
 issued one more copy, so as to publish a list of the ap- 
 pointments and the principal reports. 
 
 We cannot refrain in this connection from giving in 
 full a letter from the pen of Bishop James O. Andrew 
 upon the receipt of the first number. His letter was 
 written for the Southern Christian Advocate. 
 
 SAN FRANCISCO CHRISTIAN OBSERVER. 
 
 Mr. Editor: — A few days since I was very agreeably sur- 
 prised to receive from the post-office the first number of the San 
 Francisco Christian Observer. Quite a clever affair; paper good; 
 typographical execution superior — indeed, in all respects, it may 
 compare very creditably with any of its older sisters of the Advo- 
 cate family. This, in itself, is matter of great gratification, for I 
 hold whenever a good religious paper is put forth into circulation 
 we are sending forth an efficient missionary of the cause of truth 
 and peace. But I regard this publication as peculiarly full of 
 promise, and hail its appearance as the indication of a state of 
 things in California which justifies the hope of the most cheering 
 results from our missionary efforts in that quarter. I could not 
 look upon this new missionary without indulging a long train of 
 reflections. What a world is this! what a country is ours! and 
 what an age is this in which our lots have been cast! What was 
 California twenty years ago? What was its popmlation, and what 
 its prospects? The country was almost a terra incognita, regard- 
 ed almost valueless in an agricultural point of light; its mineral 
 treasure undreamed of, and the whole land looked upon as too 
 uninviting ever to attract much population. And so it would 
 probably have continued, but the providence of God ordered 
 otherwise. Under Mexican rule it would probably have re- 
 mained a comparative waste. But He who sitteth King above 
 the water-floods, and guideth the affairs of nations even when 
 they acknowledge Him not, and who overrules the folly and the 
 madness of individuals and of nations to the advancement of His 
 4 
 
50 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 own grand designs, threw these mountains and valleys, with all 
 their treasures, into the hands of the very people of all others 
 best qualified to develop and improve their resources. 
 
 California became ours, and straightway her hills and valleys 
 yielded their wealth to the hands of enterprising industry; and 
 while her rocks and mountains, previously regarded bleak and 
 sterile, were pouring forth gold in tenfold amounts, and attract- 
 ing population by the ten thousand, the industrious farmer who 
 turned from digging the shining ore to seek in the peaceful and 
 honest employment of agriculture remuneration for his toils, was 
 astonished to find himself reaping literally a hundred-fold. 
 
 The discovery is now made that this land, once esteemed 
 nearly worthless, and then regarded as only a land famous for 
 gold-dust, is destined to occupy a leading position among the 
 agricultural States of the world. This fact, I think, affords 
 ample pledge of the perpetuity of its prosperity. It seems but 
 yesterday that our gallant troops were sweeping all before them 
 on the battle-fields of Mexico, and dictating peace from the halls 
 of the Montezumas; and then there was the usual amount of di- 
 plomacy before the treaty was signed which made California ours; 
 and yet though all these events seem but as a dream of j^ester- 
 day, the stars and stripes have for more than a year waved over 
 California as a State of our glorious confederacy. Our laws, 
 our language, our institutions triumph throughout a long line of 
 sea-coast on the grand ocean of oceans. Our commerce whitens 
 the seas and harbors, and our majestic steamers, in rapidly aug- 
 menting numbers, are constantly plowing not only the ocean 
 wave, but are threading numerous bays, rivers, and inlets, and 
 opening constantly new channels for trade and intercourse to the 
 adventurous population which is so rapidly spreading over the 
 whole land. Survey the map of California as it was ten or five 
 vears ago, and then compare the past with the present. See 
 cities spring up in a week, and every thing else going forward in 
 the same ratio, and then rub your eyes and look again, and ask, 
 Is all this real, or is it enchantment? 
 
 Bless your heart, my friend, it is all reality. Here is a nation 
 almost literally born in a day; and as it is in California, a month 
 is quite enough to build a city. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 51 
 
 But we turn now to another view of the subject — one, in our 
 judgment, of paramount importance. The question arises, Has 
 the Church kept pace with the movements of the enterprising 
 gold-seekers? Has she made efficient arrangements to send along 
 with the overwhelming tide of emigration the Bible, the ministry, 
 and the sacraments of religion? Indeed, if she had not, Califor- 
 nia would be a sad abode, a sort of depository of all that was 
 vile and reckless in human character. Of what avail would laws 
 be in a community thus circumstanced? Government would be 
 a nullity, and law a mockery; for where there is no recognition 
 of the authority and claims of the divine law in the minds and 
 consciences of a community, human laws, however good, will 
 only be sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. The prosperity 
 and the perpetuity of the civil and political institutions of the 
 country depend upon the hold which religion has upon the pub- 
 lic mind and conscience. We are glad to be authorized to say 
 that the Church has recognized the importance of these views. 
 The Bible, and missionaries, and teachers have kept pace with the 
 advancing wave of population. The inhabitants of the rising 
 cities and the dwellers at the mines have been cared for — per- 
 haps not to the extent which was desirable, but still the Church 
 has done much, and has given an earnest that she designs to at- 
 tempt yet greater things. I rejoice in the efforts and the success 
 of every evangelical Church to spread the knowledge of the 
 Saviour's name in California; good luck to them all in the name 
 of the Lord. 
 
 The Protestant Churches of this country have all, we believe, 
 been active in this great work; but as we are not specially ad- 
 vised of what others have done, we cannot, of course, make any 
 distinct references. Our Northern brethren preceded us in the 
 attempt to build up the house of the Lord in California, and God 
 has crowned their labors with marked success. It is not quite 
 two years since our beloved Boring, Pollock, and Wynn landed in 
 San Francisco. They entered promptly upon their work, and 
 earnestly begged for more laborers. Unfortunately, that appeal 
 was responded to very slowly and imperfectly, and we left them 
 for a time to struggle with discouragements and despondency; 
 but they nobly stood to their posts till help came, and their hearts 
 
C2 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 were cheered by the strong assurance of a large additional re- 
 inforcement to aid them in their great work. In a few days they 
 will organize the Pacific Conference. This Conference will 
 number probably about twenty preachers, some of them proba- 
 tioners, but all ordained ministers, and men of some experience. 
 May we not hope that, under God, they will reap a rich harvest? 
 Thus in two years a thriving Annual Conference has sprung up, 
 announcing its abilitv and its willingness to sustain itself, and I 
 confidently anticipate the time is not far distant when the Pacific 
 Conference will be ahead of her sisters in hearing and respond- 
 ing to the Macedonian cry which shall come up from the count- 
 less islands of the Pacific, as well as from China, and all the 
 lands adjacent. Indeed, I am more persuaded that the Church 
 in California is, under God, the destined nursery for missionaries 
 who are to carry the gospel to half the heathen world. A brief 
 glance at the map will convince us that San Francisco is the 
 grand point of departure for operations in the regions indicated 
 above. Commercial intercourse, which is already so extensively 
 operating, is daily advancing with giant strides, and is destined to 
 herald to people yet scarcely known the principles, and customs, 
 and laws of the most energetic and enterprising nation on the 
 globe. New lines of steam communication are in contempla- 
 tion, some of them destined to bring within a few years nations 
 the most diverse and remote into neighborhood and friendly in- 
 tercourse. At the rate things are now moving on, the next ten 
 years will develop the most astounding results of the enterprise 
 of American Protestant Christianity. I know not that we shall 
 ever annex Central America or Mexico, but we shall certainly 
 Anglo-Americanize th?m. Our trade, our literature, our laws 
 will have the public mind and heart. Education will gradually 
 diffuse itself among the people. Freedom of the press will be 
 established. Ecclesiastical despotism and sacerdotal corruption 
 will have to yield to the decision of an enlightened and purified 
 public sentiment. Liberty of conscience, the great fundamental 
 principle of all free government, will be established. The gos- 
 pel, in purity and power, shall claim its subjects in all these 
 lands, and upon them all shall the Lord of hosts turn a pure 
 lansruasrc. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 53 
 
 Now, the position of California gives it a most prominent and 
 influential part to enact in the future pages of the world's history. 
 It must be so; and it becomes the Church to apply herself sedu- 
 lously to the task of preparing the proper instrumentalities for 
 the accomplishment of purposes grand and lofty, in conception 
 far-reaching, and, possibly, as the world may deem, daring in its 
 operations. The fact is, the heathen world must have the Bible 
 and the preachers. More than two-thirds of the world's heathen- 
 ism can be more directly affected from California than from anv 
 other point. The enterprising dwellers there are the very men 
 for the work — bold, adventurous — the men for hardships and pri- 
 vations. Let them be soundly converted to God, and you have 
 such an army of missionaries as can be produced nowhere else. 
 And then, too, almost all these nations have more or less repre- 
 sentatives in the land of gold. Will not some of these be con- 
 verted to God? Certainly, if they are properly cared for, they 
 will. O let the Church in California be so deeply imbued with 
 the spirit of the gospel that these pagans may see the true type 
 of Christianity in the conduct of California Christians! But, 
 Mr. Editor, I have given you a long ramble over the continents 
 and islands, and must not tire your readers with any thing far- 
 ther for the present, except to say, Take the Christian Observer, 
 and if the cost is too much for one, let two or three unite and 
 order a copy. It will be a pleasant visitor, and you will be aid- 
 ing in a most important enterprise. James O. Andrew. 
 
 The price of the Observer was five dollars. 
 
54 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 IN September, 185 1, the Rev. J. S. Malone and W. 
 m R. Gober, the former from Tennessee, the latter 
 iJk from Louisiana, reached California, sent out by the 
 Missionary Board. These were the first-fruits of what 
 was known as the "Thousand-Dollar Proposition." 
 
 Malone was sent to Sonora, and Gober to Sacra- 
 mento. Soon after this the proposition made on the 
 15th of April, 1 85 1, began to bring forth more fruit. 
 Many of the Conferences acted upon it, raised the 
 $1,000, and'sent out the man. The next to arrive was 
 the Rev. J. F. Blythe, of the Memphis Conference. 
 He was followed by the Rev. A. M. Bailey, of the 
 Kentucky; the Rev. J. M. Fulton, of the North Caro- 
 lina; the Rev. Morris Evans, of the Kentucky; the 
 Rev. W. A. Simmons and the Rev. J. C. Simmons, of 
 the Georgia; the Rev. D. B. Leyne and the Rev. E. B. 
 Lockley, of the Alabama; the Rev. S. W. Davies and 
 the Rev. J. W. Kelly, of the South Carolina; and the 
 Rev. John Matthews, of the Tennessee Conferences. 
 These all reached California before the organization of 
 the Pacific Conference, except the last mentioned. A 
 number of these came in time to do several months' 
 work before Conference. Such were sent on their ar- 
 rival by Dr. Boring to the places he saw proper. 
 
 On the 15th day of April, 1852, at 10 o'clock a.m., 
 at the call of Dr. Boring, the brethren above named 
 met in Wesley Chapel, Powell Street, San Francisco. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 55 
 
 Dr. Jesse Boring, Superintendent of the Mission, 
 opened the meeting by reading the 91st Psalm and 
 singing the hymn so familiar to us all, "And are we 
 yet alive?" at the close of which prayer was offered by 
 W. R. Gober and A. M. Bailey. 
 
 The Superintendent then appointed W. R. Gober 
 Secretary -pro tcm., who proceeded to call the roll, 
 whereupon the following brethren answered to their 
 names — viz.: Jesse Boring, A. M. Wynn, Cyprian 
 Gridley, W. R. Gober, J. S. Malone, J. F. Blythe, A. 
 M. Bailey, J. M. Fulton, Morris Evans, W. A. Sim- 
 mons, J. C. Simmons, D. B. Leyne, E. B. Lockley, S. 
 W. Davies, J. W. Kelly. 
 
 The Superintendent announced the action of the 
 General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, South, held in the city of St. Louis, Mo., 
 May, 1850, in which it was provided that an Annual 
 Conference, in case the Bishop thought it best, should 
 be organized in California, and instructions from Bish- 
 op Paine to proceed, at the meeting of the mission- 
 aries in Wesley Chapel on the 15th of April, 1852, to 
 the organization under said provisions; whereupon the 
 Conference was declared duly organized, and com- 
 posed of the following members — viz.: Jesse Boring, 
 
 D. W. Pollock, A. M. Wynn, W. R. Gober, J. S. Ma- 
 lone, J. F. Blythe, A. M. bailey, J. M. Fulton, Morris 
 Evans, W. A. Simmons, J. C. Simmons, D. B. Leyne, 
 
 E. B. Lockley, S. W. Davies, J. W. Kelly, A. Graham, 
 J. M. Jones, John Matthews. 
 
 A. M. Wynn was elected Secretary, and W. R. Go- 
 ber, Assistant Secretary. 
 
 The President made some remarks upon the past 
 history of the Mission, when Morris Evans and J. F. 
 
56 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Blythe offered a resolution that "our Conference shall 
 assume and be known by the name of the Pacific An- 
 nual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South," which was unanimously adopted 
 
 We at once went forward with the regular work of 
 a full - fledged Annual Conference. Committees on 
 Education, Books and Periodicals, Finance, Preachers' 
 Aid Society, Missions, Sunday-schools, Bible Cause, 
 and Public Worship, were appointed. Provision was 
 also made for a Pastoral Address. 
 
 Thus was organized the first Methodist Annual Con- 
 ference west of the Rocky Mountains. Our organiza- 
 tion preceded that of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 (North) by several months. Although this Confer- 
 ence was composed of men from so many of the States, 
 men that had never seen each other before, yet so ho- 
 mogeneous is the system of Methodism that from the 
 moment of organization no one could have known but 
 that they had been always together in Conference 
 work. 
 
 One of the first acts of the Conference, when it 
 entered upon that distinctive work peculiar to Meth- 
 odism, was to investigate a case in which a member 
 of the Conference had hopelessly involved himself 
 and the Church in debt — the Rev. C. Gridley. A 
 committee was appointed in his case, and after careful 
 investigation as to acts and motives, they could find no 
 deliberate wrong-doing, but a very great lack of judg- 
 ment in the management of his affairs; and that he 
 might have an opportunity to redeem himself and save 
 the credit of the Church, a resolution was passed that 
 " C. Gridley be left without an appointment, at his own 
 request, that he may employ his time in liquidating the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 57 
 
 debts incurred by him in building a church in Stock- 
 ton." Thus these brethren, while jealous of the honor 
 and purity of the Church, were tenderly considerate 
 of their brother, and every opportunity was given him 
 to remove any blot that might seem to attach either to 
 himself or the Church. 
 
 This Conference seemed to be fully alive to the edu- 
 cational wants of the State, and their plans were large 
 and far -reach in 2f. Provision was made for a college 
 and foitr high-schools. 
 
 It is a matter of deep regret that the report on edu- 
 cation, as well as all other reports, was "placed on file," 
 and is lost. We are therefore left to draw upon mem- 
 ory for the preservation of these facts. 
 
 Their plans laid were broad and far-reaching. They 
 stood on the borders of the field that lav with inviting 
 whiteness before them. The ringing call of their Di- 
 vine Master that had thrust them out from their homes 
 of ease and luxury to this, the hardest field in the 
 Church, was still resounding in their ears, and it fired 
 their hearts to undertake all that they could possibly 
 hope to accomplish. They felt called of God to this 
 work, and they planned accordingly. In the report 
 full Boards of Trustees were provided for, and the Con- 
 ference proceeded to fill them. Nine were elected for 
 the college, nine for each of the high-schools, to be lo- 
 cated at San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and 
 Stockton. Two of the latter were already in opera- 
 tion — the one at San Jose and the one at Sacramento. 
 Two whole blocks in what is now the heart of the city 
 of San Jose had been donated by James Reed, one of 
 them on condition that a perpetual scholarship in music 
 be secured to his family. This school was called Bas- 
 
58 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 com Institute, and for many years was under the man- 
 agement of Mrs. Ruth C. Hammond, a very accom- 
 plished and able teacher. We shall have more to say 
 of this school in future pages of this history. 
 
 The Rev. W. R. Gober, who had been placed in 
 charge of Sacramento Station the year before the or- 
 ganization of our Conference, had started a school in 
 that city, and it was at this time in successful opera- 
 tion. This school, by formal resolution, was received 
 and provided for by the Conference. 
 
 When the regular disciplinary questions were called, 
 the preachers who had been at work in the various 
 fields to which they had been appointed were ready to 
 respond. 
 
 J. S. Malone had been laboring on the Columbia 
 Mission, near Sonora, in Tuolumne County. He was a 
 man of great energy, and had found several men within 
 the bounds of his work who were preachers, and he 
 had secured their recommendations to the Annual Con- 
 ference; and when Question 1 was called — "What 
 preachers are admitted on trial?" — he first "presented 
 the recommendation from the Quarterly Conference of 
 the Columbia Mission of W. H. Long, to be' received 
 into the traveling connection of the Pacific Annual 
 Conference. Brother Long's credentials from the 
 Congregational Church, of which he had been a mem- 
 ber and a minister, and from which he comes, were 
 then read to the Conference, as also were two letters of 
 recommendation. And he, after satisfactorily answer- 
 ing before the body the disciplinary questions pro- 
 pounded, made some remarks appropriate to his case, 
 and on motion of Brother Gober he was by a rising 
 vote unanimously received as an Elder of the Meth- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 59 
 
 odist Episcopal Church, South, in good standing. 
 Brother Malone moved to receive Brother Long into 
 the traveling connection on trial in the Pacific Confer- 
 ence, which was carried. It was then moved by 
 Brother Gober to reconsider the vote by which Brother 
 Long was admitted on trial into the Conference, and it 
 was carried. And on motion of Brother D. B. Leyne, 
 W. H. Long was admitted as a traveling preacher in 
 full connection in the Pacific Conference." 
 
 We have quoted these items and motions from the 
 Minutes of the Conference just as we find them. 
 
 This case reveals a strange chapter in our early his- 
 tory. And while in the end this matter amounted to 
 very little, yet it is necessary to bring out these facts to 
 show the estimate put upon the labors and designs of 
 our Church at that early day. The history of this case 
 stands out as prominently in our memory as any other 
 fact connected with that memorable Conference. And 
 no other man of our Conference ever got at the secret 
 history of this man as did the writer of this. 
 
 W. H. Long came to us with credentials ostensibly 
 from the Congregational Church in Pennsylvania. He 
 sought out J. S. Malone, and proposed to him to unite 
 with our Church and take work among us. As shown, 
 he was regularly recommended to the Conference, and 
 the first action was to receive him " on trial into the 
 traveling connection." When the vote was taken, 
 Long objected to it. He wanted to be received into 
 full connection. He claimed that he was "in full con- 
 nection" in his own Church, and that he was entitled 
 to occupy the same position when he came to us. We 
 explained to him that he would be in the same orders 
 among us — that of an elder — but that even our elders, 
 
Go History of Southern Methodism 
 
 when they joined the traveling connection, had to re- 
 main two years "on trial;" that this was not giving 
 him a lower position, in the Church, but that the rules 
 of our Discipline required this of every man that joined 
 the itinerancy. He gave us clearly to understand that 
 unless we received him into full connection he would 
 withdraw his application entirely. What were we 
 to do? We were greatly in need of men, and here 
 was one that seemed peculiarly adapted to our work — 
 a man of intelligence and culture, who was ready to 
 enter the field with us. Should we reject him on what 
 seemed to some a technicality? Some were for stand- 
 ing by the law at all hazards. Just then Judge D. O. 
 Shattuck, an old preacher and a lawyer besides, ex- 
 plained the matter in this way: We had an itinerant 
 system, the Congregationalists had not. In his own 
 Church Brother Long could work anywhere the Church 
 required. Now, when he came to us, he ought to be 
 received and placed by us in the same relation to our 
 Church that he sustained in his own — that is, in "full 
 connection." This speech determined the Conference, 
 and he was taken into full connection. This relation 
 did not last long. At the next session of the Confer- 
 ence, in answer to the question, Who have been ex- 
 pelled from the Connection this year? the record is: 
 "By a subsequent action of the Conference, W. H. 
 Long was expelled from all connection with the Con- 
 ference, and from the communion of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, South." He claimed to have a wife 
 in the East for whom he wished to go, and he not only 
 got the permission of the Conference to do so, but got 
 an appropriation of several hundred dollars with which 
 to defray his expenses. But early in the year he was 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 6i 
 
 overtaken in unministerial and unchristian conduct, and 
 was expelled. 
 
 Some eight years after we were on our way to a 
 camp-meeting in the lower end of the San Francisco 
 District, when we overtook him on his way to the same 
 meeting. He was introduced to us as Dr. Ives. He 
 expressed himself as desirous of joining the Church. 
 During the meeting we took him aside and asked him 
 the question: "Do you think we do not know you?" 
 
 His answer was: "I know you are not a fool." 
 
 "Now, what is your name?" 
 
 "W. H. Ives." ' 
 
 "Then W. H. Loiig: was an assumed name, was it?" 
 
 "It was." 
 
 "Were you a minister in good standing 1 in the Con- 
 gregational Church when you came to us?" 
 
 "I was." 
 
 "Were your credentials genuine?" 
 
 "They were." 
 
 "Then if your name is Ives, how was it that the name 
 of Long was attached to your credentials?" 
 
 For a moment his self-possession seemed to forsake 
 him. He abandoned hope of farther deception, and 
 after admitting that these credentials were supplied to 
 him for a purpose, and that that purpose was connected 
 with the great question of Abolitionism that was stir- 
 ring society to its center, he referred me to a mutual 
 friend, who, he said, would explain the whole matter 
 to me. 
 
 The secret of his whole movement was this: It was 
 thought by many in the North that when our Church 
 sent its missionaries to California, it was to try and 
 make a slave State of it, and this man Long was sent 
 
62 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 to us as a spy; and to effect his purpose the more surely, 
 he was furnished with these credentials, with which he 
 could get into our most secret councils. This ac- 
 counted for the persistence in his effort to get into full 
 connection in the Conference. To the well-informed 
 this will seem, as it is, a trivial affair, and yet it is a 
 fact of history that shows to what enemies we were 
 exposed. 
 
 J. S. Malone also presented the recommendation of 
 A. Minear. This brother had been a member of an 
 Eastern Conference, and was under a cloud. His cre- 
 dentials had been taken from him, but he had been 
 relicensed, and was making application to our body 
 by way of recommendation of the Columbia Mission. 
 He was received on trial, and a resolution passed, by 
 which the Conference requested Brother Minear "to 
 ask of his former Conference a restoration to him of 
 his credentials and former standing." During the year 
 this brother showed that there was something radically 
 wrong with him. Again a cloud settled about him, and 
 at the ensuing Conference he was discontinued. 
 
 The third recommendation came from J. S. Malone's 
 work, the Columbia Mission, in the person of the Rev. 
 M. M. Moore. He was also received, and while there 
 was nothing against this brother, yet at the next ses- 
 sion of the Conference he was also discontinued. 
 This brother was a most lovable, ST^eet-spirited man. 
 A few years after this he lost his sight. And a short 
 time ago he told us he had never enjoyed himself in 
 any other Church as he had in ours; that while his 
 location within the bounds of the other branch of 
 Methodism had necessitated his connection with them, 
 he had always felt that his heart was with us. He is 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 63 
 
 still preaching, and is happy in the love of God, and 
 preparing to get to that land where no dimness falls 
 upon the sight. 
 
 Steps were taken at this Conference to provide for 
 the aid of disabled preachers, and the education of 
 preachers' children. 
 
 The earnestness with which these brethren entered 
 upon the labors of the Conference may be seen by the 
 following: 
 
 Two resolutions were introduced by Brothers Bailey and 
 Evans, viz.: 
 
 Resolved, 1. That we request the president to appoint brethren 
 to preach on the following subjects before this Conference at its 
 next session, viz.: The Ministry, Education, and Missions. 
 
 2. That we observe the Friday previous to next Christmas as 
 a day of fasting and prayer, and that we hold religious worship 
 in our congregations on that day. 
 
 Which were both adopted. 
 
 Later in the session, the sainted Fulton offered the 
 following, which was also adopted: 
 
 Resolved, That we observe the last Friday in May as a dav 
 of fasting and prayer, that God may revive his work in our 
 midst, and more especially that he call and send forth more la- 
 borers into his vineyard, and particularly in this part. 
 
 Men who entered upon their work with such reso- 
 lutions bearing upon their hearts were the men to 
 succeed in planting the Church of their love firmly in 
 this new soil. 
 
 The thoughtful Blythe, looking to the very day in 
 which we are feeling about for the material to write 
 the history of Southern Methodism, and of the men 
 who, under God, planted the standard of our Church 
 on this coast, introduced the following resolution: 
 
64 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 * 
 
 Resolved, That each member of this Conference furnish to 
 the secretary at his earliest convenience a short biographical 
 sketch of his life up to the organization of the Pacific Annual 
 Conference, to be filed with the Conference papers. 
 
 If these biographical sketches were ever "filed," 
 they have shared the fate of the " Conference papers," 
 and are nowhere to be found. 
 
 While we are on the subject of resolutions, let us say 
 that our "spy," W. H. Long, came in with one to the 
 effect "that the Presiding Elder and the preachers in 
 San Francisco be appointed a committee, with the 
 Superintendent, to publish in pamphlet form the decis- 
 ion of Judge Nelson, together with a succinct account 
 of the cause of the division of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, and of the state and relation of the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church, South, in California, in all its 
 bearings" — which was adopted. 
 
 "The decision of Judge Nelson," referred to, was 
 the decision in which the Church, South, was given 
 her share of the common fund owned by the Church 
 at the division, and which was withheld by the Church 
 (North), although this division was solemnly agreed 
 to in the "Plan of Separation." Our opponents were 
 constantly misrepresenting us and our position. We 
 were branded as a "pro-slavery Church," as a "seces- 
 sion," and as having no right to an ecclesiastical exist- 
 ence, especially on this coast. It was thought that this 
 "decision," which not only gave us a legal right to our 
 share of the property, but also vindicated our claim to 
 a separate Church organization, with the accompanying 
 " succinct account of the cause of the division, and of 
 the state and relation of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, South, in California," would do us good; 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 6; 
 
 and whatever may have been the motive of Long in 
 offering the resolution, it was just what we wanted. 
 This pamphlet was issued as provided for, and was an 
 invaluable auxiliary in setting us right before the peo- 
 ple. 
 
 For years we had to fight our way in whatever 
 community we endeavored to establish our Church; 
 and even after a life of a third of a century, after plant- 
 ing our forces in all parts of the State of California, 
 after enriching our State with more than three hundred 
 thousand dollars worth of Church property, after hav- 
 ing educated a generation of men and women, we are 
 even now asked why we are here, and what is the use 
 of our Church, and especially since slavery has been 
 abolished. 
 
 In closing the record of this memorable Conference, 
 we think it eminently appropriate to give a brief sketch 
 of the men who composed it. And as was the case 
 in writing the history of the Conference business, we 
 had to rely mainly upon our memory, so now. If the 
 "biographical sketches" provided for were ever writ- 
 ten, they are not in the possession of the present writer. 
 
 The Rev. Jesse Boring, D.D., was a Georgian by 
 birth. He commenced the work of the Christian minis- 
 try at an early period in life. He was an orator of the 
 highest type. Always at ease in the pulpit, he never 
 lost command of his voice. Although of a nervous 
 temperament, yet so evenly balanced was he that he 
 was ever able to hide any trepidation that sometimes 
 took possession of him on great occasions. He was 
 modest and diffident to a fault; never pushed his way 
 to prominence or position. Whatever of honors — and 
 they are many — that have been bestowed upon him dur- 
 5 
 
66 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ing his long and useful life, were put upon him by 
 his brethren unasked. Slow and deliberate in the un- 
 folding of any grand gospel theme that engaged his 
 heart and attention, he held his audience steadily, sure- 
 ly. There was that in manner and voice that could 
 but arrest and rivet attention. Gradually rising with 
 His theme, he did not startle by any abruptness of 
 flight, but like an eagle, who held the advantage of a 
 lofty position on some beetling crag, he floated t off and 
 began to soar to loftier heights. At times, when every 
 heart had been strained upward by his quiet but steady 
 eloquence, he would startle them by some burst grand- 
 er, more brilliant than any that had preceded it, like 
 the sudden flash of lightning on the bosom of a ma- 
 jestic storm-cloud riding on the wings of a tempest. 
 Then again peal would follow peal in reverberating ac- 
 cents until the effect was almost painful. His descrip- 
 tive powers were wonderful. When he presented a 
 picture you saw it. You felt all he felt, heard all he 
 heard, and, like him, you were lost to all save the life- 
 like panorama that moved in stateliness before you. 
 
 It is said on one occasion, while describing the grad- 
 ual yet awful doom of the sinner, as he drew ever 
 nearer the final undoing, he pictured, in illustration, a 
 ship in the maelstrom's awful whirl. Riding in mid- 
 ocean, it was caught in the first eddying circle of the 
 whirlpool. Its course was changed; the masts bent, 
 and round and round the creaking vessel swept, each 
 circle less than the last. So vivid was the description 
 that a gentleman in the congregation rose unconsciously 
 from his seat and stood, hat in hand, gazing intently at 
 every movement of the speaker as if he were looking 
 upon the reeling ship. On and on swept the speaker in 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 67 
 
 his description — the now helpless ship the play-thing 
 of the yawning, funneled gulf, until at last the whole 
 went down into the seething, bubbling, foam-lashed 
 sea, when the gentleman broke the stillness that fol- 
 lowed the speaker's last utterance with the exclama- 
 tion, "My God, she's gone!" His power over an au- 
 dience, when fully aroused, was marvelous. 
 
 Before coming to California he filled the most im- 
 portant stations in the Georgia Conference, and had 
 the most unbounded confidence of his brethren. On 
 his return they received him with open arms, and 
 though now far advanced in life, is going in and out, 
 filling districts and stations, as if he knew not what 
 weariness and age were. He fills a large space in the 
 past and present history of the Georgia Conference. 
 He is now connected with the North Georgia Confer- 
 ence, and is presiding elder of one of the most impor- 
 tant districts. The Church above, where only the true 
 record of a man's labors are kept, alone will show how 
 valuable have been his labors below. 
 
 Alexander M. Wynn was born in Charleston, S C, 
 Jan. 20, 1S27. Losing his parents at an early age, he 
 was raised by Bishop J. O. Andrew, to whom he was 
 related. In such a home he was trained for God, and 
 every advantage of an education was given him. He 
 was class-mate in college of Albert Gray, Joseph S. 
 Key, J. C. Simmons, Luther Smith, and James Palmer 
 — all of whom were preachers. The first three, with 
 him, were licensed to preach the same day. He stood 
 high in his class, and in deportment was above re- 
 proach. He was greatly beloved by the entire class. 
 He joined the Church, September, 1844, but was not 
 converted until September, 1845. He was licensed to 
 
6S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 preach, August, 1848, and joined the Georgia Confer- 
 ence, January, 1849. ^ e was a g°°d, systematic 
 preacher — grew in power as he grew in years. He was 
 appointed the first year of his ministry to the Atlanta 
 and Decatur Circuit, where he labored ten months, and 
 then received his appointment to the California Mis- 
 sion. Of his labors in California we have spoken else- 
 where. No man at that early day did more successful 
 work for our Church than he, Frail in body, yet en- 
 dued with an energy that tided him over difficulties 
 great and small, he has left his mark indelibly on the 
 history of our Church on the Pacific. His heart has 
 ever been with us. Though prevented from returning 
 in 1854 by a severe hemorrhage of the lungs, yet by 
 care he has prolonged his life, and has been able to do 
 good and efficient work in the North Georgia Confer- 
 ence to the present. 
 
 David W. Pollock, though not present at the mem- 
 orable roll-call, April 15, 1852, when the Pacific Con- 
 ference was organized, yet as he had come as one of 
 our first missionaries, we give him a place. Of his early 
 history we know but little. He was admitted on trial 
 in the Missouri Conference, at Palmyra, in 1841. He 
 remained in this Conference, filling stations and circuits 
 year after year, until 1849, when he was appointed by 
 Bishop Paine missionary to California, and came with 
 Dr. J. Boring and A. M. Wynn. He held his connec- 
 tion with this Conference till 1852, when he was trans- 
 ferred to the Alabama Conference, where he died a 
 short time after. 
 
 Cyprian Gridley was born in Washington County, 
 Ohio, Nov. 23, 1816; joined the Church in his tenth 
 year, but was not converted until the following vear. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 69 
 
 He removed to Mississippi in 1836, and obtained li- 
 cense to exhort in 1838. He was licensed to preach 
 the same year. In 1842 he was received on trial in the 
 Mississippi Conference; transferred to the Louisiana 
 Conference in 1846. He started to California, May 15, 
 1S50, and reached San Francisco the following July. 
 Brother Gridley was a quiet, lovable man. He was 
 exceedingly sanguine in his temperament, and hence 
 was often led beyond his depth in financial matters. 
 Owing to financial troubles and involvement his useful- 
 ness was greatly hindered in California. But amid all 
 his troubles his brethren never for one moment doubt- 
 ed his integrity. He died some few years ago in the 
 State of Missouri. His end was peace. 
 
 William R. Gober was born in De Kalb County, 
 Georgia, April 25, 1S24. He was born of Methodist 
 parents, and surrounded with religious influences from 
 infancy; was converted and joined the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church in his eleventh year. He was licensed 
 to preach and recommended to the Mississippi Confer- 
 ence November 2, 1844. In December of the same 
 year he was received on trial. His first circuit was 
 one hundred and fifty miles in circumference. He was 
 junior preacher. About four hundred were added to 
 the Church that year. 
 
 In 1850 he was stationed in Moreau Street Church, 
 New Orleans. The year before he had been in the 
 midst of the cholera. For months he was busy visiting 
 the sick and burying the dead, but he stood to his post 
 of duty. He was afterward made presiding elder. 
 In 185 1, soon after marriage, he was appointed mis- 
 sionary to California, and sailed from New Orleans on 
 July 28, and landed in San Francisco on August 29. 
 
70 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 He was sent at once to Sacramento. All that we 
 had in that city was a lot with a small frame building, 
 so long closed that it was covered with dust and cob- 
 webs, mortgaged for two thousand dollars, and drawing 
 interest at three per cent, per month. There were a 
 few who acknowledged themselves as members. 
 
 The flood came in 1852. Brother Gober and wife suf- 
 fered much during this disastrous period; but out of it 
 all the Lord brought them. The next fall he was sent as 
 Presiding Elder of the San Francisco District. At his 
 first quarterly meeting in Mariposa, R. W. Bigham 
 requested him at the close of morning service to an- 
 nounce at the blowing of the horn in the afternoon 
 they would assemble to organize a Sunday-school. 
 As he made the announcement, a tall, long-whiskered 
 miner rose and said, "As I may not hear you, old hoss, 
 here is my money now," at the same time passing up a 
 two-dollar-and-a-half gold piece. 
 
 He endured great hardships on this district. Upon 
 one occasion he met, in company with J. W. Kelly, 
 an old Negro in the mines of Tuolumne County, who 
 had come to California with three strong young men 
 to try and retrieve the waning fortunes of his old mas- 
 ter in North Carolina. "Uncle Jim" was true to his 
 trust. He invited Brothers Gober and Kelly to his 
 humble cabin to breakfast Sunday morning. They 
 went, and while there heard the old man tell with pride 
 how he had worked and sent home sixteen thousand 
 dollars to his old master, and had four thousand dollars 
 more ready to send. He said in a few weeks he ex- 
 pected to return to his old home. The preachers ate 
 of the old man's breakfast, sang and prayed with him 
 and the young men, and when they took their leave 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 71 
 
 each of the four put a five -dollar gold piece into the 
 hand of each of the preachers. They held service that 
 day under the branches of a spreading live oak, and 
 Brother Kelly's sermon brought tears to many eyes un- 
 used to weeping. 
 
 The storms of that winter caught Brother Gober in 
 Sonora. J. S. Malone was then stationed in that place. 
 At the close of service Sunday morning, as they were 
 seated at table, the landlady told them that flour had 
 gone up to eighty dollars a barrel, and but few barrels 
 in market. 
 
 The streams were high, the ground saturated with 
 water, and the storm still raging. The stage could not 
 travel — even pack-trains were stopped. So Brother 
 Gober set out on foot for Stockton, seventy miles dis- 
 tant. He waded streams, climbed mountains, breasted 
 the pelting rains, but pressed on to his destination. In 
 the midst of the storm he took refuge in a hotel kept 
 by a Georgian, who at first mistook him for a gambler; 
 but when fully convinced that he was a Methodist 
 preacher, said: "We have lots of room and plenty to eat. 
 You can stay here as long as you choose, and it sha'n't 
 cost you a cent." He thanked him, but addressed him- 
 self to his journey, and in due time reached the parson- 
 age in Stockton, where he was cordially welcomed and 
 entertained. An episode in his history we will let 
 him tell in his own words: "In 1854 I had some pe- 
 culiarly severe trials, the details of which it is unnec- 
 essary to mention. I felt that I was badly treated. 
 With natural rather than Christian feelings of mor- 
 tified pride, independence, and resentment, I taught 
 school and studied law with the intention of enter- 
 ing that profession. At the State election that fall, 
 
72 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 by the persuasion of friends, I made a dash at poli- 
 tics, was elected to the Legislature, and served my 
 constituents acceptably. Then came tempting offers 
 of business partnerships and pledges from my party 
 of farther promotion. Here was the contrast of the 
 poverty and privations of a preacher's life, on the one 
 side, and the wealth, position, influence, and honor, 
 certainly attainable, on the other. I was on a pinnacle, 
 with the world, the flesh, and the devil, beckoning and 
 alluring to what seemed a delightful way. A kind 
 providence interposed and turned the scales. My 
 brethren in the ministry had the manliness and Chris- 
 tian candor to retract and undo, as far as possible, the 
 wrong which they were satisfied they had done me. I 
 dropped law and politics, and went again with renewed 
 energy to the work which I am sure God called me in 
 early life to do." 
 
 Three times in the history of the Church Brother Go- 
 ber was chosen to preside over the Annual Conference 
 in the absence of a Bishop, and twice was he elected to 
 the General Conference. He was stationed in Nevada 
 City in 1856, and during the year almost the entire city 
 was swept away by a disastrous fire in a few hours. 
 Fire-proof buildings, in which men had so much con- 
 fidence as to remain, the better to protect their goods, 
 were licked up by the flames, and the next day the 
 blackened remains of six or seven of these mistaken 
 men were all that was left to tell their folly. 
 
 He filled many other important stations. At one 
 time, for the space of a year, he was chief editor of the 
 Spectator, our Church organ; was also chaplain of the 
 State Senate. His last appointment among us was in 
 Sacramento City. Near the close of his term he saw 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 73 
 
 proper to change his Church relations, and joined the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church (North), and is still a 
 member of the California Conference of that Church. 
 
 Joseph S. M alone was born near Athens, Limestone 
 County, Ala., April 20, 1S28; was admitted on trial 
 into the Tennessee Conference in 1845. After travel- 
 ing six years in that Conference he was transferred to 
 the St. Louis Conference; but in a few months was 
 appointed to California, reaching San Francisco Aug. 
 30, 185 1. He was sent at once to the southern mines, and 
 stationed in Sonora. He was a young man of fervid zeal, 
 of brilliant, even poetic, imagination. He entered upon 
 the work in California with all the ardor of his nature, 
 and for the time he was with us did as much as any 
 man in the Conference. When Dr. Boring started the 
 Christian Observer, Brother Malone, who had been 
 studying the Spanish language to enable him to preach 
 to the multitudes of that race that were in California, 
 commenced a department in Spanish in that paper, 
 and, as we have said, he wrote whole columns, week 
 after -week, in Spanish, for the paper. Whether he 
 ever essayed to preach in that language we know not, 
 but think he did not. He was a very fearless man, and 
 that, with his social qualities, gave him favor with the 
 miners. If there was one thing they admired more 
 than another in a man it was personal courage. 
 
 It was a strange sight to see a Methodist preacher 
 armed with a pistol when going to a Church trial. W. 
 H. Long, alias Ives, when arrested for his evil deeds, 
 was prosecuted by Malone; and on the day of trial 
 Long had made threats of violence, and Malone armed 
 himself and went fearlessly on with his duty to the 
 Church. 
 
74 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 After two years' work in California he returned to 
 his native State, bearing with him the love and best 
 wishes of his brethren. In the distance we have lost 
 sight of him, and know not whether he is still alive, 
 but think he is not. 
 
 John F. Blythe was born in Northampton County, 
 N. C, May 15, 1S24; removed to West Tennessee in 
 infancy; embraced religion at Chapel Hill, Henry 
 County, Tenn., Aug. 23, 1838; was licensed to exhort 
 in August, 1S45; to P r each, May 26, 1846; received on 
 trial in the Memphis Conference, Oct. 25, 1846; and 
 appointed to the California Mission, July, 185 1. He 
 reached San Francisco some time in September, and 
 was sent at once to Nevada City, where he entered 
 upon his work with all the ardor of his great soul. He 
 built the hull of a church in Grass Valley, built an- 
 other in Nevada, another at New Town, and still an- 
 other at French Corral. After preaching for nearly a 
 year in the little clapboard church on the hill in Ne- 
 vada, he projected another and better one to be erected 
 more in the heart of the city. No man that we have 
 ever known had such a hold upon the affections and 
 confidence of the miners. They would give him any 
 thing he would ask for. 
 
 As early as 1852 he saw that the time would come 
 when the great valleys of California would be peopled 
 with a farming community, and the mines would be 
 comparatively abandoned; and he advised a transfer 
 of our most available men from the mines to the cities 
 and valleys. 
 
 He was made presiding elder in an early day, and 
 did good service on the district. He planned for per- 
 manence, and his far-seeing mind looked to the most 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 /:> 
 
 available locations. But in the midst of his activity 
 and usefulness consumption marked him for its victim. 
 Soon he began to waste and wither under its influence, 
 and on the morning of April 3, 1S62, amid holy tri- 
 umphs, he entered the presence of the King. 
 
 Andrew M. Bailey was born in Overton County, 
 Tenn., April 5, 182 1; converted Aug. 28, 1S37; joined 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church in September of the 
 same year. He was licensed to preach on the Burks - 
 ville Circuit, Kentucky Conference, Aug. 29, 1839; 
 was admitted on trial in the Kentucky Conference, 
 Oct. 18, 1839; and appointed to California, Oct. 13, 1851. 
 His early advantages were very limited. He lost his 
 father when he was quite small, and after the remar- 
 riage of his mother they moved to Cumberland Coun- 
 ty, Ky. He says: "I had almost no educational advan- 
 tages, so that when I was converted at the age of six- 
 teen I could barely read in the Bible. My mother was 
 a most devout Christian, and a ' shouting Methodist.' 
 But the family being poor, and the children numerous, 
 I generally spent the spring and summer months work- 
 ing on farms as a hired hand. At the age of fourteen 
 I was hired to Mr. Benjamin Speer, who took an inter- 
 est in my welfare, and impressed me deeply with the 
 necessity of being a Christian while young. I lived 
 with him four years, and if my life has ever been worth 
 any thing to the Church, the teaching and example of 
 that good man, more than any other human agency, 
 were the cause." 
 
 At a camp-meeting in July, 1837, the first he ever 
 attended, he was powerfully convicted, and with all 
 the ardor of his nature he besran seeking religion. He 
 thought he must do something to merit it, and that 
 
76 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 when he "got religion a light would shine round about 
 him, and that he would be overwhelmed with a sense 
 of the Divine Presence." Under this impression he 
 prayed and wept in the most intense agony of soul. 
 He got no relief. The gloom of his soul was insup- 
 portable, and he began to believe he was one of the 
 "reprobates," and that he never could be saved. This 
 thought terrified him to such an extent that he neither 
 ate nor slept for a whole day and night, when, while 
 there was no excitement in the altar, his soul was im- 
 pressed with the thought that Jesus loved him, and 
 that he died to save even him. The thought thrilled 
 him. In a moment his whole moral nature was 
 changed. He had a love to Christ such as he had 
 never experienced before, and, boy as he was, he rose 
 and began to tell the people of the infinite goodness 
 of God. He was appointed class-leader at once. 
 
 On August 24, 1S39, ne was licensed to preach, and 
 the following October was admitted on trial in the 
 Kentucky Conference. He was junior preacher the 
 first year of his connection with the Conference, and 
 that fall, under the presiding - eldership of Jonathan 
 Stamper, he witnessed a camp-meeting on his circuit 
 the most powerful he ever saw. More than three 
 hundred persons united with the Church on that cir- 
 cuit that year, and very many of them were converted 
 at this meeting. Revivals blessed his labors wherever 
 he went. 
 
 In 1850 he was appointed Presiding Elder on the 
 Irvin District, and in the midst of the next year Bishop 
 Paine sent him as a missionary to California. He ar- 
 rived early in 1852, and on February 13 of that year he 
 was sent by Dr. Boring to Stockton, where he found 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 77 
 
 a new church with a crushing debt upon it, and very 
 few members. At the Conference held the following 
 April he was returned to this charge, but in the fall 
 was sent to organize the Santa Clara Circuit. 
 
 This work was commenced in the town of Santa 
 Clara, October 14, 1852, and was extended down south 
 as far as San Juan Mission, some forty miles below 
 San Jose, and north as far as the Lower Redwoods, 
 some six miles west of where Redwood City now 
 stands. This work was continued through the winter 
 and following spring. At the next session of the 
 Conference, in April, 1853, the circuit was divided, and 
 he was appointed to the northern part, called Santa 
 Clara Circuit, while J. T. Cox was put in charge of 
 Gilroy and Santa Cruz. 
 
 In the fall, the first camp-meeting that was ever held 
 in this region was held some six miles east of Watson- 
 ville, under the leadership of J. T. Cox. This, as related 
 elsewhere, was a grand meeting. A few weeks after 
 this meeting another was held in the Santa Clara Cir- 
 cuit, at what was then known as the Toll-gate Camp- 
 ground, eight miles west of San Jose. At this the 
 Rev. W. M. Winters was converted, and W. A. Finley 
 and J. M. Lovell joined the Church, they both having 
 been converted in Missouri. Old Brother Hicks, who 
 stood so long and faithfully to our Church, and many of 
 his family, were converted and brought into the Church, 
 and a wonderful impulse was given to the cause of 
 Christ at this meeting. 
 
 Brother Bailey was a sweet singer, with great power 
 and compass of voice. Some of his songs, sung alone, 
 were equal to his sermons. When he stood in the 
 pulpit at a camp-meeting, and sung one of his favorite 
 
78 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 hymns, it was like bugle notes calling to battle. He 
 was a man of great faith, and intensely earnest in his 
 devotion to Christ and his cause. He looked upon the 
 Methodist Church, South, as his "mother," and often 
 in the glamour of success, when the power of God was 
 upon him, would he exclaim, " I owe all that I am to 
 the grace of God and the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South." His usefulness among us is unquestioned. 
 Soon after the war he began to despair of the success 
 of our Church on this coast, and under convictions of 
 w T hat seemed to him duty, he united with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, did a little work for a few years, 
 and then ceased to travel. 
 
 James M. Fulton was born of irreligious parents, on 
 Stewart's Creek, Pittsylvania County, Virginia, De- 
 cember 13, 1 8 18. In October, 1843, he attended the first 
 camp-meeting held at Chestnut Grove Camp-ground, 
 where he was converted and joined the Church. Sep- 
 tember, 1847, ne was li cense d to exhort, and in October 
 to preach, and at the same time recommened for admis- 
 sion into the traveling connection. In December, 1847, 
 he was admitted on trial into the North Carolina Con- 
 ference. In 1851 he was appointed missionary to Cali- 
 fornia. 
 
 We feel our hand to falter when the name of this 
 saintly man comes up for portrayal in these pages. His 
 every breath seemed incensed with prayer. His very 
 presence in a home appeared to hallow the place and 
 make it a Bethel. He was literally one that " cried and 
 sighed for the abominations that were done in the land." 
 Knee-marks fill the track of his entire progress through 
 the mountains and valleys of California. We find him 
 kneeling all along, by night and by day, by tree, by 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 79 
 
 mining-flume, amid bowlders turned up by the miner's 
 pick and shovel — anywhere, everywhere that he could 
 be alone with God. See this simple entry in his diary: 
 "This morning, in secret prayer, I solemnly and cheer- 
 fully vowed to labor for God's glory in the salvation of 
 souls. This was done near a white-oak tree, near the 
 Table Mountain ditch, near the Company's house." 
 
 He speaks of being forgiven of a certain sin while 
 riding on a Spanish pack-mule at night. Some kind- 
 hearted packer, overtaking him as he toiled along on 
 foot, and seeing his feebleness, set him upon one of his 
 pack-saddles. Hear him: "I have witnessed the good- 
 ness of God to me to-day in opening a way for me 
 to ride ten miles, instead of walking in my great fee- 
 bleness." Amid the jingle of bells and the tramp of a 
 drove of Spanish mules, as he threads his way along the 
 chimese-bordered trail, this man, seated on a comfortless 
 pack-saddle, this faithful, feeble servant of God can find 
 time and opportunity to pour forth a rich strain of 
 thanksgiving to the God he loves and serves. No night 
 was too dark, no day too inviting, to make him lose 
 sight of the mercv-seat. His faithful journal records 
 the following: " Having concealed myself near the road- 
 side to-day for secret prayer, a man came along hunting, 
 and on hearing me move, was raising his gun to shoot, 
 as he doubtless thought, at a hare or rabbit, but on see- 
 ing what I was, he explained. I felt I had great cause 
 to thank God for this almost miraculous escape." 
 
 He was not a great preacher, but he was a great 
 Christian. He was dyspeptic and a great bodily suf- 
 ferer. Hence he was morbidly sensitive on many 
 points, especially in regard to himself. He was ever 
 fearing of falling into sin, of yielding to temptation, of 
 
8o History of Southern Methodism 
 
 doing something that would bring him into condem- 
 nation. His brethren frequently laughed at his hyper- 
 sensitiveness, but no man ever doubted his piety or 
 perfect devotion to God. One burden he never laid 
 down nor suffered for a moment to be lifted from his 
 soul — the burden for the salvation of sinners. It lived 
 in his waking thought and hovered over him in his 
 dreams. 
 
 His last appointment was to the Los Angeles Cir- 
 cuit. He seemed to have a presentiment that the Mas- 
 ter would soon call for him, and he carefully arranged 
 all his temporal interests, but went on with his work. 
 He was at last prostrated, and on the 4th day of March, 
 1857, he kneeled for the last time by his bed in all of 
 his feebleness, and, while kneeling, God clasped the 
 beloved saint in his arms and took him forever to him- 
 self. 
 
 Morris Evans was born August 28, 1828, in Louisville, 
 Kentucky; professed religion and joined the Church 
 at Dorsey's Camp-ground, near Louisville, September 
 1,1847. August 19, 1848, he received license to preach, 
 and in September was received on trial in the Louisville 
 Conference. 
 
 In the year 1S51, when Dr. Boring's plan, known as 
 the " thousand-dollar plan," was presented to the Louis- 
 ville Conference, some of the leading brethren ap- 
 proached Brother Evans and asked him to volunteer for 
 California. This he refused to do, telling them that if 
 he were appointed, he would go as he would to any 
 other appointment to which the Bishop might send him. 
 He was accordingly ordained elder, and appointed by 
 Bishop Paine. 
 
 On the first day of January, 1852, he left Louisville, 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 8i 
 
 in company with A. M. Bailey and family. On reach- 
 ing New Orleans, they found J. M. Fulton waiting for 
 the sailing of the steamer. They left New Orleans on 
 January 10, and reached San Francisco on February n. 
 Upon arriving at San Francisco, Brother Evans was 
 assigned duty as assistant to Dr. Boring until the Con- 
 ference was organized. He acted as junior preacher of 
 the station, was private secretary to Dr. Boring in all 
 business matters of the Mission, assistant editor of the 
 Observer, made up the mails, and delivered the paper 
 to city patrons and at the post-office. 
 
 At the session in which we organized, Brother Evans 
 drafted the resolution which gave the name to our 
 Conference. Dr. Boring, at the conclusion of this Con- 
 ference, read himself out as Superintendent of the 
 Mission, and J. S. Malone and Morris Evans to San 
 Francisco Station. Malone was soon sent to Sonora 
 to save our Church from the effects of W. H. Long's 
 course of wrong-doing. This left Evans in charge of 
 San Francisco. Heavy duties and large responsibilities 
 rested on his young shoulders. But he proved himself 
 equal to the emergency. 
 
 The next two years he was at Sonora. His first Sun- 
 day was a little remarkable. There were three large 
 gambling-houses in full blast, each with a brass band 
 filling the air with music. In front of the church, 
 across the street, was a large blacksmith shop in which 
 they were repairing a boiler. In the midst of this din 
 the young preacher delivered his message to the few 
 who came to hear him. In the afternoon there was a 
 grand parade of ' ; Greasers, " who were on their way to 
 a bull-fight in the edge of town. 
 
 Sunday was the principal business day. On that day 
 6 
 
82 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 the miners came in to sell their gold-dust, and lay in 
 their supplies. Brother Evans says: 
 
 One of my stewards and mayor of the city sold goods on Sun- 
 day, including the retail of whisky. This was the usual practice. 
 I, after a long struggle, succeeded in getting all the merchants to 
 close their stores on Sunday. The most of them backslid in the 
 course of a few weeks; but one of them remained steadfast, and 
 soon his became the largest and most successful house inthe city. 
 He had a slit made in his door through which written orders 
 were dropped on Sunday, and he delivered the goods on Monday. 
 All the friends of the Sunday observers among the miners pat- 
 ronized him. Men who themselves disregarded the day, yet re- 
 spected the man who maintained the principles in which they had 
 been raised. 
 
 One Sunday, after preaching, I went out to dine at the oppo- 
 site end of" the city from my bachelor parsonage. I found the 
 streets black with an immense crowd of miners. They were 
 digging out the iron front doors of Adams & Company's bank- 
 ing-house. This firm, doing business throughout the United 
 States, had suspended payment." The miners about Sonora had 
 deposited their savings with them. They knew that in the shape 
 of dust and coin it was yet in the safe, and that if it went into 
 the hands of a receiver but a small percentage of it would ever 
 come back to them; hence they had determined to take it out by 
 force. They met, and sent a committee to the man who had the 
 keys and demanded them. Of course they were refused. Then, 
 with sledge-hammers, picks, and crowbars, they assailed these 
 strong doors. They succeeded by digging the door-frame out of 
 the brick walls. Inside, they performed the same operation on 
 the doors of the vault, and then prepared to blow the safe open. 
 
 At this point, to preserve property, the keys were surrendered 
 to the delegation appointed to receive them. The safe was un- 
 locked, and the crowd permitted to look at the piles of dust, bars, 
 and coin. Then the safe was locked and the keys removed. 
 Some one made a speech to the crowd, declaring they were not 
 thieves, but proposed simply to get what belonged to them, and 
 suggested that thev should elect a set of bank clerks to pay off 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 83 
 
 the proper demands, and make proper entries on the books. This 
 was promptly agreed to. Officers were elected, the books taken 
 out, depositors formed a line, and each one presented his vouch- 
 ers and received the money due him. This continued until all 
 the claims were paid, and while money was still in the safe, the 
 books were replaced, the safe locked, and the keys returned to 
 the proper custodian. This was a sample of the early Vigilance 
 Organization of California. 
 
 While the men were working at the outside doors, Major Sol- 
 omon, Sheriff of the ounty, mingled with the crowd, threaten- 
 ing and in every way possible trying to prevent the consumma- 
 tion of their purpose. One excited man, who had been working 
 with a crowbar, and was resting, noticed the Sheriff and raised 
 his bar to strike him. Another promptly drew out his revolver, 
 and aiming at the head of the man with the crowbar, said, "At- 
 tempt to strike him, and I'll blow your brains out!" 
 
 The other demanded, " What business has he to interfere with 
 us?" 
 
 The former replied: "We elected him Sheriff to see that the 
 laws are enforced. We are engaged in an unlawful act, and he 
 is simply doing his duty, and he shall not be molested." 
 
 Shortly after this circumstance, a "Sidney Duck" (as Aus- 
 tralian convicts were called), named Griffiths, murdered a Mr, 
 Joe Heslep. The Heslep Brothers had shown the fellow gener- 
 ous kindness, and taking advantage of the sad opportunity, he had 
 foully murdered Joe for money locked up in the firm safe. This 
 occurred about dark, at the office, not more than one hundred 
 and fifty yards from the Placer Hotel, which was the central 
 house in the city. 
 
 The murder was soon discovered, and a Vigilant Committee 
 organized. In the course of two or three hours they discovered 
 who had done the deed. Griffiths was present as a witness, and 
 had adopted measures to cover his tracks, showing consummate 
 acuteness; but these Californians were hard men to deceive. As 
 soon as it was certain that he was the man, Major Solomon be- 
 ing present, laid his hand on the culprit's shoulder and claimed 
 him as his prisoner. The Vigilants interfered, and proposed to 
 settle the case themselves. Finallv an agreement was made that 
 
84 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 the prisoner should not be taken from the office where he then 
 was until after daybreak, and that the Sheriff would not inter- 
 fere before that time. The Committee then, in the presence of 
 Griffiths, determined to burn their prisoner in front of the office 
 at sunrise. 
 
 The circumstances of the murder were exceedingly horrible. 
 Mr. Billy Heslep, who was absent at the time of the murder, but 
 who had come when sent for, was informed of all the facts, and 
 of the verdict. He sent back an importunate appeal to them not 
 to burn the man. Upon this they reconsidered their verdict, and 
 agreed, in deference to the request, to change the penalty to 
 hanging. 
 
 About midnight, after all these matters had been settled, some 
 one proposed to send for a preacher to talk to Griffiths. One of 
 the Committee — Jack Davis, a man of gigantic form, and one of 
 the most profane men I ever met, whom I never knew to go 
 to church — opposed the proposition vehemently. He appeared 
 to think that a preacher would have no difficulty in fixing up any 
 fellow for heaven, and that this would be defrauding hell of its 
 clear right. But he was overruled, and a messenger soon called 
 me up from my bed. J. F. Blythe, then my presiding elder, was 
 spending the night with me. We dressed and went down. Being 
 well known by all, I was promptly passed through the armed 
 guards and soon seated by the man. My firm conviction, after a 
 few words, was that the man was devoid of human sympathy. 
 When I entered he was seated at a desk writing. The penman- 
 ship was beautiful, perfectly smooth, and did not evince the 
 shadow of excitement. 
 
 For the only time in my life I felt that I was almost guilty of 
 sacrilege in quoting the beautiful promises of the Scriptures. 
 But fearing that my affection for Mr. Heslep, and utter horror at 
 the foul crime was affecting me, I induced Brother Blythe to take 
 my seat. At once I saw, as he afterward confessed to me, that 
 he was affected as I was, although he had not known Mr. Heslep. 
 The experience was a horrible one. The man seemed a demon. 
 When Blythe arose, Jack Davis, who stood behind the prisoner, 
 and heard all that was said to him, broke out in a torrent of oaths 
 at him. He received these in precisely the same manner that he 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 85 
 
 did our talks to him. As we were leaving the room, a young 
 lawyer, who had been elected Chairman of the Committee, begged 
 me to attend the hanging next morning, with the assurance that 
 I should not be considered as indorsing or conniving at their vio- 
 lation of the law. He thought that, being well known by the 
 whole community, my presence would tend to allay any violent 
 manifestations. I consented. Just about davbreak a messenger 
 came for me. Brother Blythe and I went down. A group of 
 prominent citizens (members of the Vigilant Committee) were 
 standing about a small fire in the middle of the street. The 
 Sheriff was making an address from the stoop in front of the 
 office. A man was passing back and forth behind the Sheriff on 
 the stoop, and two men on the ground in front of him — these two 
 only appearing to listen to the speech. As Blythe and I, saluting 
 acquaintances as we passed, stepped upon the stoop, the patrol 
 stepped to the door and opened it for us to enter. We passed in 
 and met two men with navy pistols drawn; behind them two 
 more, one on each side the prisoner, and two others behind. 
 Each of these guards had in their hands large six-shooters. 
 
 Jack Davis had the prisoner by the arm. and by stepping back 
 brought us face to face with Griffiths. I extended my hand, 
 which he took and exhibited a little emotion. His eyes were be- 
 dewed. Jack Davis noticed it, and sung out in a loud voice, 
 "Open the door, and let this man out of his suspense!" The 
 door opened, and we passed out — Blythe and I in the rear, acting 
 as chaplains to a Vigilance Committee. The Sheriff and his 
 deputy were led off by their friends. The latter foolishly drew 
 his revolver in resistance. Instantly every man in the crowd ex- 
 hibited a six-shooter or a Bowie-knife. The procession, howev- 
 er, pursued its dead march, inattentive to these performances. I 
 suggested to Brother Blythe that my presence did not seem to 
 have much effect, and proposed that we should go no farther. 
 He liked the idea, and we stopped to talk to the Sheriff. 
 
 Brother Evans, with the assistance of a single teach- 
 er (John Rowland), successfully conducted a Sunday- 
 school of some forty or fifty scholars, a large number 
 of whom could not read.. As much was accomplished 
 
S6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 by this school as by any other agency. In 1S55 ne 
 was stationed in Oakland. Here we had neither house 
 nor organization, and only some half-dozen who had 
 been members of our Church. Just before Confer- 
 ence, Mrs. Col. Jack Hayes told Brother Evans to se- 
 lect any half-block in Oakland for a church and par- 
 sonage, and she would secure us a deed from her hus- 
 band. The congregation, under the management of 
 Dr. Davis, had made a handsome subscription for his 
 support, but all fell through by the failure of Brother 
 Evans to return. The hold we had on the people in 
 those days was largely personal, and not ecclesiastical. 
 The people had but little Church fealty. 
 
 The next year he was sent to Grass Valley, where he 
 rebuilt the church, and had great success. He attended 
 a camp-meeting on Bear River, under the management 
 of C. Gridley, that was a meeting of extraordinary 
 power. Over one hundred souls were converted. Go- 
 ber, Newton, Martin, and some other preachers, were 
 present, but Gober and Evans did the main part of the 
 preaching. 
 
 In 1857 he was appointed Presiding Elder of the 
 Sacramento District. He so enlarged the district dur- 
 ing the year that it became necessary to divide it, and 
 the Marysville (now Colusa) District was formed. 
 
 During this year the immersion question was forced 
 upon us, which resulted in the most remarkable camp- 
 meeting — at least in some respects — ever held on the 
 coast. It was held near the town of Vacaville, jointly 
 by the Campbellite Christians and the Southern Meth- 
 odists. Brother Gober acted as the champion of our 
 Church, and Mr. Hendricks, known as the " Oregon 
 Whale,' 1 led the hosts of Campbell. They were to 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 87 
 
 conduct the services day about in any way they pleased. 
 The Campbellite Christians usually harped on immer- 
 sion, and made some converts, while the Methodists 
 would answer their arguments and hold revival serv- 
 ices, each side exemplifying his own mode of work. 
 
 In i860 and 1861 Brother Evans was Presiding Elder 
 of the San Francisco District. At the Conference 
 held at the Macedonia Camp-ground, in 1S61, he was 
 elected President of the Conference. He was stationed 
 in San Francisco the next year. Our friends were 
 afraid — many of them — to let it be known that they 
 were our friends. Men would give money in secret, 
 and beg - not to let it be known. 
 
 In 1S63 he was sent to Virginia City, Nevada'Ter- 
 ritory. Here he was deservedly popular. It is said 
 upon a certain occasion some men at a hotel were can- 
 vassing the question as to where they should attend 
 service that day, it being Sunday, when a man spoke 
 up, and said: ^Boys, come go with me and hear Mr. 
 Evans preach. I tell you he can sling a text!" That 
 settled them — they went to hear Evans. 
 
 One of those sudden panics occurred, when it was 
 thought that the mines in and about Virginia Citv were 
 giving out, and every thing dropped; people left by 
 hundreds, and our preachers returned to California. 
 
 At the session of the Conference, in 1S64, Brother 
 Evans was located to go South, but did not get off till 
 Feb. 13, 1865. Thus he was in the State thirteen years 
 and two days, and but few men left a more indelible im- 
 pression than he. Since his return to his native State 
 of Kentucky he has held the best positions in his Confer- 
 ence, and is now President of Garrard Female College. 
 
 William A. Simmons was born in Dutts County, 
 
88 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Ga., near the Indian Springs, March 17, 1823. His 
 father, the Rev. John Simmons, was a preacher and 
 member of the Georgia Conference; had been of the 
 old South Carolina Conference before the Georgia 
 Conference was organized. 
 
 W. A. Simmons was the child of many prayers, and 
 early gave evidence of regeneration. He was never 
 vicious, but ever obedient to parents and teachers. He 
 never knew when he was converted, but thinks the 
 change took place when he was about six years old. 
 He entered Emory College in 1840, having prepared 
 for college in the old Manual Labor School, that was 
 finally merged into the college. While in college he 
 had regular hours for meditation and prayer, and had 
 beaten out a short path in a thick grove, near his father's 
 residence, where each evening, about sundown, when 
 the weather would permit, he would walk, and think, 
 and pray. He graduated in July, 1844; was licensed 
 to exhort in 1S46, and to preach in August of the same 
 year; was received on trial in the Georgia Conference, 
 held at Macon, Dec. 27, 1846. 
 
 In 1851, at the Conference held in Griffin, Ga., where 
 his parents then resided, the call was made for mission- 
 aries to California. His brother, J. C. Simmons, had 
 his heart set on going, and had been in correspond- 
 ence with Dr. Boring from the time of his appoint- 
 ment, but his mother was unwilling for him to go alone. 
 At this Conference William agreed to go, and the 
 brothers at once placed their names in the hands of the 
 Bishop, and were accepted. 
 
 They left their home in December, 185 1, and sailed 
 from New Orleans on Jan. 25, 1852, and reached San 
 Francisco on February 26 of the same year. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 89 
 
 W. A. Simmons was sent to Marysville. He was 
 present- at the organization of the Pacific Conference, 
 and was returned to Marysville, where he organized 
 a Church of six or seven members, preaching in the 
 court-house. His congregations at this place were 
 always small. While there were over four thousand 
 inhabitants in Marysville at the time, there were per- 
 haps not a dozen females in the town. He remained 
 in Marysville about six months, and was sent to George- 
 town Circuit. He preached at Georgetown, Yankee 
 Jim's, Elizabethtown, King's Hill, Spanish Flat, Dry 
 Creek, and anywhere he could get a congregation. 
 He preached in bar-rooms, hotels, bowling-alleys, under 
 the shade of trees, and in the miner's tents and cabins. 
 While on this circuit he wrote to the Christian Observer: 
 
 Two Sabbaths ago, after having preached in the afternoon un- 
 der a large spreading oak to a large congregation of serious and 
 attentive hearers, I appointed a social Christian meeting for the 
 evening. Many came together, and after I had spoken a few 
 words on the necessity and importance of Christian communion 
 and Christian sympathy, and what we had suffered for the want 
 of it, I called upon each one who was a friend of Christ to tell 
 us what he was doing for God, and what were his purposes. 
 Many spoke boldly for the cross of Christ, and a thrill of Chris- 
 tian sympathy was felt through every heart. We were seated 
 on the side of a hill, on the ground, near a creek. The stars 
 looked down upon us, and angels too, no doubt. The mountain 
 on the opposite side flung back the echo of the shouts of God's 
 children, and the air, where nightly howled the wolf, was made 
 vocal with the melody of the songs of Zion. It was a gracious 
 time, and many fearful hearts were made strong in God, and sev- 
 eral mourners knelt in the dust for us to pray for them. 
 
 He walked over the mountains much of the time. 
 Sometimes he rode a mule. When going up a steep 
 
90 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 mountain he would dismount, and, laying hold of the 
 mule's tail, would make him thus help him itinerate. 
 At Yankee Jim's he was snowed in for two months. 
 Many of the houses were broken down by the weight 
 of the snow. He was comfortably housed in a miner's 
 cabin, presented to him, with all its contents and pro- 
 visions, by two brothers from Georgia — William and 
 James Boyd — who died soon after returning to their 
 home. God has made him a blessing to their families 
 since his return. 
 
 At Yankee Jim's he bought a large house that had 
 been used for the vilest purposes, and converted it into 
 a church. He bought the house with his own money, 
 and if it exists owns it yet, as well as the cabin. 
 
 In coming up the coast from Panama to San Fran- 
 cisco, he saved the life of a young Georgian. He met 
 him on this circuit. He never could do enough for 
 him. He fed him at his tent, gave him his bed while 
 he slept on the ground, quit his work and took him 
 over the mountains at his own expense, and gave him 
 an interest in his mining claim. 
 
 He was sent to Nevada in 1853, and to Grass Valley 
 in 1854, Here his health failed, and in October of 
 that year he returned to Georgia. He was almost an 
 invalid till the war broke out. Many young men of 
 his charge enlisted as soldiers, and when the Confed- 
 erate Congress passed a bill providing for the services 
 of chaplains, he was the first man in the Southern Con- 
 federacy to apply for a chaplaincy. He was chosen by 
 the Eleventh Georgia Regiment. He was at the first 
 battle of Bull Run, and continued chaplain of the same 
 regiment throughout the war; was present at the sur- 
 render at Appomattox. He worked incessantly for the 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 91 
 
 good of his regiment, preaching for them and looking 
 after the sick and wounded. He endured all the hard- 
 ships of the soldier, marching on foot in mud, and rain, 
 and snow, eating hard -tack and sleeping on the ground, 
 often without tent or shelter. In the grand revival that 
 swept over the entire Confederate army he took an 
 active part, and witnessed hundreds of conversions 
 among the soldiers. He was not sick a day. 
 
 After the war was over he returned to Atlanta. But 
 there was a call for help in the upper portions of Geor- 
 gia, where almost utter desolation reigned. The peo- 
 ple had lost every thing by the war. But their souls 
 were precious, and although he had not a dollar in the 
 world, he set out on foot more than a hundred miles to 
 act as their pastor. After awhile he borrowed a blind 
 horse and an old wagon, and took his wife to the cir- 
 cuit. God provided for him, and he lacked for no nec- 
 essary thing. The people flocked out to hear him 
 preach. Mothers came — walking five miles, bearing 
 their children in their arms — at night to hear preaching, 
 traveling in the darkness by the light of pine torches. 
 He preached one hundred sermons in one hundred con- 
 secutive days; received one hundred souls into the 
 Church, and received $100 for his services. A remark- 
 able similar circumstance occurred the next year among 
 the same people. He preached three hundred times 
 during the year, and received three hundred members 
 into the Church, and received $300 for the year's serv- 
 ices. He went from house to house praying with the 
 people. He would gallop his horse from house to 
 house, that he might have time to visit all. He was 
 made presiding elder of that section of the State, and 
 did much to build up the waste places of Zion. The 
 
92 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Rev. Dr. A. G. Haygood attended his District Confer- 
 ence, and, in writing for the Christian Advocate, said: 
 "The district meeting was interesting and profitable. 
 The Rev. W. A. Simmons, presiding elder, guided its 
 deliberations. Some measures were set on foot which 
 will, if successful, make a new era in North Georgia. 
 It is due to the Presiding Elder of the Dahlonega Dis- 
 trict, now winding up his third year of devoted service, 
 to say he has deserved well of his country and of his 
 Church. Steadily, patiently, devotedly, I think very 
 nobly, he has stood by the ship. He and the noble 
 men of his district have saved the day — saved their 
 section from anarchy and ruin." 
 
 There was a dreadful state of things in North Geor- 
 gia after the war. A class of men called " Hog-backs," 
 thieves and robbers, were all through the country. To 
 some places the preachers dared not go. But he could 
 go anywhere. Five companions of his old regiment 
 lived in the bounds of his district. They were his fast 
 friends, and stood ready to defend him in any emer- 
 gency. He labored in Georgia and Florida up to two 
 years ago, when he took a superannuated relation to the 
 North Georgia Conference. Last year he was engaged 
 in revival-meetings for months. God blessed him and 
 his labors with hundreds of conversions. 
 
 John C. Simmons, son of the Rev. John and Eliz- 
 abeth Simmons, was born in Jackson, Butts County, 
 Ga., May 26, 1827. It would not be modest in the 
 writer of these pages to say much of himself, and yet 
 the facts of history demand that, as one of the actors 
 in planting Southern Methodism on this coast, he 
 should take his place with the rest. 
 
 He was converted in his tenth year, and has held fast 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 93 
 
 his integrity ever since. He was licensed to exhort 
 Sept. 13, 1847, and to preach August, 1848. 
 
 His father had built a neat log church on his own 
 farm, for the benefit of his neighbors, mainly at his own 
 expense. In this church his son was licensed to preach 
 at the same time with A. M. Wynn, his co-laborer in 
 California, J. S. Key, D.D., and A. Gray. 
 
 From the first call of the Church for missionaries to 
 California he felt a call from the Holy Spirit to go. 
 He would have been anions: the first had his mother 
 given her consent. While she would not say No, he 
 could see that she was loath to give him up, and he 
 waited patiently until the way was opened. He came 
 with his brother William, joining company with D. B. 
 Leyne and E- B. Lockley on the way. They all landed 
 on the evening of Feb. 26, 18^2. He was at once sent 
 to Grass Valley; after remaining there two years, to 
 Stockton for two years; Mariposa and San Jose, each 
 two years; and so on, filling stations and districts. For 
 four years he was professor in Pacific Methodist Col- 
 lege. He has gone in and out all these years, always 
 effective, until now he stands the only member of the 
 Pacific Conference who was present at the organization. 
 And while he has not answered every roll-call of the 
 Conference, he has answered every call for labor, and 
 has missed no year from effective work since he was 
 licensed to preach. Happy in his work, he longs to 
 spend many more years in the service of Him who has 
 kept him all these years. 
 
 Dennis B. Leyne was born in County Kerry, Ire- 
 land. He did not remember the date of his birth. He 
 came to the United States in the latter part of 1840. 
 He was a Roman Catholic, as he says, " a deplorable 
 
94 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 sinner, enveloped in the mazes of Popish superstition, 
 and dreadfully tenacious of my Catholic opinions, espe- 
 cially the doctrine of transubstantiation; was an unbe- 
 liever in experimental religion and bordering strongly 
 gn infidelity, until by the grace of God, through the 
 instrumentality of the labors of Dr. J. Boring, in Octo- 
 ber, 1844, I was brought to see the light as it is in 
 Christ Jesus. Nov. 11, 1845, God for Christ's sake 
 sanctified my soul. Then commenced my call to the 
 ministry. I was received on trial into the itinerancy at 
 Mobile, Ala., February, 1846." 
 
 He traveled in the Alabama Conference till 1S52, 
 when he was sent as a missionary to California. He 
 landed in San Francisco, Feb. 26, 1852. 
 
 He was an Irishman, with a full, broad brogue. His 
 conversion was thorough, and he was perfectly conse- 
 crated to God, and happy in his consecration. 
 
 A few months after reaching California he met the 
 writer. He had been to San Jose, and had met Bro- 
 ther A. M. Wynn's class, getting shouting happy. At 
 this meeting he said, "I tell you, Brother John, I ran 
 away wid the trucks," alluding to a scene he had wit- 
 nessed in Alabama, where he saw a pair of young 
 oxen, hitched to a pair of wooden trucks, get beyond 
 control. He got shouting happy, and ran all over the 
 house. 
 
 His first appointment was to the Benicia and Marti- 
 nez Circuit. This circuit began at the Redwoods, west 
 of the Bay and south of San Francisco, and "went 
 through Alameda County, taking in Oakland, San Ra- 
 mon Valley, Martinez, Benicia, Suisun, and Napa. 
 
 When B. H. Russell reached California in the fall of 
 the year, W. R. Gober proposed a division of Brother 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 95 
 
 Leyne's circuit, and giving a portion of it to Brother 
 Russell; but Leyne opposed it with all his might. 
 
 He remained but a short time in California, and re- 
 turned to Alabama, where he died in holy triumph after 
 a few years' labor. 
 
 Elijah B. Lockley was born in Monroe County, 
 Georgia, June 12, 1828; was converted in 1841, and 
 was licensed to preach in October, 1847. 
 
 When he joined the Alabama Conference is not 
 known. He landed in San Francisco, February 26, 
 1852, and was sent to Sonoma, where he organized a 
 society of our Church, and built a neat Gothic house 
 of worship, which was burned some years ago. We 
 still own the lot, but have no organization in that val- 
 ley at the present time. 
 
 Brother Lockley was a born wag, and it was a diffi- 
 cult matter for him to keep himself within proper 
 bounds in his waggery. He often indulged in the 
 drollest remarks, and used the most ludicrous figures 
 in the pulpit. 
 
 During the war in the Crimea, Lockley was one 
 of the best-posted men in the State on the causes 
 and developments of that war. While enduring a 
 stage-ride from Stockton to Sonora, in company with 
 Mr. Evans, a fellow-passenger happened to mention 
 the war. Lockley at once, with the deepest interest 
 manifested in every feature, asked, " What war? " The 
 man evidently knew but little of the war himself, but 
 here was a man who, he thought, knew less than him- 
 self, and he began explaining. Lockley sat with open 
 mouth, showing the most intense interest; and when 
 the man would begin to waver, Lockley would ply him 
 with a question that would start him again. This was 
 
c)6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 kept up as long as the man was in the stage. Evans 
 asked him how he could reconcile his conduct with his 
 claim for veracity, as he had been deceiving the man 
 all the while. He protested that this was not the case; 
 that the man was anxious to tell the news, and was 
 gratified in having a listener; and besides, that he had 
 studied human nature, and had gathered material for 
 two or three sermons from his observations during that 
 interview. He said most of his sermons were made by 
 some such process as that. 
 
 He was said to be lazy, as he was very much indis- 
 posed to any physical exertion whatever. In traveling 
 on the steamer, when coming to California, he never 
 once went on deck. He would rise in the morning, 
 and after breakfast would seat himself on a sofa in the 
 main saloon of the ship, and, book in hand, would sit 
 and read all day. He read one thousand pages on the 
 voyage. We once laid a plan to get him on deck. 
 Going to him as we sailed up the coast of Mexico, 
 with the Sierra Madre Mountains rising in grandeur, 
 till their summits were lost in clouds or capped with 
 snow, we told him of the magnificent scenery, and 
 begged him to go and see it. 
 
 "Is it grand?" said he. 
 
 " Yes, the most magnificent panorama we ever be- 
 held." 
 
 "Well, Brother John, go up and take a good look at 
 it, and come down and tell me how it looks." 
 
 The next day we saw a whale sporting in the sea but 
 a little way from the ship. Rushing down to Lockley, 
 we said, " Come, Brother Lockley, there is a whale in 
 sight." 
 
 "Is there, John?" 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 97 
 
 "Yes; come and see him." 
 
 " Is he blowing? " 
 
 " Yes, just spouting the water high in the air." 
 
 "Well, let him blow." 
 
 We gave him up. 
 
 But with all his physical inactivity, he was a great 
 student of books. He read incessantly, and treasured 
 up what he read; and when in the pulpit, no one would 
 suspect that he was lazy. He threw all the force of 
 mind and voice into his theme, and often preached 
 with a pathos and power that only an aroused soul 
 could put forth. His ministry was greatly blessed. 
 Many souls were converted under his labors. We 
 could fill many pages with anecdotes illustrative of his 
 character. 
 
 He seemed to be vacillating at times; would locate 
 for a year or two, and then seek for re-admission. At 
 last he located, and settling down on a little farm on 
 the banks of Kind's River, he commenced a farmer's 
 life. He had tried law. 
 
 One evening he heard his dog growling at some- 
 thing just down a steep bank near his house. He look- 
 ed over to see what it was, and just then a young man 
 fired at the dog, and several of the shot lodged in the 
 breast of Brother Lockley. He staggered a few steps, 
 kneeled down to pray, and fell over dead. 
 
 Solomon W. Davies was born in Buncombe County, 
 N. C, March 22, 1818; joined the Church in August, 
 1838; was converted in September, 1839; was licensed 
 to preach in 1840. He soon after joined the South 
 Carolina Conference, and in 185 1 was appointed to 
 California, He reached San Francisco, April 1, 1852, 
 just two weeks before the organization of the Pacific 
 7 
 
o/S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Conference. He labored till 1858, when he located for 
 one year; was re-admitted, and filled various appoint- 
 ments till 1874, when an affection of the throat placed 
 him on the superannuated list, and from that time to 
 the day of his death he held either a superannuated or 
 supernumerary relation to the Conference. He was an 
 earnest, good man, never very demonstrative, but a 
 clear, sound preacher. He was ever true to our Church, 
 and his greatest joy w r as to see its prosperity. He me* 
 his death in the most tragic manner. He was prepar- 
 ing to go to a camp-meeting on the Healdsburg Cir- 
 cuit, Sept. 5, 1S84, in the town of Santa Rosa, where he 
 resided. He had occasion to cross the railroad track, 
 when he was struck by a passing train and instantly 
 killed. Mysterious are the ways of Providence; and 
 while there may be all about such a death to cause the 
 soul instinctively to shrink back from it with dread, 
 yet the sudden breaking of all life's strings at one fell 
 blow may have been the most painless of all passages 
 from the earthly to the heavenly estate. 
 
 John W. Kelly was born in Union County, S. C, 
 Jan. 29. 1825, of religious parents. He was converted 
 in 1841, and admitted on trial in the South Carolina 
 Conference, Feb. 18, 1844. He labored acceptably in 
 this Conference until his appointment to California in 
 185 1. He came at once to his new field, and entered 
 upon its toils with zeal and hope. As presiding elder 
 his labors were greatly blessed, and he left an impress 
 for good wherever he went. His last appointment was 
 in Stockton, where he lost his child, and, his wife's 
 health failing, he returned, in 1853, to his native Con- 
 ference. He was one of Nature's noblemen; six feet 
 and a half high, with a frame in full proportion, he was 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 99 
 
 a man of mark anywhere. His intellectual man seems 
 also to have been on a large scale. He was a born 
 ruler, and had he remained in California, no doubt he 
 would have led his brethren in many a hard-fought 
 field. He had a magnificent voice, while his powers 
 of song were of no mean order. 
 
 On his return to South Carolina he became a leader 
 among his brethren there. He was a great reader, and 
 kept himself fully informed on the great topics of the day. 
 
 On the 17th of February, 1SS5, he arose, and, after 
 leading in family worship with more than ordinary 
 unction and fervor, he ate a hearty breakfast and 
 walked out into the garden alone, and in a few mo- 
 ments after was found dead. Like Moses, he died 
 alone. 
 
 There were three other men who had been trans- 
 ferred to the Pacific, who had not arrived, but who re- 
 ceived appointments at this first Conference, whose 
 names deserve mention in this connection — A. Graham, 
 J. M.Jones, and John Matthews. 
 
 Alexander Graham, we believe, came to us from the 
 Florida Conference. He reached California a few 
 weeks after the adjournment of the Conference. He 
 had been appointed Presiding Elder of the Sacramento 
 District. Immediately after his arrival he began his 
 work. He was young and vigorous, and at once adapt- 
 ed himself to the exigencies of our work, and, shoul- 
 dering his saddle-bags, went forth on foot, threading 
 our plains and climbing our mountains, breasting the 
 storms of winter and breathing the dust of our dry 
 summers. He sometimes traveled in the stage or on 
 a steamboat, but much of his first year's travel was 
 done on foot. 
 
ioo History of Southern Methodism 
 
 At Yankee Jim's there is a deep canyon called "The 
 Devil's Canyon." Upon one occasion the stage-coach, 
 drawn by four horses, and full of passengers — Brother 
 Graham among them — was rushing down the mount- 
 ain-side, without lock or brake. The night being 
 pitchy dark, it went into the canyon, turning com- 
 pletely over, end for end, with an awful crash. Strange 
 to say, none were killed, but all were more or less 
 bruised, and some bones were broken. Brother Gra- 
 ham received several severe cuts about the head, but 
 he was up the next day, and held his Quarterly Confer- 
 ence. 
 
 He was stationed at Sacramento and at San Jose, 
 when, after a few years with us, he returned to the 
 Georgia Conference, and filled some of the best ap- 
 pointments in it. After the death of his wife he went 
 back to Florida, and, immediately after the war, went 
 North and joined the New York East Conference. 
 He returned to California a few months ago, and was 
 present at the session of the Pacific Conference in Sac- 
 ramento, in 1885. It was thought he would apply for 
 re-admission, but for some cause he did not. The Con- 
 ference had undergone an entire change. But few fa- 
 miliar faces greeted him, and these overshadowed with 
 gray hairs and marred with age-marks. With a tinge 
 of sadness in his tone, in looking round over the body, 
 he said: "These preachers do not know Joseph." 
 
 He was ever a hard student. His illustrations were 
 sometimes quaint, but the matter always good. 
 
 J. M. Jones, though transferred and receiving an ap- 
 pointment, failed to come, and was retransferred. 
 
 John Matthews was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 
 13, 1826, and removed to Tennessee in his thirteenth 
 
On the Pacific Coast. ioi 
 
 year. He was converted at fifteen, and joined the New 
 School Presbyterian Church. After six months he 
 joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was ad- 
 mitted on trial in the Tennessee Conference, in No- 
 vember, 1846. After traveling six years in that Con- 
 ference he was sent as a missionary to California, and 
 at the first session was appointed to Shasta. Arriving 
 soon after Conference closed, he repaired to his new 
 field. 
 
 He had been beloved in his own Conference. The 
 people petted him, and when he left his home for Cal- 
 ifornia, each vied with the other in the manifestations 
 of their love and esteem. Shasta was in the mines, 
 with a rough, reckless population. There was no one 
 to welcome him, no one to advise him, no one to sym- 
 pathize with him. Seated upon a rude bench on the 
 outside of the hotel, his heart breaking for the longing 
 that was possessing him, a miner saw the seams of sad- 
 ness in his face, and approaching him, said: "Stran- 
 ger, come in and take something to drink.'' 
 
 He said: " I never drink." 
 
 The fellow whirled upon his heel, and rushing to the 
 door of the crowded bar-room, shouted: "Boys, come 
 out here and see a man in California that says he 
 never drinks." 
 
 No one looked after his wants. His finances were 
 getting low. And one day, seated in his lonely room, 
 with a box of sardines and a few crackers for his meal, 
 he determined to leave Shasta — and he did. His breth- 
 ren sympathized with him, and had no words of re- 
 proof for him. He was sent to Sacramento, and did 
 us good work in that city. He drew crowded houses. 
 He had a way of finding out what was said and done 
 
io2 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 by his ecclesiastical enemies, and on Sunday evenings, 
 in his public prayer, he would tell the Lord all that 
 was said and done. Others than the Lord heard these 
 petitions, and some that did not hear them heard of 
 them, and the result was good. He left us the next 
 year, and has been a power in our Church wherever 
 he has labored. He was an earnest, brilliant preacher. 
 His sermons abounded in the most striking figures and 
 beautiful sentences. It was an intellectual as well as 
 spiritual treat to hear him. 
 
 The statistics of the Church, as reported at this firsw 
 session, were as follows: Presiding Elders' Districts, 2; 
 Circuits and Stations, 20; Numbers in Society, 294; 
 Local Preachers, 7; Sunday-schools, 7; Sunday- 
 school Scholars, 192; Superintendents, *]\ Teachers, 
 22; Volumes in Library, 536; amount collected for 
 Sunday-schools, $125; amount collected for Missions, 
 $731. This was exclusively missionary collections, and 
 not counted in the amount paid in support of the mis- 
 sionaries. Houses of Worship, 10; Parsonages, 6; 
 Schools, 2 in operation, and 2 waiting the arrival of 
 teachers. We also give the list of Appointments: 
 
 San Francisco District. — John W. Kelly, P. E. ; San 
 Francisco, Joseph S. Malone, Morris Evans; San Jose, 
 Alexander M. Wynn; Principal of Bascom Institute, 
 A. M. Wynn; Sonoma, Elijah B. Lockley; Bodega, to 
 be supplied; Benicia and Martinez, Dennis B. Leyne; 
 Stockton, Andrew M. Bailey; Stockton Academy, to 
 be supplied; Mariposa, John M. Jones; Sonora and 
 Columbia, Win. H. Long; Wood's Diggings, Adam 
 Minear. 
 
 Sacramento District. — Alexander Graham, P. E. ; 
 Sacramento, Wm. R. Gober; Asbury Institute, Sacra- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 103 
 
 mento City, W. R. Gober; Marysville, Wm. A. Sim- 
 mons; Shasta City, John Matthews; Nevada, John F. 
 Blythe; Grass Valley, John C. Simmons; Auburn, 
 James M. Fulton; Georgetown, to be supplied; Green 
 Woods, supply; Nashville, Solomon W. Davies; Jack- 
 sonville, to be supplied; Angels, M. M. Moore. 
 
 David W. Pollock, superannuated. Cyprian Gridley 
 left without an appointment at his own request. 
 
io4 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 >HESE preachers went forth with a firm purpose 
 to devote all their energies to the grand work to 
 which God and the Church had called them. 
 Most of them were young men, with but a few years of 
 experience in the ministry, and that experience among 
 scenes widely different from those now surrounding 
 them. Instead of going to churches already built, with 
 well-organized boards of stewards and sympathizing 
 Societies ready to welcome them, they were to go among 
 strangers — men from all parts of the world, whose 
 main object was the accumulation of gold — who had no 
 interest in California, save as it satisfied their greed for 
 gain. They were going to a shifting, excitable popu- 
 lace, who would scarcely take time, even on the Sab- 
 bath, to listen to what they had to say. 
 
 But they adapted themselves to the situation. They 
 preached under the trees, in the miners' cabins, in sa- 
 loons, bar-rooms of hotels, ten-pin alleys, and gam- 
 bling-houses. To illustrate: Upon one occasion, when 
 W. A. Simmons was preaching in a ten-pin alley in 
 El Dorado County, a man in passing heard the unusual 
 sound of sacred song in this place. He stopped, and, 
 turning to a man, said: 
 
 "What's up?" 
 
 " There is a man preaching in the alley." 
 
 When he remarked: 
 
 " Well, boys, you may say what you please about the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 105 
 
 wickedness of Californians, but they are better than 
 the Jews were in the days of Jesus Christ; for then 
 they made the house of God a den of thieves, but now 
 they are making a den of thieves the house of God." 
 
 These men would enter a mining town or camp, 
 and as the saloons were usually the largest buildings or 
 tents in town, they would ask the privilege of preach- 
 ing in them — a request that we never heard refused. 
 Boxes and boards would be arranged for seats. A few 
 old empty bottles would be used as candlesticks; a ta- 
 ble covered with a blanket, usually used as a card-table, 
 would supply the place of a pulpit; and thus, when 
 every thing was arranged, and the miners had finished 
 their suppers, the preacher would take a hand-bell, or 
 Chinese gong, and, taking his stand in front of the 
 house or tent, would ring his bell or beat his gong for 
 a few minutes, when his congregation would assemble, 
 and after singing some old familiar hymn, in which many 
 of his congregation would join, he would pray and then 
 preach to them the word of life. They made it a point 
 to follow the crowd with the cross. They did not 
 wait for opportunities — they made them. The minis- 
 trations of these men were almost always treated with 
 the greatest respect. These strangers, in the rough 
 garb of miners, wicked as sin, would nevertheless fight 
 for the preacher, were he disturbed or insulted. 
 
 The writer of these pages upon one occasion was 
 engaged in preaching in a mining town that had just 
 been destroyed by fire. A large crowd had collected 
 about him, and were listening attentively, when a half- 
 drunken man saw the crowd and approached it. As 
 he came near, he broke out in a bacchanalian song, and 
 when within a few feet of the preacher stopped, and, 
 
io6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 after looking at him for a time, asked him what he was 
 doing, in no very polite or chaste language. The 
 preacher paid no attention to him, but went on with 
 his discourse. Then with an air of offended dignity, 
 he exclaimed, " Won't you speak to a fellow ? " As 
 the j^reacher still paid no attention to him, he broke 
 out into oaths, cursing with every sentence. After a 
 time he drew forth a short-stemmed pipe, and said, " I 
 reckon this is a good place to smoke, ain't it?" and pro- 
 ceeded to load and light it. When he had fired up, he 
 took his stand again in front of the preacher, and threw 
 in remarks from time to time as the discourse proceed- 
 ed. When the benediction was pronounced, several 
 gentlemen approached the man, and, taking him by the 
 collar, proceeded to march him off, saying, " We'll 
 teach you some manners. " But the preacher inter- 
 fered and prevented any violence. Drunk as the man 
 was, he appreciated the kindness of the man he had 
 wantonly insulted, and it finally led to his entire ref- 
 ormation. 
 
 At this early day stage-travel was very dear, and 
 horse-feed high, and but few of these preachers could 
 afford to either use a stage or own a horse on which to 
 travel to their appointments, and hence they very fre- 
 quently went on foot — the presiding elder with his 
 saddle-bags, containing Bible, Hymn-book, Discipline, 
 and a change of linen, thrown over his shoulders; the 
 preacher who was going to some adjacent camp to 
 preach and return, with simply a cane in hand. A 
 walk of ten, fifteen, or even twenty miles, to fill 
 an appointment, was no uncommon thing. They 
 loved the souls of men, they loved the Church of 
 Jesus Christ, and they at once adapted themselves to 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 107 
 
 this new order of things, and counted no hardship too 
 great if they might succeed in their blessed work. The 
 miners appreciated this devotion upon the part of these 
 men of God, and they gave them a most respectful 
 hearing, and were ever ready to contribute their " dust" 
 to their support. Frequently they would volunteer to 
 take a collection for this object. In illustration, two 
 of our preachers visited a mining camp, secured a large 
 gambling-house, with a saloon attachment, as a place 
 in which to preach. They stood behind the counter 
 while the promiscuous audience of men (not a woman 
 present) sat round on the gambling-tables, boxes, and 
 benches that were scattered around the room, while a 
 few squatted around with their backs against the wall, 
 and others stood. During the entire service the great- 
 est silence prevailed, and the most respectful atten- 
 tion was given to the preaching. At its conclu- 
 sion, just as the preacher was about to say, " Receive 
 the benediction," " Uncle Jim," as he was called, the 
 owner of the establishment, sprang down off a table 
 and said, "Hold on! Boys, these men ought not to 
 preach to us for nothing." And with that, taking his 
 hat, he went the rounds, sometimes saying, facetious- 
 ly, "Ante! " He then came up to the counter, and 
 with something of a flourish, poured out the pile of sil- 
 ver, which amounted to over thirty dollars. Hotel- 
 keepers but seldom charged the preacher for staying 
 with them, and he was always a welcome guest in the 
 cabin of the miner. And after a tramp of twelve or 
 fifteen miles over mountains, breathing the sweet, fresh 
 air of that exalted latitude, the " Chili beans " and 
 tough " flapjacks," the staple diet of the miners, was a 
 rich feast to him. 
 
io8 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 During this year, and a few following years, the great 
 body of the population of California was in the mines, 
 and hence we confined our labors necessarily to them; 
 but we soon began to see that it would not be many 
 years until the " placer " mines would be worked out, 
 and then the mountains would be in a measure aban- 
 doned. The rich valleys, that were now used merely as 
 pasture-lands for vast herds of stock, would be brought 
 into cultivation, and the population would shift from 
 the mountains to the plains. We began to adapt our- 
 selves to this order of things. Already we had men sta- 
 tioned in the principal cities, and soon we commenced 
 forming circuits in the valleys. 
 
 The strongest opposition we met with was from the 
 people of the North. Because this was a " free " State 
 they felt it belonged legitimately to them, and that we 
 were intruders. The cry was raised against us every- 
 where that we were a pro-slavery Church, and that 
 our presence boded no good to the State. In public 
 and in private we had to meet the charges and insinua- 
 tions made against us. 
 
 Just about this time the anti-slavery feeling of the 
 North reached its highest point of intensity, fired by 
 "The Irrepressible Conflict," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," 
 and similar works, which moved almost every North- 
 ern Methodist Conference to pass the strongest resolu- 
 tions on the subject. This tide of fanaticism, heaved 
 up in the North, came pulsing all over the valleys and 
 amid the mountains of California, exciting and stirring 
 the passions of men. The very word South attached 
 to our name identified us with the "great evil," and we 
 had ever to be explaining why we bore this name, and 
 why we were here in this free State. We found it an 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 ;oq. 
 
 exceedingly difficult task to get men to see that our 
 branch of the Church was non-sectional; that we con- 
 fined ourselves to the preaching of the gospel alone, 
 leaving "the potsherds of earth to strive with the pot- 
 sherds of earth." Our grand business was to get men 
 to be religious, no matter what their political views 
 might be. As ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we 
 claimed the right, and felt it to be our duty, to go wher- 
 ever man was found, and tell him of a Redeemer who 
 died to save him. We labored to convince men that 
 ours, above all others, was the kind of Church that this 
 world needed. Men, whatever political views they 
 might hold, whatever nationality they might claim, 
 could worship at our altar and receive religious instruc- 
 tion at our hands. Ours was pre-eminently a non- 
 political Church, and hence better adapted than any 
 other for such a country as this. The constant agita- 
 tion of political questions in the Church, which aroused 
 sectional feelings both North and South, stirring the 
 passions of men, injuring their spirituality, and wound- 
 ing the body of Christ, was the great moving cause of 
 the separation. The cry for peace among the more 
 conservative of all parts of the Church did not, could 
 not, stop the constant agitation. So in the interests of 
 that peace we could not have while together, we asked 
 for, and obtained, an amicable separation in 1844. In 
 good faith the Church in the South organized for a 
 separate and distinct ecclesiastical government, and, 
 smarting from their late experience, laid broad and 
 deep the grand principle of a non- sectional, non-politi- 
 cal Church. And when thousands of our own mem- 
 bers came to California we came with them, and, open- 
 ing wide the doors, invited all who desired to worship 
 
no History of Southern Methodism 
 
 God in sincerity and truth to enter, and we would labor 
 with an eye single to the glory ot God to give them a 
 quiet home. We were misrepresented and misunder- 
 stood almost everywhere. Yet we were not discour- 
 aged, nor did any of these things move us. We knew 
 we were right, and we knew that there was deep down 
 in the inner consciousness of men a desire for a Church 
 wholly religious, and that while there was that in their 
 carnal nature that was gratified in hearing a minister 
 advocate in the pulpit the peculiar views held, yet, 
 when reduced to the last analysis, they wanted the 
 robes of religious profession kept unspotted from the 
 world. And with this conviction fixed firmly in their 
 minds and hearts, this little band, known now as the 
 Pacific Conference, went forth to preach peace to the 
 excited thousands that had crowded to our shores. 
 They went into the cities where all was stir and bustle, 
 into the mines where fortunes were being dug out in a 
 few days, and yet they never thought of turning aside 
 to enter the lists for worldly gain, but held undeviat- 
 ingly to the grand work to which they felt called of 
 God. 
 
 When the year's labors were done, and they assem- 
 bled in the city of San Jose to count over the spoils 
 won for the Redeemer and his Church, they reported 
 568 members — an increase of 274; local preachers, 20 
 — an increase of 13; of church-buildings, 16 — an in- 
 crease of 6. Many of these members were converts 
 from the world. In one thing we were greatly disap- 
 pointed. We had a right to expect that every man 
 who had been a member of the Methodist Church in 
 the older States would unite with the Church here and 
 give it his help; but in this we were disappointed. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. hi 
 
 Hundreds of them felt no interest in California beyond 
 what gold they could take from its mountains. They 
 claimed to hold their membership at home, and left us 
 to struggle on without their help. We knew this 
 course to be fraught with danger to themselves; and 
 the spiritual wrecks that strewed this coast for years 
 proved the folly of their course. 
 
 The second session of the Pacific Conference was 
 held in the city of San Jose, April 13-20, 1853, Bishop 
 Joshua Soule, the senior Bishop of the Church, in the 
 chair. At 9 o'clock a.m. the Bishop proceeded to open 
 the Conference by reading a portion of Scripture, sing- 
 ing that grand old opening hymn, "And are we yet 
 alive?" and prayer. This prayer was most comprehen- 
 sive, and deeply spiritual in its nature. We felt that 
 we had the leadership of one who knew the way to 
 the "hidings" of God's power — one who could, and 
 did, enter fully with us into the peculiar struggles nec- 
 essary to planting pure Christianity amid this Babel 
 population. His prayer touched the innermost chords 
 of our nature, and drew us nearer to God. 
 
 Upon calling the roll, the following members an- 
 swered to their names: Jesse Boring, A. M. Bailey, J. 
 F. Blythe, M. Evans, J. M. Fulton, A. Graham, D. B. 
 Leyne, John Matthews, W. A. Simmons, J. C. Sim- 
 mons, and A. M. Wynn. Other members of the Con- 
 ference came in at a later date. 
 
 Bishop Soule then requested those preachers who 
 had been transferred to the Pacific Conference since its 
 last session to present their certificates of transfer, 
 whereupon the following brethren presented them- 
 selves and certificates to the Conference, and their 
 names were added to the list of members — viz., John 
 
ii2 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 H. Bristow, Jefferson C. Pendergrast, Benjamin H. 
 Russell, John L. Saunders, Pettis O. Clayton, and Rob- 
 ert W. Bigham. Benjamin T. Crouch presented him- 
 self as transferred by Bishop Soule, having been one 
 year on trial, and he was received and continued on 
 trial in the Conference. 
 
 Bishop Soule then requested the Secretary to read 
 the full Minutes of the former session, after which he 
 addressed the Conference in a most touching and happy 
 manner, alluding to the magnitude and importance, 
 present and prospective, of our work in California, and 
 particularly of his great desire to visit and see the 
 brethren in this far-off field, and the reason that prompt- 
 ed and urged his coming. 
 
 Bishop Soule was at this time in his seventy-third 
 year, and was thought too old to undertake so arduous 
 a trip as to visit the Pacific. But he persisted, and 
 when told by some of his anxious friends that he might 
 die on the way, he said: "If I die in the discharge of 
 duty, it matters not where; it matters not zv/ien." Be- 
 ginning his labors as a Methodist preacher in the State 
 of Maine, it was no unholy ambition that he should de- 
 sire to stand on the shores of the Pacific, in California, 
 and preach the same grand gospel of the Son of God 
 that he had preached in, perhaps, every other State of 
 the Union. He came among us as a father, and we 
 looked to him for guidance in this new and arduous 
 field upon which we had entered. 
 
 A. M. Wynn, the Secretary of the former Confer- 
 ence, was re-elected. The usual committees of an An- 
 nual Conference were created, and the Conference was 
 ready for its work. In answer to Question i — " Who 
 are admitted on trial this vear?" — the Rev. A. Graham, 
 
On the Pacific Coast 113 
 
 Presiding Elder of the Sacramento District, presented 
 the recommendation of Franklin G. Gray, from the 
 Angels Circuit. After his case was fully considered, 
 he was, by vote, admitted on trial. This was the only 
 candidate this year. 
 
 Brother Gray was born in Deal, England; came to 
 the United States at the age of eight years, and was 
 reared mostly in New York. He came to California 
 in 1848 with the first tide of gold-hunters that set to 
 our shores. He was then a wild, wicked boy, and at 
 once plunged into all the reckless dissipations peculiar 
 to early California life. At a camp - meeting held 
 in Napa Valley, in 185 1, he was converted to God, 
 and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church (North). 
 In 1852 the Rev. E. B. Lockley organized the Sonoma 
 Circuit of our Church. Brother Gray was led to in- 
 vestigate the questions of difference between ours and 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church (North). He at once 
 saw the righteousness of our position, as well as its 
 scripturalness, and he came to us in all the ardor of his 
 enthusiastic nature — a step which he never regretted. 
 In the fall of 1852 he was licensed to preach by the 
 Quarterly Conference of the Sonoma Circuit, J. W. 
 Kelly being presiding elder of the district. This was 
 the first preacher licensed by our Church on this 
 coast. Soon after receiving license he was placed in 
 charge of Murphy Circuit by the presiding elder. He 
 served this charge until the session of the Pacific Con- 
 ference alluded to, when he was received on trial, and 
 appointed to Georgetown Circuit. In 1855 he was or- 
 dained deacon by Bishop Andrew, and in 1857, elder, 
 by Bishop Kavanaugh. During this year he married 
 Miss Mirenna Cox, the daughter of a local preacher 
 S 
 
ii4 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 on the Cacheville Circuit. His last charge was trie 
 Vaca and Putah Circuit. In the fall of i860 he en- 
 tered with zeal and energy characteristic of his nature 
 on his work. On December 31 he was taken suddenly 
 and violently ill, and on the next day, Jan. 1, 1861, he 
 ceased at once to work and live. 
 
 Brother Gray was a diligent student, and made 
 marked and continued progress in theological acquisi- 
 tions and pulpit efficiency. His piety was fervent; his 
 devotion to the itinerant ministry was uncalculating and 
 entire. He was faithful to his holy calling, beloved by 
 his brethren. He left the savor of a good name. 
 
 M. M. Moore was discontinued at this Conference. 
 He was from Pennsylvania, and was a sweet-spirited, 
 earnest man. Pie had left his family at home, and de- 
 sired to return and bring them out, but from some cause 
 did not come back to us. He entered the communion 
 of another Church. 
 
 Adam Minear was discontinued by action of the 
 Conference. The character of this man was arrested 
 by his presiding elder during the year. He was proved 
 to be dishonest, and was expelled from the Church. 
 
 Thus all three of the recruits from California during 
 the first session of the Conference were lost to us. 
 
 Of W. H. Long, alias W. H. Ives, we have spoken 
 before. He claimed to be engaged to a most estimable 
 young lady in the East, and wanted money to send for 
 her. The Finance Committee, in their Southern gen- 
 erosity, appropriated four hundred dollars for that wor- 
 thy purpose. The money was advanced to him. The 
 discovery was soon made that he was not what he pro- 
 fessed to be. His presiding elder called a committee of 
 traveling preachers, in August, to meet in Sonora for 
 
Ox the Pacific -Coast. 115 
 
 an investigation. From letters introduced by Long at 
 this trial, it was discovered, from erasures and sub- 
 stitutions made by him, that this woman was his wife, 
 and that he had deceived the Conference. Other facts 
 of an equally damaging character were elicited at this 
 trial, and he was suspended till the sitting of the An- 
 nual Conference, when he was expelled from the Con- 
 ference and from the communion of the Church. 
 
 C. Gridley, having become hopelessly involved finan- 
 cially, asked for, and was granted, a location. 
 
 J. W. Kelly had been appointed at the first session to 
 preach a sermon on the ministry at this session. The day 
 before, M. Evans and A. M. Bailey introduced a resolu- 
 tion to the effect " that we will observe to-morrow as a 
 day of fasting, and prayer, and humiliation before God, 
 and that we request the Committee on Public Worship 
 to appoint Brother Kelly to preach, as per order of last 
 Conference, a sermon on the ministry, at 3 o'clock in 
 the afternoon." 
 
 Thus did these brethren feel and acknowledge their 
 dependence on God. On the following day J- W. Kellv 
 preached an earnest, searching sermon, and all felt like 
 taking fresh courage and pressing on in their glorious 
 calling. 
 
 B. T. Crouch, jr., who had accompanied Bishop Soule 
 to the coast, having been two years on trial, was elected 
 to deacon's orders, and admitted into full connection. 
 He was the first preacher ordained in our Conference. 
 He was the son of the famous preacher of the same 
 name belonging to the Kentucky Conference. He 
 came to California under a strong conviction of duty 
 and in the true spirit of self-sacrifice. But to one of 
 his ardent, enthusiastic nature, it was not an inviting 
 
n6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 field. He was disappointed in many respects. He 
 found men too full of the love of gold to stop and listen 
 to the self-denying requirements of the gospel. Men 
 who had once been leaders in the Church of God in 
 the home of their childhood, in the whirl and excite- 
 ment of California society, tried even to forget their ob- 
 ligations, and many of them even joined the ranks of 
 Christ's enemies. The faithful few who visited the 
 house of God were not enough in number to fire his 
 enthusiasm or rouse him as was his wont. Neverthe- 
 less he tried to adapt himself to his surroundings, and 
 went to his first charge — Benicia and Martinez. He 
 continued on this work until Sacramento was left with- 
 out a preacher by the return to the East of John Mat- 
 thews, when he was sent to that station. The city was 
 still suffering from the effects of the disastrous fire of 
 November, 1852, and of the flood that followed this fire 
 in the winter. Every church, save one, had been de- 
 stroyed, and nearly all the homes and houses of busi- 
 ness had been laid in ashes; and then the sites swept the 
 following winter with a flood. Only that indomita- 
 ble spirit that characterized our early struggles sustained 
 her devoted people in these accumulating disasters. 
 The young and buoyant preacher caught the spirit of 
 the occasion and the times, and went to work with a 
 will and an energy that were well calculated to insure 
 success. He collected a subscription, and during the 
 year had erected on our lot the basement of a substan- 
 tial brick church. 
 
 The following year he was returned to Sacramento, 
 and was soon after happily married to a most estimable 
 young widow — Mrs. M. E. Bailey. The next year he 
 was sent to San Jose Station. He labored through the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 117 
 
 year without apparent fruit, but near its close a camp- 
 meeting was held in the foot -hills west of San Jose 
 some eight miles, at the Saratoga Camp-ground, then 
 called the " Toll-gate." This meeting resulted in a most 
 glorious revival of religion. Very many precious souls 
 were converted, and the station as well as the surround- 
 ing circuit was greatly strengthened. 
 
 Soon after this Brother Crouch was elected Chaplain 
 of the State Senate at Sacramento, a position which he 
 had filled while stationed there the previous year. This 
 election abruptly terminated his connection with the 
 San Jose Station. He was very popular as chaplain, 
 and made many warm friends among the members of 
 both Houses of the Legislature, and at the close of the 
 session he was presented with a beautiful manzanita 
 cane, with a massive gold head, in which was a setting 
 of gold-bearing quartz, bearing an appropriate inscrip- 
 tion. At the next session of the Conference, in 1856, 
 he transferred to the Memphis Conference. But he 
 never lost interest in our work on this coast. Often 
 did his heart turn with fond desire to our sunny clime, 
 and he watched with interest all the struggles of our 
 faithful little band. 
 
 While it lies outside of the plans of this work to 
 speak in detail of the labors of those who were once 
 connected with our Conference in other portions of 
 the Church, yet we desire to speak of one more fact to 
 show the character of this brother, and his devotion to 
 the cause of the Redeemer. 
 
 He was stationed in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Here 
 he found the Church in a condition that excited his 
 deepest solicitude. The house in which our people 
 worshiped was in a dilapidated condition. It was a 
 
nS History of Southern Methodism 
 
 very inferior building, although the membership was 
 large and wealthy, as well as cultured and refined. 
 He soon discovered that several of the leading mem- 
 bers were accustomed to indulge in gross violation of 
 the discipline of the Church. He saw that nothing 
 but a mighty outpouring of the Spirit could effect the 
 change he saw necessary to the prosperity of the 
 charge. He consulted with two or three of his most 
 faithful stewards, and they decided to make it a subject 
 of earnest, especial prayer — in their closets they would 
 pray at six in the morning and at six in the evening. 
 At noon they would meet in the pastor's study and 
 unite their petitions. They agreed to pursue this course 
 for six weeks, and then begin a protracted-meeting. 
 Faithfully they kept their covenant, and at the end of 
 the third week inquirers came to the prayer-meeting, 
 and on the following Sunday penitents came unbidden 
 to the altar. The revival began and grew in power 
 for over three weeks. All- this time Brother Crouch, 
 with no ministerial help, feeble in health, conducted 
 the meeting. He could do but little preaching — in fact, 
 but little seemed necessary. The meeting resulted in 
 140 bright conversions, besides a work among the 
 membership of the Church that could not be estimated 
 in figures. It is only necessary to add, a fine brick 
 church was soon erected by willing hands and glad 
 hearts. 
 
 In 1S61, when the Civil War broke out, the most of 
 the young men of his charge enlisted, and he took a 
 chaplaincy of their regiment. Being fully persuaded 
 of the righteousness of the cause for which the South 
 fought, it was like him to throw all the powers of his 
 ardent soul into it. But he did not think that his call- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 119 
 
 ing admitted of his bearing arms or entering the con- 
 flict personally. His duty was to follow the fortunes 
 of his fellow-soldiers, and administer to them the con- 
 solations of the religion of Jesus. He was soon pro- 
 moted to the chaplaincy of a brigade, in which posi- 
 tion his duties became more arduous and sreneral. 
 
 On the 7th of March, 1S63, in a sharply-contested 
 engagement at Spring Hill, Tennessee, while respond- 
 ing to a call from a distressed officer to rally his men, 
 who had twice recoiled from a charge, as he stood up 
 in his stirrups and eloquently appealed to their chiv- 
 alry, he was shot through the knee, and died of hem- 
 orrhage in twenty minutes. Thus went down the 
 noble, generous, impulsive Benjamin T. Crouch, jr., 
 amid the shouts of battle. 
 
 Of the six brethren who were received by transfer 
 at this session of our Conference four are still alive, 
 while two have gone to their reward. 
 
 J. H. Bristow, while a man of energy and talent, was 
 not adapted to our work. He had not been very suc- 
 cessful in his labors in an older Conference, and he, 
 and perhaps others, thought that he could succeed in 
 this new field. This was a great mistake — a mistake 
 from which we in our earlier struggles and labors suf- 
 fered more than once. If a man be not fitted for work 
 in an older Conference, where the Church is well es- 
 tablished, and where religious customs have hardened 
 into fixed habits, it is folly to risk him in a new field, 
 especially such a one as California at that day pre- 
 sented. Though the youngest State in the Union, yet 
 it never had, like most of her sisters, passed through a 
 crude, backwoods state. Her citizens from the first 
 were men of energy and enlightenment. Only men 
 
120 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 of vigorous life and aspiring notions came to our coast 
 with that first mighty tide. Among the miners, dressed 
 in their woolen "jumpers," with feet incased in heavy 
 minino- boots, hands hardened by handling the pick 
 and shovel, and faces bronzed by exposure to the sun, 
 were men who had moved in the first circles in the 
 Eastern States. There were lawyers, doctors, teachers, 
 and, in a word, men of every profession. So in our 
 cities, men of information and education stood behind 
 the counters, drove drays, unloaded ships, and per- 
 formed all the work required to sustain the life and 
 carry on the business of these thriving centers of trade. 
 When we preached, we could not, by glancing our eyes 
 over the congregation, tell by the garb what manner 
 of men we were to address. 
 
 J. H. Bristow was a ready, forceful writer, and when 
 he first arrived he filled whole columns of our paper 
 (the Observer) with his compositions. He wrote with 
 a dash that indicated a perfect confidence on his part 
 to enlighten his readers on almost any subject. His 
 appointment from this Conference was to Marysville. 
 In February, 1852, W. A. Simmons had been sent to 
 this city, and had labored for some months, but not 
 succeeding very well, had been changed by his presid- 
 ing elder to Georgetown. We had a few members in 
 Marysville, but no house of worship. Bristow hired 
 the theater, and for a time had large congregations; but 
 soon the novelty wore off, and those who attended upon 
 his ministry being reduced to a mere handful, he be- 
 came discouraged, and went into secular employment. 
 He located at the next Conference, and in the course 
 of a year or two returned to his native State, Ken- 
 tucky. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 121 
 
 J. L. Saunders was a transfer from the Alabama 
 Conference. In many respects he was a remarkable 
 man. He was a man of strong mind, and some pecu- 
 liarities and eccentricities. He seemed to be destitute 
 of a feeling of personal fear, and when the exigencies 
 of the occasion required it, he did not hesitate to stand 
 up for his rights with all his physical force. He was a 
 great student, and his analytical mind cut its way into 
 the faults of every author, while he stored up that 
 which he esteemed worthy of preservation. He had 
 less patience with toadyism and man-worship than any 
 one we ever saw. So strong was the bent of his mind 
 in this particular that it leaned to error's side. He did 
 not have respect enough for men, especially those in 
 authority. But he was a good man, and at times a 
 powerful preacher. When fully aroused, as was some- 
 times the case, when his deep-sunken eyes flashed with 
 the fires that burned at a white-heat in heart and brain, 
 his long arms enforcing with swinging gestures the ut- 
 terances of his lips, nothing could stand before him. 
 He hated sin, and hypocrisy, and all double-dealing, 
 with all the ardor of his nature, and when led to un- 
 cover these traits in the human breast his attacks were 
 awful. He seemed an overcharged thunder- cloud, 
 ready to strike wherever there was any thing worthy 
 of his bolts. Sometimes he would be stirred with 
 some grand gospel theme, when, drawing upon his 
 great store-house of information and reading, he would 
 stir the very depths with his eloquence. It is related 
 of him that upon one occasion in Alabama he preached 
 at a camp-meeting at night. His soul caught fire, and 
 for an hour all the ardor of his nature flamed with his 
 theme. He stood in the unsteady flickering of the 
 
122 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 camp-fires as one transfigured. Appeal after appeal 
 fell from his lips until it seemed as if nothing could 
 withstand the tide of gospel truth, when he descended 
 from the stand and called for mourners Two lads 
 from twelve to fourteen years of age, were all that 
 moved or came forward in that vast assembly. In fact, 
 no impression seemed to have been made on any oth- 
 ers. The preacher and the two boys were the only 
 parties of all that company that seemed interested. 
 The boys knelt at the altar, and the preacher knelt by 
 them, and long and earnestly he prayed and toiled to 
 bring them into the light. After a time they were both 
 converted. When Saunders went to his tent he re- 
 marked that he had never had such travail of soul in 
 his life, and that he believed God had some great work 
 for those boys to do. And sure enough both became 
 preachers, and have occupied prominent positions 
 in the Church of God. He was on the effective l ; st 
 in the Pacific Conference until the session of 1857, 
 when he assumed a superannuated relation. Con- 
 sumption marked him for a victim. He sank rapidly, 
 his spirit mellowing more and more as he approached 
 the end. 
 
 He was a man of strong intellect and iron preju- 
 dices. One of the last garrisons of his nature to sur- 
 render to the Prince of Peace was the forgiving an 
 enemy. His wife was absent from the coast when his 
 last hour came. But he found kind friends to minister 
 to him in the evening of life. He went to the Hot 
 Springs, in Loconoma Valley, where he died. Just 
 before his death he indited the following letter to his 
 wife: 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 123 
 
 Hot Springs, Locoxoma Valley,) 
 February 2, 1858. ^ 
 Dear Wife: — I am very weak, and think I can't live twenty- 
 four hours. I am ready to die, and am fully resigned to my God. 
 All the errors or mistakes I may have committed during my life 
 I have sincerely repented for, and have forgiven all my enemies, 
 and feel that I am reconciled through the mercy of Jesus Christ, 
 and my entire hope is in the mediation of my Great High Priest. 
 If I have ever injured any one I am now disposed to make all 
 acknowledgments and restitution to them, for I die in peace and 
 hope through the mercy of Jesus Christ. 
 
 A few clays after this he calmly fell asleep in Jesus. 
 Those who stood about him as he passed the Jordan 
 assure us that his end was peace. 
 
 R. W. Bigham was sent from the Georgia Confer- 
 ence as a missionary to Panama, in 1852. Panama was 
 at the time the great thoroughfare to California. A 
 railroad had been projected across the Isthmus, and it 
 was thought Hiat the city of Panama would be more 
 or less occupied by English-speaking people. And 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, determined to 
 establish a Mission there, and R. W. Bigham, of the 
 Georgia Conference, offered himself to Bishop Andrew 
 as a missionary. He was accepted, and early in 1853 
 he went to his work. But a few months' labor and 
 observation convinced him that nothing - could be done 
 there. He could be of no benefit whatever to the 
 crowds that were ever passing through; and there were 
 not enough permanent settlers of our people there to 
 make it an object to preach to them. Therefore, dur- 
 ing the year, he came on to California, and at the San 
 Jose Conference, in 1S53, presented his certificate of 
 transfer, and was received into the Pacific Conference. 
 He did faithful work among us for a number of years, 
 
124 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 when he returned to his native State and Conference. 
 He did very much for Southern Methodism while on 
 this coast. He was a clear, forcible preacher, whose only 
 aim and desire was to work for and glorify his Master. 
 Since his return to his native State he has occupied im- 
 portant stations, and has made his mark as a writer — 
 his Sunday-school book, "Vinny Leal," having taken the 
 second prize, when some very handsome prizes were 
 offered for the best books for children. Many of us 
 felt, when we read his book, and the one that took the 
 first prize, that the committee made a mistake — and 
 the verdict of the people has been to that effect. The 
 first-prize book has been almost forgotten, while but 
 few books issued by our House have had such a sale as 
 "Vinny Leal." It is said that at times the compositors, 
 when setting the type of this book, had to brush away 
 the tears that blinded their eyes. He has written other 
 books — one, " Wine and Blood " — that have well sus- 
 tained his reputation as a writer. 
 
 J. C. Pendergrast was born in Hamilton County, 
 East Tennessee, January 4, 1823. He was happily con- 
 verted in his sixteenth year, licensed to preach in his 
 nineteenth vear, and was admitted on trial in the Hoi- 
 ston Conference, October, 1843. He traveled nine years 
 in that Conference, and then transferred to the Pacific 
 in the fall of 1852. He arrived in California, January 
 7, 1853, and every year since has come up to Confer- 
 ence to receive an appointment at the hands of the 
 Bishop. He has been a traveling preacher longer than 
 any man in the Pacific Conference. When he reached 
 California he was in vigorous health and perfectly de- 
 voted to the itinerant ministry. When he enlisted he 
 surrendered all, and up to the present has never asked 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 125 
 
 a furlough. Year after year he has answered to roll- 
 call and taken his appointment, and without a murmur 
 filled it to the best of his ability. In an early day he 
 was very useful in the camp-meeting campaigns for 
 which our preachers were famous. All along through 
 his ministry he has been in his quiet, unobtrusive way 
 winning stars to deck the crown of the Redeemer. 
 Converted in early youth, he has led a most exemplary 
 life. But few men are as pure and chaste in conversa- 
 tion as he. 
 
 B. H. Russell was born in Cabell County, Virginia, 
 October 26, 1812. In 1833 he was converted to God 
 and made a new creature in Christ Jesus. With this 
 blessing came the call to preach. For long years he 
 fought against it, trying to satisfy his conscience by 
 other active work in the Church, as class-leader and 
 steward. But the call of God was not changed. 
 Wherever he went, whatever he did, the Spirit still 
 urged him to yield to his demands. His brethren saw 
 that a struggle was going on in the heart of the young 
 man, and they advised him to yield, which at last he 
 did, and took license to preach in the winter of 1844, 
 and was admitted on trial in the Iowa Conference in 
 1845. In 1848 he changed his Church relations and 
 united with the M. E. Church, South, and took work 
 in the Indian Mission Conference, where he labored 
 for four years. He w r as then sent to Independence, 
 Missouri. In 1852 he was transferred to the Pacific 
 Conference, crossed the plains, and arrived in Califor- 
 nia in September of that year. His first work was 
 Suisun and Napa, a part of D. B. Leyne's enormous 
 circuit. His second year was on the Bodega Circuit. 
 This was a memorable year with him. In the fall he 
 
126 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 planned a camp -meeting at what is now the town of 
 Sebastopol. T. U. Smith, Thomas Moore, and some 
 other young men went with the preacher into the red- 
 woods in the vicinity, felled the trees, split lumber for 
 tents and seats, built a brush arbor, and made all the 
 arrangements necessary. The blessing of God came 
 down upon them from the beginning. A. M. Bailey 
 sang as he had never done before; J. C. Pendergrast 
 preached with unwonted power and pathos; P. O. 
 Clayton and others helped much. There were more 
 than one hundred conversions, and men w T ere brought 
 in that stood as pillars in the Church for a quarter of a 
 century. 
 
 As Piesiding Elder of the Sacramento District, with 
 a vigorous band of young men on the several stations 
 and circuits, in 1854 a movement was made all along 
 the line that put our Church in the front rank. Dur- 
 ing the revivals that occurred between 1854 and 185S 
 some of our most talented and useful preachers were 
 brought in. 
 
 In 1857 Brother Russell was in the Colusa Circuit, 
 and at a camp- meeting held that fall more than one 
 hundred souls were converted. In 1882 he celebrated 
 his golden wedding while on the Woodbridge Circuit. 
 A large crowd of friends assembled at the parsonage, 
 a rich supper was spread by willing hands, and $250 
 was given the happy couple with which to start afresh 
 on life's pilgrimage. He is still effective, though in 
 somewhat feeble health. He says, " I am not very 
 strong, but willing as ever to work in the Master's 
 vineyard." 
 
 P. O. Clayton came to us by transfer from the Mis- 
 souri Conference. He was a tall, muscular man, with 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 127 
 
 great powers of endurance, and seemed well adapted 
 to the work in California. He had with him an as-ed 
 and infirm mother that he felt filially bound to sus- 
 tain in her old age, and once or twice during his con- 
 nection with our Conference he was compelled to de- 
 sist for a time from active work on her account. In 
 1856 he located, but was re-admitted in 1863. He was 
 for a number of years presiding elder. In 1S72 he 
 transferred to the Los Angeles Conference. 
 
 We were fortunate in having Hie venerable Bishop 
 Soule with us at this memorable Conference. His 
 large experience and well-balanced intellect were of 
 >great value to us. His remarks at the close of the Con- 
 ference, when he rose to read out the Appointments, 
 made a lasting impression upon all the preachers. He 
 advised us as to the manner in which we were to do 
 our work. He had heard and seen enough since his 
 arrival on our coast to know that ours was an exceed- 
 ingly trying field, and that it would require much wis- 
 dom and / prudence to meet the demands of the times. 
 He assured us that no amount of human skill and fore- 
 thought could atone for a want of full reliance upon 
 the Holy Spirit. He cautioned us in regard to our 
 conduct, and like a wise sailor that knew the rough 
 seas we would in all probability have to sail, he bade 
 us ever to be prudent and on our guard. He then 
 urged us to faithfulness by many weighty arguments 
 and persuasions. As he stood before us in all the dig- 
 nity of his age and office, and in a voice that thrilled 
 with sympathy, we felt like children listening to the 
 counsels of a loving father. He then announced the Ap- 
 pointments. One new district had been formed and 
 a number of appointments added. Some of these ap- 
 
128 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 pointments, especially those in the mines, have long 
 since been abandoned, but others are still to be found 
 in the list. At this time the great majority of the pop- 
 ulation was in the mines. Towns that had sprung up 
 like magic were crowded to overflowing. But in a 
 few years the placer-diggings being worked out and 
 exhausted, these towns were deserted. In a few years 
 men began to appreciate the importance of the agri- 
 cultural resources of the great valleys. They saw that 
 there was much more of wealth held in their rich soil 
 than all the gold of the mountains. They saw that 
 California was to be a land of homes, and that her cli- 
 mate rivaled that of Italy, and her productiveness was 
 immense. The pick was exchanged for the plow, the 
 shovel for the scythe, and the " Long Tom " and the 
 sluice-box for the mower and the reaper. The human 
 tide that had struck our shores, and under the impulse 
 of excitement went sweeping up the mountain -sides, 
 filling gulch and canyon, now began slowly to recede 
 toward the valle} r s, and homes soon dotted the fertile 
 plains in every direction. It was but the part of wis- 
 dom to follow this tide. We at once transferred our 
 interests to the centers of agriculture and commerce, 
 and as quickly as possible adjusted ourselves to the 
 new order of things. In a very few years appoint- 
 ments in the mining regions that had been flourishing, 
 where we had built churches and parsonages, were 
 abandoned. The property became worthless on ac- 
 count of the large majority of the people leaving the 
 mines. As soon as a man's mining-claim was worked 
 out, all ties that bound him to the place were broken, 
 and he left at any sacrifice. Thus in a few years we 
 gave up Nevada City, Grass Valley, Placerville, Mud 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 129 
 
 Springs, Georgetown, Auburn, Columbia, Murphy's, 
 Jackson, and Jamestown, at most of which places we 
 had more or less of property or interest. A few of 
 the mining-tow r ns, after the "placer-diggings" were 
 exhausted, began working the numerous quartz ledges 
 that seamed the mountains, and became permanent 
 places; but the great majority of the mining-towms 
 were abandoned after a few years. 
 
 9 
 
130 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 j?#HE third session of the Pacific Conference was 
 j§2 held in the city of Stockton, February 15-23, 
 i%j J S54- Bishop Soule was to preside, but the 
 steamer that was to bring him to our coast was de- 
 layed, and on assembling at the appointed time, we 
 proceeded to organize by electing a President pro tern. 
 On the first ballot A. Graham was elected. On the 
 17th a telegram from Bishop Soule announced his ar- 
 rival in San Francisco, and on Saturday morning, the 
 iSth, he took his seat in the Conference. In many re- 
 spects this was a memorable Conference. It was at 
 this Conference that some of the troubles under which 
 we suffered for years began. It was at this Confer- 
 ence that the Stockton church, that had been sold un- 
 der foreclosure of mortgage, was redeemed, and saved 
 to Southern Methodism, and under the wise and skill- 
 ful hand of Bishop Soule we were tided over some 
 rough places. When the question, " Who are ad- 
 mitted on trial this year? " was asked, the names and 
 recommendations of James W. Stahl, Thomas C Bar- 
 ton, and Solomon Smith were presented, and they were 
 admitted. The first two were recommended by the 
 same Quarterly Conference, viz., the Angels Circuit, 
 the last from the Bodega Circuit. James W. Stahl was 
 a quiet, earnest young man, timid, but conscientious. 
 His timidity was greatlv in his way as a pastor. He 
 found it a £Teat task to visit from house to house. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. ii»i 
 
 j 
 
 He was quite a good preacher, and did us good service 
 for a number of years. He took appointments from 
 year to year until 1862, when he was made Presiding 
 Elder of the Oregon District, our Conference having 
 extended her borders to that State. He was kept 
 within the bounds of this State till 186^, when he 
 asked for and was granted a location. 
 
 The General Conference of 1866 organized the Colum- 
 bia Conference. Subsequently Brother Stahl became 
 a member of that Conference. The latter years of his 
 life were sad. He was afflicted with softening of the 
 brain, and upon one occasion, in a fit of despondency, 
 he attempted his own life. In this he failed. He 
 died soon after. The exact date of his death we have 
 not. His end was peace. 
 
 Thomas C. Barton, who was admitted at this ses- 
 sion, has proved one of our most faithful, efficient men. 
 A man of strong convictions and power as a preacher, 
 he has been faithfully at work all these years, filling 
 many of our most important stations, and representing 
 the Conference once in the General Conference. 
 Greatly afflicted in his sight, he has labored under dif- 
 ficulties beneath which many a man would have yield- 
 ed. He has never asked for rest or favors. The Great 
 Day alone will reveal the good that he has done. 
 
 Solomon Smith continued with us but a short time, 
 and we have lost sight of him. 
 
 During the year the membership of the Church had 
 advanced to 731 — an increase of 223. There were 
 23 local preachers — an increase of 3. One more 
 church and three more parsonages were reported. 
 J. H. Bristow and John Matthews located, and J. S. 
 Malone was transferred to the Tennessee Conference. 
 
132 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 J. Boring and A. M. Wynn were elected delegates 
 to the ensuing General Conference. These brethren 
 represented us in the General Conference, but were 
 never permitted to return to us. Dr. Boring located at 
 the next session of the Pacific Conference. Brother 
 Wynn made an effort to return, sailed with his fam- 
 ily , but was taken with hemorrhage of the lungs, and 
 after reaching Havana, returned to Georgia, where he 
 has remained ever since. In a few years he recovered, 
 and has done efficient work in that State. 
 
 The year that followed this Conference was a year 
 of great toil and of many successes. God revived his 
 work under the ministry of our preachers; especially 
 did he bless the camp-meetings held in various parts 
 of the work. The seal of his indorsement was set un- 
 mistakably upon our organization. 
 
 The fourth session of the Pacific Conference was 
 held in Asbury Chapel, Sacramento City, April 18-25, 
 1S55, Bishop J. O. Andrew presiding. In his opening 
 talk to the Conference he won all hearts at once by 
 the fatherly manner in which he addressed them. 
 When he gave expression to the great pleasure it af- 
 forded him to meet with his brethren in this far-off 
 land, all felt that he gave expression to the true senti- 
 ments of his heart. He seemed to comprehend the 
 magnitude and importance of our work, and the nec- 
 essary qualifications for its accomplishment. He showed 
 he was in full sympathy with us, and that he was well 
 apprised of the labors and difficulties we had already 
 encountered. He had faith in our final success. We 
 were fortunate in having a man of so much experience 
 to preside over our deliberations in this formative pe- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 m 
 
 riod in our history. No man could more fully sympa- 
 thize with us than he. His had been an eventful life. 
 He knew what it was to meet with opposition in plant- 
 ing the kingdom of the Messiah. He fully understood 
 the principles upon which our branch of the Methodist 
 Church had been founded. He had been in the fire 
 when the fierce heat of fanaticism had glowed in the 
 Church — a heat that welded together firmly and forever 
 the hearts of our people on the principles of a purely 
 spiritual Church, unsectional in its every fiber — a 
 Church that could conscientiously invite men of all po- 
 litical creeds to come into its communion without fear 
 of antagonism. 
 
 Quite a number of valuable transfers came to us this 
 year, and were introduced to the Conference by Bish- 
 op Andrew, viz., O. P. Fitzgerald, J. C. Stewart, T. 
 W. Moore, J. W. Ellis, B. R. Johnson, and O. Fisher. 
 
 O. P. Fitzgerald came to us from the Georgia Con- 
 ference, being in the second year of his ministry. He 
 was sent his first year to Sonora, a stirring mining-town 
 in Tuolumne County. Here Wynn, and Malone, and 
 Evans had planted the seeds of Southern Methodism. 
 He at once adjusted himself to the novel work, and 
 went from camp to camp in the adjacent mines, preach- 
 ing to the hardy miners. He showed them that he 
 loved them, and was working for their spiritual good. 
 The magnetism of his nature, the genial spirit that ever 
 glowed in his intercourse with them, opened his way, 
 and his wonderful conversational powers won for him 
 a place in the hearts of all with whom he came in con- 
 tact. While in Sonora he bound to himself friends 
 that love him till now as they love but few men. 
 
 His next appointment was San Jose, where he did a 
 
134 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 good work. Then San Francisco and Oakland. After 
 rilling several other important stations, he was elected 
 Editor of the Pacific Methodist, in 1858, in connection 
 with the San Francisco Station. He continued editor 
 of the paper for many years, a 2^>osition for which he 
 was eminently qualified. He was what might be called 
 a " born editor." For this work he was specially suited 
 both by nature and by cultivation. He gave to the 
 paper not only his personal efforts, but expended hun- 
 dreds of dollars of his own private means to sustain it. 
 When, under the great financial pressure that came 
 upon the State during the war — which pressure, as far 
 as the Pacific Methodist was concerned, reached its 
 crisis during the flood of 1S61-2 — the paper was sus- 
 pended, O. P. Fitzgerald was the first to make an 
 effort for its resurrection. At one time he was Agent 
 for Pacific Methodist College, and temporary president 
 of the institution. During this agency the college 
 reached a crisis in its affairs, and he mortgaged his own 
 property and put in the sum of $3,000 to save it. 
 
 He was at one time elected State Superintendent of 
 Public Instruction, and filled that office for a term of 
 four years with great credit to himself. Many of the 
 teachers of that period are wont to speak of this term 
 as " the reign of good-will." He carried his urbane 
 manners into his office, and was ever ready to listen 
 to the troubles of the most obscure teachers, and with 
 his wonderful peace-making qualities he poured oil 
 on many troubled seas during his administration. The 
 University of California was organized under his ad- 
 ministration, and the California State Normal School 
 fully organized and permanently located. The bene- 
 ficial impress of his character and labors abides. As a 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 135 
 
 pastor, class-leader, and Sunday-school teacher, he has 
 but few equals. A gracious revival attended his labors 
 at one time in Santa Rosa. Among the converts dur- 
 ing that meeting was a half-witted boy, or man, rather; 
 for thousrh a man in vears, he was a mere child in 
 mind. It was wonderful to see the manner in which 
 fhis Doctor of Divinity came down to the comprehen- 
 sion of this weak one, and how quietly he led him to 
 the blessed experience of the religion of Jesus. When 
 urging the Church upon one occasion to look after this 
 lamb of the flock with others, he said: " If Jesus him- 
 self were here, and were to show special concern for 
 any in the bestowment of his grace and help, I have 
 no doubt it would be to Louie " — the boy referred to. 
 This little speech showed the spirit of the man. The 
 peer of the first men of the Church or State, he stooped 
 to take this poor, half-witted youth by the hand and 
 lead him to the living waters, and teach him to kneel 
 and drink. 
 
 At the General Conference of 1S7S his ability as an 
 editor was recognized by the Church, and he was elect- 
 ed Editor of the Christian Advocate, the organ of the 
 General Conference. During the time he has been 
 at the head of this paper he has written quite a num- 
 ber of books that have struck the public heart, and 
 have proved a rich addition to the literature of the 
 Church. 
 
 The Rev. Orceneth Fisher, who came to us at this 
 Conference from the East Texas Conference, reached 
 us late in the session. The night after his arrival he 
 preached. The sermon was full of scriptural thought 
 and illustration. He was a pioneer — one that ever 
 panted to be in the front of God's bannered host. And 
 
136 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 now, as he stood on the western verge of the continent, 
 and in a Conference of Methodist preachers, and open- 
 ing his commission to us for the first time, his soul 
 caught fire. With thought, and voice, and gesture, he 
 bore his audience before him to the most rapturous 
 heights. A very halo seemed to be round about him, 
 as with native eloquence, sanctified by a blessed expe- 
 rience, he preached to us that night. He had entered 
 the ministry in the great North-west, and following 
 along the borders of the Church as she was pushing 
 her conquests into the wilderness, he had reached 
 Texas, and done good work there; and now as the Pa- 
 cific Conference was calling for laborers, he answered 
 the call, and stood in our midst ready for work. A 
 hearty welcome we gave him, and noble work did he 
 do for the Master in our State while among us. 
 
 He was an ardent and devoted student of God's 
 word. He drew all his thoughts and energies in that 
 way. He did not study the Bible topically, but as a 
 whole, striving always to get the mind of the Spirit. 
 He was better armed with apt quotations on any and 
 every subject from the word of God than any man we 
 ever knew. Spring him on any subject connected with 
 theology, and one would be ready to conclude that he 
 had made that subject a specialty. He had the happy 
 faculty in private conversation of turning any subject 
 that might be under discussion to religion. He was a 
 man of prayer and of great faith. His wrestling in pri- 
 vate, when any great matter called him to the mercy- 
 seat, was like that of Jacob at Penuel. When once he 
 had grappled with the Angel of the Covenant, there 
 was no release until the blessing came. The Rev. J. 
 Gruwell, who made with him a trip overland to Ore- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 137 
 
 gon, says he prayed more than any man he ever saw. 
 Prayer was his native breath, his vital air. 
 
 One so accustomed to prayer in secret was of neces- 
 sity mighty in prayer when leading the congregation. 
 Sometimes it seemed as if he were lifting the veil in 
 the earnestness of his approaches to the shekinah, and 
 leading you into the visible presence of Jehovah; and 
 yet there was no presumption in his petitions. As 
 simple as a child, God could but love to hear him pray. 
 God was his refuge at all times, whether he were lead- 
 ing the devotions of waiting thousands at a camp- 
 meeting under our summer skies, or kneeling amid the 
 whirling snow-flakes at the base of Mount Shasta, 
 with the storm-king blocking his way to Oregon. He 
 felt his reliance upon the divine arm equally when the 
 shout of victory told of a forward movement on the 
 part of God's sacramental host, as when kneeling by 
 the bed of suffering pleading for the life and salvation 
 of a fellow-mortal. 
 
 He had a remarkably musical voice, with wonderful 
 compass. He could with ease speak so as to be heard 
 by thousands on a camp-ground, and yet those who 
 were nearest to him found no unpleasant loudness in 
 his tones. His preaching was always scriptural. He 
 fully understood the doctrines of Methodism, and was 
 an able defender of them. When he essayed to set 
 them before an audience one felt that they stood not 
 so much on the logic of argument as upon the word 
 of God. Like Paul, "a thus it is written" settled all 
 matters with him. He was a great revivalist, and his 
 services at a protracted or camp -meeting were always 
 sought after and appreciated. Always interesting, al- 
 ways eloquent, there were times when he soared out- 
 
138 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 side of himself and carried his audience with him in 
 eager flight to the most rapturous heights. Like White- 
 field, he could seize upon the events transpiring around 
 him, and in the happiest manner make them do service 
 for his Master. Once, at what was at first known as 
 the " Toll-gate " — afterward Saratoga — Camp-ground, 
 he was making some remarks at night preparatory to 
 the administration of the Lord's Supper. As he dwelt 
 upon the solemn scenes that preceded its institution, a 
 cloud drifted into the sky, and, what was a rare occur- 
 rence in this part of California, lightnings were seen 
 playing upon its bosom as it approached us. All un- 
 heeding the storm, he held his audience in that upper 
 chamber listening to the tender voice of Jesus, as with 
 solemn step he passed from one to another of the awe- 
 stricken disciples, giving the bread and the wine; and 
 then he led them out to Gethsemane, and had them 
 kneel with bated breath while the Son of man prayed, 
 with the death-sw r eat standing in bloody drops upon 
 his sorrow-seamed face; then to Calvary, mantled with 
 its death-pains and sufferings. Just then a bright flash 
 of lightning lit up the faces of the listeners, followed 
 by a peal of thunder that echoed amid the crags of the 
 mountain-range at whose base the camp-ground lay, 
 when, lifting his hand and pointing to the passing 
 cloud that obscured but half our sky, in language that 
 can never be reproduced, he spoke of the storm and of 
 Him who ruled it until the .awe-stricken crowd never 
 felt so immediately in the presence and under the power 
 of God before. 
 
 But a man who has filled so large a space in our 
 work, and to whom the people of the Pacific Coast 
 are so deeply indebted, should have more than a pass- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 39 
 
 ing notice. He can be classed among the aoostles of 
 the nineteenth century, and is worthy of the title. He 
 was born in Chester, Windsor County, Vermont, Nov. 
 5, 1S03. His 'father was Dr. David Fisher; his par- 
 ental grandfather the Rev. D. Fisher, of the Free-will 
 Baptist Church. His mother was a daughter of Cap- 
 tain Rufus Chase, of Providence, Rhode Island, and 
 member of the Baptist Church, under the mintstry of 
 Roger Williams. In the line of ancestry and kindred 
 were some of the noble and honored of England — 
 among them, William III., Prince of Orange, the 
 Townleys, Lord George Fisher, and Archbishop Fish- 
 er.* He was not baptized in infancy, which greatly 
 troubled him, and was a source of regret during life. 
 God's Spirit touched his heart at the tender age of six 
 years. When about twelve, his mother, discovering 
 that God was dealing with the child, began to encour- 
 age him to read the Bible through, which he did, and 
 soon became much interested in its contents. He at 
 once determined to become a Christian, but kept it a 
 profound secret until one day, as he was kneeling in 
 prayer in the woods, three men came upon him in his 
 hiding-place and discovered him. He then concluded, 
 as the secret was out, he would mingle with Christians 
 and converse with them upon the great plan of salva- 
 tion. 
 
 From some cause he did not formally unite with the 
 Church until his seventeenth year. He immediately 
 began to pray in public, and occasionally to exhort. 
 In a short time he was licensed to preach. His first ser- 
 mon was delivered soon after, when the whole congre- 
 gation was deeply moved, and the result was two pow- 
 
 * W. Shapard. 
 
140 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 erful conversions. A grand revival followed, the work 
 spread, and scores were added to the Church. Thus 
 at the very threshold of his ministry God set to his seal 
 that he was his, and for fifty -eight years the revival 
 fires kindled and burned wherever he went. But few 
 men of any age have seen so much of immediate fruit 
 of their ministry. 
 
 He joined the Ohio Conference, and was sent to 
 Vincennes — his first circuit — March 3, 1S23. This cir- 
 cuit extended to the vicinity of "Old Fort Harrison," 
 up the Wabash River east into the forks of White 
 River, up the east fork to Mt. Pleasant, above and 
 across to the west fork of Black Creek. In many 
 places there were no roads, and sometimes no bridges 
 or ferries. His father, who had been firm in opposing 
 him as a Methodist up to this time, now entirely re- 
 lented, acknowledged his wrong, asked forgiveness, 
 and an interest in the prayers of his son. He gave 
 him his liberty, and bid him- God -speed in his glorious 
 work. A mere boy, he left home to go out into the 
 wild West, he knew not whither. But his trust was in 
 God, and with an eye single to his glory. Revivals 
 followed his labors wherever he went. He filled twen- 
 ty-eight appointments in four weeks, often preaching 
 day and night, besides holding class and prayer-meet- 
 ings. Nearly seven hundred joined the Church un- 
 der his ministry the first two years. He then joined 
 the St. Louis Conference, and was appointed to the Il- 
 linois Circuit, including the towns of Belleville, Leba- 
 non, Edwardsville, and Alton. On this work he en- 
 dured many hardships, but a revival swept over the 
 entire circuit, and among those converted was Dr. Tal- 
 bot, who became a distinguished minister. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 141 
 
 His next appointment was Mt. Vernon. Here also 
 he had glorious success. In 1837 ne was stationed in 
 Carlisle, and in 1840 in Springfield, Illinois. Abra- 
 ham Lincoln, then a young man, often attended upon 
 his ministry. While stationed in Springfield he ex- 
 tended the use of his church to the State Legislature 
 to hold its sessions, as they then had no State-house. 
 
 In 1841 he transferred to Texas. While there God 
 was with him in mighty power, and thousands were 
 added to the Church under his ministry in that State. 
 He was chaplain of the last Senate of the Republic of 
 Texas. Three years he was in Houston, where he pro- 
 jected, edited, and published the Texas Christian Ad- 
 vocate. 
 
 He filled various stations and districts, and was sent 
 by the East Texas Conference to the third General 
 Conference of the Church, South, held in Columbus, 
 Georgia, in 1854. He assisted in the ordination of sev- 
 eral Bishops. 
 
 His first appointment was San Francisco Station. 
 But this work was not so well suited to the genius of 
 the man as were the district and circuit work, where 
 he could be out more preaching to the masses. It was 
 hard to confine him closely to the city. He accepted 
 the invitations of his friends in the interior to attend 
 and assist them in their revival-meetings. Upon one 
 occasion he met in public debate one of the leading 
 ministers of the M. E. Church on the questions that di- 
 vided the two Churches. Though a Northern man by 
 birth and education, he embraced the principles of the 
 Church, South, with all the ardor of his great soul, and 
 felt himself called ever to defend these principles when 
 questioned or assailed. 
 
H 2 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 We had no church in which to worship in San Fran- 
 cisco at this time, and the First Presbyterian Church 
 being without a pastor, at their earnest solicitation 
 Brother Fisher occupied their pulpit, and both congre- 
 gations worshiped together, to the edification of both 
 preacher and people. The bonds of attachment that 
 grew and strengthened between the Methodist preacher 
 and the Presbyterian congregation were never severed. 
 In all after-years Brother Fisher referred to this asso- 
 ciation with peculiar pleasure and affection. 
 
 His second appointment was Stockton. Here his 
 labors were blessed with a gracious revival. He was 
 succeeding finely when the Vigilance Committee ex- 
 citement broke out in San Francisco — an excitement 
 that not only swept before it almost the entire city, but 
 reached far into the interior. Gamblers and thieves 
 became so bold and daring as not only to strike terror 
 into the hearts of private citizens, but to overawe even 
 the officers of the law. Never in the history of the 
 State did there ever exist such a state of things. Swin- 
 dlers, thieves, and gamblers dictated to the political par- 
 ties, and ruled the State with a tyranny that nothing 
 could resist. There were a few good men on the 
 bench, but they were powerless to render justice when 
 any number of men stood ready to swear to any thing 
 asked of them. There was no assurance that convic- 
 tion would follow arrests, no matter how many wit- 
 nesses might be arrayed against the guilty. County 
 jails were not secure, and the State-prison itself was 
 in the hands of men who for money would turn loose 
 those intrusted to their keeping. In December, 1854, 
 thirty convicts escaped from it the same day. Ballot- 
 box stuffing- was as regular as the dav of election. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 [ 43 
 
 Voters felt it a farce to poll their ballots when unscrupu- 
 lous men could manufacture any majority they pleased 
 for their men in ten minutes after the polls closed. 
 
 It is not within our province to detail the stirring 
 events of this period. Two religious papers took sides 
 with the Vigilants, and very many of the pulpits of the 
 city and State showed their sympathies with them. 
 Our Church and ministry proved true to their cher- 
 ished principles, and refrained from any participation in 
 the matter. Father Fisher, however, was caught for a 
 little while in the general excitement, and at an im- 
 mense meeting in the city of Stockton he was put for- 
 ward during its progress to read a telegram announc- 
 ing the execution of two notorious characters by the 
 Vigilance Committee. From that hour he lost his 
 influence with many in whom he was most interested. 
 And only the saintliness of his character ever tided 
 him over this misstep. 
 
 While in Stockton he commenced the publication of 
 the Pacific Methodist, he having been elected editor at 
 the preceding Conference. This position he held to 
 the ensuing Annual Conference, when O. P. Fitzger- 
 ald was elected editor. 
 
 While stationed in Stockton we were still in posses- 
 sion of the building erected by Brother Gridley on 
 Weber Avenue, but there was no bell on the church at 
 the time. Sister Fisher determined to get one. The 
 membership at that time was small and the prejudice 
 from the outside very bitter. It was a laborious under- 
 taking. But kind friends assisted, and through tears 
 and prayers, hard work and persistent effort, she suc- 
 ceeded, and soon the silvery notes of a sweet-toned 
 bell were calling worshipers to prayers. This at once 
 
144 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 attracted attention to the church, and was worth far 
 more to us than the intrinsic value of the bell. It gave 
 us influence with the people in larger measure. 
 
 In the fall it was determined to hold a camp-meeting 
 about twelve miles above Stockton on the Calaveras 
 River. But few could be enlisted in the enterprise at 
 first; but with faith and prayer Brother Fisher and his 
 wife got together what provisions they could and went 
 out to the ground. Sister Fisher cooked and washed 
 dishes and fed the people until the revival began. Soon 
 it burst into a blessed blaze; scores crowded the altar, 
 and the sobs and cries of penitents were heard at every 
 service. Many were converted, the Church was re- 
 freshed, and the glorious work deepened. Sister 
 Fisher would labor at the tent during the day feeding 
 the people, and would enter the altar at night and point 
 the- penitents to the world's Redeemer. Like her hus- 
 band, she was doing all for the glory of God and the 
 good of his cause. One day she saw a gentleman, 
 whom she had frequently seen in Stockton, watching 
 her with much interest while she was busily engaged 
 in preparing dinner. He sought an introduction, and 
 expressed surprise that she should work so hard, and 
 then said: 
 
 "I am not a member of the Church, but will gladly 
 give two dollars a day for a cook to relieve you.' 
 
 She thanked him, and told him she had felt under the 
 necessity of doing it, as some one had it to do to get the 
 meeting started, and added, "As God has blessed us 
 with a glorious revival and souls are being saved, I am 
 more than repaid for all that I have done." 
 
 The gentleman bade her good-morning and went 
 away. In a little while two other men came to where 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 [ 45 
 
 she was, and handing her some money, expressed their 
 regrets that she should have been so long overtasked 
 in her arduous work. They told her to go to Stockton 
 and lay in more provisions, and to secure the services 
 of a cook, that the crowds that would be attracted to 
 the grounds the coming Saturday and Sunday might 
 be fed without taking her strength or purse. When 
 she reached Stockton she found the meeting all the 
 talk on the streets. Everybody was excited about it, 
 and very many were making their arrangements to go 
 out to it. Such a meeting had never occurred in that 
 country before. She got all the provisions necessary, 
 secured the services of several cooks, and henceforth 
 was relieved of all the drudgery. She still, however, 
 superintended the affairs of the table to see that all 
 were fed and cared for. The meeting was one of the 
 best ever held in this neighborhood. A new circuit 
 was formed, and a neat church and parsonage — the 
 Linden — were built near the place the following year. 
 
 Brother Fisher was in his glory all through the meet- 
 ing, preaching with unwearied zeal and fervor, and 
 working early and late with the penitents at the altar. 
 Now and then could be heard his exultant "Hallelu- 
 iah" mingling with the shout of a new-born soul. R. 
 W. Bigham, T. C. Barton, E. G. Cannon, and other 
 ministers labored all through the meeting with great 
 success, preaching with power beyond their wont. 
 
 This meeting was not without its opponents. Some 
 "sons of Belial" were on the ground, but their efforts 
 at retarding the work of grace were without avail. 
 One night, when the altar was full of mourners, and 
 Sister Fisher was leading in an earnest prayer, some 
 one threw an explosive in among them. The report 
 IO 
 
146 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 was loud and distinct. Instead of confusing her, she 
 became more earnest, the "Aniens " to her petitions 
 were more hearty, the faith of the Church rose, and as 
 a result they had very many conversions soon after. 
 
 Sometimes the appeals made by Brother Fisher 
 seemed like bolts from the sky, and sinners were strick- 
 en down in every direction. When this meeting; closed 
 Brother Fisher and family returned to Stockton, rested 
 a few days, when they went to another camp-meeting 
 near Stockton, which continued until the weather be- 
 came too cool for camping out, when it was removed 
 to Stockton and continued until Conference. Among 
 those converted at the first-named camp-meeting was 
 Wick B. Parsons, present editor of the Pacific Meth- 
 odist, whose devotion to the Church and enduring self- 
 denial for the cause of Southern Methodism will com- 
 pare with that of our preachers. He was foreman of 
 the printing-office of the Pacific Methodist at the time. 
 He had bought the first outfit for the paper — had with 
 his own hands locked the first form that gave it a place 
 among the papers of the land as a power for good. 
 He is its editor at this writing. 
 
 Brother Fisher seemed to move in a revival atmos- 
 phere. Wherever he went the power of God attended 
 his ministry. On one camp-meeting round on his dis- 
 trict, including the Suisun work, eight hundred per- 
 sons were added to the Church. Such power, such 
 revivals as extended from one meeting to another on 
 that round, has never been witnessed in the State, 
 God's power seemed manifest in every sermon, prayer, 
 and song. 
 
 In 1858 a correspondence was opened with friends 
 in the State of Oregon on the subject of establishing 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 147 
 
 our Church there. This was just to his mind. He 
 gloried more in being a pioneer of the Church than 
 any man we ever knew. He ever desired to be in the 
 forefront of the battle — to blaze a way in the wilder- 
 ness for others to find their way to new fields. 
 
 Soon the pioneer spirit, such as fired the breast of 
 the great Apostle to the Gentiles, when he desired to go 
 to the regions beyond, " lest he should build upon another 
 man's foundation," stirred him, and he felt it his duty 
 to go there and organize our Church. Hence, at the 
 ensuing Conference he requested the President of the 
 Conference to attach Oregon to his work, as Presiding 
 Elder of the San Francisco District, and give him au- 
 thority, as the legal representative of the Church, to do 
 whatever seemed proper to be done when he should 
 have reached the field. Accordingly, about the first of 
 Tune, 1859, he and wife, and two children, took pas- 
 sage on the steamship Pacific, commanded by Captain 
 Patterson. They had a comparatively smooth passage 
 until they reached the mouth of the Columbia River, 
 when they found the sea too rough to attempt to cross 
 the dangerous bar that lies at the mouth of that river. 
 So they steamed up Puget Sound to Esquimalt, where 
 they lay until the next day. On the Sabbath they vis- 
 ited Her Majesty's young city, Victoria, where Brother 
 Fisher preached for Dr. Evans, of the Canadian Meth- 
 odist Church, to a large, attentive, and intelligent con- 
 gregation. Of course these British Methodists had 
 their hearts stirred with the living fire of this " son of 
 thunder." Dr. Evans invited him and family home to 
 lunch with him. Thus the Sabbath in a strange land 
 was spent pleasantly and profitably- As they steamed 
 along the Sound, no doubt the quiver of this mighty 
 
14S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 man of eloquence was replenished with fresh arrows 
 as he took in the grand scenery around him. Back in 
 the forest, that clothed the mountain-range with more 
 than royal beauty, stood Mount Baker, lifting his snow- 
 mantled form high above all other peaks, in solitary 
 grandeur, while Olympus and other towering peaks 
 stood like a royal guard about the grander form of the 
 mighty monarch — forming a scene too grand ever to 
 fade from memory. With guns and music Her Majes- 
 ty's ships exchanged salutes with the Pacific as she 
 swept down the Sound. 
 
 On Monday they crossed the bar at the mouth of the 
 Columbia River, and steamed up that grand Missis- 
 sippi of the West, and were soon at Portland, the com- 
 mercial emporium of the State. It was soon known 
 that the object of Brother Fisher was to organize the 
 Southern Methodist Church in Oregon. With but few 
 exceptions the newspapers hailed his advent most 
 heartily. On all sides a hearty welcome was accorded 
 him and family. They met Captain Lyon, late Mas- 
 ter of the Masonic Lodge in Stockton. Brother Fish- 
 er had been the chaplain of his lodge. He was at 
 the time Grand Lecturer of the State. The Grand 
 Lodge of Oregon was then in session at Salem City, 
 and Captain Lyon at once made arrangements for 
 Brother Fisher to attend this meeting. As the one 
 whose duty it was to deliver the oration at this meet- 
 ing was absent, and the coming of Brother Fisher had 
 been known, arrangements had been made for him to 
 deliver the oration. Oregon is a strong Masonic State, 
 and this occasion opened the way for his success in al- 
 most every direction. He at once began his work, 
 preaching to immense crowds, and the interest spread 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 149 
 
 all over the State. "The Texas Ranger," as some 
 called him, wielded *a tremendous influence everywhere. 
 He left J. C. Kolbe to form a circuit at Independence, 
 and after spending nearly three months in prospecting, 
 receiving quite a number into the Church, and prom- 
 ising to send them preachers at Conference, they start- 
 ed home, but to their great disappointment thev reached 
 Portland one day too late for the steamer. Thev were 
 consequently detained nine days, but they were not 
 spent in idleness. He preached as often as he had op- 
 portunity, and they were royally entertained by the cit- 
 izens, each vying with the other in hospitality. While 
 waiting they made a visit to the Hudson Bay Compa- 
 ny, and when about to leave were informed that their 
 hotel bill was paid. It was again their fortune to sail 
 with Captain Patterson, who refused to take any fare 
 from them, giving them every attention. 
 
 The next year Brother Fisher was sent to take charge 
 of the Oregon work, with J. L. Burchard, Moses Clam- 
 pit, J. C. Kolbe, J. Gruwell, J. Kelsay, and C. H. E. 
 Newton as helpers. 
 
 J. Gruwell had a large family, and he and Brother 
 Fisher concluded to take the overland route by way of 
 Pitt and Fall Rivers. They had about seven hundred 
 miles to go, over high mountains and through a wild, 
 hostile Indian country. They started from San Jose 
 about the middle of October. They went by way of 
 Livermore and San Ramon valleys, crossing the Contra 
 Costa Mountains. They crossed the Straits of Car- 
 quinez at Martinez and Benicia; then by way of Suisun 
 and Sacramento valleys, crossing the Sacramento River 
 some distance above Red Bluff, and took the mountain 
 road via Pitt River. Soon after entering the mountains 
 
t;o History of Southern Methodism 
 
 they encountered heavy rain and snow storms. They 
 stopped at Lost Camp, where a company of United 
 States Rangers were camped, under Capt. Burns, who 
 had the Indian queen a prisoner. She promised to lead 
 him to the hiding-place of her tribe. 
 
 The day after leaving Lost Camp they traveled for 
 fortv miles over a route infested by hostile Indians. 
 For fifteen miles the snow lay deep upon the ground, 
 making- travel exceedinglv heavy. At last thev reached 
 a military station. The commanding officer sent a 
 mounted military escort with them sixteen miles to the 
 next station. Two men had been murdered by the In- 
 dians near there two days before. It was late at night 
 when they reached Pitt River. There they stopped at 
 another rangers' camp, the captain kindly giving them 
 the use of his house that night. The snow was deep, 
 and it was dreadfully cold, and they appreciated this 
 kindness. Soon after this they reached the settlements, 
 and felt greatly relieved. The toil through deep snows, 
 and at times through slush and mud, climbing the 
 mountains with the constant strain of mind in view of 
 the dangers that surrounded them, told upon all; and 
 when thev were out of the danger the reaction was 
 great, and an inexpressible sense of weariness almost 
 overpowered them. Who can imagine what they had 
 endured for weeks in this perilous journey? — all endured 
 in carrying the pure religion of Jesus to the people of 
 Oregon. 
 
 During all these weeks Brother Fisher never let go 
 the Divine arm; day and night he prayed. No sur- 
 roundings of camp or soldiery could make him forego 
 the privileges of prayer. Ofttimes kneeling bv their 
 camp -fire, bordered by snow, this man of God was 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 151 
 
 holding to the promises of Jehovah ana pleading for 
 guidance and protection. God heard him and brought 
 all in safety through the perils of the wilderness, and 
 crowned their labors with glorious success. On their 
 reaching Oregon they met a hearty welcome every- 
 where, and congregations large and attentive. 
 
 A camp-meeting was appointed to be held near Sa- 
 lem, and as the time approached there were rumors 
 flying through the neighborhood that "a mob intended 
 to rotten-egg our preachers, declaring that no camp- 
 meeting should be held by the Southern Methodists in- 
 the State." But preparations went steadily forward 
 for the meeting: men and women that had braved the 
 perils of the Pitt and Fall River country, when the wild 
 sons of the forest were on the war-path, could not be 
 turned from duty by the undertones of a mob. 
 
 The usual preparations being completed, as the 
 preachers and their families rode on to the ground on 
 Saturday they saw a soiled American flag flying from 
 the corner of the preacher's stand. C. H. E. Newton, 
 the preacher in charge, informed them that it had been 
 raised by a party of "roughs.' 1 Brother Fisher told 
 him it was all right, and to let it hang there; that he 
 loved the flag, and that it had never done him any 
 harm. 
 
 Late that evening the same party took down the 
 flag, and without provocation, but evidently to misrep- 
 resent, rode into Salem and reported that Mr. Newton 
 had refused to let the flag stay on the stand. 
 
 The good people saw through the whole thing, and 
 determined that Brother Fisher and his Church should 
 be protected. In accordance with this determination,, 
 several hundred men came on to the ground on Sunday' 
 
T52 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 morning, fully armed and prepared for any emergency. 
 It was one of Oregon's most lovely Sabbath morn- 
 ings. Several thousand persons were on the grounds — 
 some for worship and some from idle curiosity. The 
 congregation assembled about the stand, and just in the 
 rear of the congregation stood a mob with the same 
 soiled flag that had been on the stand the day before 
 waving over them. Their presence indicated trouble, 
 and corroborated the reports they had heard. 
 
 Just before the eleven-o'clock service Brother New- 
 ton rose in the stand and stated to the congregation that 
 he had not objected to the flag being on the stand, as 
 was reported of him. This was the signal for the dis- 
 turbance to begin. The mob jerked off their coats and 
 commenced yelling, " Hang him ! hang him ! " As they 
 bounded over the seats, men and women ran, children 
 screamed, women fainted, while a few men rushed into 
 the stand, and, with their hands on their revolvers, com- 
 manded the mob not to enter. They were frenzied 
 with rage, and it is said some of them foamed at the 
 mouth like wild beasts. Two men seized the leader, 
 with orders for him to stop; but he kicked and fought 
 as if determined to carry out his blood-thirsty designs. 
 Many of the ladies stood bravely by their husbands, 
 unterrifled by the unusual scene. Sister Fisher, sup- 
 ported by Mrs. Dr. Belt, of Salem, with a temerity that 
 was born of conscious right, stepped boldly up to the 
 raging leader and ordered him to behave himself. She 
 talked to him in the most wonderful manner, Mrs. 
 Belt standing by and encouraging her by her presence 
 and her looks. For a moment he looked into that calm, 
 resolute face, and dropping his eyes and hanging his 
 head, he became quiet. Brother Fisher, in the most 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 153 
 
 marvelous manner, soon restored order. The mob sat 
 down on the straw in the altar; men, women, and chil- 
 dren came timidly back and took their seats. Without 
 a tremor in his voice, and with the manner that he 
 would have assumed on the most ordinary occasion, he 
 announced for his text: "Love worketh no ill to his 
 neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." 
 From this text he preached a most powerful and telling 
 sermon. How beautiful he made the religion of peace 
 and good-will appear that day no one but those who 
 heard him can know. 
 
 The next day the leader's father sent Sister Fisher a 
 beautiful piece of Oregon cloth, with a request that she 
 accept it for a cloak, as a token of his appreciation of 
 the timely rebuke she had given his son. 
 
 These people were laboring under a false impression, 
 born of our name, " South." They looked upon our 
 Church as sectional, and conceived that we could come 
 to Oregon for no other purpose than to introduce the 
 peculiar views of the South. They knew nothing of 
 us, nor of the peculiar principles of our Church. The 
 sectional hate that soon after culminated in civil war 
 was then rapidly increasing, and it required but little 
 to arouse feelings of animosity against us. But the 
 actions of this mob did us good. It brought our Church 
 into notice, and started the inquiry as to the necessity 
 of our existence in Oregon. God was with our preach- 
 ers and people at this meeting, and scores were con- 
 verted and added to the Church. 
 
 The two years that Brother Fisher spent in Oregon 
 were years of great toil, but numbered among the hap- 
 piest of his life. Friends gathered about him and his 
 family, and everywhere thev went doors were open to 
 
154 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 them and the Church they represented. Eight hun- 
 dred members and probationers had been added to the 
 Church as part of the fruit of their labors this year. 
 
 Brother Fisher saw an opening for an institution of 
 learning at Corvallis. A school that had been in oper- 
 ation for a time was about to pass out of the hands of 
 those who had established it, and he got the refusal of 
 the property. The citizens agreed to buy the property, 
 provided he could and would raise $500 in California. 
 At the Conference in Sacramento he presented its 
 claims in so seccessful a manner that the required 
 amount was subscribed. This was not done without 
 an effort. The Pacific Conference was already en- 
 gaged in educational enterprises of its own. Bascom 
 Institute, located at San Jose, was involved and calling 
 for help. Pacific Methodist College was in its nascent 
 state, and the Conference by formal resolution declared 
 that " while this Conference is not at present prepared 
 to assume any pecuniary responsibility for any educa- 
 tional enterprise other than those to which we are al- 
 ready pledged, we are nevertheless gratified to learn 
 that the Rev. O. Fisher, Presiding Elder of the Oregon 
 District, has taken steps to secure for educational pur- 
 poses, in the town of Corvallis, Oregon, a valuable 
 house, and grounds attached; and in view of the pros- 
 pective denominational wants of our Church in Ore- 
 gon, we heartily sympathize with the movement, and 
 commend it to the liberality of the people of Oregon." 
 
 Brother Fisher had promised the people of Oregon 
 to raise $500 in California, and notwithstanding this 
 resolution was well calculated to put a damper upon 
 the movement, he would not be content. His first ap- 
 peal secured $210.50. It was thought by many that 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 155 
 
 this was all that could be raised for this object. But 
 the securing of the property depended upon the $500, 
 and this amount he must have. Later in the session he 
 sought a favorable opportunity, and in a most touch- 
 ing appeal he brought the matter again before us. He 
 had come all the long distance from his district to se- 
 cure to our Church this valuable property. If we let 
 this opportunity pass, perhaps no other such would 
 ever be presented to us. His appeal was overwhelm- 
 ing, and in a few minutes the necessary amount was 
 subscribed, some of the preachers borrowing money to 
 give. 
 
 At this Conference the Oregon w r ork was enlarged, 
 and two presiding elders' districts formed. O. Fisher 
 was placed as Presiding Flder of Oregon District, and 
 J. Gruwell of Jacksonville District. C. H. E. Newton, 
 I. L. Hopkins, R. C. Martin, James Kelsay, W. M. 
 Culp, J. E. Parrott, and D. M. Rice were sent by the 
 Conference to these districts, while S. M. Stout, J. S. 
 Doggett, and Nelson King were employed as supplies. 
 
 At the Conference in 1S61 Brother Fisher intro- 
 duced the following resolution, which was adopted by 
 the Conference: 
 
 Resolved, That we respectfully request the next General Con- 
 ference to create a new Conference, to be called the Oregon Con- 
 ference, which shall include the State of Oregon, Washington 
 Territory, and so much of the State of California as lies north 
 of Scott's Mountain. 
 
 The General Conference of 1862 failed to meet on 
 account of the war, and the organization of this Con- 
 ference was necessarily delayed. 
 
 Brother Fisher did full work in California after his 
 return from Oregon for a number of years. Four years 
 
156 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 of the time he filled the office of presiding elder, an 
 office just suited to his genius and disposition. 
 
 About the close of the war Brother Fisher, laboring 
 under the impression that the country was ruined, and 
 that our sister Republic of Mexico would become a 
 place of refuge for many, and that the evangelization 
 of that priest-ridden land lay in the near future, turned 
 his face to the south, and in the latter part of 1864 or 
 the first part of 1865 he set sail for Mazatlan. The 
 Rev. D. O. Shattuck, then a local preacher in our 
 Church, had preceded him about a month, and was 
 making arrangements to open a farm near the city of 
 Mazatlan. Judge Shattuck at the time was living in a 
 hired room at the Presidio, twenty-five miles from Ma- 
 zatlan, and on the Mazatlan River. He went at once to 
 where Judge Shattuck lived, and made his home with 
 him for some days. They went out prospecting togeth- 
 er, and when they found a place to camp they moved 
 to it and made arrangements for a crop. But after a 
 few days of camp-life he left. Judge Shattuck says: 
 
 While we remained at the Presidio we had frequent conversa- 
 tions upon the propriety of Protestant efforts there. I told him 
 of my experience while at Panama — that I had preached, or 
 heard Protestant preaching, every Sabbath — that some of the 
 most respectable natives frequently attended our worship, and 
 one of them, the head of a very respectable family, invited me 
 to hold prayer-meeting at his house, and I did so, to the seeming 
 pleasure of the family and neighbors. We made a trial of it at 
 my hotel-room at the Presidio, a town of, say, one thousand in- 
 habitants. I invited all the Americans and some of the leading 
 Mexicans to be present and join in our worship. No Mexicans 
 came, and very few Americans, except what constituted my fam- 
 ily. Father Fisher held a short service — good, of course. In 
 my interview with the people the next day, I found that the time 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 157 
 
 had not come for any peaceable propagation of Protestantism, 
 and our prospects of success or stay there forbid our attempting 
 it farther. I did not go there as a missionary, but as a farmer. 
 But I advised Father Fisher then that I thought he was in the 
 wrong place, and had better return immediately to California. 
 This he refused to do, and went with us when we settled at the 
 camp. After a few days of our camp-life and rough work, how- 
 ever, he became convinced of his want of adaptation to that kind 
 of life, and left us, I supposed and hoped, to return to his family. 
 But to my astonishment I soon learned that he had taken up a 
 claim between us and Mazatlan, hired some wood-cutters to pre- 
 pare wood for the Mazatlan market, and had bought or hired a 
 bungaloo, or large canoe, assumed the management of it as skip- 
 per, and was freighting his own wood to the Mazatlan market. 
 This, of course, was a failure, but employed him for several 
 months before he finally broke down. 
 
 The next time I saw him — which was late in the summer of 
 1865 — he was at an American boarding-house in Mazatlan. 
 He then admitted he was in the wrong place. He was destitute, 
 and was running a borrowed sewing-machine, making pantaloons 
 for some Americans to earn a subsistence. He was then very 
 willing to return, and looked as though he felt as I think Jonah 
 did after his experience with the whale. The Masons and other 
 friends provided for and sent him to California. 
 
 I do not think Brother Fisher attempted religious service in 
 Mexico, except the one before mentioned. Of course he, in all 
 circumstances, was the same steady Christian that he had ever 
 been, but his light was under a bushel while in Mexico, like the 
 rest of us. That his motive in going there was good there is no 
 doubt, but it is an episode that will not add to the glory of Meth- 
 odism. I think it was a mistake in his very useful life, but not 
 greater than that made by Mr. Wesley as a missionary to the 
 wild Indians of Georgia. It shows that great and good men are 
 not always wise. 
 
 This mistake of Brother Fisher was a most natural 
 one. As we have seen, he was a missionary of the 
 grandest type, one whose soul was ever running out to 
 
158 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 regions beyond, who not only desired that " the king- 
 doms of this world should become the kingdoms of 
 our Lord and of his Christ," but he wanted to be in 
 the forefront of the army that should carry the victo- 
 ries of the cross to these kingdoms. And now when 
 the fortunes of war had crushed his fondest hopes, 
 while yet the smoke and the dust of the conflict still 
 hung darkly over the land, it only required the point- 
 ing of a finger to some new harvest-field to thrust out 
 this eager, indefatigable laborer of the Lord. When 
 he saw his mistake and returned, his voice was soon 
 heard, as of yore, calling sinners to repentance and en- 
 couraging the saints to seek more of God. 
 
 In 1869 he took a superannuated relation to the Con- 
 ference, and in the following year returned to Texas to 
 look after certain interests that claimed his attention. 
 With open arms his brethren there received him back. 
 An item in a Texas paper says: "The Rev. O. Fisher, 
 D.D., is stirring Texas congregations as aforetime with 
 his burning eloquence. When under the full afflatus, 
 he can move a multitude with the gospel as it is given 
 but few men to do." This is a well-merited compli- 
 ment. He was one of the grandest and most evangel- 
 ical preachers that ever blessed the Methodist Church. 
 Take him one sermon with another, he was almost 
 without an equal. Though we have heard him innu- 
 merable times, and under all sorts of circumstances, 
 yet we never heard him make a failure. 
 
 After his return to Texas he filled several appoint- 
 ments as Presiding Elder on the Austin and other Dis- 
 tricts until the winter of 1879, when he had a long and 
 severe spell of pneumonia, and soon after his recovery 
 a cancer made its appearance under the armpit. It was 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 159 
 
 located too near an important artery to use the knife, 
 and he had to wait the slow approaches of this de- 
 stroyer that had laid siege to his life. He suffered 
 greatly with it, and at the time of his death the cavity 
 was very large. He was ever hopeful of recovery, and 
 yet submissive to the Lord's will, as he had ever been. 
 His wife writes: " The third day before his death he 
 sat up most of the day, and spoke of going to Florida 
 as soon as he was able to travel. The next morning he 
 seemed bright and cheerful, and wanted to rise before 
 breakfast, saying he had slept well all night, and 
 seemed, to feel much better. While I was getting 
 things ready for dressing the cancer, he w r ent off into a 
 stupor. I thought at first he was in a deep sleep, but 
 it lasted so long I felt uneasy and tried to arouse him, 
 and soon found that he was perfectly unconscious. 
 Dr. Swearingen was immediately summoned, and told 
 me that he thought it doubtful about his returning: to 
 consciousness. I was sitting by his bed at the time, 
 and he wanted to know of me what they were all do- 
 ing there. I told him what his condition had been, and 
 that I had sent for them. After meditating a few min- 
 utes, he looked up in my face and very earnestly in- 
 quired what I thought of his condition. I talked with 
 him freely, and told him he had better talk to our chil* 
 dren and give them a parting blessing. This he did. 
 He remained perfectly conscious for some hours, talked 
 freely of death, and for the first time seemed to realize 
 that death was inevitable. He said if it was the Lord's 
 will, he would like to live longer; if not, he was ready 
 and willing to go. Unconsciousness soon followed, 
 from which he never fully aroused. He passed away 
 peacefully and quietly." 
 
160 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Thus, August 28, 1880, died one to whom Pacific 
 Methodism owes as much as to any other one man. 
 
 John Calvin Stewart was a transfer from the Alabama 
 Conference, being on trial in his first year. He was a 
 man of fine education. His devotion to the Church 
 and zeal for God knew no bounds. When he surren- 
 dered and enlisted as an itinerant preacher he reserved 
 nothing — all was consecrated to God. He was a man 
 of deep personal piety and of great faith. His first ap- 
 pointment was in the mines on the El Dorado Circuit, 
 from which he brought a good report to Conference. 
 
 In 1859 the Conference resolved to establish a col- 
 lege of high grade. The Committee on Education, in 
 their report, said: 
 
 The time has fully come when the necessities of our people 
 demand, and their ability is sufficient to enable them to build up, 
 a college for the education of their sons. It is a denominational 
 necessity. Our people are calling for it already. Young men, 
 moved to enter the Christian ministry, and who wish to prepare 
 for the high and holy calling, are forced to patronize institutions 
 more than inimical to their social and religious principles and 
 sympathies, or they must be deprived of the advantages of colle- 
 giate culture and training altogether. To be content with such 
 a state of things is to acknowledge feebleness and inferiority. 
 Without entering into any comparison of the wealth of our own 
 and other Churches, though we would not suffer by such compar- 
 ison, we are well assured that the ability to meet its wants in this 
 regard is not wanting. The people need an institution of learn- 
 ing, and are able to sustain it. It is our solemn duty to give 
 them the opportunity. We therefore recommend: 
 
 1. That we establish an institution to be styled the Pacific 
 Methodist College. 
 
 2. That the Conference appoint a Board of Trustees, consist- 
 ing of twenty-five members — thirteen to be members of the Pacific 
 Conference and twelve laymen — five of whom shall constitute a 
 quorum. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 161 
 
 3. That the place offering the highest sum for the purchase of 
 grounds and the erection of buildings shall be selected as the lo- 
 cation of the college. 
 
 4. That the sum of $30,000 shall be raised for the endowment 
 of the professorships in said college. 
 
 5. That the Bishop be requested to appoint the Rev. J. C. 
 Stewart to act as agent for said college, collecting funds for its 
 endowment, etc. 
 
 6. That Bishop Pierce be requested to give his influence and 
 efforts to secure a faculty. 
 
 This is the work we propose to do. Let us show that we are 
 willing. 
 
 Accordingly, J.C.Stewart was appointed Agent, and 
 entered at once upon the duties of his office. As in 
 every thing else, he was conscientious in his labors. 
 When he went to a place, or called upon any man, he 
 spent no more time than was absolutely necessary. 
 Nothing could tempt him to loiter. He took the col- 
 lege fully into his heart, and pressed its claims with un- 
 wearied zeal upon every one whom he thought inter- 
 ested, or who could be interested in the enterprise. 
 From week to week he wrote an account of his travels 
 for the Pacific Metlwdist, detailing such incidents as 
 he thought would be of interest to the Church. A re- 
 fusal to respond to his first appeal did not discourage 
 or dishearten him. He would often importune persons 
 with a persistence worthy of the noble object for which 
 he pleaded. Upon a certain occasion he had appealed to 
 a good sister for a subscription. She refused, but he 
 continued to importune. Argument after argument 
 was presented, objection after objection was answered, 
 until at last the lady said, " I will give you a hundred 
 dollars for the college if vou will let me select a text for 
 your funeral sermon.' 1 He agreed, and when the note 
 11 
 
1 63 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 was signed, and he asked to know the text, she said, 
 "And the beggar died also." But few men ever held 
 their work up to God more constantly and earnest- 
 ly than he. This was one secret of his success. He 
 was constantly breathing a prayer to God for success 
 upon his efforts. Wherever he went in his agency he 
 preached on the Sabbath. His brethren were always 
 glad of his coming, knowing that he was ever willing 
 and able to preach. His presence was ever a benedic- 
 tion. In the families he talked religion, and wherever 
 he went he left the impression among the people that 
 a man of God had been with them. After one year's 
 labor in the agency he presented the following report: 
 " Eighteen thousand and fourteen dollars and fifty cents 
 have been secured for the endowment of Pacific Meth- 
 odist College, and fifteen thousand eight hundred and 
 three dollars for the building of the college. About 
 two hundred volumes have been secured for the col- 
 lege library, and a plan for the college building has 
 been presented by the Rev. J. C. Simmons and Dr. L. 
 H. Bascom, worth about $50; so that the assets of the 
 college now exceed $34,000." 
 
 The Committee on Education, in their report, say: 
 " From this report it will be seen that, with the blessing 
 of God, the labors of the Agent have been rewarded 
 with gratifying success. The heart of the Church has 
 responded to the movement, while a host of patriotic, 
 conscientious, and liberal men and women, not within 
 our Communion, have given their sympathy, their in- 
 fluence, and their means to the enterprise. For the suc- 
 cess realized under God we are greatly indebted to the 
 enterprise and untiring exertions of the Agent, whose ap- 
 pointment to the work we can but consider providential.'" 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 163 
 
 A request was made, and he was re-appointed Agent. 
 Provision was made for opening the school, with Chas. 
 S. Smyth as principal; and a committee was appointed 
 to prepare a course of study and to enter upon a corre- 
 spondence for president and faculty, so soon as build- 
 ings could be prepared. 
 
 According to the proposition made by the trustees, 
 the college was to be located at the place giving the 
 largest amount toward the building. Cacheville, in 
 Yolo County, made the largest bid, and the location 
 was accepted. Preparations were at once begun for 
 the erection of suitable buildings. An immense kiln 
 of brick was burned, when it was discovered that the 
 clay of which the brick were made was unsuitable, and 
 the labor was lost. Pending this difficulv, complaints 
 began to come in of the unsuitableness of the location. 
 It was claimed that Cacheville, being a very small vil- 
 lage, was altogether out of the way. There were no 
 facilities for reaching it, and then it was thought to be 
 unhealthy. It was high up in the Sacramento Valley, 
 where the summers were extremely hot, and in the win- 
 ter the mud and water would seriously interfere with 
 the school. Accordingly, a meeting of the Board of 
 Trustees was called in the city of Sacramento, and the 
 whole matter thoroughly canvassed. It was argued 
 with great force that, even if the location were not 
 unhealthv, which the residents claimed, yet if the im- 
 pression went abroad that it was, the effect would be 
 the same on the interests of the school. Just then a 
 proposition came up from Vacaville, a small town in 
 the edge of the foot-hills in Solano County, to let us 
 have certain buildings at that place at a low figure — 
 buildings that had been erected for school purposes. 
 
164 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 This place was healthful. It was not far from the pro- 
 posed line of the California Pacific Railroad that was 
 to be built in a few years. Having buildings already 
 furnished, we could commence operations without dela\\ 
 So it was decided to abandon the first location, losing- 
 all our interests there, and accept the proposition com- 
 ing from Vacaville. Subsequent events showed this 
 last movement — the location at Vacaville — to be a great 
 mistake. We had to import every thing to this place. 
 There were at the time scarcely inhabitants enough 
 there to dignify it with the title of town, and while 
 near a proposed railroad, it was off the main line of 
 travel; and there was nothing specially attractive about 
 the location. The grand moving cause was that there 
 were buildings already to our hand, and we could com- 
 mence operations at once. After another year's work 
 the Agent, J. C. Stewart, presented the following re- 
 port: 
 
 Prime cost of the buildings, $9,300; painting, fencing, etc., 
 $450.10. Total, $9,754.10. The endowment fund now amounts 
 to $20,526.92, secured as follows: Cash in hands of the Treasurer, 
 P. H. Russell, $210; cash in hands of O. P. Fitzgerald, $100; 
 cash in hands of Agent, $100; cash loaned, $247.92; personal 
 notes bringing interest at 15 per cent, per annum, $19,969. There 
 has been collected of the interest of the endowment fund during 
 the year, $1,494.25. This has been expended as follows: For 
 printing catalogue, $84; salaries of teachers, $243; expressage, 
 $10. Balance in hands of Treasurer, $1,077.75. Balance in hands 
 of Agent, $79.50. The trustees have borrowed $1,000 of this in- 
 terest for the purchase of an apparatus, and have directed Dr. 
 W. T. Luckey (who had been elected president of the college) 
 to bring it with him. 
 
 The teachers were Profs. C. S. Smyth and S. B. 
 Morse; the school had increased from fifteen at the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 165 
 
 opening to forty, more than half of them young men. 
 None of these students were yet in college classes proper, 
 and some of them were in primary studies. The next 
 year J. C. Stewart took his place in the regular ranks 
 as a pastor, and was sent to Napa Circuit; the two years 
 following, to Los Angeles. 
 
 This was during the Civil War. From the beginning 
 of the trouble his whole great soul was stirred. He 
 was in deepest sympathy with the South in her hard 
 struggle, and he ardently desired to go back to his old 
 home and do what he could to help her. He talked 
 and prayed about it a great deal, and at length made up 
 his mind to make the attempt to reach his home by 
 going through Mexico. Accordingly, he set out on his 
 perilous journey. He reached Mazatlan in safety. 
 There he formed the acquaintance of a man calling 
 himself Green, who professed to have the same desire 
 to reach and assist the South. He ingratiated himself 
 into the favor of Brother Stewart, and they set out on 
 horseback across the Republic of Mexico. In a few 
 days the man Green returned on Stewart's horse, claim- 
 ing that Stewart had met a party of friends who were 
 going across the country in a coach, and that he had 
 turned his horse over to him. He also had Stewart's 
 saddle-bags, and on examining the contents, his Bible 
 and Hymn-book were found in them. Foul play was 
 suspected. A party took Green and went out in search 
 of Stewart. Somewhere in the State of Chihuahua 
 they came upon their last camping-place, and there they 
 found the dead body of J. C. Stewart. The evening 
 before his death they had set around their camp-fire. 
 Stewart, as his custom was, had read his Bible, written 
 in his Diary, and perhaps had offered a prayer for the 
 
i66 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 wretch who was planning to murder him, and lay down 
 upon his blankets and went to sleep. Sometime during 
 the night Green arose, took Stewart's own gun and blew 
 his brains out. Thus ended the life of one of the most 
 devoted, conscientious members of the Pacific Confer- 
 ence. 
 
 B. R. Johnson was born in the State of Missouri, 
 Sept. 17, 1807. He transferred to us from the St. Louis 
 Conference. He was then in the prime of his life, 
 though he had labored for a number of years in his own 
 Conference. He was a man of strong mind. His ser- 
 mons were logical and always well arranged. He was 
 somewhat eccentric in his manner. Young people, as 
 a general thing, were afraid of him. But his harshness 
 was only in the seeming. When once you got within 
 the sacred circle of his confidence, you found him a man 
 of great heart and sterling worth. He was ever true to 
 his friends. As an illustration of the man and his man- 
 ner, when he was Presiding Elder of the Petaluma Dis- 
 trict, in 1 86 1, he worked quietly among the friends of 
 Dr. O. P. Fitzgerald, the editor of the Pacific Method- 
 ist; and at the Conference, when his name was called, 
 and the Doctor withdrew, as usual, and his character 
 passed, on his return Brother Johnson rose and met 
 him. Holding in his hand a beautiful and costly cane, 
 he said: "It is charged against you that you will persist 
 in not taking notice of those who attack you, but that 
 you go straight forward in your chosen course, seeming 
 to say to them, ' I am engaged in a great work, and can- 
 not come down.' It is also charged that you will carry 
 out your views of right, despite all the threats and dem- 
 onstrations of any and all persons. For these and other 
 reasons it is thought by many persons on the Petaluma 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 167 
 
 District that you deserve a good caning, and I am ready 
 to bestow it." Approaching the editor with the cane, 
 and holding it up, he continued: "This cane emblem- 
 izes the Pacific Methodist. First, Tucker (the manu- 
 facturer) always gets up the best articles. The handle 
 is of pure gold, and represents the contents of the paper 
 — pure, sound, and excellent. Second, the head of the 
 cane is beautifully ornamented, and so is the paper in 
 mechanical and artistic execution — or it will be so, at 
 least, when Genella's Big Pitcher is taken out of it (re- 
 ferring to a naming advertisement). Third, the crook 
 of the handle represents the way the editor has of draw- 
 ing friends around him and holding them; while the 
 lower end, straight and somewhat pointed, symbolizes 
 the facility with which he thrusts off those who get in 
 his way. Fourth, the native gold-bearing quartz setting 
 represents his skill in eliciting the original talent of his 
 correspondents, so that he will even admit grammatical 
 inaccuracies to draw out their native genius. Fifth, the 
 wood is called iron-wood, and reminds us that though 
 the editor's frame is not strong, he has a will of iron in 
 standing up for the right. Sixth, the ferrule at the bot- 
 tom is steel, which is very durable, figuring that the 
 principles he advocates rest upon a very strong founda- 
 tion, even the sure word of God. Rise, sir, and receive 
 your caning." 
 
 Brother Johnson was true to his Church and his 
 friends. But his odd ways often made those not well 
 acquainted with him to hold themselves aloof from him. 
 
 Alighting from his buggy at the home of a brother, 
 where he had been directed to spend the night, he be- 
 gan to take out his horse. The gentleman very kindly 
 began to assist him. Turning to him, he said: 
 
168 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 "Do you want to help me?" 
 
 "Yes, sir," said the man. 
 
 "Then let my harness alone." 
 
 The man let him and his harness alone. 
 
 Upon a certain occasion he felt it his duty to defend 
 the Methodist Church against the attacks of a sect that 
 had openly assailed it. He announced that at a certain 
 time he would do so. On the day appointed he ap- 
 peared in the pulpit clad in a calico morning wrapper. 
 After the preliminary service he said: "As I was going 
 into a dirty job this morning, I thought I would not wear 
 my best clothes." And the manner in which he han- 
 dled his opponents and their gratuitous attacks on his 
 Church made every one feel that they were not as good 
 as they might be. 
 
 He worked faithfully for a number of years. At one 
 time he sustained a superannuated relation to the Con- 
 ference. Then he transferred, in the year 1870, to the 
 Columbia Conference, and was sent by that body to the 
 General Conference that met in 1874. 
 
 He located some few years before his death. As he 
 neared the end of his journey his piety took on a mel- 
 lower type. His cup of joy was full to overflowing. 
 When the rocky banks of the Jordan were reached, God 
 shod his beloved, as it were, anew "w r ith the prepara- 
 tion of the gospel of peace." And when he, who with 
 the rigor of John the Baptist had told the people of their 
 duty and their sins, was about to be called into the pres- 
 ence of his King, the King sent and clothed him for his 
 presentation. He died at his little home in Napa City, 
 Nov, 18, 1881. 
 
 Theophilus W. Moore was transferred to us from the 
 North Carolina Conference. He was an earnest, sweet- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 169 
 
 spirited preacher, who did not tarry with us long. At 
 the end of his second year he was transferred and re- 
 turned to his native Conference. 
 
 J. W. Ellis was also received at this session as a trans- 
 fer from the Alabama Conference. His labors among 
 us were brief. The first year he was sent to Mariposa, 
 where God honored and blessed his ministry in a gra- 
 cious revival and the salvation of souls. The next year 
 he was sent to Los Angeles; but soon after entering 
 upon his work there he fell sick, and after a very brief 
 illness of four days fell asleep in Jesus, assuring those 
 around him that he had no fear of death. It is said that 
 he was converted at a camp-meeting at night, in his 
 fourteenth year. The day following his conversion he 
 was in a tent praying for a clearer evidence of his ac- 
 ceptance with God and for a fuller salvation. " He was 
 most powerfully blessed, and was most extraordinarily 
 impressed with the goodness of God in the remedial 
 plan, and felt that God had called him to publish this 
 salvation to a ruined world; but being young and inex- 
 perienced — only fourteen years of age — he pleaded his 
 youth and inability, and did not enter upon the active 
 duties of the ministry until his twenty-second year. 
 As a man, Brother Ellis was a high-minded Christian 
 gentleman. As a preacher, he was clear, scriptural, and 
 strong, impressing his audiences with the necessity of a 
 present salvation. When some of his friends in Ala- 
 bama attempted to dissuade him from his contemplated 
 transfer to the Pacific, and told him that he would die 
 here, he calmly replied, ' I can shout my way to heaven 
 as easily from the Pacific as from the Atlantic' ' : 
 
 At this session we admitted on trial seven, viz.: J. G. 
 Shelton, J. Bonsall, M. Maupin, R. A. Latimer. J. T. 
 
170 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Cox, S. Cushing, and R. C. Martin. Two were re- 
 admitted — L. C. Adams and J. H. Bristow. The last 
 named was immediately transferred to the Louisville 
 Conference. God was setting his seal to our ministry 
 on this coast by calling to our help these young men, 
 and putting them into the ministry. 
 
 J. G. Shelton came in an early day from Missouri to 
 the mines of California. He had been a member of 
 the Church, and was fleeing from a call to preach. He 
 attended the services of J. C. Simmons, in Grass Valley, 
 in 1852. At a prayer-meeting he was called upon to 
 pray. While praying the Spirit of God came upon 
 him, and the preacher, though he knew nothing of his 
 life or convictions, felt assured that he was one that 
 God had called to the work of the ministry. He sought 
 an interview with him, and told him of his convictions. 
 He frankly acknowledged it, but said he had no educa- 
 tion, and did not feel himself competent. The preacher 
 assured him that God made no mistakes, and that if he 
 felt it his duty to preach, he never would enjoy perfect 
 peace until he yielded to his convictions. When he be- 
 gan to reflect on what he had admitted, he determined to 
 fly the place. He threw up his mining claim, and set out 
 for his home in the East. When he reached San Fran- 
 cisco, R. A. Latimer, who had known him in the mines, 
 met him, and said: " You are the very man I am look- 
 ing for. I have a vegetable ranch near San Juan, and 
 I need a partner, and you must go with me." He went, 
 and began gardening. The blessed revival under J. T. 
 Cox, that embraced this neighborhood, again brought 
 him under strong convictions of duty- In the fall of 
 the year 1854, J. C. Simmons accidentally met him in 
 Stockton, as he was selling a load of vegetables he had 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 171 
 
 brought up from the ranch. He had heard of the glo- 
 rious revival, and began inquiring of Shelton concern- 
 ing his call to the ministry. Simmons wrote to J. T. 
 Cox, posting him in regard to the young man's convic- 
 tions, and requested him to urge him to duty. And the 
 result was his application for admission into the Con- 
 ference at this session. He was admitted, and has 
 proved one of our most faithful, trusted preachers ever 
 since — never a year without work — ready to take any 
 appointment the Conference may give him. 
 
 As a builder, he is a regular Nehemiah. When sent 
 to the Dry town Circuit, in Amador County, in 1858, he 
 built a brick church at Drytown, and paid oft' a heavy 
 debt on the church at Volcano, in the same circuit. In 
 i860 he built a parsonage at Colusa, and the same year 
 built a church in Sutter County, twenty miles below 
 Colusa, called Salem Church. He secured by purchase 
 two acres of land and a house for a parsonage at Hope- 
 ton in 1863. Here he endured hardness as a good 
 soldier of Jesus Christ, at one time being entirely out 
 of provisions, and having no money with which to buy 
 more. Like the widow of Sarepta, his wife cooked the 
 last handful of meal, not "knowing where the next was 
 to come from. But the Lord, whose resources are 
 boundless, supplied their wants at the proper time. 
 This was the hardest year of his ministry. But the 
 dark cloud had a silver lining, and the year closed with 
 a glorious and successful camp-meeting, at which 
 Brother John Ruddle was happily converted, wJicse 
 faithfulness and devotion to our Church has placed him 
 in the front rank. Others who have proved useful 
 members to the present day were brought to Christ 
 during this meeting. In 186S he was again in Colusa, 
 
172 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 and built a brick church that did us good service in that 
 town. In 1870 he built a parsonage in Princeton, and 
 raised a subscription for a church, but before the plans 
 were consummated the work was abandoned on ac- 
 count of the drought He helped to pay a heavy debt 
 On the Millville Circuit in 1872. When sent to Modes- 
 to he secured a most eligible lot in that town, and built 
 a church, furnishing it throughout, and supplying it 
 w r ith a bell, organ, etc. The same year he moved the 
 parsonage from Burneyville eleven miles, refitted it, in- 
 closed the parsonage lot, set out shrubbery, and left ev- 
 ery thing in good condition. In 1875 he repaired the 
 parsonage at Linden, and bought an organ for the 
 church. He repaired the church in Healdsburg in 1879, 
 paying off an old debt. He did the same for church 
 and parsonage at Knight's Landing. He paid some old 
 debts and finished the church at Maxwell. Who can 
 estimate the value of such a man ? He has held 
 twenty-three camp-meetings, received over 700 mem- 
 bers into the Church, six of whom have entered the 
 ministry. He is a safe man. He never contracts any 
 debts for the Church, pays off all that come in his way, 
 and after thirty-one years of hard labor is still with his 
 hands uplifted, pressing on in the whitening field. 
 While no man ever works- more faithfully than he, yet 
 he is prone to look at the dark side of the picture. His 
 fears trouble him more than they should. A good 
 Brother Hardwick, upon a certain occasion, to illustrate 
 this «trait in his character, in his presence said, " When 
 Brother Shelton gets to heaven, he will look all up and 
 down the place; he'll see the river of life, the trees that 
 grow upon the banks of the river; he'll eat of the fruit, 
 he'll listen to the songs of the redeemed, and will say, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 173 
 
 * Well, now, look here! isn't this mighty nice? I tell 
 you it is grand; but what will we do if all this gives 
 out? ' " But the successes and experiences of long years 
 of faithful service have had a wonderful effect in clear- 
 in 2f his wav, and he now bends to the work with a 
 shout and a song that are refreshing and inspiring. 
 
 J. Bonsall labored but a single year, when he was dis- 
 continued at his own request. 
 
 Milton Maupin was a. most excellent young man, 
 and gave promise of great usefulness, but at the end of 
 his second year he "was discontinued and returned to 
 his native State, Tennessee. 
 
 R. A. Latimer was an earnest, faithful man, a good 
 and systematic preacher. His sermons were always 
 short, but well arranged and interesting. He labored 
 in the bounds of the Pacific Conference for more than 
 a score of years, when he removed to the Los Angeles 
 Conference, where with ripening years he is waiting 
 the call of his beloved Master to the rest of the faithful. 
 
 Simeon dishing during his first year was called back 
 to his old home on account of the affliction of some of 
 his family in the East, and.as he never reported to the 
 Conference, he was discontinued at the ensuing session. 
 
 J. T. Cox in many respects was one of the most re- 
 markable men ever connected with our Conference. 
 The early part of his life was spent in the service of sin; 
 but when he turned to God and was converted, he 
 served God as faithfully as he had served Satan. He 
 made his first appearance as a preacher near Gilroy. 
 He was a very corpulent man, weighing between 250 
 and 300 pounds. He was full of life and fun, and was 
 in every sense a most companionable man. His one 
 consuming- desire was for the salvation of sinners. As 
 
174 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 W. R. Bane, who was led to Christ through his instru- 
 mentality, says, " He was a remarkable man. The sin- 
 ner's trail was never too cold for him; nor was there 
 any place for him to hide away from his ever-vigilant, 
 detective eye." Sometime during the year 1853 he be- 
 gan holding meetings in the vicinity of Gilroy and Wat- 
 sonville. On June 4, of that year, the first Quarterly 
 Conference was organized in Pleasant Valley, as it was 
 then called — now Gilroy — W. R. Gober, Presiding Eld- 
 er, and J. T. Cox, preacher in charge. It was called 
 the San Juan and Santa Cruz Circuit. This Quarterly 
 Conference was held in a little shanty occupied by five 
 young men, four of whom were of the Campbellite per- 
 suasion. This was the first regular organization of any 
 Church in this part of the valley. W. R. Bane says of 
 it: "When the meeting was dismissed, there being no 
 hotel or convenient stopping-place for the preachers, 
 my wife being present, readily took in the situation, and 
 without fear introduced herself to the preachers, and 
 took them home with her to dinner, and from that for- 
 ward preachers invariably had a hearty welcome to 
 her humble fare. I at the time was crossing the plains 
 with cattle. ' Father ' Cox, the circuit preacher, as he 
 was then called, made frequent visits to my family in 
 my long absence, but never without offering prayer in 
 behalf of the absent one. About four months after the 
 holding of this Conference I reached home, and soon 
 thereafter made the acquaintance of ' Father ' Cox, and 
 expressed myself as so pleased with him that one of 
 the stewards of the Church mustered up courage suffi- 
 cient to lay the old gentleman's exceedingly pressing 
 wants before me with a very tremulous voice — when 
 I, for the first time, endeavored to meet them in my 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 175 
 
 awkward manner with bacon and flour; and from that 
 glad day forward my hand has not been slack in that 
 direction." 
 
 In October of this year Father Cox held a camp- 
 meeting at Souquel, at which there were a number 
 of conversions, and fourteen persons added to our 
 Church. November 6 one was held near Watsonville, 
 which resulted in the accession of thirty-nine members, 
 and on the 26th of the same month still another was 
 held at the same place. This was said to have been one 
 of the most remarkable meetings ever held in that val- 
 ley. Father Cox preached as one inspired. He went 
 from tent to tent, and wherever he could find sinners 
 he was talking to them of their salvation. Before the 
 meeting he had gone all through the surrounding coun- 
 try, urging saints and sinners to go to the meeting. 
 Among others he prevailed on W. R. Bane, who was 
 then out of Christ, and did not know the first rudiments 
 of religion, to attend, which was his first step in that 
 direction. In writing of the meeting, Brother Bane 
 says: " I never shall forget the hearty welcome I re- 
 ceived at the hands of Mother Davis, as she was called, 
 on that occasion. There was no waiting for a formal 
 introduction. She came to me, a stranger, and said: 
 'This is Mr. Bane, I believe?' 'That is my name.' 'I 
 am Mrs. Davis (pointing her finger toward her tent); 
 that is our tent and your home.' It was during this 
 camp-meeting that Mother Brown (the mother of 
 the Rev. Samuel Brown and mother-in-law of W. 
 R. Bane) got so unspeakably happy that she faint- 
 ed away in the altar at the evening service, as some 
 supposed, when Dr. Bryant was hurriedly called in, 
 and at which announcement I ventured niofh, and 
 
176 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 heard the Doctor say, ' Don't be alarmed; she is all 
 right' Soon after she came to herself, when I heard 
 her say in a low whisper, 'O I am so happy!' At 
 which exclamation every doubt I had previously enter- 
 tained in regard to the reality of experimental religion 
 in a moment fled. But, strange to say, while I was a 
 hardened sinner, and there were scores of bright and 
 happy conversions all around me upon that occasion, I 
 still had power to resist, yea, stubbornly resist offered 
 mercy, and left the camp -ground a miserable wretch." 
 
 The results of this meeting are not now known, no 
 record of it being found. To these camp-meeetings as 
 much as any other human agency, perhaps, we are in- 
 debted for the establishment of our Church in this part 
 of the State. 
 
 J. T. Cox was returned to this work the second year, 
 and his labors were crowned with even greater success 
 than those of* the year before. He assisted in what was 
 known as the first Toll-gate Camp-meeting, near the city 
 of San Jose. This was a remarkable meeting, and did 
 much to strengthen the station at San Jose and the 
 Santa Clara Circuit. Some of the members from Wat- 
 sonville and Gilroy, having attended the meeting, re- 
 turned with their hearts fixed on holding a camp-meet- 
 ing near Gilroy. W. R. Bane says: " I shall never for- 
 get the surprise party at my house as these camp-meet- 
 ingers returned home with Father Cox commander-in- 
 chief. They — i. e., the San Juan, Watsonville, and Gil- 
 roy folks — concluded to hold religious services at my 
 house at night, and, if at all possible, to arrange for a 
 camp-meeting at Gilroy, or Pleasant Valley, as it was 
 then called. So at ' early candle-light,' the time ap- 
 pointed, they came flocking in without leave or license, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 177 
 
 and that, too, while the threshing-machine men were 
 yet at the supper-table. But ' many willing hands made 
 light work,' and the table was soon cleared, when a 
 short, pointed, and fiery camp-meeting sermon was de- 
 livered by him who seemed to be the father of us all 
 (Father Cox), and the camp-meeting was discussed 
 freely. All were fully ripe for the meeting, but there 
 was only one tenter to be found, namely, Dr. Bryant, 
 who was always ready to stand in with Church enter- 
 prises upon all occasions. Too much cannot be said to 
 his praise in the organization of Southern Methodism 
 in California. But the matter of a camp-meeting at 
 this point seemed to drag, and for fear it would be a 
 failure, I mustered up courage sufficient to ask if they 
 would allow an outsider to take stock in the way of 
 supporting the meeting. Of course they were glad to 
 get such help. The time and place was then and there 
 fixed for the meeting. At the appointed time we were 
 all upon the ground, ' of one accord,' when the pente- 
 costal shower came down. Old men and old women, 
 young men and young women, and children, were soon 
 heard crying aloud for mercy. Nor did they cry in 
 vain. I was near by when R. C. Martin started for 
 the mourners' bench, and I saw him fall full length in 
 the alta:* before getting to the bench. Soon he rose, 
 shouting aloud the praise of God, when he delivered 
 an unbidden exhortation, which produced a wonderful 
 effect upon all those who heard him, and had known 
 his manner of life from his youth up. Last, but not 
 least, I, too, upon that occasion was brought to a sav- 
 ing knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. A love- 
 feast, near the close of the meeting, lasted from 9 a.m. 
 till 3 p.m., and closed unfinished. It was during this 
 12 
 
178 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 meeting that I purchased and read the first Bible that 
 I ever owned." 
 
 Those who composed the first Quarterly Conference 
 of this circuit were, beside the preacher in charge: Dr. 
 B. Bryant, R. B. Harris, Dr. E. G. Cannon, George 
 Williams, and Thomas Davis. 
 
 Some of these brethen still linger. Among them is 
 R. B. Harris. He has ever been a faithful member of 
 our Church. 
 
 George Williams is still in Watsonville. He was a 
 superior man, upright in all his dealings, and one that 
 would come as near answering to the picture drawn by 
 the psalmist in the fifteenth Psalm as most men. He 
 is now near the end of his journey, quietly waiting the 
 will of the Master. 
 
 Thomas Davis died several yeais ago, full of faith 
 and of years. He entered the Jordan leaning on the 
 arm of Him whose voice has power to divide the 
 waves. He was followed by his saintly wife some two 
 years later. They were both perfectly devoted to God 
 and his Church. Having embraced religion in early 
 life in the State of Virginia, they never lost their bear- 
 ings nor changed their purpose. In sunshine and in 
 storm they kept on their way, and When they ap- 
 proached the eternal shore, immediately in before them 
 lay the long-sought haven. With joy they let go the 
 anchor, landed amid the shout of friends, and entered 
 the City of God. Eternity alone will reveal the value 
 of their service to our Church on this coast. 
 
 Of Dr. E. G. Cannon we will have occasion to speak 
 elsewhere. 
 
 Wherever T. T. Cox labored revivals crowned his 
 efforts, and the Church was strengthened and built up. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 *79 
 
 He preached with wonderful power and pathos. As 
 an exhorter he was almost without a rival. When fullv 
 aroused, at times his exhortations were awful. Amid 
 some of his perorations you could almost hear the thun- 
 ders of Sinai and feel the crack of doom. The heart 
 that could resist them was made of adamant. 
 
 It is said upon one occasion, when Bishop Pierce was 
 on this coast, that he was to preach at a certain place. 
 He did so, when Father 'Cox followed with one of his 
 wonderful exhortations. A man who was a stranger 
 to both said, soon after the service closed: 4k That little 
 man (the Bishop) that preached didn't do much; but I 
 tell you when that big old fat Bishop got up, did n't he 
 lay it off!" When the anecdote was related to them, 
 both the Bishop and the exhorter enjoyed the joke. 
 
 He was a man of great faith, while he planned his 
 meetings with consummate skill. Pie had a keen per- 
 ception of human nature, and seemed to be above the 
 sense of fear. Upon one occasion, while in the midst 
 of a glorious camp-meeting, he was told that a ring- 
 leader of wickedness intended to come to the mourners' 
 bench that night for sport. The old man kept his own 
 counsel. Sure enough, at the call, this man marched 
 up among the penitents and kneeled at the altar. When 
 Father Cox came down to pray, he kneeled by the side 
 of his man in such a position as to let his right hand 
 rest upon his back. As he waxed warmer in prayer 
 his voice swelled louder and louder. Soon he began 
 to pound on the fellow's back. Heavier and heavier 
 fell the blows until his back began to sway under the 
 licks. Higher rose the old man's voice and heavier fell 
 the blows. At last the fellow began to crawl on his 
 hands and knees. Father Cox watched as well as 
 
i8o History of Southern Methodism 
 
 prayed. He too began to walk on his knees, keep- 
 ing well up with him, still pounding away, until, this 
 mode of retreat failing, the fellow sprang to his feet 
 and ran past his tittering companions, who had come 
 to see him " sell " the old man. 
 
 A few weeks after this, as Father Cox was riding 
 along the road in his spring wagon, he met the man, 
 who stopped him, and said: "Mr. Cox, I haven't got 
 any money to give you; but if you will go home with 
 me, I will give you a wagon-load of nice vegetables." 
 The old man went, prayed with him, talked to him, and 
 advised him to give his heart to Christ. During the 
 year the man was happily converted to God. 
 
 While on the Gilroy Circuit, in the winter of 1853-54, 
 he had occasion to visit San Francisco and return. The 
 travel then was by steamer to Alviso, and thence by 
 stage to San Jose and points south. A portion of the 
 road between Alviso and San Jose was through what 
 is known as "adobe," a black, sticky soil, that in the 
 rainy season becomes almost impassable. The passen- 
 gers had frequently to walk, and sometimes to assist in 
 prizing the stage out of the mud. Upon this occasion 
 l) Father Cox was trudging along with other passengers, 
 when they reached a terrible mud-hole that spanned 
 the entire road. On one side was a plank fence. To 
 keep out of the worst of it, he essayed to walk the rails 
 of this fence. But three hundred pounds was more 
 than that fence was built to bear, and with a crash the 
 rail broke and let the old man down in the mud. He 
 waded out with a smile. Just then the owner of the 
 fence, who had witnessed the accident, came into the 
 road in a rage. He commenced swearing at the old 
 gentleman furiously for breaking his fence. Father 
 
On the Pacific Coast. iSi 
 
 Cox apologized. But the fellow continued his abuse. 
 For a time he bore it meekly; but as the impudent fel- 
 low, doubtless encouraged by the quiet manner in 
 which he received his curses, continued his abuse, the 
 old man's face flushed, his eye blazed and flashed, and 
 stepping quickly in front of his assailant, he seized him 
 by his chin-whiskers and shook him as he would a 
 school-boy. One shake was enough. The fellow 
 waked to the consciousness of the fact that he had 
 cursed the wrong passenger. As soon as he could get 
 the time and opportunity to speak, he said: "I beg par- 
 don. I did not notice your gray hairs. I see you are 
 an old man." He held on to him long enough for him 
 to realize how helpless he was. The preacher then 
 slowly replied: "Your apology is accepted, although it 
 is evidently caused by the might of my arm, and not by 
 my gray hairs." 
 
 A few days after this, at a quarterly love-feast, he 
 confessed, with tears of penitence, that he had done 
 wrong in letting the "Old Adam" get the advantage 
 of him. 
 
 We copy an article from the Pacific Methodist, taken 
 from the Nashville Christian Advocate, that will give 
 an idea of Father Cox's methods and pow T er: 
 
 FATHER COX. 
 
 It was perhaps about the year 185S that the Rev. B. R. John- 
 son — "Uncle Ben," as we called him — was holding a camp- 
 meeting in Napa Valley, Cal., near the village of St. Helena. He 
 was assisted by the Revs. John Miller and Y. A. Anderson, Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian ministers. On the grounds were camped 
 Methodists (North and South), Presbyterians, Baptists, and oth- 
 ers not of any Church. They had come together to worship 
 God for a space of fifteen daj r s. 
 
 Miller and Anderson, as thev were home -folks, told Uncle 
 
1S2 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Ben to call another preacher. Uncle Ben, with a merry twinkle 
 in his eye, said he would send for Father Cox, of Sonoma, adding, 
 " He is no little man — can preach and pray, weep and shout, and 
 sing all day. He will leave us preachers hardly a thing to do." 
 This pleased the brethren, and two days afterward Father Cox 
 drove into the camp-ground — a stranger. He wore a broad hat, 
 a huge linen duster, and rode in a buggy as wide as a road-wagon. 
 He was covered with dust; but his long, white hair, rosy face, and 
 massive body attracted general attention as he was conducted to 
 Brother Vann's tent for refreshment. Here the ministers met 
 him and placed the harness of a leader upon him. 
 
 Father Cox was an itinerant, approachable and communica- 
 tive. Before an hour passed he took his staff and began the cir- 
 cuit of the camp-ground. As he came to our tent we were un- 
 able to restrain a curious stare. He saw this, and brought his 
 social wit to bear on us: "Haven't been drunk for a long time, 
 brother; glad to see you on this holy ground; you campers are 
 here in the right; how greatly God will bless this meeting!" He 
 passed on, saluting and talking with young and old, searching 
 their spiritual state and presenting the riches of the gospel in a 
 warm, social way that won all hearts. 
 
 That night when Father Cox stood up to preach he was not a 
 stranger. Perhaps he shot some arrows at a venture, but it was 
 more evident that he drew at a mark. The camp-ground was 
 shaded by young oaks and wild grape-vines. A spring of cold 
 water rose in a bunch of willows and rippled along the edge of 
 the grove. Bright lamps hung on the trees, and all the place 
 glowed in light, relieved by the green pavilion overhead. The 
 weather was just such as California alone can give — neither too 
 hot nor too cool. A multitude was before him. The old fathers 
 and mothers of the Church were there in full force. He sang a 
 few verses alone; his voice, flute-like and mellow as that of a 
 dove, filled the grove, every word distinctly uttered. As he 
 prayed the great congregation became more and more responsive, 
 and men's hearts moved toward heaven in a great volume. His 
 theme was the glory of the cross. He carried our Saviour from 
 his low estate to the realms of eternal glory. Now he utters the 
 apocalyptic shout, " Halleluiah! Salvation, and glory, and honor, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 183 
 
 and power, unto the Lord our God! " A like response rolls back 
 through the audience and returns to the pulpit again in loud 
 aniens. He unveils the heavenly courts — the gates ajar — he looks 
 in — all look — then hear him, as one almost absent from the flesh : 
 " Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was and is to 
 come!" The fathers took up this sublime refrain, and for sev- 
 eral moments there was scriptural shouting at least. Souls were 
 converted that night and a good meeting established. 
 
 Father Cox wanted the services of the next day to begin with 
 an experience-meeting — a speaking time — well, a sort of class- 
 meeting. But as the congregation was a mixed one, he took 
 counsel of Uncle Ben, who said, "Go on; do that very thing; 
 plenty of Cumberlands here, hard to beat in that line; the Bap- 
 tists will talk, and our Northern brethren will come in like a 
 flood; shove the chunks together, and if you can't stop I will put 
 my hand on the brakes." Miller and Anderson gave hearty as- 
 sent, and Uncle Ben called the ministers into his "marquee" and 
 regaled them with grapes and Bartlett pears while they laid the 
 plans of the great meeting. 
 
 Uncle Ben — God bless the dear old father! — was a regular 
 Naboth for vineyards and fruit-trees; besides, he could preach, 
 the editor [Dr. Fitzgerald] knows how well. 
 
 Earlier than usual next morning some hovering angel gathered 
 up and rolled away the fleecy fog-cloud that spanned the valley 
 from mountain to mountain, and the sun's rays came streaming- 
 down the stairways of blue ether without stint and full of glory: 
 By 8 o'clock a large assemblage was at the stand. Father Cox 
 opened and led meeting. What an experience! Past fifty years 
 of age when won to Christ by his pious wife, in him religion had 
 done a great work. Uncle Ben gave an account of the great 
 peace he had toward God, reminding one of the holy calm that 
 filled the soul of Bishop Marvin when he saw the sunlight flash 
 over the hazel bushes and sumach shrubs verging the meadow 
 where he was converted. Anderson and Miller, holy men gone 
 to eternal rest, gave ample testimony. Father Vann, old and 
 blind, thrilled all with the glorious things he saw. Uncle Char- 
 ley Hopper, an old hunter whose paths Fremont followed, swept 
 the holy land in happy vision. Father Cox, with singular versa- : 
 
184 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 tility and fitness, responded, sealing words to every speaker, 
 swelling the interest all along. 
 
 The people were coming in from all parts of the valley, speak- 
 ers and hearers. Father Cox walks down the aisle — he stands in 
 the midst of a thousand people. Mother Davenport, celebrated 
 for her zeal and gifts, was speaking at the far end. John Miller 
 wanted to preach, and Uncle Ben looked grave and puzzled. 
 Putting on the "brakes" was impossible. Just now a new phase 
 springs up; sinners arise and say, "Pray for us." Father Cox 
 calls Miller from the pulpit to his side. For a few moments the 
 grand old man broke forth in one of the most searching appeals 
 — we cannot write it — angels did. He wept like Jeremiah and 
 pleaded like Paul. More than twenty years have passed since 
 that memorable day; still I see him, and hear that mellow voice; 
 its undying pathos and sweetness swells the music of long eter- 
 nity. Miller prays and the people sing; the whole arbor is an 
 altar. Conversions and bright faces are now the order cf the 
 day. 
 
 Noonday comes, and the cooks have spread their ample tables. 
 None leave the bread of life for the meat that perisheth. Many 
 remarkable conversions occur. A little daughter of Anderson, 
 far down the aisle, is converted. No one had spoken to the timid 
 child. Clapping her hands and praising God, she starts for her 
 father at the pulpit. Father and child meet by the side of Father 
 Cox, who, spreading wide his hands, shouts, "Out of the mouths 
 of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise!" Mother and 
 grandparents appear on the scene. Uncle Ben leans over the 
 pulpit-board, his cheeks wet with tears. 
 
 The great work takes up the evening until near 4 o'clock. The 
 deep shadows of the coast-range come stealing across the valley. 
 The day and the meeting must close. Uncle Ben calls the people 
 in a loud voice and dismisses them to their tents. Father Cox 
 had been instant in season for nearly eight hours — a prodigy of 
 zeal and eloquence. Coming in at the eleventh hour and dying 
 before very old, he did the work of a whole life. Deficient, ac- 
 cording to the strict letter of technical education, still he was 
 learned in theology, men, and things. He had a marvelous com- 
 mand of the English language, and never failed to express him- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 185 
 
 self in a manner simple, forcible, and felicitous. He swept over 
 California like a heavy rain over a thirsty land, and in his wake 
 flourished the children of a happy immortality. — Pacific, in Nash- 
 ville Advocate. 
 
 His last appointment was to the city of Stockton. 
 He labored, talked, and prayed with his people as long 
 as he was able. He desired to preach after his physi- 
 cian told him that he must desist. He asked to be car- 
 ried to the church in his chair. He suffered greatly 
 in his last days, and between the paroxysms of pain he 
 would sing the songs of Zion, and would cry out, "Re- 
 ligion is good!" When the last moment came, gather- 
 ing all his wasting strength and looking up, he cried, 
 "Eternal life!" and California's greatest ecclesiastical 
 captain sheathed his sword and grasped the victor's 
 palm. He died at Bodega, in Sonoma County, and 
 his remains lie beneath the shadows of the yellow ma- 
 drona, awaiting the call of Him who knows the resting- 
 place of all His beloved. 
 
 Robert C. Martin was also admitted on trial at this 
 Conference. He had been an exceedingly wild, dissi- 
 pated boy. Caught, just as he was budding into man- 
 hood, by the wild wave of excitement that bore the troop- 
 ing thousands to our shore, he gave way to the evil 
 influences brought to bear upon him, and his friends felt 
 that it was only a question of time when he would be 
 an utter wreck. But at a camp-meeting at Gilroy he 
 was happily converted. The night before he had been 
 at the gambling-table. As soon as converted he began 
 exhorting his young companions to turn from their evil 
 way and give their hearts to God. He was soon li- 
 censed to preach, and for many years he was a veiy 
 consistent, useful man. Revivals blessed his labors, 
 
iS6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 while he was untiring in his devotion to the cause of 
 his Master. He went among the first of our preachers 
 to Oregon. The second year he was appointed Presid- 
 ing Elder of the Jacksonville District. But from some 
 cause he was forced to locate, and in laboring to sup- 
 port his family he took a contract to drive a stage. His 
 old habit came back on him, and he is resting under a 
 cloud. 
 
 L. C, Adams was an earnest, faithful preacher, who 
 did us good work for nine years, one year being Pre- 
 siding Elder on Jacksonville District, Oregon. In 1863 
 he was located, at his own request. 
 
 At this Conference, Dr. J. Boring, who had not re- 
 turned after the session of the General Conference, 
 asked for, and was granted, a location. 
 
 Up to this time we had suffered greatly the need of 
 the books necessary to carry on and make permanent 
 our work. Freight and postage was so high, and so 
 much time was consumed in transportation, that we 
 found it difficult as individuals to meet the growing 
 demand. At this Conference plans were formed to 
 secure a depository 'of books from our House; and a 
 supply was at once ordered. This depository was con- 
 ducted in San Francisco, under the auspices of our 
 Conference, for a number of years; but at last we had 
 to give it up. 
 
 The Bascom Institute, so auspiciously commenced in 
 San Jose, began to give us trouble. We owned two 
 whole blocks of very valuable lots, then in the suburbs, 
 but what is now in the very heart of the city. The 
 preachers had their hands full, and the trustees, though 
 worthy men, had not the time to spare from their own 
 affairs to look after it, and- debts accumulated. Im- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 187 
 
 provements and repairs were demanded, and now a 
 debt that we were unable to meet lay like a nightmare 
 upon the breast of our infant academy. Never from 
 this time till the time when the whole property passed 
 from our hands was the institution ever free from debt. 
 There were times when the sky would brighten, and 
 preachers and people would give freely of their money, 
 and then disaster would follow, until at last the original 
 donors of the land made an effort to recover the prop- 
 ertv. And although we had a clear title to it, vet 
 through mismanagement the whole reverted to the orig- 
 inal owner, and we lost property that to-day would be 
 worth thirty or forty thousand dollars. 
 
 Our membership now numbered eight hundred and 
 thirty-nine, local preachers fourteen, church buildings 
 sixteen, and parsonages seven. The committee ap- 
 pointed on the state of the work summed up their report 
 in the following language. "We are prospering as a 
 Church; God is with us; our motto is victory" This 
 year we stationed more than thirty preachers. And we 
 went forth with more faith and hope than we had ever 
 done before. Not only were good men coming to us, 
 but the Lord of the harvest was replying to our prayer 
 for laborers by raising up in our midst those converted 
 to God through our instrumentality to preach the gospel 
 with us. 
 
i88 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 jjPJ'HE fifth session of the Conference was held in the 
 city of San Francisco, April 21-26, 1856. At 
 this time we had no house of worship in the city, 
 and the Conference met in a temperance hall, which we 
 had been using as a place for preaching for some time. 
 Bishop Kavanaugh was to have been with us, but was 
 delayed, and did not reach California until after the ad- 
 journment of the Conference. W. R. Gober was elected 
 to preside. We received on trial J. B. Williams, S. D. 
 Bunch, H. C. Settle, J. S. L. Woods, J. G. Johnson, 
 David Beauchamp, and E. G. Cannon. Of these breth- 
 ren, J. B. Williams, S. D. Bunch, and D. Beauchamp 
 were discontinued at their own request after the expira- 
 tion of the first year. D. Beauchamp during the year 
 had a severe spell of sickness at the house of a good 
 Cumberland Presbyterian brother, Brother B. F. How- 
 ell, who nursed him with all the tenderness of a father 
 without charge; and at this Conference R. W. Bigham 
 offered the following resolution: 
 
 Resolved, That the Pacific Conference present Brother B. F. 
 Howell, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with a fine 
 family Bible, as a token of our appreciation of his kindness to our 
 young brother, David Beauchamp, during a severe illness. 
 
 Twenty dollars was immediately contributed in the 
 Conference-room for the purchase of the Bible. 
 
 Henry C. Settle was quite a young man, of slender, 
 delicate build, a pleasing manner and exceedingly brill- 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 1S9 
 
 iant intellect. He was a hard student and a great 
 reader. He advanced at once to the front rank, and soon 
 filled some of our most important stations. He was, 
 however, greatly afflicted, and at times was subject to 
 paroxysms that would for brief periods dethrone reason 
 and utterly prostrate him. Notwithstanding this, he 
 did full work from year to year in the Conference, till 
 1859, when he was placed on the superannuated list, and 
 the following year transferred to the Louisville Confer- 
 ence. Here in his old home he has been fully restored 
 to health, and stands among the most prominent of his 
 Conference. He possessed a most analytical mind, 
 combined with a power of expression that was wonder- 
 ful. At times his flights of oratory were sublime, and 
 at the same time they were not aimless flights, merely 
 intended for display, but there was always some object 
 above for which he soared, and you lost sight of his 
 masterly flight in admiration of the object for which he 
 rose. It was with the deepest regret we of the Pacific 
 Conference gave him up. 
 
 J. S. L. Woods remained with us for a few years, and 
 then engaged in secular business, to the neglect of his 
 work, and he was located. 
 
 J. G. Johnson came to us from the Cumberland Pres- 
 byterian Church, and for a number of years he did good, 
 faithful work among us; but his heart turned back to 
 the Church of his early choice, and after location he 
 reunited with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
 and died in its communion. His end was peaceful, for 
 he was a good man, and the end of such is peace. 
 
 E. G. Cannon deserves something more than a pass- 
 ing notice. As before stated, he assisted in the organ- 
 ization of the Santa Cruz and San Juan Circuit. He 
 
190 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 was an eccentric man in some things, A man more 
 devoted to the Church and the cause of the Redeemer 
 is but seldom found. His zeal for the salvation of 
 souls was consuming. He worked constantly for a 
 revival, and was not satisfied if souls were not saved at 
 almost every service. Frequently he would announce 
 at the opening of a service that the Lord would con- 
 vert so many souls that night, naming the number as 
 confidently as if he had been advised. And should his 
 prediction be realized, or should it fail, was all one to 
 him. It was hard to keep him within bounds. He 
 claimed to act under the direct guidance of the Spirit 
 of God, and he would obey nothing else. If his views 
 came in conflict with the Discipline, or with the orders 
 of a superior officer in the Church, he followed what 
 he claimed to be the direction of God. 
 
 Upon one occasion the question of the renewal of 
 his license came up before the Quarterly Conference 
 of which he was a member". The majority of the 
 brethren were opposed to the renewal. The Rev. 
 Charles Campbell, recognizing his usefulness, pleaded 
 for him, and said he thought if some one would talk to 
 the brother he could be corrected and saved to the min- 
 istry. The Conference appointed him to see and talk 
 with him. He took him out and in a very kind man- 
 ner tried to show him his errors; told him that the 
 brethren were opposed to the renewal of his license — 
 in fact, made the case as strong as he well could. Can- 
 non listened to him very quietly and patiently, and then 
 coolly said, "I must follow the dictations of the Spirit." 
 
 When Brother Campbell returned to the Conference - 
 room, and was asked how he succeeded, he said: 
 "You'd just as well sing psalms to a dead horse." 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 191 
 
 He served out his probation of two years in the Con- 
 ference, and was discontinued at his own request. He 
 was employed some time as a supply, and was the in- 
 strument of bringing many into the Church. He finally 
 left the State for his old home, and has been lost sio-ht of. 
 
 This had been in many respects a prosperous year. 
 Revivals of religion had crowned the labors of many 
 of our preachers, and when the statistics of the Church 
 were called for, it was found that vve had one thousand 
 and sixteen members and probationers on our Church- 
 rolls, a net increase of one hundred and seventy-seven 
 during the year. We now reported twenty-one houses 
 of worship in our possession. Preachers and people- 
 were hopeful all over the Conference. To those who 
 knew not the character of our work this may seem as 
 indeed a day of small things. But the difficulty and 
 importance of the work we were doing can never be 
 estimated or appreciated by those not engaged in it. 
 No other denomination in the State was doing any 
 more, in proportion to the forces engaged, than we. 
 In fact, close observation has settled the conviction that 
 God has honored the labors of our Church and minis- 
 try on this coast with as many genuine revivals of re- 
 ligion and as many happy conversions as any other. 
 
 We labored under peculiar difficulties. Even had 
 not the grand underlying principles of our Church been 
 non -political, the pressure brought to bear upon us 
 would have driven us to that position. We were just 
 beginning to feel the pulsations of that mighty tide of 
 fanaticism that tossed so many of God's ministers upon 
 its bosom, and that converted many of the services of 
 the sanctuary into political tirades, by which men's 
 passions were lashed and vexed into fury, by which 
 
192 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 the prestige of preachers was prostituted to political 
 purposes, and sectional differences were widened by 
 men enlisted in the service of the Prince of Peace, 
 whose ringing voice had proclaimed, "My kingdom is 
 not of this world." Our Church was entering upon an 
 ever-widening field, where pure, Christly principle 
 would be estimated at its full value. The very name 
 "South" we bore made people demand of us every- 
 where why we bore it, and what was the difference 
 between us and the Methodist Episcopal Church. This 
 gave us the frequent opportunity of declaring our prin- 
 ciples, and also had a fine reactionary influence on us 
 in keeping us "rue to these principles. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 93 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 jlfHE sixth session of the Pacific Conference met 
 in the city of Sacramento, Nov. 5, 1856, making 
 two sessions in the same year. We had discov- 
 ered by experience that it was not best to hold our ses- 
 sions during the rainy season. It was a very difficult, 
 and often impracticable, matter to move during a heavy 
 winter. Preachers taking possession of new homes at 
 this season of the year found it hard to get supplies of 
 fuel and provisions, and hence we requested the Bishop 
 to appoint the time of holding our Conference in the 
 fall of the year. 
 
 Bishop Kavanaugh, who arrived on the coast soon 
 after the adjournment of the Conference in February, 
 remained during the year, traveling extensively, preach- 
 ing with great power and effect all through the bounds 
 of the work. This first protracted visit of Bishop Kav- 
 anaugh, and his arduous labors on this coast, bound 
 him to us, and we to him, in bonds so endearing that we 
 were ever prone to call him our Bishop. There was 
 no circuit, no mining-camp so obscure, if occupied by 
 one of our preachers, that he was not willing to visit it 
 And from one end of our Conference to the other he 
 stirred saint and sinner by the grandeur of his elo- 
 quence. He did not save himself and his biggest ser- 
 mons for the great cities or grand occasions. But 
 sometimes in the clapboard shanty, amid the seclusion 
 of a mining-gulch, the "Old Man Eloquent" poured 
 *3 
 
io/|. History of Southern Methodism 
 
 forth such strains of unbridled oratory as would have 
 won laurels anywhere on earth. 
 
 Once at a rude camp-ground, as he was indulging in 
 some of his grandest utterances-, when with voice and 
 gesture he was lifting his audience to untrodden paths 
 and filling their souls with unutterable emotions, a Dig- 
 ger Indian, sitting by the root of a tree, watching the 
 speaker, though he understood not a word he uttered, 
 but thrilled with the tones of his voice, and pierced 
 with the lightning of his eye, sprang to his feet and 
 shouted, "Heap big Capitan!" After familiarizing 
 himself with the peculiarities of the work in which we 
 were engaged, and learning preachers and people by 
 actual contact and labor with them, he was well pre- 
 pared to act as our Presiding Bishop. 
 
 Jacob Gruwell, James Kelsay, Thomas Brown, and 
 Horatio N. Compton were received on trial at this 
 Conference. 
 
 E. B. Lockley and L. C. Adams were re-admitted 
 into the Conference. 
 
 Jacob Gruwell was born July 16, 1807, in what is 
 now Preble County, Ohio. In 1S11 his parents re- 
 moved to Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He 
 was raised a Baptist, but marrying a Methodist girl, he 
 was brought into the M. E. Church. He was licensed 
 to exhort May 18, 1840, and to preach June 24, 1S43. 
 He came to California on the great wave of immigra- 
 tion that swept over the plains in 1849. He had been 
 vexed and tried by politico-preaching, and when the 
 opportunity offered of becoming a member of our 
 Church, he gladly embraced it He threw himself into 
 the work with all the ardor of his nature. His first ap- 
 pointment was as junior preacher under J. L. San- 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 195 
 
 ders, on the Gilroy Circuit. The next two years he 
 was on the Santa Clara Circuit. The first year he re- 
 ceived fifty members at a single protracted-meeting, 
 and built the church at Berryessa. He had two camp- 
 meetings the next year — mentioned elsewhere: at one 
 nearly one hundred, and at the other seventy-five mem- 
 bers were received into our Church. He was next sent 
 to Eugene City, Oregon, and was the first Southern 
 Methodist preacher that ever preached in that place. 
 He held the first Southern Methodist camp-meeting 
 that year that was ever held in that State. It contin- 
 ued twelve days. He had no ministerial help. He 
 preached three times a day, and his wife helped him 
 with the altar work. Fifty souls were converted at 
 this meeting, and our Church well established. He re- 
 mained two vears in Oregon. In the fall of 1S60, at 
 the close of his first year in Oregon, he rode 450 miles 
 alone on horseback to meet the 'Conference in Sacra- 
 mento. On his way he fell in one night with a band 
 of 200 Pitt River Indians, who were camped on the 
 Sacramento River. He slept on the ground by the 
 side of their camp-fire, with his saddle for a pillow. 
 His supper and breakfast was broiled fish, with no 
 bread. His second year in Oregon he was Presiding 
 Elder of the Jacksonville District. During his two 
 years' labor in Oregon he took into the Church about 
 350 members, three of whom afterward became preach- 
 ers. On his return to California he filled several im- 
 portant positions, among them the Presiding Eldership 
 of the Marysville District. He has been a man of re- 
 markable physical vigor, but for a number of years he 
 has been upon the superannuated list. He has passed 
 the allotted time of man upon earth, and has gone 
 
196 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 down among the orange groves of Los Angeles to 
 wait the call of his Master, who counted him worthy, 
 putting him into the ministry. 
 
 James Kelsay was born in Wayne County, Ky., May 
 19, 1826. He was converted in his twentieth year, and 
 soon after felt a call to the ministry, but told no one of 
 his impressions. When his mother, who thought that 
 maybe God had use for him in his vineyard, suggested 
 it to him, he evaded the matter, and, as he says, thus 
 for the first time since his conversion grieved the Spir- 
 it. He came to California in 1849 ^y the Lassen route, 
 consuming six months in the trip. With others he was 
 attacked with cholera on the plains. For several years 
 he was engaged in mining in El Dorado County. 
 While living at Gold Hill, the Rev. J. C. Stewart, who 
 was on that circuit, became acquainted with him. 
 Brother Kelsay was acting as sexton of the church at 
 the time. One night, after all the congregation had re- 
 tired, Brother Stewart asked- Brother Kelsay if he 
 never felt it his duty to preach. The question startled 
 him, for he never dreamed that a soul on the Coast 
 knew of his call to the ministry. He acknowledged 
 that he had. Brother Stewart then appointed him 
 class-leader at a little mining-camp, not far off, called 
 Missouri Flat. He told him that he would preach at 
 this place the following Sabbath, and that he would ar- 
 range an appointment for him the succeeding Sunday. 
 When the day came, he made his arrangements to go 
 over and lead his class. As he could not sing, he in- 
 vited a Brother William Berry to go with him. When 
 they reached the place, Brother Kelsay went to the ho- 
 tel, and finding the landlady, asked her if she knew of 
 any Methodists in town. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 *97 
 
 "Methodists! " said she. "There is but one Meth- 
 odist here, and he is an old backslider." 
 
 Brother Kelsay, who was unknown to the woman 
 told her that he had come over to lead a class. 
 
 "Well," said she, "there is no class to lead. But 
 Mr. Stewart preached here last Sunday, and he left 
 an appointment for a Mr. Kelsay to preach here to- 
 day." 
 
 This fell like a clap of thunder on the young miner. 
 He was not a preacher, and had never attempted such 
 a thing in his life. He asked for a Bible, and started 
 for the woods. Bill Berry, as he was familiarly called, 
 followed him, laughing. Kelsay turned and said, " Bill, 
 go back, or I'll take a club to you." 
 
 Bill said he was not laughing at him. " But," said 
 he, " I've known it was your duty to preach, and I'm 
 laughing how nicely Stewart has caught you. No, 
 Jim, I'm going along to help you pray." 
 
 They went to the woods, and after earnest, secret 
 prayer, Kelsay opened the Bible to hunt for his first 
 text. After a time they returned to find quite a con- 
 gregation assembled. Brother Kelsay commenced by 
 reading the hymn, "Am I a soldier of the cross." This 
 done, he lined the first couplet, when Bill Berry com- 
 menced to sing. He missed the tune, but sung on. 
 He had no better success with the next two lines. 
 Sometimes he would hit the tune, and then he would 
 lose it again. The very fact that he was off the tune 
 seemed to stir his energies the more, and his voice 
 struck in every direction. The miners began to titter, 
 and Brother Kelsay, seeing there would be a break- 
 down, closed his hymn-book and called to prayer. 
 His effort at preaching was a little more successful. 
 
19$ History of Southern Methodism 
 
 He warmed up with his subject, and delivered quite a 
 passable discourse. 
 
 As they were returning home that afternoon, when 
 about half a mile on their way, Berry stopped in the 
 trail, and turning upon Kelsay, said: "I don't like the 
 way you treated me to-day. You brought me over 
 here to sing for you, and you shut down on me before 
 I had sung two verses." 
 
 "Well, you didn't have the tune, and everybody be- 
 gan to laugh, and I saw that you'd ruin every thing." 
 
 " But you ought to let me sing it all. I'd a-got the 
 tune before I got through with it. Next time I want 
 you to give me a fair chance." 
 
 His services as a preacher soon were in demand. He 
 would toil all the week in the mines, and go out on foot 
 to the surrounding towns and preach experimental re- 
 ligion to the miners. 
 
 The Rev. J. E. Barnes, a Baptist minister, started in 
 the work of the ministry about the same time, and as 
 they were close neighbors, and felt a mutual sympathy 
 for each other, they frequently held meeting in con- 
 junction. On one Sabbath one would preach and the 
 other exhort, and on the next they would reverse the 
 order. Mr. Barnes relates an incident in connection 
 with one of their meetings that will illustrate the work 
 these young men had to do. It was Kelsay's time to 
 preach. The appointment was in a large room in a 
 hotel. The door of the room opened immediately upon 
 the street. It was pouring down rain. Kelsay was 
 struggling with his text, when the door was pushed 
 open, and a large, drunken man staggered in.' He 
 looked round at the preacher and congregation for 
 awhile, and then pulled off his dripping hat, and, doub- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 199 
 
 ling it up in his hand, dashed it upon the floor and sat 
 down, fixing his eyes upon the preacher. After sitting 
 awhile, he doubled his great fist and commenced slowly 
 and deliberately to draw back as if getting readv to 
 strike. All eyes were upon him. A lot of young men 
 sat near the speaker, watching the man's movements. 
 At length, with a voice that rivaled the roar of a lion, 
 he shouted, "Dry up!" and sprang to his feet, and was 
 seemingly about to strike the preacher full in the face, 
 when the young men leaped forward, caught, and over- 
 powered him, and soon put him out of the house. 
 
 The incident so confused the young preacher that he 
 could say but little more to edification, and he closed 
 the service. 
 
 Brother Kelsay has been one of our most faithful 
 workers. When the call was made for preachers to go 
 to Oregon he went among the first, and did good and 
 faithful work there. There is a rich vein of humor 
 running through his nature that gives him a strong lev- 
 erage with many. But few of the preachers are more 
 beloved by his brethren. He is looked upon as a sort 
 of privileged character. Upon a certain occasion, while 
 Presiding Elder of the Colusa District, his District Con- 
 ference was in session. Bishop Hargrove was present, 
 and presided. One morning the Bishop, having some 
 business upon the outside, called Brother Kelsay to the 
 chair. Brother M. V. Howard was to deliver an ad- 
 dress some time during the Conference, and a motion 
 was made that he now be requested to perform that 
 duty. "All right," said Brother Kelsay; " come up here, 
 Brother Howard." He was just being introduced, 
 when the mover of the question arose and suggested 
 that it had not been put to the house. "Never mind,'' 
 
200 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 said Brother Kelsay, holding to the arm of Brother 
 Howard, " I just wanted you to see the speaker before 
 you voted to hear him, so that you could vote intelli- 
 gently." It was done as Kelsay only could do it. 
 
 Some of the scenes through which he and others 
 passed in Oregon in planting our Church in that State 
 were of the most thrilling character, and required cour- 
 age of the highest order to carry through. The most 
 successful movements made were in holding a series of 
 camp-meetings through the State. At Brownsville, as 
 recorded elsewhere, the most intense excitement pre- 
 vailed. Extensive preparations were made to break up 
 the meeting, if possible. Unknown to the preachers, 
 many of the outside friends had armed themselves, and 
 were on the ground ready to resist unto blood any effort 
 upon the part of a mob. Once, when the mob began 
 an advance upon the altar, several sprang forward, re- 
 volvers in hand, and warned them back. It was then 
 that the grandeur of the Rev. O. Fisher's character 
 loomed up. When quiet had been partially restored, he 
 arose and commenced his sermon with all the coolness 
 of a veteran. As he progressed, his voice rose, and 
 burst after burst of eloquence broke from his lips, until 
 it seemed that a very halo shone round his beaming 
 face. Pausing in the midst of his sermon, and lifting 
 his eyes to heaven, he shouted, u Halleluiah!" Again 
 he repeated it. The effect was magical; every heart 
 thrilled under the stirring shout. Then stretching his 
 hand over the congregation, he said: " They call me 'The 
 Old Grizzly,' 'The Old Secesh,' and 'The Old Devil,' 
 and say that I ought to be killed. Thank God, the of- 
 fering is ready! Hang me if you want to. You can't 
 tie this soul of mine. Burn me if it is your wish; there 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 201 
 
 is no fire that can scorch my soul!" Just -then one of 
 the leaders rose, and said: " Is that the way you preach? 
 If so, they have lied to me," and with that he came for- 
 ward and handed him some money, saying, " Go on." 
 
 This was on the Sabbath. Up to this time there had 
 been no conversions, but the religious interest was 
 deepening. On Monday it rained. The congregation 
 assembled under a large fir - tree. Brother Fisher 
 again preached. The crowd gathered close about the 
 preacher. Soon it commenced hailing. Sister Michael 
 came forward to the little table upon which the Bible 
 lay, and saved it from being ruined by the rain. A call 
 was made for mourners, and six gathered about the 
 little table, and before the service closed two of them 
 were happily converted. Before the meeting closed, 
 sixteen more were added to the number of conversions. 
 The power of the opposition seemed to be broken at 
 this meeting. This was in May. 
 
 In June they held a camp-meeting on the Salem Cir- 
 cuit As the preachers went to this meeting, in pass- 
 ing a school-house near the camp-ground, they saw an 
 effigy of the Rev. C. H. E. Newton hanging to the 
 turning-bar. It was dressed in old, patched clothes, 
 with a cow's tail to represent the old man's whiskers. 
 
 On Sunday morning R. C. Martin was to preach at 
 10, and O. Fisher at 11 o'clock; I. L. Hopkins at 3, 
 and J. Kelsay at 7 p.m. Martin's theme was the Judg- 
 ment; Kelsay was to conclude for him. Just as he rose 
 a party with a flag came on to the camp-ground, and 
 marched half way up the aisle and stopped. Kelsay, 
 nothing daunted, proceeded with his exhortation. He 
 drew a picture accompanying the final scene on earth: 
 "Everywhere men, unheeding the day of doom, would 
 
202 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 be plunged -in all the business of life. Plains would 
 be trembling under the rude shock of war. Men 
 would be busy killing each other as they gave loose 
 rein to their vile passions. Banners would be waving, 
 martial music sounding, when all at once the awful 
 trumpet's sound would be heard echoing over the plains 
 and mountains of earth." The scene was indescriba- 
 ble. Had the archangel's trump really sounded, the 
 feelings excited could not have been much more in- 
 tense. Mourners were called for, and they crowded 
 the altar, and many were converted. Continued rains 
 caused them to close this meeting after only a few days. 
 
 At Independence they held another successful meet- 
 ing, at which over 30 souls were converted. 
 
 The last of this series of camp-meetings was held on 
 the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. This was the 
 most wonderful meeting of all. On the first night 
 there were nine penitents at the altar. The power of 
 God was displayed in a most remarkable manner. 
 Numbers of the men who came to "flag" the camp- 
 ground were overwhelmed by the blessed influence, 
 and were converted to God. There were over one 
 hundred souls converted at this meeting, and the power 
 of the opposition was completely broken. 
 
 At Lacall Creek Kelsay was holding a meeting, as- 
 sisted by C. H. E. Newton and others. On Sunday 
 night Kelsay had preached and made a call for mourn- 
 ers. None came. Appeal after appeal was made with- 
 out effect, when Newton was seen coming out of the 
 preachers' tent. A peculiar flash and fire of his eye 
 told that he was excited. Kelsay asked him if he want- 
 ed to say any thing. "I never wanted to exhort as 
 much in my life," was the reply. And mounting the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 203 
 
 stand, he began an exhortation on astronomy. He 
 pointed to the starry heavens above — talked of the plan- 
 ets, one by one, as familiarly as an astronomer. He 
 moved out from the solar system and spoke of other 
 suns and other systems. On and on he moved, seem- 
 ingly perfectly at home wherever he turned his eye or 
 thought. "These," said he, "are all moving in God's 
 power. He controls them all, and it is against this 
 mighty God you are lifting the puny arm of your re- 
 bellion. This power is now exerted in love — love to a 
 lost world of sinners; but the day will come when that 
 power will hurl you into hell so deep that no ray of 
 light will ever find you." His long, bony arms were 
 lifted, his streaming beard and hair swayed in the in- 
 tensity of his emotion, his eyes blazed as if kindled 
 with the fires of frenzy. Women screamed, men 
 groaned, some few shouted, and when the excitement 
 of fear was at its height he turned the whole thought 
 to the mercy and goodness of God as exercised to save 
 sinners. No invitation was needed. The altar was 
 crowded with penitents, and the work went on till late 
 in the night. 
 
 In the midst of one of their series of meetings Bish- 
 op Kavanaugh, it is said, preached one of the grandest 
 sermons of his eventful life. His theme was "The 
 Lost Sheep." His representation of the Saviour out 
 in the mountains in search of the lost sheep can never 
 be reproduced. The joy portrayed on bringing him 
 back overwhelmed his entire congregation, and the 
 speaker's voice was drowned in the exultant shouts of 
 the excited multitude. 
 
 Oregon Methodism owes much to the labors of 
 James Kelsay. But California was his home, and after 
 
204 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 a few years spent there he returned to his native Con- 
 ference. He is still going in and out with us, with no 
 seeming diminution of strength, though his locks are 
 whitening under the weight of nearly a score and ten 
 years' work for the Master. 
 
 Thomas Brown, after laboring one year, was discon- 
 tinued, at his own request. 
 
 H. N. Compton continued in the traveling connec- 
 tion for a number of years, and then located. He was 
 useful in the first part of his ministry,, but is not now 
 connected with the Church. 
 
 It was at this Conference that the only formal effort 
 for a union of the two Methodist Churches in Califor- 
 nia was ever made. The initial step was taken by the 
 California Conference of the M. E. Church (North). 
 There had been some talk — as we both were so far re- 
 moved from the parent Churches in the East — of the 
 formation of an independent Methodist Church in the 
 West. We say there had been some talk of this mat- 
 ter — whether it was ever seriously contemplated or de- 
 signed by any considerable number of either Church 
 we are not advised. At the session of the California 
 Conference a committee of three of their ablest men, 
 consisting of E. Thomas, J. D. Blain, and S. S. Phil- 
 lips, were sent as a delegation to our Conference with 
 the expectation that we would appoint a like commit- 
 tee to meet with them, and thus "secure a closer union 
 of the two branches of the Methodist Church in Cali- 
 fornia." Accordingly, on the second day of the ses- 
 sion this committee presented itself at the bar of our 
 Conference, and announced that " they were present, 
 and ready to meet a similar committee from the Pacific 
 Conference, should we see fit to appoint one." 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 205 
 
 A. M. Bailey introduced a resolution to the effect 
 " that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair 
 to confer with the committee of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church." 
 
 W. R. Gober, M. Evans, and O. P. Fitzgerald were 
 appointed. 
 
 These committees met at the M. E. Church, in Sac- 
 ramento city, at 2 p.m. of the same day, and after an 
 organization and a free interchange of opinions by each 
 member of the committee, they adjourned to meet at 6 
 o'clock that evening. 
 
 After earnest prayer, and an interchange of brotherly 
 love, the chairman of the committee of the California 
 Conference made the following proposition: "That 
 the California Conference will at its next session re- 
 ceive and recognize such members of the Pacific Con- 
 ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, as 
 may offer themselves for membership in the California 
 Conference, in the same grade and standing as they 
 hold in the Pacific Conference, taking the Minutes of 
 the said Pacific Conference as conclusive of standing, 
 passing by single resolution upon all applications on 
 the first day of the session." Which proposition was 
 declined, severally and jointly, by the committee of the 
 Pacific Conference. 
 
 This was simply a proposition to swallow us whole, 
 or at least as many of us as were willing to be swal- 
 lowed. The report of this meeting farther tells us: 
 
 After considerable discussion, Brother Gober suggested two 
 schemes as having been talked of in connection with Church 
 union. First, that each of our Annual Conferences should me- 
 morialize its respective General Conference to re-establish the 
 line of separation; and, second, that of a separate and independ- 
 ent organization in California. 
 
206 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 The second was declined as wholly impracticable. 
 The first, it was thought, was not likely to accomplish 
 any thing, and was therefore dropped. 
 
 After this a free consideration of many suggestions was had, 
 but no conclusions reached promissory of effecting a union. 
 
 i. It was proposed by the committee of the Pacific Confer- 
 ence to secure Conference action of the two Conferences looking 
 to the cultivation of more friendly relations between the two 
 Churches. To this the response was made on the part of the 
 other committee: " We could not bind our Conferences, not hav- 
 ing been delegated to do such work." 
 
 There did not appear upon the surface any disposi- 
 tion upon the part of this committee to make any con- 
 cessions whatever, nor did they seem disposed to even 
 lay the matter before the members of their Conference. 
 
 2. It was suggested upon the part of our committee, that as 
 nearly all the Presiding Elders of the California Conference and 
 all the Presiding Elders of the Pacific Conference were at the 
 time present in Sacramento, they- should join in an appeal to the 
 preachers and congregations to the same effect. This, too, was 
 declined for the same reason as given before. 
 
 3. It was then proposed by the committee of our Conference 
 that the Joint Committee then in session unite in an address to 
 preachers and people for the attainment of this object. This, 
 too, was respectfully but peremptorily declined. 
 
 These committees, after this, had one more meeting, 
 and after prayer offered by each member of the Joint 
 Committee, and some exchange of fraternal feeling, 
 they adjourned sine die. 
 
 It would seem from this that the only purpose of the 
 California Conference was to absorb our Conference, 
 for this committee would entertain no proposition of 
 mutual concession. While, upon the other hand, the 
 committee of our Conference gave them clearly to tin* 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 207 
 
 derstand that, in the first place, they had no power or 
 authority to accept the only proposition they made; 
 and, secondly, that our people had no thought of any 
 such transfer. 
 
 While we were willing to entertain and discuss any 
 proposition looking to mere fraternity, and even union 
 upon a proper basis — a basis whereby the cause of 
 Christ could be subserved and furthered — yet we had 
 never, by act or word, given an intimation that we 
 desired to abandon our organization on this coast, by 
 either quitting the field or uniting in a body with the 
 M. E. Church (North). 
 
 A committee, consisting of O. Fisher, W. R. Gober, 
 and M. Evans, was appointed to " define our position 
 as a Church in California," which they did in a most 
 able and scriptural report, in which, among other 
 things, they said: "With these principles — that of 
 preaching the pure gospel of the Prince of Peace to 
 men, irrespective of their political predilections or 
 views — we claim the right to go into all the world, a.nd 
 to preach the gospel to every creature. We interfere 
 with no civil government, we invade the right of none. 
 Our banner is the banner of peace — the pure, glorious, 
 everlasting gospel, untrammeled by political creeds or 
 questions of State. Whenever our brethren of the 
 North shall be disposed to unite with us upon this 
 spotless and glorious platform, we shall be most happy 
 to greet them with the right hand of fellowship ." 
 
 This episode in our history revealed the fact that 
 there was a necessity for our organization on this Coast, 
 and that we were doing a work that no others could 
 or would do for us. 
 
 God had set to the seal of his approbation by bless- 
 
2o8 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ino- the labors of our Church and ministry in the con- 
 version of many souls, and by opening doors of use- 
 fulness to us. And we would have been recreant to 
 our duty had we not gone forward. 
 
 Bishop Kavanaugh's presence and counsel were a 
 great blessing to us at this session. The preaching at 
 the religious services was very spiritual. 
 
 On one evening O. Fisher preached one of his most 
 scriptural sermons. His face seemed to fairly shine un- 
 der the power of the Spirit that fired his heart and 
 tongue. His clear, ringing voice, like the notes of a silver 
 trumpet, echoed and reverberated through the church, 
 thrilling our hearts. As he went on expounding and 
 applying the Scriptures^ E. B. Lockley leaned forward 
 and whispered to a brother, " Brother John, that man 
 ought never to die." 
 
 At the Missionary Anniversary, Bishop Kavanaugh 
 made an address, in which he indulged in a number of 
 amusing anecdotes, at which the hyper-sensitive con- 
 science of J. M. Fulton was greatly shocked. He leaned 
 forward on the pew and groaned and prayed earnest- 
 ly. The next day, as the Bishop was holding a meeting 
 with the Mission Committee, making appropriations, 
 a messenger came to the room and announced to the 
 Bishop that a gentleman wanted to see him. On the 
 Bishop's return to the room, a smile lighted up his face 
 as he said, " It was Brother Fulton, come to take me to 
 task for my speech last night. I told him I was too 
 busy to listen to his reproof, but thanked him for his 
 solicitude." 
 
 On the last day of this session of our Conference, an 
 old Negro man — Micajah Keelin — appeared in the Con- 
 ference-room, and Brother B. H. Russell, in his behalf, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 209 
 
 presented a paper " asking for aid to purchase his four 
 children, now slaves in Alabama." The honest ap- 
 pearance of the old man appealed to every heart, and 
 although we had been giving to every thing as usual at a 
 session of an Annual Conference, and were well-nieh 
 exhausted financially, yet when Brothers A. M. Bailev 
 and J. Gruwell went round with their hats, they col- 
 lected the sum of $50. This was our last act before 
 receiving our appointments for the year. 
 
 The membership of the Church had increased to 
 1,202. There were reported 19 Sunday-schools, with 
 106 officers and teachers, 509 scholars, 2,631 volumes 
 in library, and $753.50 collected and expended for Sun- 
 day-school purposes. No record of the number of 
 churches and parsonages is found of this year. Thir- 
 ty-three preachers belonging to the Conference were 
 stationed, beside several supplies. 
 H 
 
2io History of Southern* Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 ifHE seventh session of the Conference was held 
 in the city of San Jose, Nov. 4-10, 1857. No 
 Bishop being present, R. W. Bigham was elect- 
 ed President of the Conference. 
 
 Samuel Brown, Martin F. Jones, Drury K. Bond, 
 Isaiah L. Hopkins, and Ira Taylor were admitted on 
 trial, and C. Gridley and Moses Clampit were re-ad- 
 mitted. 
 
 Samuel Brown was born in Clay County, Mo., June 
 c;, 1827; came to California in 1849 in search of gold, 
 but was converted at the Gilroy Camp-meeting in the 
 fall of 1854. When he felt called to preach he was 
 living in Nevada City. R. W. Bigham was preacher 
 in charge there. He was licensed to preach by B. PI. 
 Russell, Presiding Elder. Though his early advan- 
 tages had not been great, yet in his zeal for the cause 
 of the Redeemer who had saved him, he threw him- 
 self into the work with intense ardor, and has made 
 us one of our most successful, useful preachers. Sys- 
 tematic in all his undertakings, and leading off in ev- 
 ery good work, he has the happy faculty of inspiring 
 the people of his charge to do as much for the inter- 
 ests of the Church as any member of the Conference. 
 After all, it is the man who can set his people to work 
 that is the most successful. He is ever willing to take 
 any appointment that may be given him, and he never 
 fails to make any appointment he serves a good one. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 211 
 
 He works for the people, and the people work for him. 
 His hand is seen in many places in the material build- 
 ing up of the Church. He is eminently a builder. He 
 commenced this work before his admission on trial into 
 the Conference. While preaching as a supply under 
 the presiding elder he organized the Healdsburg Cir- 
 cuit, secured an eligible lot in the town of Healdsburg, 
 and had the lumber on the ground at Conference with 
 which to build a church. The Rev. L. C. Adams com- 
 pleted the work. He built a beautiful brick church in 
 Petaluma, completed one in Santa Rosa that had been 
 commenced under the administration of George Sim, 
 and built one in San Francisco. His success in this 
 city was a marvel. We had met with so many re- 
 verses of fortune in San Francisco that many had al- 
 most despaired of ever getting a permanent, success- 
 ful foothold there. But through the energy, persever- 
 ance, and unfailing faith manifested in his work, he 
 succeeded in building a neat little chapel on Minna 
 Street, which was occupied by us as a place of worship 
 for many years. But the location was unfortunate. It 
 was upon a narrow street in a part of the city mainly 
 occupied by a Catholic and foreign population. 
 
 When the matter of moving the Pacific Methodist Col- 
 lege from Vacaville was 4etermined upon, Brother 
 Brown was stationed in Santa Rosa, and with his zeal, 
 faith, and energy he inspired the people of that city with 
 an enthusiasm akin to his own, and they subscribed large- 
 ly to have it located there. When the matter was deter- 
 mined, he raised the subscriptions, and personally su- 
 perintended the erection of the building — not as an 
 architect, but as pastor and trustee of the college\ The 
 building was erected at a cost of $22,000. 
 
2i2 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Last, but not least, it was through his influence that 
 the Board of Church Extension purchased a handsome 
 church in the city of Oakland. His energy has never 
 flagged. The second circuit he traveled, he did the 
 most of it on foot, never complaining, counting it all 
 joy to do his Master's work in any way his providence 
 might direct. When traveling the Coulterville Circuit 
 he walked all the way around it, and it was a work of 
 no mean proportions. Often in the winter he waded 
 through snow knee -deep going from one appointment 
 to another over the mountains. As he says: "My 
 work of life has been a work of love; my life a joy- 
 ous one." All honor to this faithful servant of Him who 
 trod life's dusty ways to bring us the glad tidings of 
 salvation. 
 
 As presiding elder, Brother Brown was ever faithful, 
 spending all his time in preaching, visiting, and work- 
 ing up the interests of his. district. His zeal for the 
 missionary cause is very great. When he preaches on 
 that subject all feel that he is in earnest. We trust 
 that he will long be spared to bless the Church with 
 
 his labors. 
 
 M. F. Jones traveled but two years, and was discon- 
 tinued. 
 
 Drury K. Bond was bora in Dickson County, Tenn., 
 Dec. 21, 1823. He came to California in an early day 
 and engaged in mining, but, like many others, he was 
 not successful. In the year 1853 he was converted 
 and joined the Church under the ministry of M. Ev- 
 ans, who was at the time stationed in Sonora. Some 
 time after his conversion he felt that he was called 
 of God to the ministry, and conferring not with flesh 
 and blood, he at once entered the ranks of the labor- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 213 
 
 ers, and joined the Pacific Conference on trial. At 
 the expiration of his two years of probation he was 
 admitted into full connection. That year he was sent 
 to Yankee Jim's Circuit, and although he felt his health 
 failing him, he pressed on in his work, visiting from house 
 to house, praying and talking with the people. He 
 was the instrument in the hands of God of a number 
 of conversions. Just before the ensuing session of the 
 Conference his health gave way, and he did not reach 
 the Conference until near its close. He took an ap- 
 pointment, but consumption developed, and he rapid- 
 ly sunk under its wasting power. Some two or three 
 months before his death he went to Grass Valley, 
 where he found a resting-place in the hospitable home 
 of that friend of the preachers, Mrs. T. K. Neal, 
 mother of the Rev. J. H. Neal. His own mother could 
 not have cared for him with more tender solicitude. 
 He died September 12, 1861. He sent this message to 
 his brethren from his dying bed! " Tell my brethren of 
 the Pacific Conference to preach Jesus, and nothing 
 but Jesus, and never give up the struggle." 
 
 Brother Bond was a sweet-spirited Christian, faithful 
 in all the relations of life. Before he entered the min- 
 istry, as steward, class-leader, and Sunday-school su- 
 perintendent, he was always in his place, and made all 
 connected with him feel that he was in deep sympathy 
 with them in the work of their salvation. He was 
 happy in the faculty of cultivating the good-will and 
 securing the respect of all. 
 
 Isaiah L. Hopkins was born in Baltimore, Maryland, 
 April 17, 1831; came to California in 1852. He was 
 converted at the early age of eight, and from his con- 
 version felt a call to preach. After coming to Califor- 
 
214 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 nia he worked in the mines in Tuolumne County. He 
 was licensed to preach October 26, 1857, R. W. Big- 
 ham being the presiding elder. 
 
 The first year in the Pacific Conference his fortune 
 was to be placed as junior preacher under the great 
 revivalist, J. T. Cox, on the Bodega Circuit, in Sonoma 
 County. Doubtless here he learned many important 
 lessons in soul-saving. The circuit was a very large 
 one, embracing Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, 
 Mark West, and Macedonia. Revival -meetings were 
 held at all these points, and many souls w T ere converted 
 and brought into the Church. 
 
 In the fall of the year a camp-meeting was held at 
 the old Bodega Camp - ground that was one of the 
 grandest ever held on the coast. The whole circuit 
 was glowing under the faithful preaching of these two 
 men of God, and every thing was ripe for this "Feast 
 of Tabernacles." Willing workers flocked to the 
 meeting, and with the first service the good work be- 
 gan. More than one hundred souls were converted. 
 
 The junior preacher received seventy-jive dollars for 
 his arduous services during the year. 
 ' The next year Brother Hopkins was sent to El Dorado 
 Circuit, in the mines. Here he had some thirty or 
 forty conversions. One notable triumph of the Cross 
 was the capture of one of the strongholds of Satan. 
 The keeper of a saloon and dance-house was convert- 
 ed, and his place of business and revelry turned into 
 a church. The counter was cut in two, and one-half 
 of it converted into a pulpit. The partitions of the 
 upper rooms were made into seats for the congrega- 
 tion, while a back room was changed into a parsonage 
 for the preacher. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 3i 5 
 
 At Napa and Sonoma he was equally successful. 
 More than 60 souls were converted at a camp-meeting 
 held this year, and a handsome church was brought 
 near to completion in the town of Napa, at a cost of 
 $2,500. By some means in after-years we not only lost 
 this church - building, but lost all our interests as a 
 Church in the lovely town of Napa. 
 
 About this time the way was opening for our Church 
 in Oregon, and Brother Hopkins was sent thither and 
 stationed in the city of Portland. He commenced 
 preaching in a rented house, organized with 12 mem- 
 bers, and before the year closed the membership had 
 increased to 100 souls. More than 40 were converted 
 at a camp-meeting on the Columbia River, at which 
 R. C. Martin, James Kelsay, and C. H. E. Newton as- 
 sisted. 
 
 The next year he was on the Salem Circuit. Here 
 he found a Church of about 45 members. At a camp- 
 meeting held near Salem, this year, some 40 were con- 
 verted. He was assisted by O. Fisher, C. H. E. New- 
 ton, R. C. Martin, and James Kelsay. One remarka- 
 ble feature of this meeting was the happy conversion 
 of about twenty avowed infidels. These men, in the 
 wild freedom of frontier life, had thrown off all relig- 
 ious restraint, and openly declared themselves unbe- 
 lievers. Numbers had increased their courage, and 
 they were bold to avow their sentiments of infidelity. 
 They attended this meeting, and when they witnessed 
 the power of God in the salvation of souls, and heard 
 those men of God preach the gospel in power and 
 demonstration of the Spirit, they saw their refuge of 
 lies tottering to its fall, and themselves left without pro- 
 tection from the storm of God's wrath. They began 
 
216 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 to forsake their errors; one after another yielded, until 
 nearly all of them were brought into the Church by 
 a saving knowledge of the Son of God. The founda- 
 tion of a church-building was laid, which was not com- 
 pleted till the year following. This year (1S62) he was 
 happily married to Miss Mary Duncan, who has ever 
 since shared his joys and sorrows, proving a true itin- 
 erant's wife, ever interested in the work of the Church. 
 The next year he was on the Eugene City Circuit, 
 in Oregon, with twelve appointments, most of them in 
 school-houses. He held two camp-meetings this year, 
 beside a number of protracted- meetings. The mem- 
 bership was increased from 160 to over 300. For two 
 or three months of this year he was prostrated with 
 lung fever, on account of which he was forced to seek 
 a milder climate. He was sent to Jacksonville Circuit, 
 where he remained but eight months. Here he erected 
 a church, doing much of the work with his own hands. 
 He was changed by his presiding elder to the Will- 
 iamsburg and Kirbyville Circuit, two mining-towns. 
 He rented a parsonage, but so attentive were the peo- 
 ple to the preacher's wants that his whole expenditure 
 for the year amounted to but twenty-jive cents, and 
 that was spent for soda to raise his biscuits. On the 
 day that he reached Williamsburg his quarterly-meet- 
 ing was to be held. The presiding elder got word 
 during the day that his wife was very ill. He had no 
 money, and there was no time to raise him any. Broth- 
 er Hopkins gave him all he had — two dollars. That 
 evening he went into an old, deserted miner's cabin to 
 secret prayer, and as he knelt down he saw lying be- 
 fore him on the table a ten-dollar gold piece. He 
 looked upon this as a special providence, and as a gift 
 
On the Pacific Coast; 217 
 
 from that God whose hand knows just where to place 
 those things his children need. 
 
 Here the citizens bought a saloon and converted it 
 into a church. As on the former occasion, the counter 
 was transformed into a pulpit. 
 
 He found it necessary to leave Oregon for the milder 
 climate of California. Accordingly, in company with 
 the Revs. D. M. Rice and A. C. Howlett, he set out 
 across the mountains on his journey. During the trip 
 the horses of Rice and Howlett were stolen. They 
 borrowed other horses and proceeded on their journey. 
 Just before reaching Colusa they passed two men on 
 their stolen horses. Without saying a word to them, 
 they rode on into Colusa, got out warrants and had 
 them arrested as they rode into town. The preachers 
 got possession of their property, and the men were sent 
 to the State's prison for a term of three years. This 
 year — 1865 — he was stationed in Colusa City. The 
 year 1864 was what is known as the "dry year.*' The 
 severest drought prevailed over the greater portion of 
 California than had ever been known since it became 
 a State. In many portions of the State there were 
 absolutely no crops. Hay went up to $So per ton, and 
 every thing else in proportion. Of course the burden 
 fell with great weight upon the preachers. Sister 
 Hopkins was sick the most of the year. Not only so, 
 but this was a year of great political excitement. Mr. 
 Lincoln had been assassinated, and the hearts of many 
 were fired to an intensity of feeling that required but a 
 breath to set them glowing Brothers Scoggins, Camp- 
 bell, and several other members of our Church in Co- 
 lusa were suspected of expressing joy at the assassina- 
 tion, and thev were arrested and chained to trees near 
 
2i8 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 the parsonage, where they were closely guarded day 
 and night, none of their friends being allowed to ap- 
 proach them. Here they were kept for several weeks. 
 Others were soon arrested, when they were taken to 
 Alcatraz Island and imprisoned, where they remained 
 until peace was formally declared. During this ex- 
 citement an officer came to arrest Brother Hopkins, 
 but recognizing in him an old friend, he declined to 
 make the arrest. God honored his laborers even in 
 these troublous times, and souls were converted under 
 his ministry. 
 
 From Colusa he went to Gilroy, where he labored 
 for two years. While here he built a church at what 
 is known as the Redwoods. 
 
 His next charge was Visalia. It was a long move, 
 but P. P. Byrd, one of the leading members of that 
 charge, took his w r agon and was at all the trouble and 
 expense of the move. They took possession of the 
 parsonage and commenced tacking down carpets and 
 arranging to live, when two gentlemen came to the 
 house and told them it was unnecessary for them to pro- 
 ceed any farther, as they held a mortgage on both 
 church and parsonage for $800, and that they were un- 
 willing to wait any longer for their money, and had 
 concluded to foreclose the mortgage at once. They 
 begged a stay of proceedings for two months. They 
 went to work, and, by an entertainment that lasted 
 three days, realized enough to pay off the entire in- 
 debtedness. To no one was more due for the success 
 of this enterprise than old Sister Vanvalkenburg. The 
 next summer the old parsonage was sold and a new 
 one built. 
 
 A camp-meeting was held each of the two-years' 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 219 
 
 stay at this point, and over 200 converts were the 
 fruits. While here the town of Visalia was visited 
 by a flood, the water reaching to the window-sills 
 of the parsonage. Sister Hopkins and children were 
 taken out on horseback, Brother Hopkins wading in 
 water waist-deep leading the horse. They took refuge 
 in the Visalia Seminary building, where they were 
 forty-eight hours without food. Every period has its 
 perils, and all times their trials, and there are always 
 enough brave men in God's sacramental army to meet 
 any emergency. 
 
 He was removed to the Santa Clara Circuit, where 
 with indomitable energy he built two good churches — 
 one at Bay View and the other at Mountain View. 
 He held a camp-meeting each year, at which there 
 were over 100 conversions. 
 
 The next year the Santa Clara Circuit was divided, 
 and Brother Hopkins was placed on what was called 
 Mountain View Circuit. Here he spent two pleasant 
 and profitable years. 
 
 The next three years were spent in San Jose Station, 
 where he succeeded in building a beautiful church in the 
 place of the old brick that had stood for a score of 
 years. From San Jose he went to Sacramento, where 
 he did a good work. Again he was sent to the Mount- 
 ain View Circuit, where he built a neat parsonage. 
 
 He was next sent to Fresno Circuit, where he re- 
 mained four years, paying a considerable amount on a 
 church debt, and building a parsonage. Here his 
 health began to fail. For two years he fought bravely 
 against superannuation. He who had so long led in 
 the charge against the powers of darkness, whose 
 sword was still bright with constant use, could not 
 
220 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 bear the idea of turning aside while others went shout- 
 ing to the fray. But God bade him cease. For years 
 he has been a helpless invalid. In his shattered tene- 
 ment he waits the Masters call to the " rest that re- 
 mains to the people of God." Not a cloud hangs be- 
 tween him and the Sun of righteousness. A starry 
 crown awaits our brother. May his end be glorious as 
 his life has been true! 
 
 Iry Taylor was born in Franklin County, Tennessee, 
 December 10, 1806. His parents moved to Alabama, 
 where he grew up to manhood and married. In 1837 
 he moved to Texas, where, in the providence of God, 
 he was brought under the influence of the Methodist 
 preachers who were following men to every nook and 
 corner of our Western frontier. His wife was first 
 converted, and after a long and hard struggle he was 
 brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. At once 
 he felt it to be his duty to preach, but he fought against 
 the impression, and to get away from his convictions 
 of duty he joined a company of emigrants to Califor- 
 nia during the great gold excitement. He settled in 
 the mines. But when he looked around him and saw 
 the class of society into which he had voluntarily 
 thrown his family, he determined, as soon as he could 
 make money enough, to return to Texas. In the mean- 
 time his wife adopted the better plan, and began pray- 
 ing that God would send them a preacher; and it was 
 not long before a man rode up to the little mining hotel 
 they were keeping, and asked if there were any Meth- 
 odists in the town. His wife, who heard the question, 
 said, "Come in; for I know that you are a preacher." 
 It was the Rev. Green Woods, of our Church, who 
 was, like his Master, out in the mountains hunting the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 221 
 
 lost and straying. This was in the town of Vallecita. 
 Brother Taylor at once went out and secured a saloon 
 as a preaching-place. There were several monte tables 
 in the saloon. As the preacher entered the room one 
 of the gamblers slyly dropped a deck of cards into 
 his pocket. It happened to be the pocket in which he 
 carried his Bible. So when he put his hand into his 
 pocket he drew forth the deck of cards first. With no 
 apparent concern he laid them on the table before him, 
 and then drew out his Bible and laid it on the deck. A 
 titter ran round the room. But the preacher delivered 
 a very feeling sermon, and proceeded to organize a 
 Church. Four united — Iry Taylor, wife and daughter, 
 and another lady, whose name is forgotten. A strong 
 reaction had taken place in Taylor's heart. His expe- 
 rience with godless people had driven him back to his 
 Master and his duty, and at once he went to work to 
 build a church. T. C. Barton and S. dishing took 
 hold with him with zeal and energy, and it was not 
 long until they had a place in which to worship God. 
 There were at this time many reckless men in Cali- 
 fornia — men who had once been Christians, and some 
 of them Christian ministers, who, to stifle the clamor- 
 ings of conscience, indulged in the vilest practices. As 
 illustrative of this, Brother Taylor relates an incident 
 that came under his own observation: "I walked out 
 one Sunday morning, and in passing a saloon there was 
 a man, who went by the name of 'Kentuck,' standing 
 in the door exhorting the people to do better. He 
 made some powerful appeals. (This was all done in 
 mockery.) After which, turning to a man who sat 
 behind him, he said, 'Consecrate the elements.' This 
 man had been a Baptist preacher in the State of Mis- 
 
222 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 souri. The other had been, I suppose, a Methodist 
 preacher in the State of Kentucky. They spread the 
 elements — consisting of crackers and whisky — upon a 
 bench. When the man rose, he said, ' Let us pray,' 
 and he kneeled down and prayed, if it could be called 
 a prayer; then arose and invited all that wished to com- 
 mune to kneel at a bench before the saloon door in the 
 street. 'Kentuck' urged them to come with horrid 
 oaths, telling them if they did not come they should 
 not have any whisky for a week. Four young men 
 came forward and knelt at the bench and received the 
 crackers and whisky, in mockery of the communion. 
 While they were passing the crackers and whisky 
 round, an old Mexican who was present saw his little 
 son, about eight or ten years of age, standing not far 
 off. He stormed at him to leave there quick, as it was 
 no place for him. Not long after this small-pox visit- 
 ed the town, and was quite fatal, carrying off a good 
 many. Among those that died were the two preach- 
 ers and three of the four young men that partook of 
 the crackers and whisky. The other young man prom- 
 ised the Lord if he would spare him, he would lead a 
 different life. He recovered, failed to become a Chris- 
 tian according to his promise, and went blind, and had 
 to be led wherever he went." 
 
 Soon after this the church was finished, and the presid- 
 ing elder, J. F. Blythe, assisted by Morris Evans, J. C. 
 Pendergrast, and others, held a protracted-meeting that 
 resulted in a glorious revival. Among those converted 
 were J. W. Stahl and T. C. Barton, who subsequently 
 became members of the Pacific Conference, and did 
 valiant service for the Master. Barton is still sroingr in 
 and out among us, unwearied in the service of the Re- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 223 
 
 deemer. But Stahl has fallen on sleep, and gone to his 
 reward. 
 
 S. Cushing and Harrell, two others who be- 
 came preachers, were converted at this meeting. And 
 it may be that Iry Taylor might never have entered the 
 itinerant ranks had it not been for this meeting. Busi- 
 ness called him first to Cave City, then to San An- 
 dreas. This latter place at the time was embraced in 
 the bounds of the Linden Circuit, E. G. Cannon and 
 F. G. Gray being the preachers. During the year J. 
 F. Blythe, the presiding elder, removed Gray from the 
 circuit, and employed Iry Taylor in his place. The 
 work of the Lord prospered in his hands, and a glori- 
 ous revival followed his labors. Cannon soon afterward 
 got into some difficulty that interfered with his useful- 
 ness on the circuit, and he was removed, and T. C. Bar- 
 ton put in his place. This young man, who had been 
 intimately associated with Iry Taylor in Vallecita, came 
 full of the Holy Ghost. His preaching was with pow- 
 er, and many souls were gathered into the Church 
 through the joint labors of these two men. The meet- 
 ing continued thirty - two nights. One young man, 
 James Duncan — son of that old veteran, Hiram Dun- 
 can, than whom but few laymen in the Church on this 
 coast have done more to sustain the cause than he — was 
 converted during this meeting-. He afterward married 
 the widow of J. F. Blythe, and has been an acceptable 
 and useful local preacher for years. 
 
 During the year 106 conversions occurred under the 
 labors of these two men. 
 
 The next year Brother Taylor was sent to Sacramen- 
 to Circuit, and the year following he was sent to Val- 
 lecita to enable him to settle some business affairs that 
 
224 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 he had been engaged in before he entered the Confer- 
 ence. The presiding elder, however, changed him be- 
 fore the close of the year to Stockton Circuit. He says 
 of his labors here: "There was no organization on that 
 work at the time. My wife and I traveled that year 
 from place to place, having no particular spot that we 
 could call our home. In the fall we held a camp-meet- 
 ing at which there were some conversions — went to 
 Conference, and was returned to the work another 
 year. I rented a house in French Camp, four miles 
 above Stockton, Brother J. C. Simmons being my pre- 
 siding elder. This was among the happiest years of 
 my life. We had a revival all the year round — had a 
 camp-meeting in McKamy's neighborhood. My pre- 
 siding elder, J. C. Simmons, was on hand, and such 
 faithful preaching as he did during the meeting I never 
 heard him do before nor since. The altar was crowded 
 day and night. One old infidel, that I had persuaded 
 to come to the meeting, came to me one day with the 
 tears streaming down his cheeks, and said, 'That 
 man's preaching has knocked all the infidelity out of 
 me.' I advised him to go home and burn his infidel 
 library, but he would not. He quenched his convic- 
 tions, and what became of him I know not." 
 
 Brother Taylor relates an incident in his experience 
 this year to show what some of us had to undergo in 
 this pioneer work. He was noted for hunting up those 
 that were living where they were denied the privileges 
 of the gospel. He says: "My circuit extended up the 
 river, and at the upper end, just across the river, was a 
 sort of out-of-the-way neighborhood of some fifteen 
 or twenty families. I made it a rule to visit such neigh- 
 borhoods, if there were any such near my work. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 225 
 
 In this place a friend of mine was living whom I 
 had known in Cave City. After visiting the people 
 and preaching to them, they asked me to give them a 
 regular appointment, which I did. It was some thirty 
 miles from French Camp, where I lived. On Saturday 
 morning I started for this neighborhood. I went to 
 this friend's house, arriving about sundown hungry and 
 tired. The lady was engaged in rendering up the fat 
 of a sheep that had been drowned, it was supposed, in 
 the river. Her son saw it floating down, and as they 
 were short of dog-meat, he swam in and brought it to 
 land. At supper I ate a biscuit and drank a cup of 
 coffee, and went to bed. Between where I lay and the 
 kitchen there was but a thin partition. I could hear 
 all that was said. The lady said to her son: 
 
 " ' What did you do with the carcass of that sheep?' 
 " He said, ' I hung it up in a tree for the dogs.' 
 ' ' I have a great mind to get some of it for breakfast. 
 The preacher is here, and we have no meat. The suet 
 smells all right, and I believe it is good.' 
 
 "The son said: 'Well, it was still warm when I 
 pulled it out of the river.' 
 
 "'Then,' said she, 'go and bring it to the house.' 
 "He went out, and in a few minutes brought it in and 
 laid it on the table. My whole nature rebelled against 
 the thought of eating of a sheep that had died — no one 
 knew how. The next morning one of the boys brought 
 in a large fish that he had just caught, and I fondly 
 hoped that that fish would be the saving clause in my 
 breakfast. When breakfast was announced, they had 
 a large dish of fried mutton and a plate of fish. I took 
 a piece of the fish, when lo! it had been fried in the 
 sheep suet! I opened a biscuit — it had been shortened 
 15 
 
226 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 with the same! I drank a cup of coffee, excused my- 
 self, and went out for my horse. When I came back, 
 the lady was preparing to go to church with me in my 
 buggy. This would necessarily bring me back to her 
 house. But I could not help myself. After preaching, 
 a lady asked my friend to go home with her to dinner. 
 I told her by all means to go, and I would take her 
 home in the evening. She consented. When we got 
 there, the lady told her she had no meat. k I have plen- 
 ty at my house,' said my friend. She told her to send 
 over and get a piece. Accordingly, a boy was dis- 
 patched, and in due time came back with a liberal por- 
 tion of my ' Nemesis ' of a sheep. So when dinner 
 came on, here was this mutton again, and a part of the 
 same fish! I could no more eat of them now than be- 
 fore. I took some potatoes on my plate. They had 
 been warmed over in the mutton gravy! By this time 
 I was growing weak and sick, having eaten nothing 
 since Saturday morning. I drank a cup of tea. It was 
 after sundown before I could get the lady to go home. 
 I drank a little coffee for supper, and went to bed. In 
 the morning I arose and harnessed my horse, and was 
 preparing to leave, when I was called in to breakfast. 
 I had to face that mutton again! Like a coward, I fled 
 from the face of my enemy. I had to drive about ten 
 miles before reaching a house. It was the house of a 
 special friend. As I entered, I said: 
 
 " ' Sister M., have you any yellow-legged chickens on 
 your place?" 
 
 " ' Plenty,' said she. 
 
 " 'Then get me one ready in twenty minutes, if pos- 
 sible, for I have eaten nothing since Saturday morn- 
 ing-. ' 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 22 
 
 " It was now noon on Monday. I lay down and 
 soon fell asleep. When I was called, such a breakfast as 
 was spread before me would have tempted any man, 
 much less one in my condition. I tarried under this 
 hospitable roof for two days, until I had made full 
 atonement to my outraged stomach." 
 
 He filled appointments for five or six years more, 
 when he was given a superannuated relation in 1868. 
 He bears that relation to the Conference still. He is 
 now in his seventy -ninth year, while his faithful wife 
 is in her seventy-filch. It is proper in this connection 
 to say that she has been a true itinerant's wife — not 
 only sharing the privations of her husband, but assist- 
 ing him in his work for the Church. But few women 
 in the ranks of itinerants' wives on this coast have done 
 more than she in actual work for the salvation of souls. 
 Whatever of success has attended the labors of Iry 
 Taylor, much of it is due to her. She went with him 
 in his rounds of pastoral visitations, talked and prayed 
 with the people. At revival and camp-meetings she 
 was a faithful worker in the altar, pointing sinners to 
 Christ, and comforting the mourners in Zion. 
 
 The old couple are leading a quiet life in the town of 
 Vacaville, waiting the Master's call to come up higher, 
 willing to stay and wait, or to go at any moment. 
 
 Moses Clampit was re-admitted at this Conference. 
 He came from the Illinois Conference of the M. E. 
 Church. He was a very eccentric man — his eccen- 
 tricities ofttimes outweighing his better qualities. 
 While eccentricities which partake of the humorous 
 often open the way of a preacher, if he have the good 
 sense to improve the opening, yet they are ever to be 
 regarded as a misfortune. Not only do thev do an in- 
 
2 2S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 jury to the individual himself, but younger preachers 
 often pattern after him; and as one who patterns after 
 another is almost always sure to adopt the most objec- 
 tionable features, it is a calamity to have an eccentric 
 man engaged in the Christian ministry. 
 
 Moses Clampit remained in the local ranks for sev- 
 eral years before he made application for admission 
 into the traveling connection. He resided in Santa 
 Clara Valley. W. R. Bane tells an anecdote of the 
 old man that gives a fair index to his peculiarities. 
 He had an ajDpointment to preach in Gilroy at an early 
 day, soon after the organization of our Church at that 
 point. " It was on Monday evening. Everybody 
 turned out to hear him. Just as he was laying off the 
 divisions of his subject, a full-grown dog-fight com- 
 menced in the yard. Whereupon one and all rushed 
 to look after their dogs. The dogs were legged and 
 parted, when all returned and resumed their seats with 
 as little delay as the nature of the case would allow. 
 The preacher, who had sat down to await the issue, 
 arose, and in a voice as solemn as death, said: ' I had 
 hoped, at least, to be as interesting as a dog-fight, but 
 it seems that I am only a secondary consideration. So 
 much for a preacher of the gospel of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ' " 
 
 Upon one occasion one of the Twelve Apostles of 
 the Mormon Church of the Latter Day Saints visited 
 California. He visited Santa Clara, and sought an op- 
 portunity to preach, but found a difficulty in getting a 
 place in which to hold a service. We had an old 
 church-building standing in town that had not been 
 used for some time, and some one told him he might 
 preach in that. The appointment was announced. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 229 
 
 The members of our Church in the valley heard that 
 there was to be preaching in our church in town, and 
 supposing it to be one of our preachers, turned out in 
 force. The Apostle was not long in undeceiving them. 
 He told them who and what he was. And after 
 preaching some time, he told them that "the signs of 
 an Apostle " were in him — that he ^ould " speak with 
 new tongues; he could take up serpents; and if he 
 should drink any deadly thing it would not hurt him." 
 Brother Clampit, who was present, had been growing 
 more and more restless with every sentence, and when 
 the speaker reached this point, he rose to his feet in 
 the congregation. All eyes were upon him. Pratt, 
 the Apostle, paused, when the old man said: " Look 
 a-here, old man. If you'll take a good dose of — of — 
 er-r (turning to the brother that sat by his side) awee! 
 Brother Rucker, what's that stuff you kill squirrels 
 with?" "Strychnine." " That's it. If you'll take a 
 good dose of strychnine, and it don't knock you as 
 cold as a wagon-tire, I'll jine you." The effect was 
 overwhelming. The crowd, who were growing impa- 
 tient, broke out into one loud roar of laughter that 
 wound up the exercises. 
 
 He had but little patience with instrumental music 
 in the churches. He saw with their introduction sci- 
 entific or artistic singing by the choir would usurp 
 the place of congregational singing, and hence he fre- 
 quently took occasion to make flings at it. Having an 
 appointment to preach in San Jose in 1855, the choir 
 led off in the service of song. He eyed the organ and 
 those surrounding: it as he would an enemv. After a 
 peculiar prayer, he rose and commenced singing a long- 
 meter hymn in the most unmusical, cracked voice that 
 
230 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ever afflicted a worshiping assembly. The hymn was 
 long as well as the meter, and he omitted not a single 
 doleful note until the last line had been rendered. 
 Then with a self-satisfied air, and with a triumphant 
 look at the organ, he said: " I reckon you think I can't 
 sing, but I've seen the day that I could beat any of 
 your fiddles and Jew's-harps." The young people of 
 town said it was equal to a circus to hear Clampit. 
 One evening he was preaching in San Jose, when in 
 the midst of his discourse a young man rose and walked 
 leisurely out. As he arose, Clampit stopped, and with 
 apparently deep solicitude he watched each step. As 
 he reached the door he spoke to the young man: 
 
 "Good-evening, sir!" 
 
 The young man turned about, and with all the po- 
 liteness of a Chesterfield, said: 
 
 "Good-evening, Mr. Clampit!" 
 
 The effect can better be imagined than described. 
 
 No man delighted in his peculiarities more than him- 
 elf, especially if they seemed to annoy others. 
 
 In the year 1853 there was a camp -meeting held 
 under the live-oaks east of the Pajaro Valley. It was 
 the first camp-meeting ever held in that section. There 
 were but few preachers present. But Clampit was 
 among them. He was usually in the habit of preaching 
 very long sermons; in fact, he felt that he had never 
 been licensed to preach short sermons, and he magni- 
 fied his office. It became necessary to preach him dur- 
 ing the meeting. For the glory of God and the good 
 of the meeting, those in power undertook the difficult 
 task of restraining him as to time. Brother B. was se- 
 lected as the best man to approach him on the subject. 
 He performed his duty, and awaited with solicitude the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. z-xi 
 
 o 
 
 result. From the manner in which he entered the pul- 
 pit, all in the secret felt that the job had not been a 
 successful one, and only time would reveal what he 
 would do. In his opening prayer he told the Lord of 
 the desire of his brethren for brevity. In his introduc- 
 tory remarks he referred at greater length to the de- 
 generacy of the times in his own characteristic way, 
 making this part of his service as tedious as possible. 
 Then, after spending considerable time on ''Firstly," 
 he said, " But I must hasten, or I will not be brief, as 
 I was requested." After another stretch, " Well, real- 
 ly, brethren, this is a very interesting part of my sub- 
 ject, and if I were only as religious as my good Broth- 
 er B., I would shout over it, and pass on briefly." And 
 thus he went on, ever and anon recurring to the fact 
 of his having been instructed to be brief. By this 
 time all of the preachers, and especially Brother B., 
 were becoming nervous, when, turning to the offend- 
 ing brother, to the amusement of everybody, he said: 
 
 " Brother B., what if I should preach till sundown? " 
 
 Brother B. responded: "That would be very un- 
 fortunate indeed." 
 
 " Not if a score of sinners should be converted." 
 
 " That is not at all probable." 
 
 Again the preacher, with the utmost unconcern, re- 
 turned to his subject, and introduced David's visit to 
 his brethren on the battle-field, and his desire to meet 
 Goliath in single combat, and closed the reference with 
 this remark: "His older brethren rebuked the van- 
 ity of the stripling as sharply as my brother here re- 
 buked me a moment ag:o." That was too much for 
 Brother B. He slipped out of the stand, retired from 
 the contest, and left Clampit master of the situation. 
 
233 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 History does not record the fact of his ever trying to 
 abridge Clampit's sermon again. 
 
 He filled three appointments in the Conference. 
 The first year he was sent to Visalia, the second he was 
 Presiding Elder of the Marysville District, and the third 
 he was stationed in Portland, Oregon. He then located 
 at his own request. While on the Marysville Dis- 
 trict he crowned his eccentricities by marrying an Irish 
 Catholic, a woman in no sort of sympathy with his 
 work as a Methodist preacher. A few years afterward 
 he died in Oregon. On his death-bed he gave all his 
 earthly possessions, amounting to $75, to the M. E. 
 Church, South, making Dr. O. P. Fitzgerald his admin- 
 istrator. 
 
 At this Conference, when the name of the sainted J. 
 M. Fulton was called, A. M. Bailey, the Presiding Eld- 
 er of the San Francisco District, " amid deep and sol- 
 emn feeling, announced and related the circumstances 
 of his death." We felt that the member of our Con- 
 ference who stood pre-eminently near to God had 
 been taken. No more should we hear his sighs for the 
 abominations that were done in the land. No more 
 should we hear his reverend, subdued voice reading 
 resolutions to the Conference on fasting and prayer. 
 We felt that one of the rocks by which our Confer- 
 ence was anchored to the throne had been removed, 
 and though we often smiled at his solemnity, yet our 
 eyes filled with tears as we looked upon the seat made 
 vacant by his removal. Eternity alone will reveal the 
 value of his services to us in the incipiency of our 
 work. 
 
 The Pacific Methodist had been started by O. Fish- 
 er in Stockton during the past year, and at this Con- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 233 
 
 ference it was determined to remove it to San Francis- 
 co, and 0. P. Fitzgerald, who had planned the enter- 
 prise and given the paper its name, was elected Ed- 
 itor, and O. Fisher, who was appointed Presiding Eld- 
 er of the San Francisco District, was elected Corre- 
 sponding Editor. 
 
234 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 |HE eighth session of the Conference was held 
 in the city of Stockton, October 13-19, 1S5S. 
 
 '£M There being no Bishop present, W. R. Gober 
 was elected President of the Conference. 
 
 It is to be regretted that for several sessions, includ- 
 ing this, none of the reports or statistics of the Con- 
 ference were recorded in the Minutes. They were 
 " placed on file," and have long since been lost. We 
 are compelled to rely upon memory for many facts in 
 connection with this period. 
 
 This session of the Conference was one of much in- 
 terest. All the machinery of the Church was in full 
 operation. Preachers and people had settled down to 
 the fact that our Church was no longer an experiment 
 in California — that there was an imperative necessity 
 for our existence, and that we would be recreant to the 
 trust committed to our hands if we were to halt or hes- 
 itate. Wherever we had labored God had been with 
 us, blessing the work of our hands in the salvation of 
 souls, in the recovery of the backslidden, and in the 
 strengthening of the walls of Zion. The people had 
 come to our help in the building of churches and par- 
 sonages, and had cheerfully and liberally supported our 
 ministers. With wonderful unanimity the preachers 
 had held themselves closely to the one work of preach- 
 ing the gospel without foreign admixture. 
 
 The reports of camp-meetings and revival-meetings 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 235 
 
 were very cheering. A camp- meeting had been held 
 on the Tuolumne River that in many respects was re- 
 markable. 
 
 Family feuds had prevailed to an alarming extent in 
 the valley. Several parties had been killed in these 
 difficulties. Infidelity, with brazen effrontery, had 
 achieved a triumph here that led those who had cast 
 off the restraints of religion to become more bold 
 in their attacks upon the doctrines of Christianity. 
 Through the year our preacher on this circuit had la- 
 bored without apparent fruit. He determined to hold 
 a camp-meeting. When the time appointed came, he 
 found himself almost alone. A few came out and 
 helped him prepare the ground. When the presiding 
 elder — R. W. Bigham — J. C. Simmons, T. C. Barton, 
 Iry Taylor, and others, arrived on the ground the even- 
 ing the meeting was to commence, they found a simple 
 stand erected under some large trees, a preachers' 1 tent 
 just back of this stand, and only two or three small 
 tents adjoining. Under a large oak the preacher in 
 charge was seen at a stove preparing a supper for 
 preachers and people. He was doing the cooking 
 himself. Other willing hands were soon found among: 
 his brother ministers to help him in his work. That 
 night the services began. At each service the crowd 
 grew larger. But an effort at revival seemed like strik- 
 ing with a hammer upon adamant. The preachers 
 talked of the condition of affairs, and held earnest 
 prayer-meetings in secret, pleading with God for help. 
 On Sunday at 11 o'clock R. W. Bigham preached from 
 Isaiah i. 2-4, in which he brought out the awful sin of 
 rebellion, and the ingratitude and folly of not heeding 
 the dealings of God with them. He drew picture after 
 
236 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 picture of the corrupters and evil-doers of that da3 r , 
 who had gone away backward. His sermon produced 
 a profound impression. At 3 o'clock J. C. Simmons 
 followed with a sermon from Ezekiel ix. 5-7, in which 
 he portrayed the wickedness and abominations that 
 were done in the land. As he preached his soul caught 
 on fire, and he poured forth a torrent of denunciation 
 against the crimes that were being enacted in that val- 
 ley. These men preached as having authority, and the 
 people trembled under their word. One of the prom- 
 inent citizens, and an actor in the scenes that had been 
 a blot upon the fair valley, said of these sermons: "If 
 those men had told one thing more they would have 
 told every mean thing that was ever done in the val- 
 ley." That night a number of penitents came to the 
 altar — the first sign of revival we had seen during the 
 meeting. One, and only one soul (J. J. Bruno w), as 
 far as we know, was converted during the meeting. 
 But the effect upon the community was seen for many 
 years. It prepared the way for a moral renovation. 
 J. J. Brunow, the man who was converted at this meet- 
 ing, was a German. He became a preacher, joined the 
 Pacific Conference, and was immediately transferred 
 to the Texas Conference, engaged in work among the 
 Germans in that State, and proved a most zealous, use- 
 ful man. 
 
 Another camp-meeting, in Cathey's Valley, near the 
 town of Mariposa, was also a remarkable occasion. 
 Soon after the meeting began the altar was crowded 
 with penitents, and in a few days the work became so 
 deep and powerful that there could be no regularity of 
 service. At all hours of the day and night penitents 
 were bowing and calling for mercy. Sometimes the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 237 
 
 people hardly had time to eat, so urgent was the work. 
 Out in the grove, in the tents, under the trees, on the 
 encampment, little groups might be seen at any time 
 praying for and talking to mourners. And glad shouts 
 of the saved were heard on all sides. Very little resr- 
 ular preaching was required, or done, after the first few 
 days of the meeting. 
 
 In Stockton, under the ministry of O. Fisher, the 
 most gracious revivals had followed his labors. He 
 held a camp - meeting in the fall at French Camp, 
 where the displays of the divine power were wonder- 
 ful. Untiring in his labors, Father Fisher preached 
 with great unction and success. Those who saw and 
 heard him at this meeting think that he here surpassed 
 any work of his life. The fruits of this revival are 
 still found in many other parts of the State. 
 
 About the same time R. C. Martin and Samuel 
 Brown, two young preachers, held a camp-meeting 
 near Liberty, on Dry Creek, in San Joaquin County. 
 The whole community was brought under the influence 
 of this meeting. About 50 souls were converted and 
 brought into the Church. 
 
 A certain Campbellite Christian preacher, who was 
 present at the meeting and heard the preaching and 
 saw the work of these young men, became greatly ex- 
 ercised. He wanted a hearing. He talked here and 
 there as he could get listeners, to the no small annoy- 
 ance of our preachers. At last he went so far as to 
 offer a horse to Martin if he would give him an hour 
 on Sunday. Martin with his keen little black eye 
 looked him full in the face, and said: "Now, look 
 here. If you don't keep quiet and behave yourself I'll 
 have you arrested and put in the county jail before 
 
238 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 night." This settled him, and he interfered with the 
 work of God no more during that meeting. 
 
 On the camp-ground a subscription was started to 
 build a church, which was completed that fall, near 
 Scott's Bridge, on Dry Creek. A few years afterward 
 it was moved to Elliot, and is still used as a house of 
 "worship. L-Os_ 
 
 In the spring of 1858 a most gracious work of God 
 commenced on the Santa Clara Circuit. J. Gruwell 
 was preacher in charge. The meeting was conducted 
 in a little school-house some three miles north of San 
 Jose. This meeting was held night after night for sev- 
 eral weeks. J. Gruwell was assisted by J. C. Simmons, 
 then stationed in San Jose. So deep and wide-spread 
 was the interest that it was determined to hold a camp- 
 meeting in the neighborhood in May. Accordingly, 
 arrangements were made, and the meeting held. Quite 
 a number of the preachers of the Conference were 
 present. O. Fisher was the presiding elder. O. P. 
 Fitzgerald, A. M. Bailey, W. R. Gober, T. C. Barton, 
 J. C. Simmons, and others, were at the meeting nearly 
 or quite all the time. Day and night the altar was 
 crowded with anxious penitents, and the work went 
 on until over 100 souls were happily converted to God. 
 Ninety-eight united with our Church at the meeting. 
 One remarkable feature of the meeting was that men 
 would get under conviction at their homes before vis- 
 iting the grounds at all — would come and be converted. 
 As these men would relate their experience, and tell 
 of their restlessness, and then of the providences that 
 led them to the meeting, and of their happy deliver- 
 ance from sin, all hearts would be moved and im- 
 pressed. One admirable feature of California camp- 
 
'On the Pacific Coast. 239 
 
 ./H p. : ■ 
 
 meetings is to hold an experience-meeting each morn- 
 ing of the meeting at about 9 o'clock. Here not only 
 the members of the Church have the opportunity to 
 speak, but the new converts, and even the penitents. 
 They in the fullness of their hearts tell of the peculiar 
 conflicts, temptations, and experiences through which 
 they are passing, or have passed, and thus furnish the 
 preachers with facts that are invaluable in the prosecu- 
 tion of their work. Not only so, but the new converts 
 are strengthened in their faith, and learn the language 
 of Zion. 
 
 It was during this meeting at Berryessa that the voice 
 of J. Gruwell manifested its marvelous power. No 
 man ever connected with our Conference has had such 
 a voice as he. It was loud and strong, but musical. 
 After a sermon by another, he rose to deliver an ex- 
 hortation. His voice swelled louder and louder until 
 it evidently reached its maximum. It rolled and re- 
 verberated among the trees like the thrilling tones of a 
 trumpet. O. P. Fitzgerald, who, during this meeting 
 especially, had labored with his voice, sometimes find- 
 ing it fail him just as he needed it most, listened at the 
 lion-like roar of this "son of thunder," when he was 
 heard to exclaim, " I would give my right arm to have 
 such a voice as that!" The following day a gentleman 
 who lived four miles down the valley came to the 
 ground and told us that he heard Brother Gru well's 
 voice at his house. 
 
 Perhaps no State in the Union has a climate better 
 adapted to the holding of camp-meetings than that of 
 California. Qui* long rainless seasons enable us to 
 occupy even brush tents, or booths, if we desire. No 
 shingled arbors, such as were necessary at the East, are 
 
 
240 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 required here. These meetings have been greatly 
 blessed of God, especially in our earlier history. 
 
 Joseph Emory, Martin Gier, Benjamin C. Howard, J. 
 Milton Ward, David M. Rice, William M. Culp, Thos. 
 Brown, C. C. Snell, and T. O. Ellis were admitted on 
 trial, and C. H. E. Newton, local elder, formerly of the 
 Alabama Conference, M. W. Glover, of the St. Louis 
 Conference, and S. W. Davies, of the Pacific Confer- 
 ence, were re-admitted at this session. 
 
 Joseph Emery was born in Pennsylvania. He came 
 to California while quite a youth. He was a diligent, 
 devoted young Christian, who, when he felt it his duty 
 to preach, commenced at once a thorough course of 
 study. He was thoroughly consecrated to the work of 
 the Christian ministry. His first appointment was one 
 well calculated to try his metal. He was on the Red- 
 woods Circuit, embracing a section of country lying 
 west of Santa Clara Valley — reaching, in fact, from 
 the valley to the Pacific Ocean. Most of it was new 
 work and very difficult. But he was faithful in all 
 that was required of him. He rose rapidly, and soon 
 filled some of the most important appointments in the 
 Conference. After working with us for some nine or 
 ten years he was called to the chair of mathematics in 
 Corvallis College, Oregon, a position he has filled with 
 honor to himself and the Church to the present. 
 
 Martin Gier remained with us only two years, when 
 he was discontinued, at his own request. 
 
 W. M. Culp was born in Barren County, Kentucky, 
 December ^, 1831; lived for a time in Missouri, and 
 came to California in 1854. He was converted in his 
 eighteenth year, and was ever a consistent, happy 
 Christian. He was licensed to preach in 1S57, and 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 241 
 
 joined the Pacific Conference the following year. 
 After preaching two years in California he went with 
 the faithful little band that planted Southern Method- 
 ism in Oregon. He was stationed in Corvallis, where 
 he did good service. But he found the climate too 
 damp and rigorous for his frail constitution, and re- 
 turned to California, and was stationed in Grass Val- 
 ley. Here he married Miss Missouri Wood, who still 
 survives him. He was a good singer and diligent pas- 
 tor. Born of Methodist parents and reared in the lap 
 of the Church, his devotion to the cause of Christ was 
 life-long. His personal religious life was marked by a 
 fervent spirit, and his deep feeling often overflowed in 
 shouts and tears of holy joy. He died in the town of 
 Snelling, March 11, 1870. His service to the Church 
 will not be forgotten. 
 
 Thomas Brown remained in the work but a short 
 time. 
 
 T. O. Ellis had been a practicing physician. He was 
 well advanced in years when he entered the Confer- 
 ence. He was an elder. His first appointment was 
 Presiding Elder of the Los Angeles District. Los An- 
 geles and El Monte were connected with his appoint- 
 ment. At the end of his probation he was discontin- 
 ued, at his own request. 
 
 C. C. Snell filled three appointments while on trial 
 in the Conference, and then was discontinued, at his 
 own request. He was a humble, deeply pious man, 
 and was instrumental in the conversion of quite a 
 number of souls. 
 
 P. Strickland was discontinued at the end of the first 
 year. 
 
 D. M. Rice filled two appointments in California, 
 
 16 
 
242 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 and was sent to Oregon, where he labored until the 
 organization of the Columbia Conference, preaching 
 six years before, and two after, that Conference was 
 formed. After a few years more of labor in the Pa- 
 cific Conference he located, but was re-admitted a few 
 years ago, and is laboring zealously. He is a faithful, 
 good man, ready to take and do any hard work if the 
 authorities of the Church lay it on him. 
 
 J. Milton Ward was born September 9, 1833, in Cal- 
 laway County, Missouri. He was converted, and 
 joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Sep- 
 tember 9, 1849. ^ e came to California in 1S50, cross- 
 ing the plains. For six years he worked in the mines, 
 and although he had no opportunity to unite with the 
 Church for three years, yet he was faithful to his duties 
 as a Christian, and enjoyed much of the love of God. 
 
 He was licensed to exhort May 11, 1858, and to 
 jDreach the latter part of that year. He was admitted 
 on trial into the Pacific Conference, October, 1858. In 
 i860 he organized our Church in .Shasta. One year he 
 served as College Agent. In 1S62-3 he attended school 
 at Pacific Methodist College, the better to fit himself for 
 his work as a Methodist preacher. He was then sent as 
 Presiding Elder of the Jacksonville District, Oregon. 
 He remained but twoyears in Oregon, when he returned 
 to California. In 1S67 he organized the Watsonville 
 and Salinas Circuit. In 1S74 he had a severe spell of 
 congestion of the lungs, and was disabled and on the 
 supernumerary list for six years. But he is now effect- 
 ive, and is doing full work. He is a man of deep piety 
 and sterling worth, willing to do any work that may 
 be assigned him. 
 
 B. C. Howard was born in Newton County, Geor- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 243 
 
 gia, April 5, 1813; was licensed to preach in Kentucky 
 in the year 1S40, and came to California in 1S54. In 
 the course of his labors in the Pacific Conference he 
 has been in almost all parts of the State, from Shasta 
 in the north to Visalia in the south. He filled appoint- 
 ments regularly from the year of his admission into 
 the Conference to the year 1S74, when he took a su- 
 perannuated relation, and has remained in this relation 
 until now, living a blameless, quiet, happy life. His 
 faithful wife has been a sharer with him of all his toils 
 and privations. A year ago they celebrated their gold- 
 en wedding, gathering their children and their chil- 
 dren's children about them on this memorable occasion. 
 He still feels the most lively interest in our Church on 
 this coast. He is spending the evening of his life in 
 the town of Colusa, preaching as often as opportunity 
 offers, ever ready to second the preacher in charge in 
 any work for the advancement of the kingdom of 
 Christ, in whose service he has spent a long and happy 
 life. He says, in reviewing the labors of his life: "God 
 has greatly blessed me in my feeble efforts to preach." 
 Only when the angel reapers have garnered the sheaves 
 of life's harvest, shall it be known how many precious 
 souls have been brought to Christ through the labors 
 of this faithful servant. 
 
 M. W. Glover, who was re-admitted, had formerly 
 been a member of the St. Louis Conference. He came 
 to Caifornia in an early day and engaged in mining, but 
 was always earnest in his interest in the success and 
 prosperity of our Church. At times he succeeded very 
 well in his mining operations. He attended the Con- 
 ference which met in San Jose in 1857. Bascom In- 
 stitute was then enjoying its most prosperous days. 
 
244 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Several artesian wells had been sunk in the valley, and 
 it was desired to have one on the grounds of the Insti- 
 tute. A subscription was started among the preachers 
 to raise $250 with which to sink a well. The preach- 
 ers were responding in their usually liberal and prompt 
 manner, when Brother Glover, then a local preacher, 
 rose and said he would pay one-half of the amount in 
 behalf of the mines, if the valleys would raise the re- 
 mainder. A. M. Bailey at once accepted the proposi- 
 tion, and the Conference, by formal motion, thanked 
 these two brethren for what they had done. M. W. 
 Glover paid his half out of his own pocket. This 
 showed the spirit and the liberality of the man. He 
 remained in the Pacific Conference, doing faithful work, 
 till the year 1870, when he was transferred to the Los 
 Angeles Conference. 
 
 C. H. E. Newton, a local elder, was re-admitted on a 
 certificate of location from, the Alabama Conference. 
 He was in many respects the most peculiar of men. 
 He wore his beard and hair very long — in fact, as long 
 as they would grow, for neither was ever trimmed. 
 He loved the miner's loose dress, and would never 
 change his blue or gray shirt for the starched linen. He 
 wore no necktie, and usually left the top button of his shirt 
 unfastened. He was tall, and had a strange look about the 
 eyes and an eccentricity of movement that would al- 
 most lead one to think the strain of but a little more ex- 
 citement, and the chords that bound him to reason 
 would snap, and he become a maniac. He evidently 
 studied to be thought eccentric. While some natures 
 may manifest eccentricities more than others, yet the 
 habit is a cultivated one. He was a great student and 
 reader, and had an instinct for rare books — knew where 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 245 
 
 to find them, and how to analyze and treasure up their 
 best thoughts. He was a living encyclopedia. There 
 seemed to be no subject about which he knew nothing, 
 and his readiness to communicate was as marvelous as 
 his fund of knowledge. Some of his sermons were 
 marvels of theological research and knowledge, and his 
 entrance upon any exposition was almost always new 
 and startling. He sought to arrest attention at once, 
 and but seldom failed. Upon one occasion he was to 
 preach at a camp-meeting. After the usual preliminary 
 service, which was made as unusual as possible, he 
 sprang from his seat in the stand, rushed to the book- 
 board, leaned over until his long, yellow beard hung at 
 right angles from his long, brown neck, gazed with a 
 sort of wild, maniacal stare at the congregation for a 
 few moments, then shouted: " Old man, where is your 
 text?" Pausing for a few moments more, he threw 
 his body as far back as he had bent forward, and bring- 
 ing his hand down on the Bible as if he would drive it 
 through the board on which it lay, said: " In that book! " 
 Another pause. Then turning his gaze rapidly from one 
 side of the congregation to the other, he asked: " What 
 is it? " and answering his own question quickly, he 
 shouted: " It's a lie! " The titter that rippled for a mo- 
 ment through the congregation was awed into silence 
 by the indescribable earnestness of the speaker. He 
 continued: " I thought that the Bible was a book of 
 truth, and you say you've found a lie in it; yes, and a 
 big one." For perhaps ten minutes he talked of his 
 text before he announced it. At last opening the hith- 
 erto closed book, he turned to Malachi iii. 14, and read, 
 " Ye have said it is a vain thing to serve God," and then 
 he began one of the most masterly vindications of re- 
 
246 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ligion and the service of God we had ever heard. lie 
 showed his perfect familiarity with all the leading infidel 
 writers as well as the master-minds in theology. He 
 tore asunder the specious arguments of infidels, and 
 held them up before his audience in such a light that 
 they pitied them in their folly. Then in turn he showed 
 the grand advantages of the religion of Jesus, for the 
 life that now is, and then of that which is to come. 
 Never for a moment did he lose the fervor of the deep 
 earnestness that fired his soul at the beginning. 
 
 He was present at one amongst if not the first camp- 
 meeting: ever held in the State. It was held in Au- 
 gust, 1 85 2, just across Deer Creek from the city of Ne- 
 vada. It was a camp-meeting planned and conducted 
 by J. F. Blythe, then stationed in Nevada City, and J. 
 C. Simmons, stationed in Grass Valley. The ground 
 was chosen on a little flat, all dug and torn up by the 
 miners, known as Gold Run. There were two or three 
 deserted miners' cabins under some tall pine and arbor- 
 vitas trees. Here a brush arbor was built. An old 
 Negro woman was hired to attend the table and wash 
 dishes. Blythe, Simmons, Newton, and one or two oth- 
 ers did the cooking, such as it was. They also did the 
 preaching. Fair congregations were out in the day- 
 time, while at night and on Sunday large numbers of 
 the miners attended. The most respectful attention was 
 given to all the services, and quite a number of peni- 
 tents came forward from time to time for prayers. 
 There was but one clear conversion that we knew of, 
 although much good otherwise was effected. The one 
 who was converted was at the altar several days. He 
 seemed in despair. Nothing that could be said to him 
 seemed to have the least effect in comforting- him. He 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 247 
 
 said there was no mercy for him. The promises were 
 not for him. At last Brother Newton undertook his 
 case. He sat down by him and told him that there ivas 
 no mercy for him — that he had been such a sinner that 
 the merits of Christ's blood could not reach his case, 
 and that he had just as well make up his mind to be 
 damned. He did this in such an earnest manner that 
 the man was startled, and began to take the other side. 
 Newton saw the effect, and skillfully drove him to the 
 cross, and the man was saved. 
 
 It was at this camp-meeting that he preached his cel- 
 ebrated "gee-bug" sermon, illustrating the growth of 
 faith. He told of a certain nobleman that was con- 
 fined in an immense tower, incarcerated for life. His 
 friends on the outside planned for his rescue. They 
 could see him from day to day at a window high up in 
 the tower. Procuring a gee-bug (of the beetle spe- 
 cies) that was remarkably fond of butter, and that 
 would follow the scent of it anywhere, they tied an ex- 
 ceedingly fine thread of silk to it, and then by an in- 
 genious arrangement suspended a small lump of butter 
 just before i^ by tying a straw to its back. They then 
 placed the bug on the base of the tower with its head 
 pointing directly to the window above. The bug 
 smelled the butter and started for it, dragging the 
 thread. Higher and higher it ascended, watched with 
 the most intense interest by the waiting friends below 
 until it was a mere speck on the granite wall, and then 
 they could see it no more. But they knew it was still 
 climbing by the thread slowly paying out. At last it 
 reached the window-sill, passed over, still following the 
 scent of the butter, until it was discovered by the lone 
 prisoner. He took hold of the frail thread, perceived 
 
248 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 what it meant, and began drawing it in to him. To 
 this silk thread was attached one a little larger and 
 stronger, and as the prisoner pulled it in to him his 
 friends below attached other and stronger threads until 
 at last a small rope was taken up, then a larger one, 
 until at last one was drawn up of sufficient strength to 
 bear the prisoner's weight; and when the shades of 
 night fell, fastening the rope on the inside of his cell, 
 he let himself down, and was free. The description 
 was so life-like and graphic, as he went on and on with 
 its presentation, that one could feel his faith strength- 
 ening as he listened. He was an exceedingly ingenious 
 mechanic — knew how to work in iron, wood, and pre- 
 cious metals — while his knowledge of chemistry was 
 equal to that of a professor. He could make money, 
 and yet he seemed to care nothing for it. When he en- 
 tered the Conference he walked his circuits. He seemed 
 to have but little order in his work. He would appear 
 on any part of his circuit, ' and startle the people oft- 
 times by the most powerful and eloquent sermons. 
 There was that in his nature that enabled him to throw 
 his whole soul into a thought with perfect abandon. 
 He would soar fearlessly where other men would not 
 dare to fly. The very giddiness of his flights seemed 
 only to stimulate him to more recklessness of oratory. 
 Had he been well-balanced, with his fund of knowl- 
 edge and his power over the human heart, there is no 
 estimating the good he might have accomplished. But 
 as it was, he shot like a meteor across the heavens, 
 commanding attention, and then was gone, leaving only 
 the impression of something wonderful, of something 
 strange, and that was all. 
 
 His first year, after joining the Conference, was in 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 249 
 
 the northern mines at Dutch Flat. The next was five 
 hundred miles away at Los Angeles and El Monte. 
 The next was in Salem, Oregon. For four years he 
 preached within the bounds of the State of Oregon, 
 and then with a pack-horse and pony he set out for 
 Idaho, and startled the miners of that Territory by his 
 wild movements and overwhelming oratory. He was 
 elected to the General Conference of 1866, and set off 
 across the mountains with his two horses and camping 
 outfit. He became quite feeble in health, and never re- 
 turned to the West. 
 
 He was born in New Hampshire, though he lived 
 long in Alabama; and when his health failed, he re- 
 turned to the White Mountains of his native State to 
 end life's pilgrimage where it was begun. He still 
 lives, though far advanced in years. 
 
250 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 HE ninth session of the Conference was held in 
 San Francisco, September 28, 1S59, Bishop G. 
 * ~4M F. Pierce presiding. There were eighteen appli- 
 cations for admission on trial into the Conference, all 
 but two of whom were admitted. 
 
 Azariah Martin, from the Gilroy Circuit, traveled 
 three years and located. He labored as a local preach- 
 er under the presiding elder for several years. He was 
 a faithful, good, and true man. 
 
 L. D. Harris came with a recommendation from the 
 San Jose and Santa Clara Circuit, and for eighteen con- 
 secutive years he took work and filled his appointments 
 to the best of his ability. He then took a supernumerary 
 relation to the Conference on account of his health, and 
 has sustained that relation ever since. He is a faithful 
 man, full of good works, and has the interest of the 
 Church always at heart. He has added much to the 
 material interests of the Conference. He has ever been 
 bold and outspoken against sin. An episode in the his- 
 tory of Brother Hargis will illustrate his fearlessness, 
 and also show the animus of parties in certain quarters 
 toward our Church, and the efforts made to involve us 
 in difficulty. In the year 1S61 he was stationed in 
 Stockton. The Civil War was raging, and the most in- 
 tense feeling prevailed on all sides. A plan was laid to 
 get our preacher and Church into difficulty, and on the 
 evening of the third of July a young German met 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 2=U 
 
 Brother Hargis at the conclusion of his weekly prayer- 
 meeting, and asked the privilege of ringing the church- 
 bell at midnight. This request was refused. The next 
 morning, soon after daylight, Brother Hargis heard the 
 bell tap. He sprang over the parsonage fence (the 
 parsonage was on the same street with the church, and 
 nearly opposite), and rushed across the street to put a 
 stop to the ringing. He found quite a crowd gathered 
 in and about the church -door, and two men, who had 
 effected an entrance through the window, ringing the 
 bell. He sprang at the rope above their hands, and 
 pulled it with such force as to overturn the bell. He 
 then hurled one of the men back, and with author- 
 ity ordered them all to leave the church, which they did 
 in short order, uttering bitter oaths and threats. During 
 the day the excitement increased. Brother Hargis asked 
 those who demanded the privilege, if they intended to 
 ring the bell on the Catholic Church. They said, " By 
 no means." The whole matter was aimed at us because 
 we were the M. E. Church, South. Our enemies de- 
 sired to stir the people against us. Threats were made 
 that at sundown the bell should be rung at all hazards. 
 In the meantime Brother Hargis secured a written or- 
 der from the trustees of the church forbidding the ring- 
 ing of the bell. Armed with this, he proceeded to the 
 parsonage. He had also appealed to the sheriff of the 
 county for protection, and had the assurance from that 
 officer that the bell should not be rung. A little before 
 sundown, when Brother Hargis reached the church, he 
 found the street blocked by an excited mob who had 
 drawn up a cannon in front of the church, loaded 
 with old iron, with which they swore they would 
 blow preacher and church to pi-eces or ring the bell. 
 
252 History Of Southern Methodism 
 
 An entrance had again been effected by way of the 
 window, and the bell began to ring. As before, 
 Brother Hargis rushed in and seized the rope, and 
 while holding it with One hand, he read the order 
 of the trustees. Hon. Thomas Laspeyre, a member of 
 the California Legislature, Judge Charles Campbell, 
 District Attorney of the county, a young lawyer named 
 Thomas Caldwell, and other prominent citizens were 
 on the ground ready to defend the church against the 
 wanton outrage sought to be perpetrated against it. 
 Brother Hargis had succeeded in clearing the church once 
 more, while the mob about the door were cursing, and 
 calling for the firing of the cannon. Just then a man 
 mounted the cannon and commanded silence, while he 
 read a document, purporting to have emanated from the 
 trustees, giving permission to ring the bell. This at 
 once disarmed the friends of the church, and they with- 
 drew and let the mob have its way. The document 
 was a forgery. It would have been far better, no doubt, 
 to have yielded at once to the demands of the mob. 
 No principle would have been sacrificed, and our con- 
 cession would have disproved their charge of disloyalty. 
 Opposition only gave them something to chafe against. 
 Since Brother Hargis has been on the supernumerary 
 list he has been struggling to support a growing fami- 
 ly. In battling with the world he has found out its 
 hollowness and insincerity. And although he has had 
 some sad experiences, he says: "Thank God, I am not 
 in the least soured at the world. It is just like the 
 world; that is the way it has always been doing. A 
 man is a fool that expects any thing better of it. I have 
 learned much by ranching — more than I could ever have 
 learned by preaching. I have not learned theology, but 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 253 
 
 I have learned something of human nature. I do not 
 know what I shall do for the future. My throat has 
 been better for two years, but the doctor says I have 
 rheumatism of the heart." He rejoices at the good 
 news from foreign fields, and pants to be again in the 
 active work. 
 
 James M. Lovell was reared mainly in Santa Clara 
 Valley — was the child of pious parents. He filled 
 eight appointments and then took a local relation for 
 two years, was re-admitted, and after filling two more 
 appointments in the Pacific Conference, transferred to 
 the Columbia Conference, and was stationed in Corval- 
 lis. He remained in that Conference two years and re- 
 turned to the Pacific, and after traveling for three years, 
 was violently thrown from his buggy while on the 
 Healdsburg Circuit, as he was preparing to attend a 
 quarterly-meeting, and received such an injury of the 
 head as to incapacitate him from preaching. He was 
 put upon the superannuated list. He afterwards lo- 
 cated. 
 
 John J. Brunow was an educated German who had 
 been converted at one of our camp-meetings on the 
 Tuolumne River, and having a desire to preach the 
 gospel to his own people, joined the Pacific Conference 
 on trial, and was transferred to the Texas Conference, 
 where there was an opening field for his labors. 
 
 Leander Cately came to California for his health, and 
 after remaining here awhile he felt well enough to take 
 work, and was recommended, as was J.J. Brunow, from 
 the San Francisco Station. He was deeply pious, and 
 fully consecrated to the work of Gpd. Frail as he was, 
 he taxed his energies to their full power in the service 
 of his Master. At times, when preaching, especially 
 
254 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 On the subject of holiness — a theme he delighted in — 
 he would soar beyond himself, and with an eloquence 
 born of the Spirit he would carry his audience to the 
 heights of Beulah, and kindle within them intense de- 
 sires to live always as God would have them. His pow- 
 er in prayer is wonderful, excelling most men in his 
 earnest, fervent approaches to a throne of grace. He 
 was first appointed Agent of the Branch Book De- 
 pository, located in San Francisco, after which he 
 preached on circuits for three years and located. In 
 1870 he was re-admitted. A part of the time he trav- 
 eled, and a part he was a supernumerary until 1874, 
 when he again located. 
 
 J. G. Huff was recommended from the Bodega Circuit. 
 He remained in the traveling connection some six years, 
 and located. 
 
 George E. Dean, recommended from the San Francisco 
 Station, continued some few years longer in the work 
 than J. G. Huff. He was not very efficient as a preach- 
 er, and in 1870 he was located, at his own request. 
 
 Columbus Derrick crossed the continent in the stage 
 with Bishop Pierce, and was recommended by the Bo- 
 dega Quarterly Conference. He was never admitted 
 into full connection. 
 
 R. L. Vann, from the Sonoma and Napa Circuit, was 
 also discontinued at the end of his second year. 
 
 F. M. Staten, recommended by the Vacaville and 
 Putah Circuit, has proved one of our most faithful men. 
 He was born in Paducah, Kentucky, Nov. 20, 1838; 
 moved to Missouri while yet an infant. He came with 
 his parents tp California in 1852, and settled in Solano 
 County, near where the town of Elmira now stands. 
 In 1856 he entered the Ulatus Seminary at Vacaville — 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 255 
 
 the institution that we afterward bought and converted 
 into Pacific Methodist College. He attended this school 
 for three years; was the first secretary of Ulatus Lit- 
 erary Society, still connected with the college. 
 
 He soon came under the influence of the preachers 
 of our Church, and at a protracted- meeting held near 
 his father's house — at which there were over 30 con- 
 versions — he was brought to Christ. This was in 
 18*57. ^ e soon felt the movings of God's holy Spirit 
 calling him to the Christian ministry. But he kept 
 these impressions a profound secret until J. F. Blythe, 
 under whose ministry he had been converted, ap- 
 proached him on the subject. He confessed that he felt 
 it his duty, and through the friendly advice of his pas- 
 tor he was licensed to exhort. In 1S59 he was licensed 
 to preach, and recommended to the Annual Conference. 
 
 He is a faithful worker, and has added much to the 
 material interests of the Conference. He built a church 
 at Linden in 1873, one at Gait in 1S80, and one on the 
 Yuba City Circuit in 1SS4. He built a parsonage at 
 Sebastopol, in Sonoma County, and during his pastor- 
 ate at Gait he moved and remodeled the parsonage on 
 that circuit. With the exception of one year, when he 
 located, he has been in the effective ranks. He goes 
 cheerfully wherever sent, and gives his whole time to 
 the work. 
 
 A. C. Howlett also came recommended from the Va- 
 caville and Putah Circuit. He filled two appointments 
 in California, and was then sent to Oregon, where he 
 labored until the organization of the Columbia Confer- 
 ence. 
 
 W. M. Winters, who came recommended from the 
 Bear River Circuit, was born in Illinois in 1826, and 
 
256 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 went to Missouri in 1840. He was a soldier in the war 
 with Mexico; came to California in 1850. He was con- 
 verted, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South, under the ministry of A. M. Bailey; was licensed 
 to preach in 1858. He was sent the first year to the 
 circuit that recommended him. He has proved a faith- 
 ful, conscientious preacher. He has the happy faculty 
 of securing the confidence and love of his people. 
 Every work to which he is sent is strengthened and en- 
 larged. 
 
 The fourth year of his ministry he was Agent for 
 Pacific Methodist College, and succeeded next to J. C. 
 Stewart in that peculiar and arduous work. He has 
 never been physically strong, and this has been much 
 in his way, especially as an agent. At one time, when 
 the Pacific Methodist — our Conference organ — was 
 struggling for existence, he turned out, and in a few 
 months secured an endowment of $10,000 for it, to be 
 paid in annual installments for ten years. This endow- 
 ment fund tided the paper over many hard places, if it 
 did not more than once save its life. In 1863 he located 
 on account of his health, was re-admitted in 1872, and is 
 still connected with the Conference, doing good work. 
 
 L. T. Hawkins, from the Clear Lake Circuit, remained 
 in the traveling connection but four years, when he re- 
 turned to his home in the East. 
 
 George Sim is an Englishman, having been born in 
 the city of Chester, England, in 1S28. He was the son 
 of a Baptist minister who was pastor of the same 
 Church for twenty-five years. On his death his re- 
 mains were deposited in the inclosure of the church. 
 
 At the tender age of thirteen George went to sea, en- 
 during the hardships and privations of a sea-faring life. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 2 57 
 
 In his voyages he visited ports in almost all parts of the 
 world— the East India ports in the Mediterranean, Bra- 
 zil, Chili, Peru, and other points. He filled various of- 
 fices, from cabin-boy to chief officer. In the spring of 
 1S53 it was his fortune to come to California. He was, 
 like the great majority who came out at that time, in 
 search of gold. He went at once to the mines, work- 
 ing in Mariposa, Tuolumne, and Calaveras Counties. 
 
 In September, 1858, while engaged in mining on 
 Mormon Gulch, in Tuolumne County, his company 
 was obliged to suspend work for two weeks, on ac- 
 count of a lawsuit with a rival company. In the prov- 
 idence of God a camp- meeting was in progress near 
 Tuttletown, under the direction of H. N. Compton and 
 M. F. Jones, preachers of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, South. To this camp-meeting George Sim 
 was led. Conviction seized him, and he was led to 
 seek and find the pardon of his sins in believing on 
 - Jesus. He who had sailed the seas over, with the 
 world between him and the home of his childhood, 
 here in this land of sin and excitement found peace at 
 a rude camp-meeting altar in the mines. 
 
 His change was deep and thorough. With charac- 
 teristic firmness he turned his back upon the world at 
 the call of God, and gave himself to the work of the 
 Christian ministry. He had been led to the Saviour 
 through the instrumentality of the ministers of our 
 Church. Kneeling at her altars, he had received the 
 evidence of pardon, the witness of the Spirit, and in 
 her communion he received the encouragement and 
 help he needed. Examining her doctrines and polity, 
 he saw that the former were in accordance with the 
 teachings of the Lord Jesus, and the latter in harmony 
 
 17 
 
2^8 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 with apostolic practice, and with all his heart he em- 
 braced them, and threw himself soul and body with 
 us. And after an intimate acquaintance of twenty-five 
 years with these doctrines and the rules and govern- 
 ment of the Church, the conviction of their righteous- 
 ness has strengthened. 
 
 Six months after his conversion he was licensed to 
 preach by the Quarterly Conference of the Sonora Cir- 
 cuit, in June, 1S59, J. F. Blythe being the presiding elder. 
 He was ordained deacon and elder the same day by 
 Bishop Kavanaugh, in May, 1864. 
 
 He has been useful as a preacher all these years, suf- 
 fering nothing to draw his mind and heart from the 
 great work in which he has been engaged. The oil 
 which he bears into the sanctuary is always " beaten 
 oil." He is a close student, and is ever careful in the 
 preparation of his sermons. He has traveled in all 
 parts of our work, filling some of our best stations and 
 circuits. Seven years of the time he has been presiding 
 elder. He was sent as a delegate to the General Con- 
 ference held in Louisville, Kentucky, and was appoint- 
 ed a delegate to the Ecumenical Conference held in 
 London This Conference he could not attend. 
 
 Though of late years he has been called to pass 
 through deep personal affliction, yet he has held to his 
 work, and after weary weeks of bodily suffering, God 
 has girded him to the conflict, and he has gone forth 
 in his ''loved employ. " 
 
 B. W. Taylor, from San Bernardino Circuit, was sent 
 to the Coulterville Circuit, but left his work during the 
 year and entered upon an educational enterprise in Vi- 
 salia. At the ensuing Conference he was discontinued, 
 at his own request. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 259 
 
 J. W. Leach came to us from the M. E. Church 
 (North). He traveled in the Pacific Conference thir- 
 teen years, being presiding elder the last three, when 
 he transferred to the Los Angeles Conference. Some 
 few years ago he returned to the communion of the M. 
 E. Church. 
 
 The Church in all parts of the Conference, except 
 in some mining regions, was moving steadily forward. 
 The surface mines in many localities were being ex- 
 hausted, and towns and camps that were at one time 
 crowded with busy multitudes were almost deserted. 
 Men were turning their thoughts and energies in other 
 directions. Multitudes that had come to California ex- 
 pecting to remain but a few years, charmed by the cli- 
 mate, and seeing the vast resources that lay in her fer- 
 tile valleys and in her forest-crowned mountains, sent 
 back for their families, and made their arrangements to 
 abide permanently here. To meet these changes, our 
 preachers had to follow the people to the valleys, where 
 towns and cities were rapidly increasing in number and 
 importance — where rich farms were coming under the 
 cultivating hand of the husbandman. Hence old cir- 
 cuits were abandoned, and new ones were forming. 
 
 The statistics of the Church at this session revealed 
 the fact that we had 44 local preachers; 2,83s members 
 and probationers; 26 churches, valued at $^7,7 =;o; 14 
 parsonages, valued at $8,350. We had collected for 
 Foreign Missions during the year $1,055. We had 33 
 Sunday-schools in operation, with 186 officers and teach- 
 ers; 906 scholars; 5,815 volumes in our Sunday-school 
 libraries; and we had raised and expended for Sunday- 
 school purposes during the year $885.95; and 35 con- 
 versions were reported among the children. 
 
260 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Plans were adopted at this Conference for the inau- 
 guration of a male college. The Bascom Institute, at 
 San Jose, was for the education of females. This insti- 
 tution had been leased to Mrs. R. C. Hammond for a 
 term of years. But at this time a committee was ap- 
 pointed to make arrangements with the lessee to again 
 resume the direct control and management of the school. 
 The failure of this institution in subsequent years, and 
 the growth of Pacific Methodist College, led us to un- 
 dertake the co-education of the sexes in the latter. This 
 was a wise arrangement, and has worked well for more 
 than twenty years. 
 
 During this session, which was held in a rented 
 church in San Francisco, Bishop Pierce made a stirring 
 appeal for a subscription to build a church of our own 
 in this great and growing city, and $2,410 was sub- 
 scribed on the Conference-floor — most of it by the 
 preachers. 
 
 Bishop Pierce spent several weeks in San Francisco, 
 preaching daily, to the great edification of our people. 
 Durino- the progress of this meeting the little Pine- 
 street church, in which we worshiped, was full to over- 
 flowing. The Rev. W. A. Scott, D.D., of the Presby- 
 terian Church, came and offered his large church-build- 
 ing for our use, inviting the Bishop and congregation 
 to transfer their meetings there. But the magnani- 
 mous, unambitious Bishop respectfully declined, giving 
 as a reason that whatever of influence he had he want- 
 ed to give to our own Church and congregation, No- 
 where else in California did he preach withsuch power 
 and effect as at this time. Up to the time of this visit 
 on the part of Bishop Pierce he had not given a very 
 hearty support to our Church on this coast. He had 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 261 
 
 his doubts about the propriety of the movement, and 
 the success of the enterprise. He did not know that 
 the expenditure of money and labor necessary to carry 
 on the work here would bring an adequate return to 
 the Church, or conduce to the glory of God. But 
 when he came and mingled with the people, and saw 
 for himself, he became fully satisfied that the whole 
 thing was of God, and it ever afterward had his most 
 hearty co-operation and support. The reports of gra- 
 cious revivals with which God had honored our minis- 
 try, that came in from all quarters; the growth of the 
 material interests of the Church; the full-fledged Con- 
 ference of devoted ministers over which he was -called 
 to preside; the long line of candidates, most of them 
 converted and licensed to preach in our midst, that 
 stood before him applying for admission into the trav- 
 eling connection — were overwhelming in their influ- 
 ence, and sent conviction home to his heart in a way 
 that enlisted him fully and finally in our behalf. 
 
 We sent out 61 preachers to different circuits and sta- 
 tions this year, beside employing several local preach- 
 ers as supplies. 
 
 O. Fisher had been on a prospecting tour to Oregon 
 the previous year, and an Oregon District was organ- 
 ized, of which he was made Presiding Elder. The 
 same want of a non-political Church and ministry was 
 demanded in that State as in California. Many people, 
 both from the North and the South, had grown sick of 
 having the pulpit converted into a platform, and of hav- 
 ing their political views assailed from the sacred desk 
 by those who professed to be called to feed the flock of 
 Christ. Hence when this devoted little band com- 
 menced their labors there, they were hailed with de- 
 
262 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 light by some, and scowled upon and maligned by oth- 
 ers. 
 
 At this Conference M. Evans presented a form for 
 the uniform reception of members into full connection. 
 It was referred to a committee, consisting of M. Evans, 
 J. C. Simmons, and O. P. Fitzgerald, with directions to 
 revise and print for the use of the Conference. So it 
 will be seen that our young Conference, the youngest 
 of the Church, adopted a form for the reception of 
 members before the General Conference adopted the 
 form that now finds a place in the Discipline. 
 
 Five transfers came to us at this Conference — John 
 C. Kolbe, John W. Simmons, David W. Epps, N. B. 
 Peterson, and J. L. Burchard. 
 
 J. C. Kolbe was of German descent. He was in fee- 
 ble health. The first year he was sent to Oregon, and 
 stationed at Independence. The next year he returned to 
 California, the climate of Oregon being too rigorous for 
 him, and was appointed to Bear River Circuit; but find- 
 ing that he was unable to do the work of a traveling 
 preacher, he located. He was a man of great faith and 
 zeal, though somewhat peculiar in his views and man- 
 ner. He died soon after his location in great triumph. 
 
 J. W. Simmons came in company with Bishop Pierce 
 across the continent in the overland stage. He had just 
 graduated at Emory College, in Georgia, in the class with 
 Young J. Allen, our missionary to China. He, too, had 
 caught the missionary spirit that prevailed to so large an 
 extent at Emory College, but had turned his thoughts to 
 California, although he frequently, while here, thought 
 and talked of some foreign field. He filled four ap- 
 pointments within the bounds of our State, and then 
 when the Washoe mining excitement arose, and thou- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 263 
 
 sands of Californians went drifting over into Nevada 
 Territory, a call was made to our Church to send preach- 
 ers there, and at the Conference of 1S63 lie, with Mor- 
 ris Evans and A. P. Anderson, with J. Gruwell as 
 presiding elder, was sent to that new field. But the 
 venture did not prove a successful one. The " Washoe 
 District " appears but the one time on the records of 
 the Conference. 
 
 During the latter part of the war, becoming deeply 
 interested in the fortunes of the South, he located, and 
 in the winter of 1S64-5 ne mac ^ e n ^ s way to Mazatlan, 
 in Mexico, and mounting a mule, rode across the conti- 
 nent to Jackson, Mississippi, reaching there just in time 
 to hear the last guns and see the star of the Confeder- 
 acy set. He immediately joined the Georgia Confer- 
 ence, and has labored ever since in that State. He is 
 now a member of the South Georgia Conference, but 
 bias ever had a love for California, and talks frequently 
 of coming out and ending his days on our golden 
 shores. He has been very useful in his native State. 
 
 D. W. Epps w r as in bad health when he came to Cal- 
 ifornia. Like many others, when he felt the hand of 
 disease bearing heavily upon him, he hoped that a 
 change of climate would restore him. But in the midst 
 of his first year he gave way, and gathered up his feet 
 in death. He labored to the last, however. At a 
 camp-meeting in San Ramon Valley, just before his 
 death, he asked to preach. He stood up in the pulpit, 
 a mere shadow, with death's funeral-torch blazing on 
 his cheeks in its hectic flush, and warned sinners to 
 flee the wrath to come. One man that we know of 
 was convicted under this sermon, who was afterward 
 happily converted to God. His last act was to call the 
 
264 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 members of his charge around him in his sick cham- 
 ber, and hold a class -meeting. His last days were full 
 of peace; calmly he met the monster who had been 
 conquered by his King. 
 
 N. B. Peterson was stricken with Panama fever on 
 his voyage to California, and reached us but to die. 
 He had been appointed to San Jose Station, but he 
 died in San Francisco soon after landing. He never 
 opened his commission amongst us. He left a wife 
 and two daughters and one son, who have been cared 
 for by our Conference ever since; and although the 
 children are long since grown, all of them educated at 
 Pacific Methodist College, the widow is still a benefi- 
 ciary of our Conference. 
 
 J. L. Burchard was not present at this session of the 
 Conference, but arrived some time during the year. 
 He came from the St. Louis Conference. He filled sev- 
 eral important stations; was presiding elder some five 
 years; but in the year 1870, from some cause, he left our 
 Church, and united with the California Conference of 
 the M. E. Church. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 265 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ffHE tenth session met in Sacramento City, Octo- 
 |p ber 17, i860. Again we were without a Bishop, 
 ' 2M and W. R. Gober was elected President of the 
 Conference. 
 
 On the first day of the session J. F. Blythe presented 
 a series of resolutions, intended to bring out at each ses- 
 sion the detailed work of each preacher. The first 
 resolution provided for the appointment of a commit- 
 tee on the state of the work, to whom reports should 
 be made. The second resolution provided for the re- 
 port by each preacher, whether editor, agent, presid- 
 ing elder, president or professor in college, preacher in 
 charge or helper, of the number of families visited and 
 prayed with, the number of sermons preached by him, 
 the number of class and prayer-meetings, and love- 
 feasts attended; also the number of times he has attend- 
 ed the Sunday-schools, and the number of lectures de- 
 livered by him to the Sunday-schools, with the num- 
 ber of houses of worship and parsonages built and re- 
 paired by him in his charge during the year, and the 
 amount collected and expended therefor; also the num- 
 ber received into the Church by letter, on probation, 
 and baptized, discriminating in baptisms between adults 
 and infants. The third resolution provided for a time 
 for said committee on " the state of the work " to pre- 
 sent their report, and a religious discussion of the 
 same. The fourth resolution provided for the sending 
 
266 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 in of reports by absent preachers. The fifth resolution 
 provided for the raising of a committee at this session, 
 to begin operations at once. The committee was raised, 
 and in due time presented its report. It will give 
 some idea of the work done by our preachers during 
 the year. It is as follows: 
 
 The report, though not complete, indicates that the members 
 of the Pacific Conference have not been idle in the Lord's vine- 
 yard during the year just closed. The families visited, sermons 
 preached, class-meetings held, Sunday-schools looked after, par- 
 sonages and churches built, and last, but not least, the members 
 received into the Church, also the number of conversions and 
 baptisms, prompt thanksgiving to the great Head of the Church. 
 We thank God and take courage. The success of the past makes 
 us hopeful for the future. Therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That as members of the Pacific Annual Conference 
 of the M. E. Church, South, that Ave will endeavor to do our 
 whole duty as recruiting officers, under the command of the 
 blessed Jesus, the Captain of our Salvation, so that at our next 
 Annual Conference we may report an abundant harvest of souls 
 gathered into the Church of the living God. 
 
 Below is an aggregate exhibit of the work: 1,346 families have 
 been visited, 2,725 sermons have been preached, 470 class-meet- 
 ings and 577 prayer-meetings held, 147 love -feasts, 396 Sunday- 
 schools visited, 221 Sunday-school lectures delivered, 8 houses 
 of worship and 3 parsonages have been built, $7,908 collected 
 for Church property, 273 members received into full connec- 
 tion and 894 probationers, 422 conversions, 194 adults and 254 
 infants baptized, $34,000 secured for Pacific Methodist College, 
 and nearly 200 volumes for its library. 
 
 This had been a blessed year for our Church, and 
 the results greatly encouraged us. Our preachers, in 
 their devotion to the one work, were getting fast hold 
 of the people's hearts, and God was honoring our min- 
 istry. Five young men were admitted on trial into the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 267 
 
 Conference — William A. Spurlock, from Santa Clara 
 Circuit; C. M. Hogue, from Watsonville Circuit; Green 
 M. Edwards and Benjamin F. Burris, from Vacaville 
 and Putah Circuit; and Thomas S. Bunch, from Dry 
 Creek and Mokelumne Circuit. 
 
 J. M. Rogers, of the Arkansas Conference, waa re- 
 admitted, and H. Hadley, recommended by the Yolo 
 Circuit, came to us from the M. E. Church. 
 
 James L. Porter, a superannuated preacher of the St. 
 Louis Conference, had come to California for his health, 
 and, as he had been working with us for some time, 
 our Conference passed a resolution commending him 
 and his labors, and requesting him to change his rela- 
 tionship, and identify himself more fully with us by 
 transferring to the Pacific Conference — which he did. 
 He was a sweet-spirited, quiet man, and an excellent 
 preacher. He was as frail as an autumn flower, and it 
 was only through the most rigid dieting and painstak- 
 ing carefulness that he prolonged his existence through 
 a great many years. He never touched flesh of any 
 kind, and had not done so for more than twenty years 
 before his death. No temptation of rare and choice 
 food could lead him to indulge beyond his prescribed 
 habit. With a voice feeble — alwavs in the be^rinnin^ of 
 a discourse — he would arrest attention and command 
 quiet by its very feebleness. But as he would warm 
 up with his theme, he would put forth more strength 
 and volume of voice, until he could be heard distinctly 
 by a large audience. While he would never become 
 excited in manner, yet at times he would thrill an au- 
 dience by his deep pathos and quiet eloquence. He 
 made but few gestures, and yet at times his manner 
 was wonderfullv touching:. 
 
268 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Upon a certain occasion, at a camp -meeting, he was 
 describing the scenes of the crucifixion. One after 
 another of the acts in that wonderful tragedy was 
 limned with a master-hand by the speaker. His pale 
 cheek flushed, his eyes swam in unfallen tears, his voice 
 trembled with deep emotion. The cross was there, the 
 sufferer was in sight; every listener was wrought up 
 to the highest pitch, when the speaker pointed to the 
 sufferer. The wild cry, "It is finished!" broke from 
 his lips; "and then," said the speaker, "the life strug- 
 gled *out of the tortured body, the head fell upon his 
 breast, and all was still." With the word he let fall 
 his own head with a limp motion upon his breast, and 
 a wild wail broke from the lips of many of his audi- 
 ence, as if they were actual witnesses of the sufferings 
 of the Son of God. 
 
 Once or twice he took work under the presiding 
 elder, but the most of the twenty-odd years he spent 
 in our Conference he was emphatically a superannu- 
 ated preacher. He preached almost every Sabbath at 
 some point near his home. He was a bachelor, and 
 lived with his brother on Russian River, below the 
 town of Healdsburg. The savor of his influence was 
 always good. After preaching forty-five years he qui- 
 etly fell asleep in Jesus, January iS, 18S2. 
 
 William A. Spurlock for a time was a very useful 
 and successful preacher. Revivals followed his labors 
 in a remarkable manner. In the ninth year of his 
 ministry he was made Presiding Elder of the Los An- 
 geles Mission District. He filled this office for three 
 years, and then the Los Angeles Conference was 
 formed, and he remained in that Conference. He aft- 
 erward joined the M. E. Church, got mixed up in sec- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 269 
 
 ular business, and finally drifted off into an outside ho- 
 liness movement. 
 
 C. M. Hogue was a young man who had had his 
 mind poisoned with infidel notions. Being brought 
 under the influence of a gracious revival in Monterey 
 County, under the labors of R. C. Martin, he was pow- 
 erfully converted, and at once felt a call to preach, and 
 was licensed as soon as his probation expired. His first 
 work after he was converted was to try and bring his 
 fellow-skeptics back from their errors. He did good 
 work for about eight years, when he united with the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church. When the announce- 
 ment was made to the Conference, some seven of the 
 leading members introduced a resolution to the effect 
 that " the Rev. C. M. Hogue, recently a member of this 
 body, in changing his Church relations, leaves us with 
 an unblemished reputation as a Christian minister, and 
 in his new field of labor in the Master's service has our 
 earnest prayers for his usefulness and happiness." The 
 vote by the Conference on this resolution was hearty 
 and unanimous. 
 
 Green M. Edwards labored in the Conference for a 
 term of sixteen years, and located. He afterward re- 
 turned to his old home in Missouri, where he is still en- 
 oagred in his Master's service. 
 
 Benjamin F. Burris was born in Cass County, Mis- 
 souri, in 1833. His parents were of Irish extraction, 
 and Methodists of the Wesleyan type. The daily wor- 
 ship of God around the family altar made a proper re- 
 ligious impression on his young heart, and although 
 left an orphan at a tender age, the seeds of righteous- 
 ness that had been sown by the hands of his pious par- 
 ents were preserved. When about sixteen years of 
 
270 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 age he was happily converted at a camp-meeting in 
 Missouri, under the labors of that "sweet singer in 
 Israel" and revivalist, the Rev. Warren Pitts, a relative 
 of Fountain E. Pitts, of precious memory. He first 
 united with the Protestant Methodist Church, but on 
 coming to California, in 1854, he joined the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, South, in Suisun Valley, under the 
 ministry of the Rev. J. F. Blythe. He was licensed to 
 preach on the Vacaville Circuit in i860, and joined the 
 Pacific Conference on trial the same year. We believe 
 he has answered the roll-call of the Conference every 
 year since he became a member. His appointments 
 have been well distributed — he having preached all the 
 way from Adin and Humboldt, in the north, to King's 
 River and Visalia, in the south. He is perfectly de- 
 voted to the work of the Christian ministry — thinks 
 and talks of but little else. With but a limited educa- 
 tion to begin with, he has become one of our best and 
 most successful preachers. Revivals bless his labors 
 wherever he goes. He looks, works, and prays for a 
 revival all the time, and God has honored him with 
 wonderful success. One year (1875) Bishop Kava- 
 naugh turned him loose as Conference Missionary, and 
 let him range from one end of the Conference to the 
 other, holding revival-meetings and helping his breth- 
 ren. He had great success, and said " that year was a 
 constant feast to his soul." Hundreds were converted 
 under his ministry. 
 
 He is quite corpulent, sometimes pulling down the 
 beam at 225 pounds avoirdupois. Always clean shaven, 
 and wearing a straight-breasted coat, he is often mis- 
 taken for a Catholic priest. When in the city of San 
 Francisco he can travel on almost any line of street- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 271 
 
 cars without being asked by a conductor for his fare, so 
 universal is the impression that he is a priest. It is 
 said that upon a certain occasion, while passing through 
 the mountains on horseback, in a wild, out-of-the-way 
 place, he was called upon by an Irish family to enter 
 their cabin and " confess " them, they having: been de- 
 nied that privilege for a long time, and the burden of 
 their many sins sorely oppressing them. He had hard 
 work to convince them that he had no power to ab- 
 solve them. 
 
 He is exceedingly absent-minded, and is constantly 
 blundering and falling into ludicrous scrapes. No one 
 enjoys a rehearsal of them, when he is once out, more 
 than himself. The second year of his ministry he was 
 preaching in a school-house on the Penn Valley Cir- 
 cuit. It was a hot day; the mercury was registering 
 no° in the shade. The house was full to overflowing- 
 which helped to raise the temperature. It was an im- 
 portant occasion, and he had taken extra pains in pre- 
 paring his sermon. He stood behind the teacher's ta- 
 ble, on which stood an open ink bottle of small dimen- 
 sions. As he warmed with his subject and the weath- 
 er, perspiration stood in beaded drops on his smoothly- 
 shaven face. Soon an unfortunate gesture overturned 
 the ink. It was not the preacher's habit to notice such 
 things as that. The ink spread in a black lake on the 
 table. After using his handkerchief a time or two, he 
 threw it upon the table. When he again brought it to 
 his face and removed it, the whole congregation broke 
 out into a laugh at the ludicrous appearance of the 
 speaker. He had everybody's notice, whether he had 
 their attention to his theme or not. He had not the re- 
 motest idea what his congreg;ation were lang-hingf at. 
 
272 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 In his confusion he sweat more freely and mopped more 
 frequently, each time increasing the blackness of his 
 face. He stuck to his text and tried to call in the seem- 
 ing wanderings of their minds, but all in vain. At last 
 he closed the service abruptly, and as good old Sister 
 Davis approached him, he said: 
 
 " I wish I knew what you all are laughing at." 
 
 " If I had a looking-glass I would show you," she 
 replied. 
 
 Just then he caught sight of his hands, and compre- 
 hending the situation, he joined in the laugh as heart- 
 ily as any. 
 
 An experience of twenty-five years has not improved 
 him an iota on this point — he makes about as many 
 blunders now as ever. And yet with all his absent- 
 mindedness, when in the pulpit he is all at himself. 
 Full of his subject, and panting to save sinners, he 
 holds steadily and firmly to whatever theme he has in 
 hand. He is never wanting in expedients at a revival, 
 and is untiring in his labors. When duty calls he is 
 ever ready, and his sword is kept bright by constant 
 use. He may be called the revivalist of the Confer- 
 ence. 
 
 Thomas S. Bunch was one of the best of men, full 
 of religious zeal, but his early advantages were so few 
 that he found the habits of his youth, especially in 
 his expressions, to be greatly in his way. He discon- 
 tinued after one year of trial. 
 
 James M. Rogers had preached for a number of years 
 in the frontier work in Arkansas. He had braved all 
 the dangers and endured all the privations of that new 
 country with all the faithfulness of a good soldier of 
 Jesus Christ. He swam the swollen rivers, lay out in 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 273 
 
 the swamps, encountered the perils of the wilderness 
 infested with savage wild beasts and not less savage 
 Red men, all for his Master. He traveled three years 
 as an effective man, the fourth he was put upon the su- 
 pernumerary list, and the following year was superan- 
 nuated. 
 
 On the 17th of September, 1867, the old soldier re- 
 ceived the order from the Captain of our salvation to 
 lay aside his armor and enter into rest. Joyfully did he 
 hsar and obey the summons. His death was most tri- 
 umphant. The very room where he met the messenger 
 seemed hallowed. 
 
 Thomas S. Burnet was the brother of California's 
 first Governor. He was a thorough Methodist, the ex- 
 Governor was a Roman Catholic, and he had still an- 
 other brother who was a preacher in the Campbellite 
 Christian Church. T. S. Burnet was a clear, logical 
 preacher. He filled nineteen regular appointments in 
 the Pacific Conference, and in 1S79 transferred to the 
 Columbia Conference. 
 
 H. Hadley traveled one year, and located, at his own 
 request. 
 
 It was at this Conference that O. Fisher, who had 
 been in Oregon, presented the claims of Corvallis Col- 
 lege to the Southern Methodists of California. Find- 
 ing buildings in that place that were to be sold, he used 
 what little available money he had of his own and se- 
 cured the bargain, pledging the Pacific Conference for 
 the sum of $500. As related elsewhere, he raised the 
 full amount at this Conference. The financiering of a 
 body of Methodist preachers is a marvel. Receiving 
 what might be called a bare subsistence, with the bur- 
 densome expense of a move every few years, they give 
 18 
 
274 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 like princes whenever any interest of the Church is pre- 
 sented to them. The greater portion of this $500 was 
 given by the preachers. And this was not all that they 
 gave during the session. There were calls every day, 
 and to all of them they responded. 
 
 The quiet, the humorous E. B. Lockley had raised 
 money enough among his brethren to purchase a chair 
 for O. P. Fitzgerald, editor of the Pacific Methodist, 
 and in due time he arrested the regular business of the 
 Conference to present it. This was done in a most fa- 
 cetious speech. With other things, catching the chair 
 by the top and twirling it round on the tripod, he said: 
 " You see, my brother, that this chair can gyrate. So 
 you are to be like a bee in the heart of an apple, going 
 round and round, gathering sweetness from all sides, 
 and if need be to sting? 
 
 The reports showed a steady growth in all the de- 
 partments of the Church. There were 54 local preach- 
 ers; 31 churches, valued at $69,2^0; 20 parsonages, valued 
 at $11,000; our membership amounted to 3,393; our 
 Conference collection $45^.65; for Missions $878.90; 71 
 Sunday-schools were reported with 339 officers and 
 teachers, 1,877 scholars, 90 conversions among the chil- 
 dren, 9,257 volumes in libraries, while $1,618.89 had been 
 collected for Sunday-school purposes, and our people 
 had contributed $25,671 for the support of the ministry. 
 
 When the name of J. F. Blythe was called, he rose 
 in his place, trembling with feebleness (for he was 
 slowly drifting into consumption, and felt the energies 
 of his manhood giving way), and said: "Brethren, I 
 have just closed my fifth year as presiding elder in the 
 Pacific Conference. No unpleasant word has ever 
 passed between me and the preachers during the five 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 275 
 
 years. I have met you, brethren, in ten Conference- 
 sessions. I may never meet you again. If I do not, I 
 want you to tell my boy, who has been dedicated to 
 God in baptism on this Conference-floor, and try and 
 f impress it upon his mind, that I wish him to be a Meth- 
 odist preacher. Brethren, if I meet you no more on 
 earth, I'll meet you in heaven." As he slowly passed 
 out, all felt that his work was done, and that in all 
 probability he would answer the roll-call above before 
 he should hear another in the Pacific Conference. But 
 God gave him another year of suffering. He had 
 in great feebleness labored on the Mariposa Circuit. 
 But now he came to Conference with his arms re- 
 versed, and when his name was called, he said: "I 
 have received fifteen appointments, but the hardest one 
 is the one I expect at this session — that is to have to 
 stay while others of you go. I have ever desired to do 
 the will of God; now I am called upon to suffer it. 
 And, blessed be His holy name, I am ready to stand 
 still and see His salvation." Amid a shower of tears, 
 on motion of his presiding elder, he was placed on the 
 superannuated list It was his last Conference. 
 
276 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER X\ 
 
 'HE eleventh session of the Pacific Conference was 
 held at the Macedonia Camp -ground, near the 
 town of Sebastopol, in Sonoma County, Oct. 
 2-8, 1861. God had blessed this place of tabernacles 
 in a most wonderful manner. We had many strong 
 friends in this neighborhood, and as they had erected 
 a large and substantial shingled arbor, we concluded to 
 try the experiment of holding a session of our Confer- 
 ence where our members could come and camp and 
 enjoy the religious services of the session. A large 
 number tented on the ground. There was a large, free 
 table well supplied with good, substantial food. Near- 
 ly all the members of the Conference were present, and 
 the revival fire kindled almost with the^first service. 
 We were again without a Bishop, and Morris Evans 
 was elected President. 
 
 La Fayette Lodge of Free Masons had a large and 
 comfortable hall in the town near by. Dr. E. D. Har- 
 ris, the Master of the Lodge, was a member of our 
 Church, and they tendered us the use of the hall in 
 which to hold our sessions. We were thus removed 
 from the noise and confusion of the camp, and yet 
 were sufficiently near to get the full benefit of the 
 meeting when not in session. 
 
 The war had begun, and the whole land was stirred 
 with the most intense excitement, and yet as a Church 
 we had held so faithfully and undeviatingly to our 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 277 
 
 grand underlying principle of preaching the gospel of 
 Christ alone, that gracious revivals had blessed all 
 parts of the Conference, and we had hardly ever en- 
 joyed so much spiritual prosperity. The preachers 
 came to the Conference camp-meeting full of holy fire. 
 The people were on a high tide of religious enjoy- 
 ment, and such a session of the Conference was never 
 seen before. 
 
 J. C. Simmons, by Conference resolution at the pre- 
 vious session, had been requested to preach a sermon 
 on. the first Wednesday evening of the session from 
 Hab. iii. 2: "O Lord, revive thy work." At its con- 
 clusion, the answer came in the conversion of five souls. 
 
 The heavy hammering that we received because we 
 were Southern Methodists only drove us closer togeth- 
 er, and closer to Him of whom it is said: " He shall be 
 as an hiding-place from the wind and a covert from the 
 tempest. " 
 
 Those who were received on trial at this Conference 
 were: Augustus P. Anderson, Richard Y. Anderson, 
 William M. Armstrong, James H. Neal, Silas L. How- 
 ard, and James M. Overton. Re-admitted, D. O. Shat- 
 tuck and J. S. L. Wood. 
 
 A. P. Anderson was recommended from the Santa 
 Clara Circuit. He was a vounor man of eood educa- 
 tion and fine address, quiet in his manner and neat in 
 his habits of dress. He was sent first to Corvallis, 
 Oregon: then to Salem, Oregon; and his next ap- 
 pointment was to Austin, Nevada Territory. Two 
 years he was stationed at Vacaville, and one year at 
 Petaluma. He then changed his Church relations, 
 taking orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church, in 
 whose communion he still remains. 
 
27S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 R. Y. Anderson, his brother, was much younger 
 than he. He was converted at the great May camp- 
 meeting, near the city of San Jose, in 1858. He was 
 licensed to preach and recommended to the Annual 
 Conference by the Santa Clara Circuit. He traveled 
 but two years, and, growing tired of a preacher's life, 
 discontinued and let his license expire, and gave up 
 the ministry. 
 
 W. M. Armstrong came recommended from the Dry- 
 town Circuit. He filled eight appointments, and lo- 
 cated in 1869. He is still a local preacher in our 
 Church, and expresses regrets that he did not continue 
 in the itinerancy. He feels that his life would have 
 been more of a success, and he would have been able 
 to accomplish more for the Master. 
 
 J. H. Neal came with his parents to California at an 
 early day. He was then a mere boy. His father set- 
 tled in Grass Valley, Nevada County. When J. F. 
 Blythe was sent by Dr. J. Boring to establish our 
 Church in this town and Nevada, in September, 1S51, 
 he preached his first sermon in the house of his father, 
 T. K. Neal. His mother had been a member of the 
 Baptist Church in Missouri, but his father was not a 
 member of any Church. There were present twenty- 
 five or thirty persons, a few women and children 
 among them. There were but few women in Califor- 
 nia, and especially in the mines, at this period. Broth- 
 er Blythe at once proceeded to organize the Church. 
 A man by the name of Harbin, and perhaps two oth- 
 ers, joined. Soon after, S. K. Hutchison and Mrs. 
 Frances Neal (the mother of J. H. Neal) united with 
 the Church. 
 . The first of March, 1853, J. C. Simmons was sent to 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 279 
 
 take charge of the Grass Valley Station. It was then 
 called Centerville, but soon lost this name, and is now 
 known only as Grass Valley. J. F. Blythe had put up 
 the hull of a church on a lot donated by T. K. Neal. 
 J. H. Neal was then but a boy. He had broken two 
 young oxen, and was doing a driving business hauling 
 cradles, long-toms, sluice-boxes, and other mining im- 
 plements about the mines. With his two young oxen 
 — Chai'ley arid Taylor — he hauled all the material for 
 this church. When J. C. Simmons arrived, there were 
 neither shutters to the doors nor sash to the windows. 
 One of the first acts performed by him was to borrow r 
 some tools and make a pair of panel doors for the 
 church, though he had never attempted such a thing 
 before. 
 
 Not long after his arrival, one Sabbath evening, a 
 more than usual solemnity rested upon the congrega- 
 tion. After the benediction had been pronounced, a 
 few young men lingered about the altar. He ap- 
 proached one of them, and laying his hand upon his 
 shoulder, asked him if he did not want to be religious. 
 He tremblingly responded in the affirmative. As he 
 kneeled, two others kneeled with him. A few of the 
 members of the Church were present, and they began 
 praying for them and instructing them in the way of 
 life. At length all three of them were happily con- 
 verted, almost at the same moment. These three young 
 men were J. H. Neal, Chesley Ray, and William Smith, 
 and were said to be the first souls converted under the 
 ministry of our Church in the State. It sealed out- 
 mission as divine and our call to this work as of God. 
 This "handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the 
 mountain: the fruit thereof has shaken like Lebanon." 
 
280 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 J. H. Neal led a consistent Christian life, and as he 
 approached manhood he heard the call of God to the 
 ministry of his word. He was licensed to preach, and 
 entered the Conference on trial at this session; and, 
 with only a brief interval, has been laboring with us 
 ever since. Two years he was presiding elder. He 
 has in many respects had a hard struggle with the 
 world. But with his trust in the providence of God, 
 he has held to his one work, and many in the last day 
 will rise up and call him blessed. 
 
 His mother, Mrs. Frances W. Neal, was one of the 
 elect ladies of California. Reared a Baptist, she knew 
 nothing of Methodism until she came to this State. 
 After joining our Church she became a thorough and 
 enthusiastic Methodist. Like Lydia, she ever con- 
 strained the ministers of God to share the hospitality 
 of her home. With a zeal that a period of thirty years 
 could not quench, she took upon her the ministering 
 to the saints. Never was she more happy than when 
 they were gathered about her table, or when she was 
 busy supplying their wants. For many years she was 
 the chief pillar in the Grass Valley Church, and when 
 God counted her boy worthy, putting him into the 
 ministry of the Church of her love, no Spartan mother 
 ever gave her son to the service of his countrv more 
 joyfully than she. It was the crowning glory of her 
 life to know that her "James Henry " was out among 
 the reapers shouting the harvest home. 
 
 When the sainted D. K. Bond, of our Conference, 
 felt the arrows of the destroyer rankling in his bosom, 
 he turned his failing footsteps to Sister Neal's door, 
 knowing that she would be a mother to him as he felt 
 his way down the rocky banks of the Jordan. Had 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 2S1 
 
 he been her own "James Henry " she could not have 
 made him more welcome, or done more for him. As 
 consumption did its slow but steady work, her hands 
 never wearied, her care never ceased, until with a 
 mother's tender touch she closed his sightless eyes, and 
 laid him down to rest in his last, long sleep. 
 
 As a slight manifestation of appreciation, the Con- 
 ference at its next session, by Conference action, pre- 
 sented Sister Neal with a fine family Bible. The Con- 
 ference at the same time gave a like gift to Rufus F. 
 Martin, who assisted in nursing Brother Bond. Her 
 care for the ministers of Christ was not without its re- 
 ward, even in this life. All of her children and her 
 husband were brought to Christ through their instru- 
 mentality. "Vinny Leal" (Neal), whose "Trip to 
 the Golden Shore" has been painted in such heavenly 
 colors by the Rev. R. W. Bigham, was her babe — her 
 youngest child. All the family have joined company 
 above, save J. H. and an older sister. It would require 
 a careful inspection of the book of the recording angel 
 to know the value of this one woman to our Church 
 in California and to the cause of Christ. 
 
 Silas L. Howard was a son of the Rev. B. C. How- 
 ard. He labored only part of the first year. 
 
 J. M. Overton was born in Jackson County, Missouri, 
 in 1836; came to California when not yet grown. At- 
 tending a camp-meeting near Linden, in 1858, he was 
 happily converted to God, claiming the Rev. J. C. 
 Simmons as his spiritual father. He was licensed to 
 preach on the Vallecita Circuit in i860, under the min- 
 istry of the Rev. S. W. Davies. He joined the Con- 
 ference in the fall of 1861. He has been a useful man. 
 Many souls have been brought to the cross through 
 
2S2 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 his faithful labors. He has been peculiarly successful 
 in building up charges that have run down. Time and 
 again has he been sent as a forlorn hope to such, and 
 never has he failed. He stands ready to go anywhere 
 u the powers that be " may direct. It is always a great 
 comfort to a faithful preacher to know that he is serv- 
 ing a Captain that himself was " made perfect through 
 suffering" — one who is always with his followers, and 
 will reward them, not according to their success, but 
 according to their works. To stand as picket-guard 
 or hold an outpost is as important as to lead a grand 
 charge against the ranks of the enemy. The principle 
 laid down by David in regard to the spoils of war is 
 the principle by which David's greater Son shall re- 
 ward his servants and soldiers. With the exception of 
 two years, when he was in the local ranks, Brother 
 Overton has been in active service, and he has done 
 faithful work. 
 
 D. O. Shattuck was formerly a member of the Louis- 
 iana Conference, and was re-admitted at this session. 
 He was a man well advanced in years, and of large 
 and varied experience. He was a lawyer as well as a 
 preacher. He remained in the Conference but two 
 years; was Presiding Elder of the Petaluma District, 
 and did us good service. He was connected with the 
 first class of the Southern Methodist Church ever or- 
 ganized on this coast. He was present in San Fran- 
 cisco when A, M. Wynn gathered the first little band 
 in that city. He is one of earth's noblemen; has held 
 to his integrity and to the fortunes of the Methodist 
 Church, South, through all the years of its history on the 
 Pacific Coast. He was present at the organization of the 
 Pacific Conference, though not a member, and aided us 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 28 
 
 j 
 
 much with his counsel and advice. Nearly all the mem- 
 bers that composed the Conference at its organization 
 were voung men, men of but little experience, and in 
 the many points of difficulty that arose in the course 
 of the business of the Conference his wisdom and ad- 
 vice was of infinite service. Having had large expe- 
 rience as a lawyer, his legal information gave his coun- 
 sels additional weight and value. He spent many years 
 in San Francisco, but much of his time has been passed 
 on his delightful little farm in Sonoma Valley, near the 
 town of Sonoma. He has ever been the fast friend of 
 the preachers, and he and his excellent family have 
 often refreshed the weary itinerant by their hospitality. 
 When a Southern Methodist preacher entered his home, 
 he was made to feel at once that he could lay aside all 
 restraint and surrender himself to his ease and enjoy- 
 ment. Being well posted in theology, in history, in 
 law — in fact, ready on almost any subject that might 
 arise — the young preacher especially found a visit to his 
 home a blessing to him. His sermons were always 
 clear and logical, his illustrations forcible, and his lan- 
 guage correct and well chosen. While sitting under 
 his pulpit ministrations you could not resist the conclu- 
 sion that you were listening to a master in Israel. He 
 has often given expression to the deep regret he felt 
 that he did not give himself wholly to the work of 
 the Christian ministry. As the world views it, he has 
 been a successful lawyer. He has stood the peer of 
 the best — has won position and achieved fame. But all 
 this he regards as hollow and vain. The precious tal- 
 ents God has bestowed upon him have not been used 
 in the channel that might have brought the largest rev- 
 enue to his Master; and once or twice in the late even- 
 
2S4 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ing of his life he himself stood before the members of 
 the Pacific Conference and confessed his error, and 
 warned the young men of the Conference not to fol- 
 low his example. 
 
 For many years he has suffered from a rather strange 
 affection. While in apparently perfect bodily health, 
 his brain has been so affected that he cannot preach or 
 undertake anything that requires consecutive though.. 
 At times his mind will be acting as clearly and as pow- 
 erfully as at any period in his life, when, in a moment, 
 every thought will leave him, and all will be blank. 
 When asked to assist in recalling some facts in our 
 early history, he said: "I have been trying to recall 
 the first days of Southern Methodism, that I might 
 comply with your request, and send you some notes; 
 but my mind is almost a blank, my health is bad, but my 
 heart is all right." In his old age his mind is staid on 
 God. His experience of personal piety and commun- 
 ion with God is uninterrupted. No shadows fall upon 
 his moral powers, no blanks occur there. Jesus, whom 
 he hath served so long, keeps him in perfect peace. 
 
 A few years ago his wife, who had ever been a faith- 
 ful servant of God in ministering to his followers, was 
 called away to her reward on high, and now the dear old 
 saint and soldier is waiting his call to join her above. 
 
 J. S. L. Wood, also re-admitted at this Conference, 
 traveled but one year, and located. 
 
 O. P. Fitzgerald, W. R. Gober, and O. Fisher were 
 elected delegates to the General Conference, but on ac- 
 count of the Civil War that body did not convene. 
 
 During this Conference-year another school venture 
 was undertaken. B. W. Taylor had started a school in 
 Visalia, and now offered it to the Conference. A com- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 285 
 
 mittee, consisting of J. C. Pendergrast, S. W. Davies, 
 and J. C. Stewart, was appointed to investigate the 
 condition of the school, and report at the ensuing ses- 
 sion. After a time this school was taken under the 
 wing of the Conference. It was called the Visalia 
 Seminary, but after a few years it passed from our 
 hands. 
 
 We were now in the midst of our national troubles, 
 and our movements as a Church were watched with 
 more jealousv than ever before. . The Conference there- 
 fore appointed a committee, consisting of W. R. Gober, 
 J. F. Blythe, and O. P. Fitzgerald, to prepare a Pas- 
 toral Letter to be sent out to the members of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, South, in California and Ore- 
 gon. It was carefully and prayerfully prepared, and 
 very opportune. The address was as follows: 
 
 Dear Brethren: — We, jour pastors in Conference assem- 
 bled, take this occasion to give you some words of advice and en- 
 couragement. This, we think, is rendered the more necessary 
 by the peculiar trials through which our Church on this coast is 
 now passing. 
 
 From the first landing of our ministry upon this coast they 
 have encountered bitter prejudices and strong opposition. This 
 opposition has been greatly intensified recently by political ex- 
 citement and national troubles. Our enemies have regarded this 
 fact as an unmistakable indication and immediate fulfillment of 
 their oft-repeated predictions of our speedy downfall as a Church, 
 and have spared no pains to fasten this conviction upon the pub- 
 lic mind. The only reply we have ever made, or intend to make, 
 to these croakers, and others like them, is simply to point them 
 to what God hath wrought by us. In reviewing our labors for 
 the Conference-year now closing, we find much cause for thanks- 
 giving to the great Head of the Church for the success with 
 which he has crowned our labors. Notwithstanding the excite- 
 ment which has swept over the country, stirring up sectional 
 
2S6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 prejudice, and agitating the public mind, God has graciously 
 owned our special effort, and blessed us with glorious revivals in 
 various parts of the country. In a few instances, at least, these 
 meetings have been attended with extraordinary displays of sav- 
 ing power such as are rarely witnessed in this or any other coun- 
 try. Between six and seven hundred souls have been happily 
 converted to God through our instrumentality during the year. 
 This we refer to with deep and heart-felt gratitude as the very 
 best evidence of what we are doing, and as indicating whether or 
 not our mission on this coast is ended. 
 
 These results also afford confirmation, if confirmation were 
 needed, that the platform of our Church is scriptural and right The 
 Church is neither a political nor a politico-religious association. 
 Our business is with the gospel; our mission is to "spread script- 
 ural holiness over these lands." We aim to save the country 
 from ruin; not by controlling its politics, passing resolutions, or 
 preaching upon the crisis, but by saving the people from their 
 sins. Preaching the pure word of life is God's accredited instru- 
 mentality for the salvation of the world. The gospel is intended 
 for all people, of every age and country. The Church which con- 
 fines itself to its legitimate work of preaching the gospel and sav*- 
 ing souls is always in the right place when surrounded by sinners, 
 and has no need of changing her tactics or altering her platform 
 to suit political changes. The same gospel that saves men in 
 time of peace will save them in time of war. And when all 
 men are saved by it, there will be no war. The gospel which 
 makes men true Christians will at the same time make them good 
 citizens. 
 
 Our advice to you, dear brethren, is to obey the laws of the 
 land and worship the God of your fathers. " Render to Caesar 
 the thing6 which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are 
 God's." Avoid carefully exciting discussions and entangling as- 
 sociations. Give no occasion of offense. Cultivate peace with 
 all men. Do your whole duty to God and your country. 
 . We trust you will cordially receive, liberally provide for, and 
 cheerfully co-operate with, the ministers now sent out by us to 
 serve you as pastors during the ensuing year. You need no 
 argument from us to convince you of the importance of the 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 287 
 
 means of grace and ordinances of the Church. These you need 
 and must have; but unless served by our ministers, many of you 
 will be entirely deprived of these. We now realize more fully 
 than ever before the magnitude and importance of our mission on 
 this coast. 
 
 Past successes place the seal of God's approbation upon us as 
 a Church. By divine providence we came hither, by divine prov- 
 idence we have been sustained, and by the same Almighty aid we 
 intend to stand by our work, and discharge our duty in the future. 
 
 The hostility to us as a Church, marked and intense as it is, has 
 in all probability not yet reached the culminating point. But 
 however this may be, our duty is plain, and we dare not shrink 
 from it. And although our enemies may continue to predict our 
 overthrow, and labor and pray for the fulfillment of their own 
 prediction; although the storm of persecution may rage, the 
 waves of political excitement run high, and national troubles shake 
 the country from its center to its circumference, still, while permit- 
 ted to live and enjoy freedom, and while God continues to bless us 
 with success, we are here to live and die with you. Use all the 
 means of grace, public and private; stand fast in the liberty 
 wherewith Christ hath made you free; and may the God whom 
 you serve bless you with all needed good. 
 
2SS History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 fHE twelfth session of the Pacific Conference was 
 held in San Jose, Oct i, 1862. On first roll-call 
 forty-one preachers answered to their names. 
 We were again without a Bishop. The cruel Civil 
 War that was raging in ouf land was at its height, and 
 there "was no communication between the sections. 
 Our Bishops were all shut in within the lines of the 
 Confederate States 
 
 A. M. Bailey was elected President of the Confer- 
 ence, and we at once adjusted ourselves to Conference 
 work. Only two applicants for admission on trial ap- 
 peared — T. H. B. Anderson and Lewis J. Hedgpeth — 
 both recommended from the Chico Circuit. They were 
 both admitted. W. T. Luckey, who had been elected 
 President of Pacific Methodist College, had arrived 
 some time previous to the Conference. He came as a 
 transfer, on trial, from the Missouri Conference. He 
 was in his second year. Though few in number, this 
 was a valuable acquisition to the Conference, and all 
 three of them have done us good service. 
 
 T. H. B. Anderson was born in Grundy County, 
 Missouri, May 26, 1842. His parents were from Ken- 
 tucky, but settled in Missouri in 1838. He came to 
 California with his parents in i860, and settled on Dry 
 Creek, Butte County. He was not afraid of work, and 
 for two years was variously employed — sometimes in 
 the hay-field, sometimes steering a plow through the 
 
On tiii: Pacific Coast. 2S9 
 
 furrowed field, sometimes amid the dust and clatter of a 
 threshing-machine, sometimes cutting saw-logs or mak- 
 ing fence, and sometimes, like Elisha, maneuvering 
 with oxen. Whatever he did, he did to the best of his 
 skill. He had been a member of the Church in his 
 native State, brought his Church-letter with him, and 
 gave it to B. H. Russell, the preacher in charge of Chi- 
 co Circuit, in August, 1S61, thus fully identifying him- 
 self with our Church on this coast. In June of the 
 following year he was licensed to preach, T. C. Bar- 
 ton being the presiding elder, and J. H. Neal the 
 preacher in charge. The Quarterly Conference at 
 which he was licensed was held at his own fathers 
 home on Dry Creek. He began at once to preach — 
 began right among: his old friends and neighbors. 
 
 His first appointment by the Conference was a hard 
 one — Point Arenas Circuit, up among the loggers and 
 tan-bark peelers. He had to preach in school-houses, 
 in private dwellings, or anywhere he could get an audi- 
 ence. These were troublous times. Political excite- 
 ment was at fever-heat. The people who had heard 
 the fervid eloquence of the ardent young preacher 
 thought they saw in him " the dark horse " that could 
 win a political race, and he was prevailed upon to run 
 for the Legislature. Fortunately, he was distanced in 
 the race. At Conference, like a true man, he saw and 
 acknowledged his error, and from that time forward 
 confined his labors to the whitening harvest of his heav- 
 enly Master. And many have been the well-bound 
 sheaves he has brought in with rejoicing. His second 
 appointment was the Vacaville Circuit, where Pacific 
 Methodist College was located, and he made good use 
 of his opportunities to still farther improve his mind 
 J 9 
 
290 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 and increase the fund of his knowledge. He loved 
 studv, and these surroundings in his early ministry 
 proved a blessing to him. In the eighth year of his 
 ministry he was made Presiding Elder of the Colu- 
 sa District. It was through his energy that a handsome 
 district parsonage was built in the town of Chico, while 
 he was presiding elder of that district. After remain- 
 ing two years on this district he was appointed to the 
 Santa Rosa District. But here his constitution,- never 
 very vigorous, gave way, and he was threatened with a 
 complete overthrow of health. With the dread of con- 
 sumption pursuing him, he took a trip to Texas. The 
 first year he was placed upon our superannuated list, 
 but the next he had so far recovered as to ask a trans- 
 fer to the North-west Texas Conference. He filled two 
 appointments in that Conference, doing good and full 
 work, when he re-transferred to the Pacific Conference 
 in 1S76. He was appointed to Colusa Station for three 
 years in succession. While here he built the very best 
 church in Northern California. It would be an orna- 
 ment to any city. He went from Colusa to Sacramento 
 City, where he remodeled our church, and added many 
 important improvements. Pie was sent to San Fran- 
 cisco, and preached in a hall in the western part of the 
 city. During: his administration the Russ-street Church 
 was moved from the lower part of the city to its pres- 
 ent fine location, on Bush Street, in the western addi- 
 tion. 
 
 About this time Pacific Methodist College was pass- 
 ing through a crisis, and the eves of the Conference 
 were turned to him to tide it over. He was stationed 
 in Colusa at the time, but with his characteristic zeal 
 and hope he took hold of the work, in addition to his 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 291 
 
 duties as pastor at a distant point, and as Agent and 
 President/™ tern, of the College, he wrote letters to his 
 many friends, went from place to place in person, and 
 before the year expired had things in a shape to lift a 
 debt of several thousand dollars at the Conference that 
 had, like the "Old Man of the Sea," well-nigh strangled 
 the institution. The appeal made at the Conference 
 was prefaced by one of the clearest, most forcible re- 
 ports as to the condition, importance, and value to us 
 of the college that had ever been presented to that body. 
 In all the long, hard struggle his courage never failed, 
 and he had the happy faculty of inspiring others with 
 his hopeful spirit. 
 
 Only one year in the history of his connection with 
 us was he local, and this was owing to ill-health. 
 
 L. J. Hedgpeth, the only classmate of T. H. B. An- 
 derson, was also a faithful man. For twelve years he 
 filled appointments in the Pacific Conference, traveling 
 from Shasta in the north to Millerton in the south, la- 
 boring cheerfully in whatever field his lot was cast. In 
 1875 he transferred to the Los Angeles Conference, and 
 at one time went as far east as Arizona, enduring hard- 
 ships known only to a faithful itinerant who labors in 
 new and uncultivated fields. At times he has been on 
 the ragged edge of physical suffering, denied even the 
 necessaries of life, enduring all in the name and for the 
 sake of Him whose servant and soldier he was. The 
 brightness of his crown will doubtless be in proportion 
 to the brightness of his gospel sword that has flashed all 
 along the Pacific Coast from beneath the shadows and 
 snows of Shasta to the shifting sands of Arizona. 
 
 W. T. Luckey had been recommended to the Trust- 
 ees of Pacific Methodist College as a successful teacher, 
 
292 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 and they invited him to come out and take the presi- 
 dency of that institution. He was at the time at the 
 head of Central College, La Fayette, Missouri. He 
 came and took formal charge of the college some time 
 before the session of the Conference. He was a man 
 of vigorous constitution, of commanding appearance, 
 and had had large experience for one of his age in 
 teaching. Under his management the school rose rap- 
 idly in numbers and importance. It was at his sugges- 
 tion that the female department was added to the col- 
 lege — an arrangement that has "worked well for a period 
 of over twenty years. It has, to the satisfaction of the 
 Pacific Conference, solved the problem of the co-edu- 
 cation of the sexes. Dr. Luckey was a sound, logical 
 preacher, but teaching was his delight. 
 
 In 1867 he resigned the presidency of the college, 
 and the following year located, at his own request. 
 
 He was at one time Principal of the State Normal 
 School in San Jose, filling that responsible position with 
 fidelity and credit to himself. 
 
 In 1S76 he visited Philadelphia, and immediately on 
 his return, in the full strength and vigor of his man- 
 hood, he was stricken with paralysis, and died. 
 
 At this Conference a demand was made for an en- 
 largement of the college-building, the one in use being 
 too small to accommodate the increasing patronage. 
 
 A very serious discovery was made with reference to 
 the endowment fund. It consisted mainly in notes 
 given by different individuals for various amounts, rang- 
 ing from $25 up to $1,000. The interest on these notes 
 was to be paid annually. It was found very expensive 
 and very difficult to collect this interest, costing almost 
 as much as it was worth — the parties giving these notes 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 2 93 
 
 living in all parts of the State. Not only so, but chang- 
 ing circumstances were rendering many of these notes 
 worthless. We also saw that in a little time many of 
 them would be outlawed, and we would realize nothing 
 from them. An effort was made, and the Agent so in- 
 structed, to collect these notes as rapidly as possible — a 
 movement that met with only partial success. Many 
 found it much easier to give a note than to pay the 
 money. And so, from one cause or another, our en- 
 dowment of $30,000 dwindled to a very insignificant 
 figure. Agent after agent was put into the field with 
 varying success, until the unpleasant fact was forced 
 upon us that we would have to secure a new endow- 
 ment or depend upon tuition-fees for the support of our 
 teachers. 
 
 Owing to the fact that all communication with the 
 Publishing House was cut off, we formally closed our 
 Book Depository at this Conference. Not only so, but 
 we had suffered from a flood the preceding winter, and 
 the Pacific Methodist^ our Conference organ, had been 
 suspended. We felt this the more keenly because we 
 could not get the home Church-papers. Dr. Fitzger- 
 ald, the Editor, had fought manfully to sustain the pa- 
 per, using much of his own personal means to keep it 
 alive, but was at last compelled to yield to the heavy 
 pressure and suspend. 
 
 The material interests of the Church were advancing. 
 We had a parsonage on the San Ramon Circuit, a 
 church and parsonage at San Jose, two churches and a 
 parsonage on the Santa Clara Circuit, two churches and 
 a parsonage on Gilroy Circuit, a church at Petaluma, a 
 church and parsonage on the Bodega Circuit, two 
 churches and a parsonage on the Healdsburg Circuit, a 
 
294 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 parsonage in Ubiah, a church and parsonage on the 
 Napa Circuit, two churches and a parsonage on Suisun 
 Circuit, a church in Sacramento, a parsonage on the 
 Cosumne Circuit, a church on the Mokelumne Cir- 
 cuit, two churches on Dry town and Volcano Circuit, a 
 church on El Dorado Circuit, a church and parsonage 
 on the Calaveras Circuit, a parsonage on Cacheville 
 Circuit, a church and parsonage at Colusa, a church-lot 
 and parsonage at Chico, a church-lot and parsonage at 
 Yuba City, a church at Grass Valley, two churches and 
 a parsonage on Yankee Jim's Circuit, a church and 
 parsonage in Visalia, a church and parsonage in Mari- 
 posa, a parsonage on Merced Circuit, two churches and 
 a parsonage at Montezuma, a church at Vallicita, a 
 church and parsonage at Stockton; besides our college 
 property at Vacaville and school property at San Jose 
 and Visalia. There were sixty local preachers, and 
 nearly 3,000 members of the Church. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 295 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 IfHE thirteenth session was held in Petaluma, Oc- 
 tober 7, 1863. O. Fisher was elected President. 
 We had indulged some faint hopes that Bishop 
 Kavanaugh would reach us. But every thing in the East 
 was in confusion. And as all the other Bishops were 
 straitly shut in, Bishop Kavanaugh had all he could do 
 to look after the Church along the border. 
 
 No one could yet foresee the results of the war, and 
 many of our people began to despair of Episcopal vis- 
 itation. Early in the session a memorial was presented 
 from the Santa Rosa Circuit, praying that, as a matter 
 of expediency in the present calamitous state of the 
 country, we would modify our Church relations, and 
 declare ourselves an independent organization on this 
 coast; and that our young ministers might be ordained 
 so as to administer the sacraments, we would elect a 
 Bishop from amongst ourselves, etc. 
 
 This memorial was referred to the Committee on the 
 State of the Church, composed of D. O. Shattuck, S. 
 W. Davies, W. R. Gober, B. R. Johnson, O. P. Fitz- 
 gerald, T. C. Barton, A. M. Bailey, J. L. Burchard, and 
 J. Gruwell. After due and careful deliberation, this 
 committee, through its chairman, D. O. Shattuck, pre- 
 sented the following report, which was adopted: 
 
 The Committee on the State of the Church, to which was re- 
 ferred the memorial of Dr. E. D. Harris and others, the official 
 members and laity of Santa Rosa Circuit, beg leave to report: 
 
296 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 That they have been seriously impressed with the importance 
 of the questions discussed and presented in said memorial, and 
 have given the subject as much consideration as their other du- 
 ties would permit. 
 
 We admit the facts alleged, that many of the preachers of the 
 Conference entitled to ordination remain unordained, and agree 
 with the conclusions of the memorialists that the Church and 
 also the unordained preachers suffer thereby. It is farther ad- 
 mitted that these evils should be remedied as soon as it is pos- 
 sible to do so. 
 
 We also concede that New Testament Bishops and Elders 
 were one and the same thing, and that Elders may scripturally 
 ordain ministers; and if our Discipline had not forbidden the ex- 
 ercise of these powers, except in a certain contingency that has 
 not happened, we should not hesitate in our present emergency 
 to recommend the ordination of all those entitled thereto. But 
 having made our vows, not to mend but to keep them, we can- 
 not ordain without revolution. We admit the right of revolu- 
 tion whenever it is deemed necessary, in order — 
 
 1. To perpetuate our existence as a Church. 
 
 2. To perform our duty as ministers of the Church of God in 
 spreading scriptural holiness over these lands. 
 
 We would not attempt to conceal the difficulties which our 
 connection with the Mother Church, in the present convulsed 
 state of our nation, throws in our way. They need not be mag- 
 nified nor enumerated. They are known and felt by all of us. 
 
 But admitting all these facts and conclusions, the question of 
 expediency arises: " Whether to bear the ills we have, or fly to 
 others," the effects of which upon our beloved Zion we know not- 
 
 Our difficulties, though great, are not so numerous or unbeara- 
 ble as those of our fathers during the Revolutionary War. We 
 have some ordained ministers — they had none. If our connection 
 with the Mother Church raises prejudices against us, their con- 
 nection with Mr. Wesley, of known opposition to the rebellion, 
 created prejudices against them of greater magnitude, and more 
 general, if not more malignant. Yet they bore these depriva- 
 tions and this load of prejudice for seven long years and sur- 
 vived them. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 297 
 
 An independent Church on this coast by many for years has 
 been felt as a necessity, and the probability is that if our last 
 General Conference had held its session, and especially if the 
 delegates from this Conference had attended it, the act of inde- 
 pendence would have been consummated, or else a resident Bish- 
 op would have been provided. But Providence ordered other- 
 wise. 
 
 If a General Conference could now be held, we doubt not our 
 plea for independence would be admitted and the act performed. 
 Nor would we disguise the fact that our independence may be- 
 come a necessity. Should the Southern States be subjugated, a 
 continued connection with the Mother Church would hazard our 
 usefulness here. Should the independence of the Southern Con- 
 federacy be acknowledged, a separation from that Church might 
 be expedient, perhaps necessary. And in view of these facts, 
 could we now be set off as an independent Church, your com- 
 mittee think it would tend to our prosperity and usefulness. 
 
 But the question of revolution is a more serious one, and should 
 not be entertained without a clear and harmonious view of its 
 necessity. For a bare majority of this Conference to take so de- 
 cided a step against the expressed will of the minority would be 
 adding an element of strife to our present difficulties. The ques- 
 tion is too new to expect harmony of action in its favor. Com- 
 paratively few of the laity or clergy seem to have considered it. 
 
 The memorialists, though highly respectable and greatly be- 
 loved, compose but a small part of our Church on the Pacific, and 
 we have no means of knowing whether a majority would favor it, 
 while we hear of some who decidedly oppose all innovation. 
 
 In view of all the facts, your committee recommend the pas- 
 sage of the following resolutions: 
 
 1. While our connection exists with the Mother Church, and 
 while we have living Bishops, we cannot legally ordain by Elders. 
 
 2. We deem it inexpedient, at present, to change our Church 
 relations. 
 
 3. That A. M. Bailey be appointed a committee to correspond 
 with Bishop Kavanaugh, and ascertain the probabilities of an 
 early Episcopal visitation to this coast, we pledging ourselves for 
 his expenses. 
 
29S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 4. That those unordained, in charge of circuits, be requested 
 and instructed to inquire for and ascertain who desire baptism on 
 their respective works, and inform the presiding elder at each 
 quarterly visitation, with a view to its consummation. 
 
 Thus it will be seen that the Pacific Conference was 
 true to the Mother Church in the most trying hour of 
 its history. The unanimity with which the Conference 
 voted for the adoption of this report showed the heart 
 of the preachers, and no doubt there was a like feeling 
 in the vast majority of the laity. Even those who 
 prayed for a change felt that they were driven to it only 
 by dire necessity. We having no paper at the time, 
 the Rev. T. M. Johnson, of the Cumberland Presbyte- 
 rian Church, who was publishing a small paper, sent a 
 letter to the Conference, kindly offering the columns of 
 his paper to our preachers to publish any Church news 
 we might desire. 
 
 On motion, the Secretary was directed to furnish a 
 list of Appointments, and any other matter he might 
 think proper, for publication in The Presbyter. 
 
 But we began devising plans for the resurrection of 
 our own paper, and O. P. Fitzgerald was requested to 
 confer with Wick B. Parsons in relation to rniblishing a 
 paper for the M. E. Church, South, on this coast. 
 
 T. D. Clanton presented his certificate of location 
 from the Missouri Conference, and was re-admitted. 
 He filled fourteen regular appointments, and then took 
 a supernumerary relation to the Conference for a few 
 years, and then located. Brother Clanton was a sweet 
 singer, and during the time he was connected with the 
 Conference did us faithful work. 
 
 A resolution was passed by the Conference requesting 
 the Bishop to transfer A. E. Sears and J. B. Short, both 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 299 
 
 of the Missouri Conference, and both living in Oregon. 
 This was subsequently done by Bishop Kavanaugh. 
 
 In view of the unhappy condition of the country, it 
 was resolved to appoint a day of fasting, humiliation, 
 and prayer in behalf of the Church and country, which 
 was carefully observed with great profit by many. 
 
 The correspondence with Bishop Kavanaugh, urging 
 him to come to the next session of our Conference, had 
 the desired effect, and he hastened to us as soon as he 
 could arrange his matters to come. As soon as he ar- 
 rived there was a buzz of excitement in certain quar- 
 ters. He was looked upon as an emissary of the South, 
 and it was thought that his coming must be political. 
 Some one, fired with more zeal than knowledge, more 
 spleen than conscience, went before the military au- 
 thorities in San Francisco, and, under oath, made such 
 a representation of the objects and purposes of the 
 Bishop's visit to this coast as to induce the authorities 
 to order his arrest. Knowing that there would be va- 
 rious representations, even by friends, of this important 
 chapter in the history of our Church, we wrote to the 
 Bishop for a full statement of the facts, and received 
 from his own pen the following rather facetious reply: 
 
 Louisville, Ky., Feb. 14, 1878. 
 
 Rev. John C. Simmons — My Dear Brother: — You will 
 please excuse me for my very long neglect of your favor of No- 
 vember last. The last j'ear with me was one of constant activ- 
 ity, ranging through Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Vir- 
 ginia, North Carolina, Illinois, and Arkansas. I had not time 
 to keep up my correspondence, which greatly increased upon me 
 until I had for a considerable time to give it up almost entirely. 
 And now since my Conferences are over, I have, as I could gain 
 the time, been writing myself out of debt. I am now nearing 
 that blest shore. 
 
3°° 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 But to the points of jour inquiry in regard to my arrest, re- 
 lease, etc. 
 
 You will remember that during the war, in the year 1864, your 
 Conference appointed a committee to correspond with me to see 
 if I could not be induced to go out to California to ordain the 
 preachers eligible to orders — I atjthe time being the only accessible 
 Bishop to you, and your Conference for four years without a 
 Bishop, and by consequence your preachers eligible to orders 
 without ordination. Seeing your condition, I determined to go 
 to you, and being on the north side of the war-line, went to New 
 York and embarked for San Francisco by the way of the Isthmus. 
 
 Soon after my arrival in California and entrance upon my 
 duties, correspondents of papers commenced an insidious attack 
 upon me, insinuating that I might be a recruiting officer of Jef- 
 ferson Davis. Upon the robbery of some of the stages of the 
 State, it was generously and patriotically suggested that the Rebel 
 Bishop and his party were availing themselves of this means to 
 get money to send the recruits over to the Southern army for the 
 service of the Rebellion. These rumors induced the editors of 
 papers to take up the cudgel, and many of them were out in fu- 
 rious terms upon the Rebel Bishop. So general was the assault 
 that I had determined to go myself before the military officers in 
 power and explain my presence on the Pacific Coast and my only 
 business among the people. But before I reached the city, and 
 Avhile I was at a camp-meeting near Copperopolis, about thirty 
 miles from Stockton, the conscience of some zealot required him 
 to go to the office of the Provost Marshal in San Francisco, and, 
 as I suppose, on oath, testified that " I was a citizen of Georgia, 
 had crossed the military lines by a Confederate pass, and was on 
 the Pacific Coast without any visible business, and therefore sup- 
 posed to be a political emissary of Jeff". Davis." 
 
 These charges being presented to General McDowell, he sent 
 an officer one hundred and thirty miles to bring me before the 
 Provost Marshal of San Francisco. This office was then filled 
 by General Mason, of the United States Army. Captain Jack- 
 son was sent to make the arrest. I was in the habit of lodging 
 at night at a public house in Copperopolis. The Captain arrived 
 at my lodsfinir a little after breakfast. Brother Burchard — then 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 301 
 
 the Presiding Elder of the Stockton District — and I had taken a 
 walk to some mining-grounds, and were collecting some speci- 
 mens of mining-quartz and some crystallized quartz. On our 
 return to the house I was informed that there were a couple of 
 gentlemen there that wished to see me. The gentlemen soon 
 made their appearance. I noticed that one of them seemed to 
 scrutinize me with serious and interested look, approached me, 
 and said that he desired a private interview with me, and pro- 
 posed that we should go hehind a house that stood not far from 
 the hotel, and said, "IJiave no objection that your friend should 
 go with you." I had no idea of being arrested — thought proba- 
 bly the gentleman wished to get married, and was in search of a 
 parson; but after we got secreted behind the house, he informed 
 me that General McDowell had sent him to take charge of mv 
 person and property, and take me to San Francisco. I told him 
 I would go with him — that it was my next day's destination by 
 my own arrangement. We then retired to my room, where he 
 searched me to see what papers he could find upon my person, 
 and took charge of my baggage. Brother Burchard told the Cap- 
 tain that I had an appointment to preach at 11 o'clock on the 
 camp-ground. He said, "Very well; I will stay and hear the 
 Bishop." He charged us very seriously and earnestly to keep 
 the fact of my arrest a profound secret. We thought the caution 
 a very wise one. The knowledge of the fact would have pro- 
 duced a great excitement, which w r e were anxious as well as he 
 to prevent. We all then went to the meeting. I preached, and 
 the meeting closed. Captain Jackson had taken from me a writ- 
 ten pledge that I would meet him the next day at Stockton, and 
 to Stockton he went one road, and Burchard and I another. We 
 went that night to where before we had been entertained — at the 
 house of General Douglas, an emigrant from Tennessee. Burch- 
 ard and Douglas being Masons, Burchard put him upon the 
 square, and told him of my arrest. The General came to me, 
 and said, " Bishop, where is your, baggage?" I told him that I 
 had met a couple of gentlemen at the camp-meeting who were so 
 polite as to take my baggage for me to Stockton, smiling when I 
 said it, for I knew what he meant, and was bound not to explain, 
 and he returned the smile. 
 
302 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 On the next day we went on to Stockton, and found the steam- 
 er for San Francisco at the wharf, the Captain not having jet ar- 
 rived. In due time, however, he came aboard. He told me that 
 he was instructed by General McDowell to treat me very re- 
 spectfully, which he was all the time careful to do, never indicat- 
 ing that he had any control or authority over me; and that if he 
 ever used a by-word in my presence, he would apologize. We as- 
 sociated as very agreeable companions, and became mutually at- 
 tached before we reached our destination. Some time after we 
 met on the boat he asked me whether he should pay my passage 
 and secure my state-room, or would I prefer to provide for my- 
 self. I told him that I would pay my own way. Finding that 
 state-rooms were scarce, I had the Captain assigned to my room. 
 He was a larger man than myself. When we retired to bed, I 
 suggested that he take the lower berth. He laughed heartily, 
 and said, " I understand your politeness — you are afraid that I 
 may break down upon you." I told him I thought it would be 
 something of a calamitv. and that he did not credit me much for 
 my politeness. 
 
 Our boat reached San Francisco in the night; so when we 
 awoke in the morning we were at the wharf. I arose and dressed 
 myself — he still asleep. I awoke him, and said, " Captain, I am 
 about to leave you, Captain, and thought I would let you know 
 it." " Well," he said, " meet me at my office at 12 o'clock." " I'll 
 do so; good-morning." At the hour of twelve I reported at his 
 office, Brother Andrew M. Bailey with me. He now opened my 
 baggage, examined my letters, and whatever documents I had. 
 Among other things he got hold of a little book I had, in which 
 I noted at what places and on what subjects I had preached. He 
 examined this so long that Brother Bailey remarked, "Bishop, I 
 think the Captain is disposed to study preaching a little." Get- 
 ting through this examination, he proposed to take me to the 
 Provost Marshal. So delicate was he in his manners toward 
 me that, in taking me to the next officer, he would not walk with 
 me, but was studious to be either before me or behind, so that he 
 and Brother Bailey reached the office of the Provost a little 
 ahead of me. I then entered, and was introduced to General 
 Mason. I did not hear Captain Jackson tell the General any 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 30^ 
 
 thing. Brother Bailey told me afterward that when he met the 
 General he simply said, " I found nothing." 
 
 The truth is, about the only dread I had was coming before 
 the Provost Marshal. In Kentucky this office was uniformly 
 filled by persons of narrow, contracted, and bigoted minds, whose 
 rule of judgment was under the control of a blind and bitter 
 prejudice, giving but the slightest chance for justice, much less 
 for mercy. I was afraid of nothing else. I was not an offender 
 against the Government — nothing but falsehood and prejudice 
 could convict me. So soon as I had a sight of the person of 
 General Mason I was perfectly quiet in my mind. The structure 
 of his head, the manly form of his features, gave me assurance 
 that the little, the low, and the base were not there. I was qui- 
 eted all through at once — was afraid of nothing. Every thing 
 about the man showed that he was qualified for the sacred trust 
 assigned him. I found that the promise of his appearance was 
 fully redeemed in his conduct. He asked me into his room, and 
 to be seated; and thsre, alone, he disclosed to me the charges 
 upon which I was arrested — which charges I have already given, 
 concerning my being a citizen of Georgia, crossing the military 
 lines with a Confederate pass, being on the Pacific Coast, etc. 
 On finishing his statements, I said to him: "General, your wit- 
 ness has not learned to lie after the manner of his master; he 
 generally puts in a little truth to gloss and give plausibility to 
 falsehood. This is a fabrication from the beginning to the end. 
 I am a native of Kentucky — never lived out of the State but two 
 years in my life, and those two I spent in the city of Cincinnati, 
 Ohio. When I came to this coast I had no military lines to 
 cross — of course had no pass to cross the lines. The Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, South, of which I am a Bishop, has an An- 
 nual Conference on this coast — had been four years without a 
 Bishop. A number of young ministers were eligible to deacon's 
 and elder's orders in the Church — could not administer the sacra- 
 ments of the Church without ordination. The presence of a 
 Bishop was a necessity to the Church, and so much was this felt 
 that the Conference appointed a committee to correspond with 
 me, to see if I could not be induced to come out here and relieve 
 them. In compliance with their wishes I came, and that is my 
 
304 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 only business here. So far, therefore, from having no visible 
 business here, I have a specific business to which I have been 
 giving my attention, not in a corner, but after due notification, 
 and before large congregations." 
 
 General Mason then remarked, " Bishop, I think it" you will 
 write these statements down, they will be satisfactory to General 
 McDowell." I replied, " I will write them. To whom shall I 
 report them?" He said, '• To me, and I will report them to Gen- 
 eral McDowell." I wrote out the statements and gave them to 
 the Provost Marshal, and he took them to McDowell. I said to 
 General Mason, "When you see General McDowell, please say 
 to him that I would like to see him, because I think I know his 
 relations in Kentucky largely." General McDowell sent me 
 word that he could see me the next day at one o'clock. So at 
 the appointed time, having Brother Bailey with me, I presented 
 myself at the General's office. He arose, and met me at the 
 door, and said, " How are you, Bishop?" " Very well, I thank 
 you; how are you, General?" "Very well." Brother Bailey 
 being introduced, we were invited to seats. I said, " General, I 
 have come to see you, not in regard to my case — that I supposed 
 you would settle before I should see you — but because of my sup- 
 posed large acquaintance with your relations in my native State. 
 Since I see you, I am assured that I am not mistaken — you are 
 so clearly marked by family resemblance as to settle the question 
 of your relation to the Kentucky McDowells." He said, " O 
 yes>; my father was a native of Kentucky, and I once attempted 
 to count my cousins in that State, and went up to thirty-two, and 
 thought I would stop." We had a very pleasant conversation 
 about Kentucky relatives, friends, etc. 
 
 Brother Bailey then said, " General, the Bishop has an ap- 
 pointment at San Jose on next Sunday. I wish you would let 
 him go and fill it. The fact is, you will have to, or go and fill it 
 vourself, for we do not like to fill the Bishop's appointments." 
 The General said, " O I do not care where the Bishop is, so he 
 lets me know where he is." I told him the week after that I had an- 
 other appointment at Gilroy, some thirty or thirty-five miles far- 
 ther. He replied, " It makes no odds." I suppose he had deter- 
 mined to release me. and wanted to know where to address me. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 305 
 
 I then reminded the General that on coming in I had stated to 
 him that I did not come to see him about my own case, but since 
 I was there, if there was any point on which I had not given him 
 satisfaction that I hoped he would then interrogate me to any 
 extent he pleased. I saw my written statement lying on his 
 table. He reached out his hand and laid it on the document, and 
 said, " Bishop, your communication is perfectly satisfactory; but 
 what are you, a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South, doing away out here on this extreme Western coast? n 
 My answer was, " We have a Conference out here which was 
 organized when California was a Territory, and when the 
 Churches North and South might regard it as common ground 
 until it should become a State and settle the question as to wheth- 
 er it should become a free or a slave-holding State. After it be- 
 came a State, and determined it should be a free State, we then 
 started the question whether we should abandon the field; but 
 our people begged us for their souls' sake to stay and preach the 
 gospel to them. If we did not, they would have to hear it from 
 Abolitionists or not hear it all — that they could not, would not 
 hear it from Abolitionists. For their souls' sake, then, we staid." 
 "But," said the General, "the North and the South are at war." 
 I replied, "A pretty palpable fact, General; but I hope you are 
 not going to charge the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with 
 the war, when the Church was organized in 1845, and the war 
 commenced in 1S61." He said it was the opinion of able politi- 
 cians that the division of the Methodist Episcopal Church was 
 the entering wedge that brought on the war. I told him that if 
 it were the fact, the North drove in the wedge. The South was 
 opposed to the separation of the Church and the agitation of the 
 question that induced it; but nothing could induce silence on the 
 subject, and no threatened consequences could change or modify 
 the Abolition rage until the fatal war ensued. Again, the Gen- 
 eral said, " Why is it that you append the word ' South ' to your 
 Church? It is offensive, and stirs up prejudice against it." I ex- 
 plained: "The word 'South,' as appended to the name of our 
 Church, has but two significations. 1. It is geographical; the 
 Church divided on a line running mainly east and west. Our 
 Church was on the southern side of the line, which was suggestive 
 
 20 
 
306 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 of the South. 2. It is a Church designation. On the separation 
 of the Church it Avas thought to be best and safest that the north- 
 ern side of the line should retain the original name, as the prin- 
 cipal property of the Church, which was held as the joint prop- 
 erty of the Church — viz., such as the publishing houses, chartered 
 fund, and property pertaining to missions, etc. — was located in the 
 North. The Southern portion of the Church asked no change 
 in the Discipline of the Church. The North would have it, cost 
 what it might. Hence, in the division, the original name was 
 granted to them. The Church, South, fond of her old name, 
 thought she would change it as little as possible, and at the Con- 
 vention held for the purpose of considering whether the circum- 
 stances demanded for our safety a division of the Church, this 
 question was left for the South to determine. The membership 
 had voted six to one in favor of a new organization. Obeying 
 their behest, the Convention ordained a separate organization. 
 When they came to settle on the name, they called it Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, South, taking the old name entire, and 
 then, after a comma, added the word ' South.' And this, Gen- 
 eral, is all that the word means with us." 
 
 The General still urged his objections to the word "South," 
 and asked my opinion of it as a Church designation. I told him 
 I had no partialities for, and some objections to, it. "My objec- 
 tion to it is that it is a sectional name, when a Church should be 
 for the benefit of the world." He was pleased that I had the ob- 
 jection, and urged that it was unwise in us to adopt and adhere 
 to it — it brought down upon us so much hostile feeling, sectional, 
 political, and partisan. He kept up such a war upon the word 
 " South " that at length I became a little excited, and said, " I 
 hope, sir, that you will not decide my case upon that naked word 
 ' South.'" He flushed a little in his face, and said, " Don't call it 
 that 'naked word.' " I replied, " You have repeated it so often 
 as to suggest that phraseology." I saw that the subject was be- 
 coming unpleasant, and I thought it wisdom to change the sub- 
 ject (for my case was not decided yet), and a pleasant state of 
 feeling again ensued. 
 
 It occurred to me that the General had been very much an- 
 noyed by repeated complaints of persons, blind with prejudice 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 307 
 
 and bitter in feeling, trying to involve the subjects of their sus- 
 picion. I said, "General, you are old enough to know some- 
 thing of the blindness and bitterness that grow out of narrow- 
 minded prejudice and bigotry." The suggestion seemed to re- 
 vive a recollection of a sad experience, and he replied in tones of 
 grief and disgust, "O I do, I do." I thought that such had been 
 the complaints pressed upon him that his representation was but 
 an echo of what he was continually hearing. 
 
 The General and I parted in a pleasant state of feeling. I 
 never did blame him or any other officer concerned in my arrest. 
 They not only treated me with respect, but with reverence. 
 Their entire bearing was gentlemanly and kind. 
 
 On closing this interview I went (as permitted) to San Jose to 
 fill an appointment. While here a Negro man was driving me 
 around in the city — took me to the post-office, where I received 
 my release from General McDowell. The release was uncondi- 
 tioned and unqualified. I asked my driver if he ever had any 
 free-papers. He said he had. I told him that until now I never 
 had any, but had just received mine. 
 
 In the document of release the General says: "The word 
 ' South ' being appended to the name of the Bishop's Church may 
 explain to him a great deal of the persecution he has suffered." On 
 this item the witty and satirical News Letter, of San Francisco, 
 remarked: "The General is right. It won't do to have any more 
 South hereafter nohow. In this city we have South Park — that 
 must be pulled out and cast into the Bay. And there is that 
 South Pole sticking in this globe — that must be pulled out and 
 thrown away. It will not do to have any more South." 
 
 You will remember that after it was all over I published an 
 account of the whole affair. If I have the documents I do not 
 know where to find them, and hence I write this whole account 
 from memory. Some one told me, when last ir. California, that 
 he or she, whoever it was, had all these documents in preserva- 
 tion. Were you to advertise for them, I think ycu would get them. 
 
 I do not know that you will have any use for all that I have 
 written; but I thought I would give you the wlrole narrative, and 
 that you might use it or not at your own discretion. Very truly 
 yours, H. II Kavaxaugh. 
 
30S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 This arrest took place on July 19, 1864, at a camp- 
 meeting held near the town of Copperopolis, some thir- 
 ty miles above Stockton. Had not the whole matter 
 been managed as quietly and as prudently as it was, no 
 doubt the most serious consequences would have fol- 
 lowed. The most intense excitement prevailed in the 
 breasts of many on both sides. Many who made no 
 profession of religion, and who had watched the course 
 and conduct of our Church and preachers during 
 all the years of the war, felt to indorse us in our 
 efforts to keep the Church free from political entangle- 
 ments. They saw how earnestly we were laboring for 
 the salvation of souls, and with what favor God re- 
 garded us, as manifested in the success that attended 
 our ministry. They also saw how bitter was the feel- 
 ing in other Churches against us; and it required but a 
 spark to inflame them beyond the power of control. 
 
 To show the feelings of our enemies, as expressed in 
 the religious press of the period, we give a quotation 
 from The Pacific, a paper published by a body of Con- 
 gregationalist ministers, the motto of whose paper was: 
 "First Pure, then Peaceable — without Partiality, and 
 without Hypocrisy." In an editorial headed, "A Rebel 
 Bishop in California," they say: 
 
 We noticed some time since frhat Bisnop Kavanaugh, of the 
 Southern Methodist Church, landed on this coast. The Bishop 
 presides over a Church made up wholly of Rehels. His home is 
 among them. So far as we know he is entirely identified with 
 the Rebellion. In what way he came through the Union lines, 
 what pretenses availed to transfer him from disloyal to loyal terri- 
 tory, whether he passed openly or clandestinely, we know not; nor 
 do we know what special occasion called him here. There is not a 
 fragment of the Methodist Church, South, left in this State. It 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 309 
 
 has long since ceased to be in the main a power for any thing but 
 evil. Some of its edifices have been sold, others are deserted, 
 and what of this denomination remains represents a hopeless, 
 dying concern — but distinguished in death as in life for venomous 
 hostility to the Union. Its secession from the loyal Methodist 
 Church was a sign of the treason which culminated in an open 
 attempt to destroy the Union. Nor does the new name, " Pacific 
 Methodists," recently adopted, in any way change the character 
 of the organization. The heart of the thing is treasonable. It 
 is the blighted branch of a Church on which is the blood of 
 thousands of brave men who have fallen in defense of the Union. 
 To come, therefore, in this crisis to preside over such a concern, 
 in a loyal State, in the ordinary capacity of a Bishop, seems at 
 first like a pious comedy. If it has more significance, it is be- 
 cause treason is never a comedy. 
 
 These " scattered sheep " need no fold. They are the wolves 
 trained by their teachers here, as well as at the South, to howl at 
 loyal men and to bite in secret only because courage and oppor- 
 tunity are lacking to do it openly. What good can come, then, 
 from this visit? Will the Bishop enjoin obedience and fidelity to 
 the lawful Government of the country? If he does, the lines of 
 the Southern army of traitors will never open to receive him 
 again. Will he pray for the President of the United States, or 
 for the preservation of the Constitution? If he does, he will be 
 doomed to stay on the soil of patriots. Will he, coming from 
 the very bosom of the Rebellion, indorse by act or speech, or 
 even by his reticence, the cause of Disunion? It is fair to pre- 
 sume that he comes to this coast, by virtue of his position and lo- 
 cation, as one having complicity with Rebels. His official sanc- 
 tion has given them aid and comfort. Would a loyal Bishop be 
 allowed to go South, in advance of the Union army, to look after 
 loyal Church-members? By no means. Why, then, does a dis- 
 loyal Bishop come here to look after disloyal members? We 
 should be glad to welcome the Bishop as an embassador for 
 Christ. Before we do that, however, we ask him to take the oath 
 of fidelity to the Union. The men in these days who, in the best 
 sense, are loyal to God. are also loyal to their country. 
 
310 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Such articles as these from the religious press of the 
 vState had stirred men on both sides, and it required but 
 little to have roused them to bloodshed. The chief act- 
 ors in this scene well knew it, and wisely kept their 
 movements from the public. No one, as he sat and 
 listened to the burning eloquence of the Bishop that 
 day at the Copperopolis camp-meeting, would ever have 
 thought that he was then under arrest, and that the officer 
 under whose control he was was sitting in the audience. 
 
 The letter referred to in the Bishop's article, written 
 to General Mason, was as follows: 
 
 Sax Francisco, Cal., July 20, 1864. 
 Brigadier-general John S. Mason, Assistant Provost Marshal: 
 
 Getter al — Dear Sir: I arrived in California a few weeks ago on 
 business exclusively connected with the Church of which I am a 
 member, and am here on no political mission of any character 
 whatever. . I am a native of Kentucky, in which State I have re- 
 sided all my life, with the exception of about two years passed 
 in the city of Cincinnati. The printed Minutes of ouV Church 
 will show my whereabouts from the year 1823 to 1854, when I 
 was elected to the Episcopacy. From that time to this my resi- 
 dence has been at Versailles, Kentucky. Since the commence- 
 ment of the Avar I have never crossed the military lines, nor en- 
 tered any State in rebellion, except on a visit to Nashville, Ten- 
 nessee, then in possession of the Federal troops and under their 
 control, together with the whole line of road from my residence 
 to that city. I have never been a politician, nor in any manner 
 participated actively in political affairs, and have never preached 
 politics, either befcn-e or since the war. On the contrary, I have 
 invariably discouraged it in the ministry of the Church over 
 which I had, in some sense, the supervision. For the truth of 
 this statement I appeal to all who have ever heard me, or know 
 my conduct on this coast or elsewhere. 
 
 The particular occasion of my present visit to California is as 
 follows: The Pacific Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, South, has been for four years without the presence of a 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 311 
 
 Bishop. During this period a number of the members of the 
 body were elected to the order of deacons and elders in the 
 Church, and for want of ordination could not administer the sac- 
 raments of the Church. This ordination became an imperative 
 necessity. The Conference passed a resolution appointing the 
 Rev. A. M. Bailey to correspond with me on the subject of a 
 visit to this coast to ordain these ministers. This resolution is on 
 the records of the Conference, and is mentioned in the corre- 
 spondence between the Rev. Mr. Bailey and myself. This cor- 
 respondence with me was ordered because I was the only access- 
 ible Bishop able to travel so far and perform the functions of the 
 office. I came here on this business alone, and on no mission, 
 either directly or indirectly, connected with politics or the war, 
 and, least of all, to stir up dissension or encourage opposition to 
 the Government or its laws. Residing as I do in Kentucky, where 
 great diversity of opinion prevails in regard to the war, I have 
 deemed it my duty as a minister of the gospel, not only to ab- 
 stain from participating in political affairs, but, on the contrary, 
 to mitigate as far as practicable the asperity of feeling which 
 prevails so widely in that State. I have deemed mine to be a 
 mission of love and peace, and have so acted, both there and 
 here. So far as I know, my conduct has never been questioned 
 in Kentucky by the military authorities, where I have lived so 
 long and am so widely known, notwithstanding the intense ex- 
 citement which has prevailed in that State. 
 
 Under the circumstances, I find myself, comparatively a stran- 
 ger on this coast, and far from my home, suddenly arraigned be- 
 fore the military authorities on charges preferred by persons 
 wholly unknown to me. That I am deeply pained by this pro- 
 ceeding I candidly confess — not so much because of any personal 
 injury to myself, as because of the reproach it brings.; on my sa- 
 cred calling and on the Church with which I am connected. I 
 acknowledge, however, with pleasure, the courtesy which has 
 been extended to me by all the officers connected with the affair. 
 And trusting that this explanation of my conduct and motives 
 may prove satisfactory, I am very respectfully yours, 
 
 H. H. Kavanaugh. 
 
3 1 - 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 This affair did us no harm as a Church, but brought 
 us more prominently before the general public as a 
 branch of the Church of Jesus Christ, whose distinct- 
 ive feature is non-interference with politics, actuated 
 by the sole desire to spread scriptural holiness over 
 the land. Very many and unjust things were said of us 
 in the secular as well as the religious press — things we 
 do not now wish to recall — and only a desire to be 
 faithful to the history of this period has impelled us to 
 write what we have. 
 
 On the 22d of May, 1864, soon after the Bishop's ar- 
 rival, he called for those preachers who had been elect- 
 ed to orders to meet him at the Stone Church, on the 
 Suisun Circuit. Of these, John W. Simmons, John M. 
 Ward, George Sim, Joseph Emory, James M. Lovell, 
 Green M. Edwards, Thomas S. Burnett, Benjamin F. 
 Burris, William A. Spurlock, and Samuel Brown, were 
 ordained deacons; and Samuel Brown, John W. Sim- 
 mons, John M. Ward, Joseph Emory, and George Sim, 
 were ordained elders. 
 
 No one could estimate the benefit derived by our 
 Church on this coast by this visit of Bishop Kavanaugh. 
 He strengthened our hands and encouraged our hearts 
 wherever he went. The following resolution was of- 
 fered in Conference, and passed by a rising, unanimous 
 vote : 
 
 Resolved, That as a Conference we hailed with peculiar pleas- 
 ure the second visit of Bishop Kavanaugh to the Pacific Coast; 
 that his labors among us have been highly edifying to our 
 people; that his presence and counsels have greatly strength- 
 ened our hands and encouraged our hearts; that his administra- 
 tion as presiding officer of our Conference has to the greatest 
 degree been satisfactory and beneficial; and now that the claims 
 of the Church elsewhere imperatively call him away from us, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 313 
 
 he Will carry with him our affections, will be followed by our 
 prayers for his continued prosperity and usefulness; and that, 
 should he find it compatible with his duty to return and make his 
 permanent abode among us, it would be at once a matter of uni- 
 versal gratification to our people and an omen of good to the 
 cause of God on this coast. 
 
 To this he feelingly responded. 
 
314 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 ^HE fourteenth session of the Pacific Conference 
 was held in Sacramento, September 1, 1864, 
 r ~jM Bishop H. H. Kavanaugh presiding. J. C. Stew- 
 art, who had acted as Secretary for four consecutive 
 years, was not present, and O. P. Fitzgerald was elected 
 Secretary. 
 
 But one young man presented himself for admission 
 on trial at this session. This was William A. Finley, 
 the first graduate of Pacific Methodist College that had 
 applied for admission into the ranks of the itinerancy. 
 He traveled one year in California, when he was called 
 to the Presidency of the Corvallis College, in Oregon. 
 He remained at the head of this institution till the year 
 1872, when he was transferred to the Pacific Confer- 
 ence, and put in charge of the Gilroy High School. 
 While President of the Corvallis College he had the hon- 
 orary degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him 
 by Wofford College, South Carolina, being the young- 
 est man to receive this title that has ever been amongst 
 us. He remained in charge of the Gilroy High School 
 for two years, when that enterprise was abandoned, and 
 he was put in charge of Stockton Station. He filled 
 this station for two years, when he was elected Presi- 
 dent of Pacific Methodist College, which position he 
 filled until 1883. He located in 1884, and started a fe- 
 male school in the town of Santa Rosa. 
 
 The districts in Oregon were so far removed from 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 315 
 
 the seat of the Conference, and the expense of travel 
 to and from the Conference was so great, that the un- 
 dergraduates in that part of the work selected a com- 
 mittee of examination among the preachers there, and 
 held their examinations, sending their report to Confer- 
 ence. Hence the following resolution was adopted by 
 the Conference: 
 
 Whereas, our brethren in Oregon are so far removed from us 
 that it is inconvenient for them to attend the sessions of the 
 Conference; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That we adopt the examination of the undergradu- 
 ates, made by a committee there, and reported to this Conference. 
 
 The China Mission, during these years of war, being 
 cut off from communication with the home Church, felt 
 very deeply its isolation. Dr. Young J. Allen, having 
 been a classmate of J. W. Simmons, one of the mem- 
 bers of our Conference, was in communication with 
 him, and by permission Brother Simmons made a state- 
 ment to the Conference respecting information recent- 
 ly received from the China Mission, and concluded by 
 offering the following resolutions, which were adopted: 
 
 Resolved, i. That we, the members of the Pacific Conference, 
 do extend to our beloved brethen, Young J. Allen and Wood, in 
 our China Mission, our warmest sympathies and earnest prayers 
 to God for their continued protection and prosperity. 
 
 2. That we, the members of the Pacific Conference, will, on 
 the secend Sunday of December next, take up a collection for 
 the benefit of our China Mission. 
 
 One feature of our connection with the China Mis- 
 sion should not be overlooked. In the year 1856 O. P. 
 Fitzgerald was preacher in charge of the Sonora Cir- 
 cuit. He made an appointment at Shaw's Flat on Sun- 
 day afternoons. The only visible fruit of that preach- 
 
316 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ing was the awakening and conversion of a Prussian 
 named Manthi. He was # convicted under a sermon on 
 the Holy Spirit. He had been reared and confirmed in 
 the Lutheran Church, but on hearing that sermon he 
 found that he needed something more than he had ever 
 received, if the doctrine taught in it were true. The 
 next sermon by Brother Fitzgerald was on the same 
 subject. This deepened his conviction. He wept and 
 prayed in his miner's cabin, and being led by the Spir- 
 it, he was born into the new life. His conversion was 
 clear and joyous, and at the next quarterly love-feast, 
 in broken English, and with streaming eyes, he told the 
 story amid the aniens and sympathizing tears of the lit- 
 tle band of Christians at Sonora, where the love-feast 
 was held. This would seem but a small matter — the 
 simple conversion of a Prussian miner, in a little log- 
 cabin, amid the mine-scarred mountains of California, 
 and his joining the M. E. Church, South, merely because 
 one of its ministers had providentially led him to Christ. 
 But let us turn another leaf in the history of this mi- 
 ner. He proved faithful, becoming a useful member of 
 the Church in Sonora. But after two or three years, 
 being a sailor, his old passion for the sea came upon 
 him. He went to San Francisco, where he shipped for 
 China, bearing his priceless "pearl " with him. In Chi- 
 na he identified himself with our Mission. He stood 
 up for Christ. It was a critical period in the history of 
 that Mission. The resources of the Mission were cut 
 off by the Civil War raging in the United States, and 
 Brother Lambuth wrote that Brother Manthi's faith, 
 zeal, and pecuniary help aided in the saving of the 
 Southern Methodist Mission at that time. Without his 
 help the difficulties would have been overwhelming. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 317 
 
 And so in the mysterious providence of God a sermon 
 preached in an obscure mining-camp in California re- 
 sulted in the conviction and conversion of a foreigner, 
 who carried across the Pacific the fire that rekindled 
 the expiring flame of missionary zeal and activity in 
 China. 
 
 In view of the mighty openings that are now devel- 
 oping in the China Mission, had the Southern Meth- 
 odist Church accomplished no other good, this one fact 
 would more than repay all the outlay of money and the 
 expenditure of labor on the Church on the Pacific Coast- 
 God calls us to work, and he takes care of the fruits of 
 our labor. 
 
318 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 ^HE fifteenth session was held in San Francisco, 
 
 P October 4, 1865. Being again without the pres- 
 j=M ence of a Bishop, O. P. Fitzgerald was chosen 
 
 m 
 
 President. 
 
 Our Secretary for the past four years — J.^C. Stewart 
 — having been killed the past year in Mexico, as he was 
 trying to make his way home, E. K. Miller was chosen 
 Secretary, a position for which he was eminently qual- 
 ified, and which he held by unanimous vote of his breth- 
 ren for a period of twelve years — in fact, until he left 
 us by transfer. So accurate and faithful was he that 
 his records passed unchallenged by the committees of 
 the General Conference, and at times received the high- 
 est commendation. He was received into our Confer- 
 ence at this session by transfer from the Missouri Con- 
 ference. He had suffered greatly during the war; had 
 been sorely persecuted, and he, with W. F. Compton, 
 from the same Conference, came to us for respite and 
 refuge, and two more devoted, faithful men we have 
 rarely had in our body. By long and diligent labor they 
 proved themselves worthy and well qualified. 
 
 J. O. Foresman was transferred to us from the Kan- 
 sas Conference; was sent to Mariposa Circuit; labored 
 one year, and located. 
 
 George Howard, J. A. Burns, and J. N. Turner were 
 admitted on trial. 
 
 George Howard was a son of the Rev. B. C. How- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 3 J 9 
 
 ard. He traveled but one year, and on account of fail- 
 ing health he was discontinued, at his own request. He 
 soon went down under the hand of consumption. 
 
 J. A. Burns was sent to Oregon, and when that Con- 
 ference was organized the following year, he remained 
 with it. 
 
 J. N. Turner traveled but one year, and discontinued, 
 at his own request. 
 
 W. F. Compton, son of William and Luna Compton, 
 was born in the State of Virginia, Aug. 29, 1832. His 
 parents were deeply pious, and he grew up in a religious 
 atmosphere. He was converted, and joined the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, South, Sept. 26, 1S46. He em- 
 igrated to Missouri in 1856; was licensed to preach by the 
 Centenary Quarterly Conference, St. Louis, Mo., April 
 2, 1857, E. M. Marvin being preacher in charge, and 
 R. A. Young presiding elder. With these holy and 
 healthful influences surrounding: him, it is not strange 
 that the young preacher should then and forever conse- 
 crate himself to the work of God as performed by an 
 itinerant Methodist preacher. In the fall of the same 
 year he applied for admission into the traveling connec- 
 tion, joining the St. Louis Annual Conference on trial. 
 He was placed in charge of a circuit the first year, and 
 the year following he was junior preacher, under the 
 Rev. E. M. Marvin, at the First Church, St. Louis. He 
 filled several important stations in his native Confer- 
 ence. But during the war — and especially during the 
 latter part of it — the persecutions that befell our Church 
 in Missouri were exceedingly annoying. Many thought 
 the very existence of Southern Methodism was threat- 
 ened, and that in all probability it would not survive the 
 pressure. Brother Compton's health being delicate, and 
 
320 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 he being thoroughly disgusted with the state of affairs 
 as they obtained in Missouri, and desiring to try a new 
 climate, and once more enjoy the privilege of preaching 
 the gospel of the blessed God, without let or hinder- 
 ance, the remnant of his days, he took his little family 
 and started across the plains for California. He was 
 regularly transferred, itnd took work in our Conference. 
 He has filled some important stations since his connec- 
 tion with us — among them San Jose, Petaluma, Santa 
 Clara Circuit, and Modesto; besides, he was Presiding 
 Elder of Santa Rosa District for four years, and is now 
 Presiding Elder of the San Francisco District. For 
 some years his health has been gradually giving way. 
 But his hand has not relaxed. With a zeal born only 
 of duty to God, he has pressed on in his noble work, 
 not sparing himself. He has fought the inevitable with 
 wonderful courage and persistence. Perfectly devoted 
 to God and his cause, never sparing himself, he is ever 
 prone to underestimate his own ability and usefulness. 
 We will miss him when we are called to go out to bat- 
 tle without him. 
 
 "E. K. Miller was forced from his native Conference 
 by the same persecutions that afflicted Brother Comp- 
 ton, and he came with the same exalted purpose — that 
 of preaching the gospel untrammeled. He was a most 
 excellent preacher, and took high rank at once in the 
 Pacific Conference. 
 
 One thing for which the Pacific Conference is noted, 
 is the pleasure with which it receives transfers from 
 other Conferences, and the prominence it at once ac- 
 cords to those worthy of prominence. Transfers have 
 ever shared our best appointments. Brother Miller was 
 sent to Sacramento, San Francisco, San Francisco Dis- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 321 
 
 trict, Colusa, Santa Clara, and San Jose. He was ever 
 ready for work. The willingness with which he ac- 
 cepted the onerous labors of the Secretaryship of the 
 Conference, and bore them through all his connection 
 with us, is evidence of this fact. But although he lived 
 and labored with us for over twelve years, yet his heart 
 frequently turned to his old home, and at last he asked 
 a transfer, and returned. 
 
 All through the war we had been looked upon with 
 suspicion, our movements watched, and in many quar- 
 ters the most bitter prejudices existed against us. But 
 our preachers were driven, if possible, more closely to 
 the grand principle that gave us being as a Church. 
 They avoided any and every thing that savored of pol- 
 itics in the pulpit. The war and its varied fortunes 
 were never touched in our religious services. We held 
 with undeviating firmness and persistency to the one 
 work of preaching the gospel. No attacks, public or 
 private, could provoke us to reply. 
 
 When Mr. Lincoln was assassinated, in some in- 
 stances spies were sent to our churches to hear what 
 would be said; and when they heard nothing but the 
 gospel, they were ready to destroy our churches and 
 banish us from the State. 
 
 The District Judge of Sonoma County approached 
 J. C. Simmons on the streets of Petaluma, and asked 
 him: 
 
 " Did you know, sir, that there was a strong talk of 
 tearing down your church, and running you out of 
 this town?" 
 
 "Yes," he replied; '-and if you desire to do it, you 
 
 have the full power, and I and my friends have no 
 
 physical power to resist you; but, sir, if you dare to 
 21 
 
322 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 touch God's house, or to harm a hair of my head, we 
 will remand you to a higher Power who lias promised 
 to be our defense." 
 
 Said he, " Why did you not mention Mr. Lincoln in 
 your sermon last Sabbath?" 
 
 kk Whv, Judge, I am a minister of the gospel, and I 
 will never deviate from my fixed principles for any 
 thing on this earth, living or dead." 
 
 After some other conversation they parted. 
 
 At Vacaville it was different. Though we had one 
 of the most conservative of presidents in the Rev. W. 
 T. Luckey, yet some unknown person, in a day or two 
 after the assassination, set fire to our college-building, 
 and burned it to the ground. Of course, not knowing 
 who did it, nor the motives that prompted the act, we 
 could never say ivhy it was done. But friends and foes 
 seemed to understand that it was done because it was 
 the property of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 
 The building was burned at nierht. The next inorninsr 
 Dr. Luckey and the professors pulled the bell out of the 
 hot embers, hung it upon a pole near the ruins, and 
 rung it for the assembling of the classes. Partitions 
 were hastily torn out of the boarding-house, and thus 
 school-rooms were improvised, and not a recitation was 
 omitted. Our friends rallied to our help, and at this 
 Conference we find the following in the Report on Ed- 
 ucation: 
 
 Your committee, to -whom was referred the subject of Educa- 
 tion, take pleasure in reporting that the educational interests of 
 our Church on this coast were never in a better condition than 
 now. Notwithstanding the terrible storm that has raged around 
 us and the pressure upon us for the past few years, and the destruc- 
 tion of our college-building and furniture by the fire in April last, 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 323 
 
 jet under the wise leadership, and by the untiring energy and 
 zeal of President Luc key and his faithful co-laborers, the Pacific 
 Methodist College has moved steadily forward in its career of 
 prosperity. The steps taken immediately after the destruction 
 of the old for the erection of a new-college building have been 
 crowned with a degree of success far exceeding the anticipations 
 of its most sanguine friends. The contract for the new building 
 has been let, and the work is in progress. The ceremonies in con- 
 nection with the laving of the corner-stone will take place on 
 the 17th instant (October); the building will be completed by 
 the first of May, and if the winter is not unusually severe, it will 
 be ready for use before that time. 
 
 The aggregate number of students last year was 208. The 
 number in attendance at this time is 135. Among these are sev- 
 eral young men preparing for the work of the ministry, ard who 
 will soon be knocking at the door of your Conference for admis- 
 sion into the traveling connection. . . . The past success and 
 present prosperity of this institution, so remarkable under the 
 circumstances, being as it is such a signal indication of divine 
 goodness and blessing, call for your most devout and heartfelt 
 gratitude to the great Giver of all good. The recent attempts at 
 its destruction have, under God, tended only to extend its repu- 
 tation, and widen the circle of its healthful influence. It has now 
 a reputation and is exerting an influence for good never before 
 attained, and is destined, under the efficient management of its 
 able and laborious faculty, to become at no distant day just what 
 its founders and patrons desire it should be — the institution of 
 the Pacific Coast. 
 
 Accordingly, on the day indicated in this report, the 
 corner-stone of the new building was laid, and the work 
 of putting up a concrete building begun. But here 
 again we made a sad and fatal mistake. The sand of 
 which the mortar for the concrete was formed was large- 
 ly impregnated with fine particles of black soil, known 
 as adobe. When the walls of the new building had 
 been completed to the second story, and the necessary 
 
324 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 timbers put in, there came on a heavy rain-storm. The 
 whole atmosphere was impregnated with moisture, the 
 adobe began to slake, and the whole thing: gradually set- 
 tied down into an indiscriminate mass of mud, and this 
 mud-pile lay on the only good site in our possession for 
 a building, and we had to be at the expense of carting 
 it away. But in due time it was done. Another cor- 
 ner-stone was laid, and a large, two-story brick building 
 was erected. This building was occupied by us until 
 1S71, when we closed out all our interests at Vacaville 
 and moved the college to the far more eligible location 
 of Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County. 
 
 Near San Jose we had a neat little church -building, 
 the fruits of the great May camp-meeting in that neigh- 
 borhood in 18^9. Some time after we erected this 
 church, the M. E. Church also put up a building a few 
 hundred yards south of ours. During the period of ex- 
 citement, when the college was burned, and many 
 thought the time had come to drive us as a body from the 
 State, because, forsooth, we were a part and parcel of 
 the veritable Methodist Episcopal Church, South, apian 
 was laid for the burning of this church. An emissary 
 was hired to do the work, and he was furnished with 
 instructions to go out into the Beryessa neighborhood 
 " and burn the ' South ' church." He happened to know 
 but little of Churches, or Church difference, and so he 
 went and fired the church that was on the south, which 
 was burned to the ground, while ours escaped. 
 
 These were fearful times. For four long years so fa- 
 miliar had men become with scenes of bloodshed and 
 destruction that they had no taste for any other litera- 
 ture. Every paper was so filled with accounts of battles, 
 the movements of armies, the numbering of the dead, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 3 2 5 
 
 that people would hardly talk of any thing else. When 
 the smoke of battle cleared from the great fields of car- 
 nage they longed to hear of the killing of thousands 
 and tens of thousands, and even women could talk of 
 war with a gusto that was appalling. And although 
 the war was now over, and peace had been declared, 
 yet many were not satisfied, nor would they be until 
 every thing contrary to their notions had been removed 
 from the land. And it seemed nothing: but the restrain- 
 ing grace of God could hold some men back from far- 
 ther destruction and bloodshed. 
 
 Never, in a single instance, did our preachers or peo- 
 ple swerve from their fixed principles; and God put 
 his everlasting arms about us, and we were protected 
 from the wrath of our enemies. 
 
 The Pastoral Address sent out at this session of the 
 Conference will give a correct idea of the state of feel- 
 ing and affairs that prevailed at this period. The com- 
 mittee who prepared it was composed of O. Fisher, W. 
 R. Gober, and J. C. Simmons, and the sentiments ex- 
 pressed in this address were heartily indorsed and 
 prayerfully sent out by the other members of the Con- 
 ference. 
 
 Beloved Brethren: — In our annual Christian salutations 
 and godly councils, we deem it proper to call your attention 
 briefly to the fact that the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 
 stands upon the old platform of Wesleyan Methodism. She 
 has never changed her creed nor her policy. God has smiled 
 upon the Church, South, from the beginning, and still smiles upon 
 it. Prior to the late unhappy war no Church on earth was more 
 prosperous than the Church, South, and during that dark and 
 gloomy hour the Pacific Conference has suffered perhaps as little 
 decline as any other Church on this coast. And recently the 
 Lord has been pleased to pour out his Spirit upon many of our 
 
326 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 charges, and refreshed us with glorious revivals of religion, in 
 which hundreds have been added to our Communion. For all 
 these mercies we thank God and take courage. Let no man, 
 therefore, persuade you that the Church of jour choice must 
 come to an end on this coast. Methodism in the South lived 
 through the old Revolutionary War, and through the late British 
 War, and through our own national bloody war, and still lives on, 
 and will live through all wars, despite all opposition, if we will 
 only be faithful to God and one another. For God will net for- 
 sake his people, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against his 
 Church. The M. E. Church, South, is a non-political Church, 
 and is not, therefore, necessarily affected by civil revolutions or 
 changes in earthly governments. Her business is to save souls, 
 without regard to their political creed. Her mission is spiritual, 
 not secular. She is by divine help to spread scriptural holiness 
 over the lard. The religion she is to preach and maintain is the 
 religion of divine love — love to God, and love to man. 
 
 We could not, therefore, as a Church, take any part in the late 
 war; we could only deplore it, weep over it, and earnestly pray 
 for the return of peace. And now that it has come, by the good 
 providence of God, instead of disbanding, as our enemies would 
 gladly have us do, we should, and we humbly trust we will, give 
 ourselves Avith renewed vigor to our holy and heavenly work of 
 saving souls. And under the smiles of our Divine Master, what- 
 ever may be the political changes in the world, the moral and re- 
 ligious wants and necessities of man are the same, and in refer- 
 ence to the duties of Christians changes not. Under every pos- 
 sible phase of politics it is still awfully true that without holiness 
 no man shall see the Lord. And except a man be born again he 
 cannot see the kingdom of God. The M. E. Church, South, 
 claims to be the humble representative of gospel religion, com- 
 missioned by the Lord Jesus Christ to labor for the conversion of 
 the world from sin to holiness, and from Satan to the living God. 
 Christ has solemnly declared to all civil governments that his 
 kingdom is not of this world, and that therefore his servants will 
 not fight against them, so that they have nothing to fear from 
 Christians of the true gospel school, nor from the spread of 
 gospel holiness. Therefore, standing as we do before the world 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 327 
 
 on a simple gospel platform, committed to nothing save the spread 
 of scriptural holiness and the salvation of souls, there is no rea- 
 son for any change, either in our creed or Church economy. Nor 
 can we conceive that any emergency can arise that will make a 
 change necessary. . . . And now, dear brethren, we humbly 
 commend you to God and the word of his grace, who is able to 
 build vou up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that 
 are sanctified. Brethren, pray earnestly for us. The grace of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of 
 the Holy Ghost be upon and remain with you always. Amen. 
 
 How much the Church owes to the faithfulness of 
 the Pacific Conference in holding their position in Cal- 
 ifornia no one can ever estimate. 
 
 There were those in high places that opposed the 
 planting of Southern Methodism on this coast, and that 
 time and again advised the recall of our forces. They 
 felt that the expenditure of men and money to build up 
 our Church here was just that much loss to the Church. 
 But God intended that the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South, should not be pent up by geographical lines, but 
 that it was to become a mighty factor in bringing the 
 world to Christ. A political, or rather a geographical, 
 line had been run through the great Methodist Church 
 in America, and the Church, South, felt in honor bound 
 to observe the solemn compact that set this bound about 
 her. This compact was broken by the other party. 
 The Plan of Separation that the South held as sacred 
 was ignored by the M. E. Church (North), and thus 
 with their own hands, in the providence of God, struck 
 off the shackles and restraints that this Plan had placed 
 upon the Church, South. 
 
 When the gold-fields of California were thrown open 
 to the world, and the mighty human tide set in to these 
 shores from every land, many of the people of the 
 
328 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 South came, and soon began to call for pastors of their 
 own Church to supply them with the gospel of the 
 Son of God. We heard and heeded the call. Once out 
 in the opening field of the world, with the ever-ringing 
 voice of Jesus bidding us go, we began to feel our call 
 as never before to do our part to fill the world with the 
 knowledge of God, as the waters cover the deep. Our 
 commission we now felt to be the world. And the 
 lights kindled in Mexico, in Brazil, as well as all along 
 the shores of the Pacific, attest the fact that we are not 
 disobedient to the heavenly calling. We now can un- 
 derstand why we came to California, why God sus- 
 tained us through the struggle of infancy, why he built 
 a wall of protection around us during the cruel Civil 
 War, and why his smiles rest upon us to-day. Califor- 
 nia and the Pacific Conference is the breach through 
 which the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, has come 
 out to fight the powers of darkness in all lands, and to 
 help in the evangelization of the world. And we look 
 to see the day when it shall be the base of supplies, 
 when hundreds and thousands shall be sent out to con- 
 quer all Asia, with her multiplied millions, for Christ. 
 Geographically, no point can surpass us in importance; 
 we stand in the very gateway of the East. 
 
 During the year iS6^ an important victory for our 
 Church was gained in Oregon. Up to this time a mort- 
 gage rested upon Corvallis College. J. Kelsay, as agent, 
 had been doing: all that he could to lift the mortgage. 
 But a sort of apathy rested upon our friends. At last 
 the mortgage was foreclosed and the property sold. It 
 was bought by the Presbyterians, who took advantage 
 of the depreciation of United States currency, and paid 
 off the mortgage in greenbacks. We had n : nety days 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 3 2 9 
 
 in which to redeem the property. Brother Kelsay went 
 to work with a will, and with the leverage of this sale 
 he raised our friends to the proper effort, and ere the 
 ninety days had expired he raised the last dollar and 
 redeemed the property. Of course he paid in green- 
 backs, too. And we have stated these facts — both that 
 the mortgage was paid in greenbacks, and that we re- 
 deemed in greenbacks — because some have thought to 
 blame our agent for this last transaction. This state- 
 ment sets the matter clearly before the world. 
 
 At the next session of the Oregon Legislature there 
 was to be made an appropriation of 90,000 acres of land 
 to some college in the State, the interest of this appro- 
 priation to be used in paying the tuition of two pupils 
 from every senatorial district in the State, and this in- 
 terest was to go for nothing but tuition. Various col- 
 leges in the State were working to secure this appro- 
 priation. One of the leading members of our Church, 
 B. F. Burch, of Independence, Polk County, was a 
 member of that Legislature, and through his influence 
 the land was donated to Corvallis College. The prop- 
 erty of the college, independent of this State appropri- 
 ation, was at the time worth about $5,000. It was pre- 
 sented to the Pacific Conference at this session free of 
 debt. With the tender was a request that we appoint 
 a man to the presidency of the institution. According- 
 ly, the Rev. W. A. Finley, a recent graduate of Pacific 
 Methodist College, and member of our Conference on 
 trial, a very promising young man, was appointed. 
 
 The success of our Church in Oregon had been so 
 great, and the remoteness of that part of our work was 
 such, that it was thought best to set it off into a separate 
 Annual Conference, and accordingly the following res- 
 
330 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 olution was introduced by J. M. Ward and O. P. Fitz- 
 gerald, and adopted: 
 
 Resolved, That the Pacific Annual Conference respectfully re- 
 quest the General Conference at its approaching session to set 
 off that part of the Pacific Conference now embraced in the 
 Jacksonville, Oregon, and Idaho Districts as a separate Annual 
 Conference, to be known as the Occidental Annual Conference. 
 
 The General Conference did set this part of our work 
 off into a separate Annual Conference, but called it the 
 Columbia Conference. 
 
 Arrangements were also made to revive our paper 
 under the title of The Christian Spectator', and O. P. 
 Fitzgerald was unanimously elected Editor. 
 
 The delegates elected to the General Conference were 
 W. R. Gober, O. P. Fitzgerald, and J. C. Simmons. 
 
 The two first named attended the session of the Gen- 
 eral Conference, held in the city of New Orleans, and 
 did good and efficient work in that memorable Confer- 
 ence. The most radical changes ever effected in any 
 one General Conference of our Church were effected 
 at this — changes that have demonstrated the wisdom of 
 those who proposed them. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 2>2> l 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 fjipHE sixteenth session was held in Petaluma, Octo- 
 ber 10, 1866, Bishop Kavanaugh presiding. This 
 dear old Bishop had been with us so often, had 
 traveled so extensively through the Conference, and en- 
 deared himself by the ever-deepening interest mani- 
 fested in our work, that we began to feel that he was 
 our Bishop. It was with peculiar joy that we welcomed 
 him back upon this occasion. His opening talk to us on 
 this occasion, though brief, was marked by such a ten- 
 der, fatherly feeling, that all hearts were moved. 
 
 Joseph E. Miller, an elder in the Protestant Methodist 
 Church, joined us at this session. Somewhat advanced 
 in life, yet strong and vigorous, he came to us ready to 
 live, to labor, and to die with us. 
 
 The second year he was sent to Los Angeles, within 
 the bounds of which district he remained and labored 
 until the organization of the Los Angeles Conference, 
 when he took his place in that body, where he remained 
 for a number of years, and finally located. 
 
 John Maclay came to us from the M. E. Church. He 
 had grown tired of the ceaseless turmoil in his Church 
 in regard to politics, and he came to us for refuge and 
 rest. He was a strong man, and a good preacher, and 
 was made Presiding Elder of the San Francisco Dis- 
 trict for two years, when he located, at his own request. 
 
 John F. Campbell, Alexander Groves, Joel Hedgpeth, 
 and George W. Wood were received on trial. 
 
33- 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 John F. Campbell came with his father to California 
 in 1846, some years before the discovery of gold. His 
 father (William Campbell) settled in Santa Clara Val- 
 ley. He was present when the city of San Jose was 
 laid out, and it is to him that that city is indebted for its 
 wide and roomy streets. The intention was to lay them 
 off about twenty feet wide. But he protested, telling 
 them that San Jose would some day be a great city. 
 He pleaded with them to make the main streets one hun- 
 dred feet wide, but they thought this out of all charac- 
 ter, and put them at their present width — sixty feet. 
 
 J. F. Campbell was born in Saline County, Missouri, 
 November 8, 1S39. He was raised in Santa Clara Val- 
 ley — saw it when there were but a few white families 
 living in it, when its fertile plains were dotted here and 
 there with the low, tile-covered adobe houses of the 
 Mexicans — saw them give place to the grand march of 
 American enterprise that has converted the whole val- 
 ley into a veritable Eden. His father owned the first 
 saw-mill that ever converted the giant redwood-trees 
 that crowned the surrounding mountains into lumber 
 for fencing the farms and building the residences of the 
 aspiring American population that was taking posses- 
 sion and pushing the indolent Mexican to the wall. 
 
 At a gracious camp-meeting, held near his father's 
 mill — first called Toll-gate Camp-ground — in the fall of 
 1S55, he was happily converted to God. Soon after 
 his conversion, feeling even then the movings of the 
 Spirit that called him into the Christian ministry, he 
 manifested a fixed purpose to educate himself. For 
 years he struggled with poverty, but by industry and 
 economy he managed to pay his way through college, 
 graduating at Pacific Methodist College in May, 1865, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 333 
 
 ten years after his conversion. Soon after he was li- 
 censed to preach, and delivered his first sermon right 
 among his relatives and old friends. The first year of 
 his connection with the Conference, according to the 
 arrangement of the General Conference, he completed 
 the studies of the two years prescribed, and was or- 
 dained deacon. He traveled one year more, and was 
 compelled to ask a discontinuance, that he might perfect 
 the title to certain lands that his father had given him. 
 This occupied him till 1872, when he again entered the 
 Conference. Of studious habits, he did not neglect his 
 books while engraved on the farm. He was faithful 
 wherever sent; and the people to whom he ministered 
 felt that they had a pure-minded man of God for their 
 pastor. In the latter years of his ministry his health 
 began gradually to decline, and yet he never relaxed his 
 labors or spared himself, but pressed on, doing all in 
 his power for his Master. His last appointment was 
 the Potter Valley and Upper Lake Circuit. Toward 
 the latter part of the Conference-year his health grew 
 rapidly worse. He sought to arrest disease by a visit 
 to some of the numerous mineral springs with which 
 this region abounds, but all in vain. As his end ap- 
 proached, he talked calmly and pleasantly of death. 
 He knew himself to be a servant of the mighty Con- 
 queror of Death, and hence he had no fear of his ap- 7 
 proach. His ministerial life had been one of sacrifice. 
 Frequently upon poor circuits, he paid out of his own 
 hard-earned means for his own support, that he might 
 have the privilege of preaching the gospel. In all the 
 relations of life he was ever found to be an upright, de- 
 voted Christian gentleman. 
 
 He had been spending some time at the Witter 
 
334 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Springs, in Lake County, and on the 9th of October, 
 1S78, he started for his home, knowing that his end was 
 near. On the way, when within five miles of his home, 
 he was taken so ill that he had to be taken from the 
 stasfe to a private house. There was only a lady in the 
 house at the time. Seeing that she was greatly alarmed 
 at his condition, he tried to speak to her. Unable to do 
 so, he motioned for writing material; but when it was 
 brought his hand failed to obey his will, and he sunk in 
 an unconscious state. His wife was sent for, but it was 
 not until the next day that he returned to consciousness. 
 Quietly he gave directions as to the disposition of his 
 children, and then sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. This 
 was October 10th. Twelve days afterward his breth- 
 ren of the Pacific Conference were answering to roll- 
 call, but he was not, for God had called him from labor 
 to rest. 
 
 Alexander Groves came to California in an early day, 
 and settled in Los Angeles County. At that time we 
 had no preachers in that region of the State. The " Ir- 
 repressible Conflict, ,, ' : Uncle Tom's Cabin," and books 
 of this ilk were firing the heart of the M. E. Church, 
 and the pulsations of the mighty excitement were felt 
 in all the pulpits of that denomination on this coast. 
 Everywhere there was agitation. At Los Nietos they 
 had a society, and among their members were Alexan- 
 der Groves and a number of others who had united 
 with them because they were Methodists and wanted a 
 home. But the constant agitation of the subject of Ab- 
 olitionism in private and public was very distasteful to 
 them. They felt that the house of God should be a 
 place of refuge from political excitement — a place where 
 men of all political views should be allowed to worship 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 335 
 
 God in quiet; but they found no rest. They applied to 
 their preacher for the address of some Southern Meth- 
 odist preacher, but he would not give it. When the 
 presiding elder came along he was duly advised of this 
 request, and in writing for the California Christian 
 Advocate, he mentioned the fact, and, among other 
 things, said: "These people want a preacher of their 
 own kind, and as I once made a visit to the South, and 
 know something of the peculiar institution, perhaps I 
 would suit them." This letter fell under the eye of the 
 Rev. J. F. Blythe, who was at the time (1S54) Presid- 
 ing Elder of the Stockton District. He at once deter- 
 mined to visit that part of the State and investigate for 
 himself the prospect for the establishment of our Church 
 in that county. When he reached Los Nietos, he found 
 that A. Groves, C. C. Snell, J. S. L. Wood and wife, 
 Benjamin Norris and wife, Matthew Tyler, Edward 
 Russell, and Mrs. King, had withdrawn from the M. E. 
 Church and organized a class of their own, and were 
 holding weekly meetings. Brother Blythe preached a 
 number of times for them, and formally organized a 
 class of sixteen members. He left them with the prom- 
 ise that they should have a preacher the next year. Ac- 
 cordingly, J. T. Cox was sent to them from the Con- 
 ference held in Sacramento, April, 1855. This was the 
 beginning of our Church in that section of the State, 
 that has developed into an Annual Conference of twen- 
 ty-six preachers and over one thousand members. 
 
 Brother Groves was a quiet, unostentatious man, stu- 
 dious and diligent. He filled three appointments in the 
 part of the State now occupied by the Pacific Confer- 
 ence, and then was sent to Los Nietos, and the follow- 
 ing year the Los Angeles Conference was formed, and 
 
336 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 he remained a member of that Conference. At one 
 time he was almost alone in Arizona, faithful to the 
 Church of his love, laboring to establish Southern Meth- 
 odism among the people of that Territory. 
 
 Joel Hedgpeth was born in Buchanan County, Mis- 
 souri, December 18, 1840. He was converted and joined 
 the M. E. Church, South, at a camp-meeting held on 
 his father's place, in Nodaway County, Mo., in 1854. 
 Soon after the family moved to California. At a camp- 
 meeting held on the Visalia Circuit, near his father's 
 residence, September, i860, he was licensed to preach, 
 T. C. Barton being the presiding elder. He was or- 
 dained deacon at the time he entered Conference, hav- 
 ing been a local preacher long enough to entitle him to 
 this order. He is a clear thinker, and most chaste, beau- 
 tiful preacher. His sermons as he preaches them would 
 read well, so well arranged are they, and so accurate 
 the language in which they are expressed. He is still 
 with us in the full vigor of his manhood. 
 
 G. W. Wood was born in the State of Georgia, No- 
 vember, 1S09. His parents died while he was yet an 
 infant, and his aged grandmother took him to raise. 
 She also died when he was but about six years of age. 
 This orrand mother was a devoted Methodist of the old 
 school, and went regularly to class, taking her little 
 charge with her. Though but a little child, the relation 
 of Christian experience heard in the class-room made a 
 deep impression on him, and there the good seed was 
 sown in his tender heart that germinated after the lapse 
 of fifty years. He came to California in an early day, 
 mingling with the excited throng that rushed here to 
 seek for gold. But amid all the demoralizing influences 
 brought to bear against him, he never lost his self- re- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 337 
 
 spect, nor descended from his position as an honorable, 
 high-toned gentleman. He did become skeptical in re- 
 gard to religion, and was ever bold to declare his want 
 of faith. His greatest delight was to discuss Christian- 
 ity and tell his objections to it. In May, i860, he at- 
 tended a camp-meeting held in Pajaro Valley, near Wat- 
 sonville. One night, as he rode home from that meet- 
 ing, near the hour of midnight, the scenes and events 
 that had transpired on the camp-ground fresh in his 
 mind, he was startled by the suggestion: "I wonder if 
 I will ever see my old grandmother again?" His infi- 
 delity rushed to this first breach that the Holy Spirit 
 had made in its approach to his heart, and he exclaimed 
 aloud: "Of course not! There is no hereafter." But 
 the thought still haunted him. He became excited, and 
 began to tremble. God seemed near, and the light of 
 his presence revealed the utter fallacy of his skeptical 
 notions. The seemingly impregnable barriers with 
 which he had fortified his soul were tumbling down 
 under that simple question: "I wonder if I will ever 
 see my old grandmother again? " He seemed again to 
 hear her simple story of love and trust. He felt the 
 touch of her hand on his head. He knew she had been 
 sincere in her professions of the religion of Jesus. He 
 could not doubt her, if he did doubt the very existence 
 of God. When he reached home, and had put up his 
 horse, he went in and threw himself upon his bed, and 
 tried to shut out the scenes of his childhood, and hush 
 the voices that sounded in his heart from the class-room 
 and love-feast of the long ago. But it was all in vain. 
 He became so deeply convicted that he thought he 
 should die. Pie thought he would go back to the camp- 
 ground and tell the preachers his troubles, and see if they 
 22 
 
338 History oe Southern Methodism 
 
 could not help him. But then he knew it was after 
 midnight, and he concluded to wait till morning, if God 
 would let him live that long. So deep was his distress 
 that he began calling upon God for mercy and for par- 
 don, and before the dawn he heard and answered. The 
 next day he came to the meeting to tell us what great 
 things the Lord had done for him. 
 
 With characteristic zeal he sought at once to preach 
 the faith which once he destroyed. He was licensed to 
 preach by the Watsonville Quarterly Conference in 1861, 
 and in 1862 he was employed as a local preacher on the 
 King's River Circuit. In 1863 he supplied the Dry 
 Town and Michigan Bar Circuit. On September 4 
 1S64, he was ordained deacon, and supplied the Sonora 
 Circuit. In 1866 he was received on trial into the Con- 
 ference and sent to the French Camp Circuit, with in- 
 structions from the Bishop to spend most of his time 
 and labor in rebuilding the- Stockton church, that had 
 been partly destroyed by fire. We had no preacher 
 stationed in Stockton for a time, and the church had 
 been rented for school purposes to the city authorities. 
 He was quite successful in this work. Whatever work 
 he did for the Church he did with all his might. His 
 labors for Christ were not confined to the pulpit, but 
 his most effective work was done in the family circle. 
 Gifted with rare conversational powers, he used these 
 powers in directing men and women to Christ. He 
 was very successful in building up the Church and se- 
 curing revivals wherever he labored. When admon- 
 ished by his physician and friends that his labors were 
 too great, and that he could not endure them, his reply 
 was: "I want to die with the harness on.'.' God gave 
 him the desire of his heart, for on September 14, 1871, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 339 
 
 on his way to his last appointment, when within two 
 miles of Plainsburg, while seated in his buggy, angels 
 swept down the sky and bore the old soldier to his 
 home in paradise. 
 
 He was one of the few preachers who made it his 
 business to sell religious books among the people, and 
 to-day, all over the circuits he traveled, may be found 
 Methodist books that had been dropped here and there, 
 to do good after he was gone. 
 
 The previous year O. P. Fitzgerald had been sta- 
 tioned in San Francisco, and in addition to his pastoral 
 work he had commenced the publication of the paper 
 under the title of The Christian Spectator. C. A. 
 Klose took the financial management of it, and by both 
 these brethren giving their services without pecuniary re- 
 ward, they were enabled to report at Conference that they 
 had brought it safely through the year not only without a 
 dollar's indebtedness, but with a small balance in its favor. 
 This subject of sustaining a paper by our Conference 
 has been one that has tried the nerves and fathomed the 
 capacity of both preachers and laymen. It has been a 
 constant struggle to keep one afloat. The membership 
 of our Church is so limited on the coast, and so few of 
 the friends on the Atlantic side feel enough of interest 
 to take it. that it has ever been a battle for mere exist- 
 ence. But, with the exceptions of brief periods, we have 
 managed to sustain one, and the universal verdict of 
 Bishops and friends from a distance is that our paper, 
 in point of real merit, ranks among the best. 
 
 Though the Columbia Conference had been organ- 
 ized out of a part of our members, yet we were enabled 
 to report 39 Sunday-schools with 217 officers and teach- 
 ers, 1,480 scholars, 4,885 volumes in library, $965.60 col- 
 
34° History of Southern Methodism 
 
 lected for Sunday-school purposes, and 21 conversions 
 among the children. We also reported 29 churches, val- 
 ued at $61,800; 22 parsonages, valued at $11,765; while 
 there had been 435 conversions. 
 
 The Columbia Conference was organized by Bishop 
 H. H. Kavanaugh, September, 1866. The following 
 preachers were present, and took part in the organiza- 
 tion: C. H. E. Newton, A. E. Sears, James Kelsay, D. 
 C. McFarland, J. B. Short, Levi Van Slyke, W. A. Fin- 
 ley, R. C. Martin, D. M. Rice, Thomas Brown, A. C. 
 Howlett, J. Emery, J. W. Craig, and R. C. Oglesby. 
 
 These were a faithful band of tried soldiers of Jesus 
 Christ. Theirs had been no easy task. While there 
 was a door of usefulness open before them, " there were 
 many adversaries," and the opposition they met was bit- 
 ter and of long continuance. 
 
 There never has been, there never will be, a time 
 when there will be no call for self-denial and sacrifice 
 for the cause of Christ. We may be disposed to look 
 back to the days of our fathers, when amid untold hard- 
 ships they planted Methodism on this continent — when 
 on horseback they threaded the blazed paths in the deep 
 solitude of the wilderness, hunting up the hardy pioneer 
 and preaching to him Jesus, encountering the fierce 
 wild beasts and not less savage red men, swimming 
 swollen torrents of unknown depth, often spending the 
 nights hungry and cold, with the gathered leaves for a 
 bed, a saddle for a pillow, and a saddle-blanket for a 
 cover. We look at these and say, These were heroes, 
 and we shall never look upon their like again. But 
 were the history of our brethren in Oregon faithfully 
 portrayed, it would be a companion picture to that that 
 illustrates the work of these fathers. Christ has never 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 341 
 
 wanted for faithful, brave soldiers — soldiers like Ezekiel, 
 who was told not to fear, " though briers and thorns be 
 with him, and though he should dwell among scor- 
 pions." The promise of God was that he would " make 
 his face strong against their face, and his forehead strong 
 against their forehead — as an adamant harder than 
 flint had he made his forehead." The men who planted 
 Southern Methodism in Oregon had to be not only men 
 of courage, but men of endurance, men fully consecrated 
 to the cause of Christ, who would count all things loss 
 for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus 
 their Lord. Hear one of them: 
 
 As to how we got along, you may suppose we had trouble. 
 Our enemies tried to set us in the wrong light, and falsely ac- 
 cused us of being secretly sent out there as secession sympathiz- 
 ers, and in league with the Rebellion. We were plied with ques- 
 tions as to our political views and alliances. One man was so 
 anxious to know my politics that he pressed me one day to tell him 
 what I was politically. Well, I told him I was a Secessionist 
 and a Union man both. Then he wanted me to explain myself. 
 I told him I believed in seceding from every thing that is wrong, 
 and I believed in union with God and every thing that is good and 
 right. What do you think of my position? He said I was right, 
 and from thenceforth asked me no more questions about politics. 
 
 We had a hard time financially. Our wants were poorly sup- 
 plied, we had no missionary appropriations, and our pay was 
 very small. We sometimes went hungry, and wore clothes that 
 were not of the finest or most expensive. We traveled in summer 
 through heat and dust, and in winter through drifting snows and 
 beating rains, muddy roads and high waters, pelting storms and 
 freezing nights. But out of all these troubles the Lord brought 
 us in peace. 
 
 At one of my camp-meetings trouble was anticipated, but ev- 
 ery thing was quiet until about one o'clock on Sunday, when an 
 old gentleman took me aside and said: " Parson, you will find 
 something under the head of your bed. If you have no use for it, 
 
343 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 you can let it stay there; but if you need it, you will have it." 
 When I went and raised the bed, there, to my astonishment, 
 lay a belt with a large Colt's revolver and a Bowie-knife. But I 
 had no use for such carnal weapons. The Lord was our defense, 
 and there was no disturbance. I learned afterward that the 
 plans had all been laid to break up the meeting, but our enemies 
 found that our friends were on the ground prepared to meet 
 force with force, and they wisely forbore. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 343 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 ^PfHE seventeenth session was held in San Jose, Oc- 
 tober i, 1867, and was presided over by Bishop 
 H. H. Kavanausrh. He had not left the coast 
 since the last Conference, but had traveled extensively 
 through both California and Oregon, visiting all parts 
 of the work and preaching constantly. It was wonder- 
 ful what amount of preaching he was able to do, and 
 did do. 
 
 Durinsr this year he surrendered himself to the will 
 cf his brethren, and went wherever they directed, and 
 preached as often as they desired him. He traveled well, 
 ate well, slept well, and preached well. In fact, preach- 
 ing seemed to have been his chief delight. Had he 
 ceased his pulpit labors at once, no doubt the reaction 
 would have been fatal. He cared not where he preached. 
 He was just as willing to go into some little school- 
 house in an obscure neighborhood and pour forth strains 
 of gospel eloquence for an hour and a half as to enter 
 the carpeted pulpit of some lofty city church where 
 waiting hundreds were ready to listen to his stirring 
 strains. 
 
 After the usual opening exercises of the Conference, 
 he in a brief and very impressive speech gave an ac- 
 count of his extensive travels and labors during the year 
 in California and Oregon. His remarks inspired all 
 hearts with encouragement as to our work on the coast. 
 
344 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 He saw every thing in the outlook to woo us on to more 
 of zeal and labor. 
 
 John M. Alsanson was the only candidate for admis- 
 sion on trial at this Conference. The following- brief 
 history of his conversion and connection with our 
 Church we give from his own pen: 
 
 I was born August 2, 1828, in Goetzis, near Lake Constance, 
 on the Rhine, in Tyrol, Austria, and reared in the Catholic faith. 
 My parents were pious and observed family worship. When 
 about ten years of age, in company with other children, one Sun- 
 day afternoon, the services for the day being over, but the doors 
 being left open till the ringing of the curfew bell, I went into the 
 village church. It was in Lent, when the four altars of the 
 church were decorated with huge pictures of our Lord's passion, 
 as is customary in Catholic churches during that period. Whilst 
 contemplating these pictures, a strange and wonderful feeling 
 came over me. Tears burst from my eyes, indescribable emo- 
 tions swelled up in my childish heart, prominent among which 
 was love to Him w r ho endured so much for my sake. It made a 
 deep and ineradicable impression. True, it was lost sight of and 
 almost forgotten in the subsequent years of an unbelieving, 
 worldly, and wicked life, brought about, no doubt, to a great ex- 
 tent by association and intercourse with wicked companions, and 
 the glaring inconsistencies and immoralities of some of the Cath- 
 olic priests, such as drunkenness, gambling, and irreverence of 
 God and religion. Some of the instructors in the schools which 
 I subsequently attended were men of this character. The result 
 was that the majority of the 1,200 students at the University of 
 Innsbruck became skeptical, if not outright infidel, in their tend- 
 encies. Such was my condition. Religiously I was at sea — had 
 no definite ideas, no creed, and knew nothing of the Bible, as I 
 had no access to it. But then I knew something of the doctrines, 
 the rites, and superstitions of Romanism, which had been taught 
 to me all along from childhood. This was my religious status 
 when about twenty years old, in 184S, when my whole life-cur- 
 rent started off in a different direction. 
 
 The mode of education and choosing a life-calling in Europe' 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 345 
 
 especially in my native country, forty-five years ago, differs 
 greatly from that which obtains here. After an eight-years' 
 course of study — six at the gymnasium, as it is termed, and two 
 at the University — the students had to select out of the three pro- 
 fessional courses, as they were called — medicine, jurisprudence, 
 theology — or enter some polytechnical institute. All of these 
 courses were very expensive, except theology, where board and 
 tuition, in fact, every thing, was free. Hence the sons of poor 
 parents had no other opening but that of the priesthood. My 
 means, being an orphan, were almost exhausted, and the priest- 
 hood being so repulsive to me, I concluded to come to America. 
 I landed in New Orleans, January 1, 1849. I afterward went to 
 Ohio, thence to Missouri, spending three years in these two 
 States. In 1852 I came to California. For years I gave no at- 
 tention to the subject of religion. In the year 1S60 I heard the 
 Rev. Samuel Brown preach in a mining-camp near Coulterville 
 Mariposa County. For many long years I had heard no preach- 
 ing, had attended no church. His preaching arrested my atten- 
 tion, and the labors of this earnest servant of God changed the 
 whole current of my life. I began to reflect. I was hungry for 
 religious information. I bought a small pocket Bible, the first I 
 ever possessed. It is still in my library. Fletcher's Appeal I also 
 read with interest. The following year, under the ministry of 
 the Rev. George Sim, I united with the Church. When I re- 
 ceived Methodist teaching, that remarkable scene, with its con- 
 comitant feelings and emotions, in the church of mv native vil- 
 lage, some twenty-three years before, which had seemingly been 
 forgotten, came back with wonderful vividness. Then I knew 
 what it meant. All was made plain. Christ met me there. 
 
 Thus was this man led step by step to the knowledge 
 of God as it is in Christ Jesus. And the awe-stricken 
 boy, amid the flickering tapers and pictures of Roman- 
 ism on the banks of the Rhine, becomes in the provi- 
 dence of God an able minister of the New Testament 
 among the Sierras of California. 
 
 In the fall of 1864, having been recommended by the 
 
346 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Coulterville Class, he was licensed to preach by the 
 Snelling Circuit Quarterly Conference, J. L. Burchard 
 being the presiding elder, and D. A. Jamison secre- 
 tary. 
 
 He was employed in 1866 as a supply on the Sonora 
 Circuit, and the following year admitted on trial in the 
 Pacific Conference. 
 
 Brother Alsanson is a tall, slenderly-built Austrian, 
 with a strong German accent. He has ever been a 
 hard student, and, having a retentive memory, he has 
 his mind well supplied with the thoughts of the best 
 authors, is well posted in doctrine, thinks deeply, and 
 exj:>resses his thoughts with clearness and beauty. To 
 the cultivated his accent adds something- of a charm to 
 his speech. He is ever earnest in the pulpit, and has 
 done us good work. Those who have sat longest un- 
 der his ministry appreciate him most. His heart is in 
 the work, and he esteems no labor or self-denial too 
 great to be endured in the service of Him who led him 
 by so strange a path to the enjoyment of the knowl- 
 edge of the truth as it is in Jesus. 
 
 As there was but the single applicant for admis- 
 sion, we felt the need of humbling ourselves before 
 God, and hence the following resolution was adopted 
 on the second day of the session: 
 
 Resolved, That we will observe the Friday before the first 
 Sunday in December next as a day of fasting and prayer to the 
 great Head of the Church to raise up, call, commission, and send 
 forth laborers into the whitening fields on this coast. 
 
 While God fully understands the wants of his Church, 
 he nevertheless has commanded his followers to pray 
 the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers 
 into his harvest, and the Church that fails to do this 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 347 
 
 will soon find the ranks of her ministry thinned and 
 deserted. A profound sense of this fact pressed itself 
 upon our minds, and hence we resolved to make amends. 
 
 During the previous year the Rev. W. T. Luckey, 
 D.D., had resigned the Presidency of Pacific Method- 
 ist College. He retired with the love and esteem of 
 all connected with the institution, and the Rev. J. R. 
 Thomas, D.D., LL.D., at the head of Emory College, 
 Oxford, Georgia, was tendered the Presidency. He 
 accepted, and at once came out and assumed control of 
 the college. He was a man of vast learning, and one 
 of the noblest of the noble. He continued President 
 of the college until its removal to Santa Rosa, when he 
 removed to Mendocino County, and has lived in retire- 
 ment ever since. He was once or twice elected Super- 
 intendent of Public Instruction in his county, and sev- 
 eral times he has had charge of a school; but he lives 
 in retirement amid the quiet of his little home, exerting 
 a blessed influence on the community in which he 
 dwells. 
 
 Among- the noble acts of our Conference was the 
 surrender of all the missionary drafts held against the 
 Missionary Board to assist in paying the " old mission- 
 ary debt." The following is the resolution adopted by 
 the Conference, and cheerfully acquiesced in by those 
 in possession of these drafts: 
 
 Resolved, That the preachers of the Pacific Conference hold- 
 ing drafts against the Missionary Society are requested to relin- 
 quish the same, and these drafts be placed to the credit of the 
 Pacific Conference in payment of its proportion of the " old mis- 
 sionary debt," as assessed by the late General Conference. 
 
 This "old missionary debt'' was a debt of honor. 
 During the war our Church was cut off from all com- 
 
34S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 munication with the outside world, and we had no 
 means of sending money to sustain our Mission in 
 China. The Rev. Dr. Carleton, of the M. E. Church 
 (North), in the city of New York, took the risk, and 
 sent all the money that was necessary to keep the Mis- 
 sion alive, trusting: to the honor of our Church to re- 
 pay him should we ever be able. When our people 
 came out of the war, utterly ruined financially, one of 
 the first things done by them was to pay this debt. 
 The preachers of the Pacific Conference were poorly 
 able to give up these drafts, but they cheerfully did it 
 to the amount of $2,140, and have never been the poorer 
 for it. We admit that it was not a very equitable way 
 of meeting our share of this old debt, for it forced some 
 of the preachers to pay from one to two hundred dol- 
 lars, while others who held no drafts paid nothing. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 349 
 
 II 0< 
 
 ^=y in« 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 rafHE eighteenth session was held in Sacramento, 
 I October 7-17, 1868, Bishop E. M. Marvin presid- 
 ig. This was Bishop Marvin's first visit to our 
 coast, and this was a stormy and protracted session, 
 lasting ten days. But with the utmost patience did he 
 bear all the responsibilities and labors of the Confer- 
 ence. There had been misunderstandings among some 
 of the members, and a thorough and careful investiga- 
 tion of these things became necessary. But out of all 
 our difficulties the Lord in his kind providence brought 
 us. In many respects it was a memorable Conference. 
 The saintly Marvin came to us in the fullness of the 
 gospel of Christ. He read the parable of the ten 
 virgins, and after some very impressive remarks he 
 conducted a prayer-meeting that was characterized by 
 great fervor and religious interest. He made the im- 
 pression, without seeming to try to do so, that he was 
 a man who lived near to God. Placed at the head of a 
 band of Methodist preachers, it was an easy matter for 
 him to kindle the deepest devotion, and lead them into 
 a happy state of religious enjoyment. 
 
 David F. Overton, Lewis C. Renfro, and J. K. P. 
 Price were received on trial at this Conference. 
 
 D. F. Overton, after traveling four years, located, at 
 his own request. 
 
 L. C. Renfro was born in Henry County, Missouri, 
 February 1, 1843. His people, who came originally 
 
35° History of Southern Methodism 
 
 from Kentucky, were all Missionary Baptists. He was 
 the first of the family to break ranks and join the 
 Methodist Church. The family moved to California, 
 and settled in Yolo County, in 1853. Here he was 
 raised. The foundation of his education was laid in 
 the public schools. At the age of seventeen he was 
 soundly converted to God. He had aspirations for a 
 higher education than the public schools could give 
 him, and turned his thoughts to Pacific Methodist Col- 
 lege, then in its infancy. He entered college in the 
 fall of 1861, and continued his course until he graduated 
 in 1867. While in college he was upright in all his 
 deportment, and exerted a healthful religious influence 
 among his fellow-students. The visits of his pastor to 
 his little " cabin on the hill " were always met with a 
 cordiality that showed that he appreciated them. Soon 
 after his conversion he was put to work. In college 
 he did not refuse when called upon to do any thing for 
 the Master. Hence he has never known any thing 
 else than to work and to prosper. He heard the voice 
 of Jesus in the beginning of his Christian career, " Oc- 
 cupy till I come," and he has never known a period of 
 idleness. 
 
 He taught school for a year after graduation, and 
 then entered the itinerancy, where he has found abun- 
 dant opportunity to work for God and his Church. 
 His indefatigable labors have brought prosperity to the 
 Churcn wherever he has been sent. 
 
 He had hard work completing a church in Colusa 
 his first year, and yet he found time to complete two 
 years' study in one, passed a creditable examination, 
 and was ordained deacon by Bishop Marvin at the en- 
 suing Conference 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 351 
 
 He has filled some important stations, and always 
 does his work well. 
 
 In 187 1 he was elected Assistant Secretary of the 
 Conference, and served in that capacity till 1877, when 
 he was elected Secretary, which position he has held to 
 the present. His records pass unchallenged by General 
 Conference committees. His motto is, " Faithfulness in 
 small as well as great matters." 
 
 J. K. P. Price was horn in Sebastian County, Ar- 
 kansas, June 30, 1S43. His family moved to California 
 in 1S53. In the fall of 1858, at a camp-meeting held 
 by the Rev. J. Kelsay, he was converted. Some years 
 after he felt moved to preach the gospel, and, confer- 
 ring not with flesh and blood, he gave himself unre- 
 servedly to the work of God. Naturally of a timid 
 disposition, he at first had a hard struggle. But en- 
 couraged by his brethren and a strong sense of duty, 
 he pressed on in his noble work, steadily rising in use- 
 fulness until he has reached the presiding eldership. 
 
 He, like many others, owes much to the pious at- 
 mosj:)here that surrounded his early life in the home 
 circle. His parents were deeply pious, and he saw in 
 those he loved best the marks and signs of genuine 
 Christianity. 
 
 There were reported at this Conference ^o Sunday- 
 schools, with 345 officers and teachers, 1,891 pupils, 66 
 conversions among the children, and $1,451.75 collect- 
 ed and expended for Sunday-school purposes. The 
 net increase in the membership of the Church was 260, 
 and the net increase in Church-property was $5,429. 
 
 Thus we were steadily advancing in all the interests 
 of the Church; and although we were not making the 
 rapid strides of many who belonged to the older Con- 
 
35 ; 
 
 History or Southern Methodism 
 
 ferences, and who could not appreciate the difficulties 
 with which we had to contend, yet this was encour- 
 aging. Sometimes not to lose is to gain. Simply 
 holding one's position is worth as much in the final 
 summing up as to advance. 
 
 For two or three years O. P. Fitzgerald had been 
 editing The Christian Spcctato?' at his own risk. It 
 was not in the hands of the Conference, and although 
 it was looked upon as our paper, yet it was an individ- 
 ual enterprise; and the Conference and Church were 
 under a lasting debt of obligation to Dr. Fitzgerald for 
 this paper. It had won its way to prominence, was 
 now upon what was regarded as a safe basis, and the 
 Conference therefore adopted it as their organ, pledg- 
 ing themselves for its support. 
 
 Bishop Marvin remained on the coast during the 
 year, visiting from place to place, and preaching and 
 laboring in revivals wherever he w r ent. He would 
 preach, and when penitents presented themselves at 
 the altar for prayers, he came down among them and 
 labored with all the ardor and zeal necessary, never 
 sparing himself. He strengthened the hands of the 
 ministers and Church wherever he went. 
 
 His stay and labors with us demonstrated the impor- 
 tance to us and our work of a Bishop remaining on 
 the coast all the while. Our work on this coast was 
 peculiar, and we needed some one like Bishop Marvin 
 to direct and assist us in sustainins: the Church and car- 
 rying on the work in which we are engaged; and we 
 hope yet to see the day when one of our General Su- 
 perintendents will reside in the State. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 353 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 pHE nineteenth session was held in Vacaville, in 
 
 W the college-building, beginning October 6, 1869, 
 "iM Bishop E. M. Marvin again presiding. His stay 
 with us during the year had bound him closely to all 
 our hearts. He had spent two weeks in Vacaville, la- 
 boring in an extensive revival of religion, in which 
 many of the students had been converted, and the 
 Church strengthened and blessed. The citizens and 
 students there were sharers in the pleasures of this 
 Conference. 
 
 We had but a single applicant for admission on trial 
 in the Conference — J. W. Allen — recommended from 
 the Los Angeles District. He was appointed as assist- 
 ant or junior preacher on the San Bernardino Circuit 
 with M. W. Glover, and when the Los Angeles Con- 
 ference was organized he remained with it, and is still 
 an honored member of that body. 
 
 Four were re-admitted — viz.: J. P. Jones, formerly 
 of the Montgomery Conference; J. L. Brown, of the 
 Missouri Conference; and J. M. Lovell and A. M. Bai- 
 ley, formerly of the Pacific Conference. Of the last 
 two we have spoken elsewhere. 
 
 J. P. Jones was a good preacher and useful man. It 
 was through his labors and instrumentality that the 
 church in Vacaville was erected. We had always used 
 the college chapel as a place of worship, but he, with 
 others, thought we ought to have a church-building, 
 and it was accordingly put up in 1871. 
 
354 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 He labored with us until 1S73, when he located, at 
 his own request. Afterward he united with the Los 
 Angeles Conference, but is again in the local ranks. 
 
 J. L. Brown was sent to San Luis Obispo, and also 
 became a member of the Los Angeles Conference at 
 its organization, we believe. 
 
 We received by transfer J. Kelsay, D. M. Rice, J. 
 W. Craig, and John Wood, from the Columbia Con- 
 ference. All, except the last named, were in orders. 
 He was in his first year. Also Abram Adams, from the 
 Mobile Conference. 
 
 Kelsay and Rice had been members of the Pacific 
 Conference. 
 
 J. W. Craig was an Oregon - made preacher. He 
 was licensed to preach while he was yet a lad, and 
 from the first he gave promise of great power and use- 
 fulness. He was eminently scriptural in his preaching; 
 besides, there was an unction accompanying all his 
 ministrations that held his audiences spell-bound. No 
 young man ever licensed on the coast gave richer 
 promise of usefulness than he. But from some cause 
 in after-years he seemed to be shorn of much of his 
 strength. He remained a member of the Pacific Con- 
 ference until 1S74, when he returned to his native Con- 
 ference. 
 
 John Wood was a young man, a brother-in-law of J. 
 W. Craig. He did good work in our Conference for a 
 number of years, when he transferred to the Los An- 
 geles Conference, where he still labors. 
 
 A. Adams was sent to San Bernardino Circuit, and 
 as that point was in the bounds of the Los Angeles 
 Conference at its organization, he remained in that Con- 
 ference. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 355 
 
 At this session a committee, consisting of Jesse Wood, 
 Samuel Brown, M. W. Glover, J. G. Shelton, and. L.J. 
 Hedgpeth, was appointed to prepare and report a plan 
 for a Church Extension Society; and indue time they 
 presented the following plan, which was adopted and 
 put into immediate execution: 
 
 Your committee, appointed to report a plan for the organiza- 
 tion of a Church Extension Society, beg leave to offer as their 
 report the following resolutions: 
 
 Resolved, 1. That we organize a permanent Society, to be 
 styled "The Church Extension Society of the Pacific Confer- 
 ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South." 
 
 2. That the Society shall be composed of a President to be ap- 
 pointed by the Bishop from among the preachers of this Confer- 
 ence, a Vice-president, Secretary, and Treasurer, and a Board of 
 Directors, composed of one preacher in each presiding elder's 
 district in the Conference. All of them shall be elected annual- 
 ly by the Conference. 
 
 3. That when all the officers and directors have had sufficient 
 notice given them of a meeting, the presence of five others, with the 
 President, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 4. That the presiding elders of the Conference shall be ex 
 officio Corresponding Secretaries of the Society, whose duty it 
 shall be to furnish information to the Society of means and meas- 
 ures within their districts. 
 
 5. That it shall be the duty of the Society (1) to devise a plan 
 for raising funds to aid in purchasing church and parsonage lots 
 in desirable places, aid in erecting church and parsonage build- 
 ings thereon, and for the support of its own missionaries; (2) to 
 procure from the local ranks or otherwise ministerial aid for the 
 occupation of new territory, subject to the jurisdiction of the 
 presiding elder nearest the work; (3) to furnish information as to 
 the dimensions, style, and probable cost of church-buildings and 
 parsonages. 
 
 6. That the Bishop be requested to appoint a missionary, to act 
 under the direction of the Society, for the furtherance of its ob- 
 jects, whose salary shall be paid out of the funds of the Society. 
 
3^6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 So it will be seen that the Pacific Conference moved 
 in advance of the General Conference on this line a 
 number of years. We saw and felt the necessity of 
 such an organization; and although in its practical 
 workings it did not accomplish any great things, yet it 
 showed the wisdom of our Conference in its organiza- 
 tion. 
 
 There had been a good deal of antagonism between 
 ours and the M. E. Church (no fault of ours); but now 
 they seemed inclined to cultivate more fraternal rela- 
 tions with us; and the California Conference of the M. 
 E. Church, at its session a few weeks previous to ours, 
 appointed a committee of two of their leading mem- 
 bers — viz., E. Thomas, D.D., and M. C. Briggs, D.D. — 
 as fraternal delegates to the Pacific Conference, who, 
 upon their introduction, presented the following writ- 
 ten expressions of fraternity: 
 
 To the Bishop and Members of the- Pacific Annual Conference 
 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 
 
 Dear Fathers a?id Brethren: — At the late session of the Cali- 
 fornia Conference of the M. E. Church, the undersigned were 
 appointed to attend your session, and bear to you the fraternal 
 considerations and greetings of that body. In pursuance of that 
 appointment and the mission it implies, we salute you in the name 
 of our common Lord, and in the faith and interests of our com- 
 mon Methodism. 
 
 Having a common origin and aim, and — abating a regretful 
 parenthesis of some twenty-five years — a common history, it 
 seems to us duly right and proper that we should cultivate the 
 amenities and exchange the courtesies that pertain to Christian 
 brotherhood, and that are pre-eminently fitting among those 
 whcse peculiar views of gospel truth make pre-eminent the pro- 
 foundest and most comprehensive charity — supreme love to our 
 Lord Jesus Christ — and from equal love to each other. To our 
 apprehension the harmony of union, communion, and co-opera- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 357 
 
 tion must come of the charity that hopeth all things, thinketh no 
 evil, never faileth. We are persuaded that this love — heaven-de- 
 scended — is possessing in large and augmenting measure hearts 
 too long estranged, and that its frank expression and free outflow 
 will refresh and render fruitful places of Zion long waste and 
 desolate. 
 
 The occasion or cause of our separation, and the too passion- 
 ate controversy thence arising, we would remember only as in- 
 centives to hearty and deep repentance, and as the inclination to 
 a higher and sublime devotion to our divine and cherished mis- 
 sion — spread of scriptural holiness over these lands — in the re- 
 stored oneness for which we now love to hope and pray; one 
 leadership, the exponent of which is our itinerant General Su- 
 perintendency; one sentiment animating the entire forces of 
 American Methodism, the energy of our wonderful and aggress- 
 ive system; the pure faith and rich experience of our fathers, 
 held and realized by all the embattled hosts of our Zion; our 
 only foes irrational and credulous skepticism, arrogant and am- 
 bitious popery, absorbing and consuming worldliness, and all the 
 forms and phases of vice thence arising. These considerations 
 granted, we may push the conquests of the Cross over all the re- 
 gions wasted by sin, and hasten the reign of righteousness and 
 peace. 
 
 Tendencies to organic union are marked among the religious 
 bodies. Nor can we fail to note that divine and all-embracing 
 charity pauses not at lines of sect or party, but is self-diffusing as 
 the light, and warming as the sun's rays, and seeks to make itself 
 universal. We have no theory to present, or plans or measures 
 to name. Nor are we charged with proposals. We come as 
 brothers from brothers with fraternal salutations. If jour hearts 
 are as our hearts, give us your hands, and the union of hearts 
 and hands in the service of the Lord will overcome the obstacles 
 of official and organic union — the consummation which will 
 hasten the era of peace on earth and good-will to men, as it will 
 heighten to joy of heaven. [Signed] E. Thomas, 
 
 M. C. Briggs. 
 
 O. P. Fitzgerald, W. R. Gober. and J. C. Simmons 
 
358 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 were appointed a committee to respond. In due time 
 they made the following response: 
 
 Fraternal Messengers: — The undersigned, appointed by this 
 body to respond to the address presented by the Rev. Drs. E. 
 Thomas and M. C. Briggs, as fraternal delegates from the Cali- 
 fornia Conference of the M. E. Church to the Pacific Confer- 
 ence, feel fully assured that they are the exponents of the real 
 sentiments of our preachers and people when they say that they 
 hail this overture for more friendly relations with devout and 
 profound gratification. It is our hope and prayer that the tend- 
 ency and movement toward a better understanding and rela- 
 tions — when in the spirit of our holy Christianity — will continue 
 and increase; that God may be glorified, and that the kingdom 
 of our common Lord may be advanced. Reciprocating cordially 
 the kindly spirit and fraternal expressions contained in the ad- 
 dress of these brethren, we recommend the appointment of two 
 members of the Pacific Conference as fraternal messengers to 
 the California Conference at its next session. 
 
 [Signed] O. P. Fitzgerald, 
 
 W. R. Gober, 
 J. C. Simmons. 
 
 After quite a number of kindly speeches had been 
 made on the part of members of the Conference, Bish- 
 op Marvin made some telling remarks with reference 
 to the M. E. Church still holding property that belonged 
 to us in various parts of the country, that had been 
 wrested from us by the strong hand of war. He said 
 that he wanted to see this property restored before the 
 hand of fraternity was extended; that, as a man that 
 loved righteousness, he could not " gush " with sentiment 
 until wrongs were righted and property restored. And 
 in view of the fact that the Bishops of the two Meth- 
 odisms were planning for a full and equitable adjust- 
 ment of the difficulties and differences existing between 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 359 
 
 the two Churches, the Conference adopted the follow- 
 ing resolution: 
 
 Resolved, That we heartily indorse the reply of our Bishops 
 to the propositions of the Bishops of the M. E. Church (North), 
 made to them at their recent meeting in St. Louis, as appropriate, 
 kind, and Christian in its diction, tone, and sentiment. 
 
 [Signed 1 Jesse Wood, 
 
 Samuel Brown. 
 
 The propositions referred to came from the College of 
 Northern Bishops, expressed to our Bishops in their 
 annual meeting in St. Louis, in May of this year (1S69), 
 conveyed by Bishops Janes and Simpson. This over- 
 ture resulted in what is known as the " Cape May Com- 
 mission," at which " conflicting claims to property were 
 adjudicated, both on general principles and in special 
 cases; and directions were laid down regulating the oc- 
 cupation of places, as well as property.*' 
 
 This Joint Commission, which held its sessions from 
 August 17 to 23, 1S76, in the beginning of their delib- 
 erations, without a dissenting voice, adopted this basis 
 and declaration of the two Churches: 
 
 Status of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, South, atid their co-ordinate rela- 
 tions as legitimate branches of Episcopal Methodism. 
 
 Each of said Church is a legitimate branch of Episcopal Meth- 
 odism in the United States, having a common origin in the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church organized in 17S4; and since the organi- 
 zation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was consum- 
 mated in 1846 by the voluntary exercise of the right of the South- 
 ern Annual Conferences, ministers, and members to adhere to that 
 communion, it has been an evangelical Church, reared on script- 
 ural foundations, and her ministers and members, with those of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, have constituted one family, 
 though in distinct ecclesiastical connections. 
 
360 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 The results of this Commission were finally indorsed 
 by the ecclesiastical bodies of both Churches. 
 
 The delegates to the ensuing General Conference 
 elected at this Conference were — clerical, O. Fisher, T. 
 C. Barton, and E. K. Miller; lay, W. T. Rucker, W. E. 
 Cocke, and W. R. Bane. 
 
 A review of the year's labors by the Committee on 
 the State of the Work filled them with gratitude for 
 the success that had attended our labors. They say : " The 
 state of the work is decidedly encouraging, whether we 
 regard it from material or spiritual stand-points, in its 
 
 actual, comparative, or prospective aspects 
 
 Church-property has been acquired, beautiful temples 
 have been erected and dedicated to God, pecuniary em- 
 barrassments have been removed out of the way of both 
 Church and educational enterprises, new projects have 
 been inaugurated, new fields have been entered and oc- 
 cupied, and yet so inviting is the territory still beyond 
 us that the heart of every devoted member of our little 
 band pulsates with renewed ardor as he lifts up his 
 eyes to the whitening fields and catches the sentiment 
 of apostolic zeal to carry the gospel to the regions be- 
 yond. . . Our statistical exhibit this year will show 
 an increase of membership over the preceding of some 
 =572. . . . Our future, brethren, on this coast is a 
 glorious one, if we are true to ourselves, our Church, 
 and our God." 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 361 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 1HE twentieth session was held in Stockton, Octo- 
 
 Ww ber 5, 1870, Bishop W. M. Wightman presiding. 
 
 ^3 This was Bishop Wightman's first visit to our 
 
 Conference, and we were very much impressed with 
 
 his dignity and scholarly appearance. 
 
 Only three candidates for admission presented them- 
 selves at this session — Robert H. Rhodes, from Stock- 
 ton Station; Asbury P. Black, from Millerton Circuit; 
 and Thomas K. Howell, from Visalia Circuit. All were 
 admitted. 
 
 R. H. Rhodes was sent as junior preacher on the 
 Santa Clara Circuit, but gave up the work after a few 
 months' trial, and was discontinued at his own request 
 at the ensuing session. 
 
 A. P. Black was born in Cherokee County, Ga., No- 
 vember 8, 1842. He was one who sought the Lord in 
 childhood. He united with the Church "when but nine 
 years of age, although he did not experience a satisfac- 
 tory change of heart until in his thirteenth year. He was 
 teaching school in his native State when the late Civil 
 War occurred. He was then but nineteen years of age. 
 Promptly closing his school, he enlisted as a soldier; and 
 although so young, his virtues were so much appreci- 
 ated that he was placed in various positions of trust and 
 responsibility. But amid all the excitement, turmoil, 
 and temptation of that awful period, he never forgot 
 that he was a soldier of Tesus Christ, nor that his first 
 
362 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 allegiance was to him. His Bible was his constant com- 
 panion, and night and morning in his tent he read its 
 sacred words of comfort and consolation. 
 
 In the year 1866 he was licensed to preach by the 
 Quarterly Conference of Calhoun Circuit, North Geor- 
 gia Conference. In 1869 he came to California and lo- 
 cated in the bounds of the Millerton Circuit. He was 
 in feeble health when he joined the Conference. His 
 first work was on the Stockton Circuit. His zeal and 
 faithfulness on that work left the impression upon saint 
 and sinner that he was a good man. A foreigner, con- 
 templating his character, once remarked: "I think he 
 is the best man I ever saw. If preachers were all as 
 earnest, faithful, and pious as he is, they would convert 
 the world." 
 
 The next year he was sent to the Sonora Circuit. 
 Here he soon won all hearts, working diligently and 
 prayerfully for the Master. His labors at the close of 
 the year culminated in a glorious revival of religion. 
 Although the people of the circuit knew that his health 
 was hopelessly gone, yet they desired his return, and 
 he was accordingly sent back. He preached but five 
 sermons after Conference, when he turned his steps to 
 the little parsonage, that an affectionate people had fitted 
 up for him, to await the end. For two long months or 
 more he had to wait and suffer the will of his Saviour. 
 During this period of waiting he talked to all who came 
 to see him, impressing them with the fact that it was 
 good to trust Christ and be resigned to his will. When 
 the final hour came, calling his wife and children to his 
 bedside, he gave them his parting benediction, and with 
 the expression, "Blessed Jesus!" upon his lips, he fell 
 asleep. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 363 
 
 Thomas K. Howell was born in Pope County, Ar- 
 kansas, September 17, 1S43. He was another example 
 of early piety. When but a little child he became much 
 interested on the subject of religion. His mother taught 
 him the usual prayer of childhood: "Now I lay me 
 down to sleep." This he could not comprehend, and 
 asked her to give him a prayer that he could understand, 
 when she gave him the following formula that pleased 
 him, and that he repeated many times a day: "O 
 Lord, make me a good boy; help me to obey my moth- 
 er, and when I get to be a man, make me a good 
 Christian." When in his sixteenth year he became 
 deeply concerned about his soul's salvation, and sought 
 for the evidence of his acceptance with God with all 
 his heart; and while raking hay in his fathers field, 
 God let in the light of his Spirit and thrilled him 
 with the consciousness of pardon. With this blessing 
 came the call to work for Jesus. At once he began to 
 cast about in his mind how he could best fulfill the will 
 of God. His first desire was for an education. He en- 
 tered Pacific Methodist College, and graduated in 1867. 
 He was soon called to a chair in Visalia Seminary, which 
 he filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned for 
 the space of three years. 
 
 His first appointment was to the Visalia Station, 
 where he labored with great acceptability among the 
 people with whom he had lived three years. The next 
 year he was sent to Vacaville, where he had been edu- 
 cated. His consistent life in college only prepared the 
 way for usefulness on this charge. He was very suc- 
 cessful here. The next appointment given him was 
 Petaluma. He went and preached the first Sabbath 
 after Conference, and returned to Vacaville to close up 
 
364 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 his matters there, and make a short visit to his parents 
 in Copperopolis. 
 
 In conversation with his mother, who had always 
 been his spiritual adviser, soon after his arrival, he 
 spoke of his own labors to build up the cause of Christ. 
 He said it did seem to him that the gospel of Jesus was 
 so precious, and so well adapted to the wants of our 
 race, that when he presented it to the people they would 
 embrace it gladly. " But," said he, "they do not; and 
 I fear I am not sufficiently holy myself, and I thought 
 I would come home, and here in these mountains I 
 would fast and pray until God would bless me with 
 more of his Spirit, and thus fit me for his work." 
 
 The following Sabbath his mother found him alone, 
 with tears running down his cheeks (a very unusual 
 thing with him — he scarcely ever wept). At her ap- 
 proach he said, " O mother, I have had such over- 
 whelming manifestations of the goodness of God I am 
 melted into tenderness! I cannot help Weeping." 
 
 Soon after reaching home he was attacked with in- 
 termittent congestive fever, accompanied with hemor- 
 rhage of the lungs. After the first attack he grew bet- 
 ter, and his friends thought he would soon get well; 
 but a more violent attack dashed all their hopes, and 
 they felt that God had led him home to die. He " was 
 tranquil amid alarms," and with perfect composure ar- 
 ranged all his worldly business, not forgetting his Alma 
 Alater, leaving one hundred dollars of his little store 
 for Pacific Methodist College. When he mentioned 
 some of his brethren in the ministry to whom he was 
 ardently attached, his brother proposed to telegraph for 
 them. "No," said he; " they are all at work for Jesus, 
 and it won't do to call them away from their work." 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 365 
 
 He talked all the time of the Church, expressing the 
 most ardent desire for its prosperity and success. Even 
 when in delirium, his mind in its wandering dwelt on 
 nothing else. The most hallowed influences filled the 
 room where God's chosen servant was waiting for the 
 heavenly messengers. Just before he died, he said, 
 u Jesus, precious Jesus! my race is almost run. I have 
 followed Jesus faithfully. I shall soon be in heaven. 
 God bless you all." His dying ear caught the sound of 
 coming bands of angels, and he spoke of their music, 
 saying, " Do you hear the singing of that band of an- 
 gels? I can hear it distinctly." The voices of these 
 celestial messengers fell upon his ear ere the vail of his 
 earthly tabernacle was rent. The whole community 
 was deeply moved by his death. One man, a professed 
 infidel, as he stood by the corpse, said, " If there is a 
 heaven, Tommy Howell has gone there." His death 
 occurred December 3, 1872. 
 
 Thus these two loving, sweet-spirited young preach- 
 ers entered the Conference together, and were both 
 called from labor within a few months of each other. 
 
 No subject that has ever engaged the attention of the 
 Pacific Conference has given it more solicitude than the 
 sustaining of a religious paper in our midst. At al- 
 most every Conference it has come in for its full share 
 of attention. And the appeals for help have been urg- 
 ent and long-continued. For several years O. P. Fitz- 
 gerald had been editing The Christian Spectator, and 
 carrying much of its burden. But a change was 
 thought by some to be for the best; and while the Con- 
 ference by formal action said, " While we express our 
 appreciation of the ability of the Rev. O. P. Fitzgerald 
 as an editor, and our hi^h estimate of his services in 
 
366 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 that capacity, we indorse the action of the Publishing 
 Committee in assuming the editorial management of 
 the paper during the past year, and we heartily tender 
 to the members of that committee, and also to W. B. 
 Parsons, who has so efficiently co-operated with them, 
 our cordial and hearty thanks for the able and efficient 
 manner in which they have discharged the difficult and 
 delicate duties devolving upon them. We also take 
 pleasure in expressing our confidence in C. A. Klose, 
 and our high appreciation of the services he has ren- 
 dered to Southern Methodism on this coast in publish- 
 ing the Spectato?'" 
 
 Dr. Fitzgerald was at the time State Superintendent 
 of Public Instruction, and during the year some misun- 
 derstanding had arisen between him and the publisher 
 with reference to certain modes of obtaining advertise- 
 ments for the paper that became a matter of conscience 
 with Dr. Fitzgerald, and for much of the year the Pub- 
 lishing Committee had had entire control of it. At 
 this Conference an Editorial Committee, consisting of 
 W. R. Gober, W. F. Compton, and G. Sim, was ap- 
 pointed, with Wick. B. Parsons, a layman, as managing 
 editor. This arrangement lasted for one year, when 
 Wick. B. Parsons offered to take the entire control of 
 the paper, and publish it for the Conference, and C. A. 
 Klose was instructed to turn over to Brother Parsons 
 all the property of the office. Its name was changed 
 back to Pacific Methodist, and since then Wick. B. 
 Parsons has been the sole editor. 
 
 It was during this year that the Board of Trustees of 
 Pacific Methodist College, at their annual meeting in 
 May, had brought before them the question of the re- 
 moval of the collesre. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 367 
 
 Vacaville had been selected mainly because buildings 
 were already on the ground. It was regarded as a 
 healthy location, and we could commence operations at 
 once. But after a ten years' experience, we began to 
 discover our mistake. While we had enjoyed a meas- 
 ure of prosperity, we felt that we had come far short 
 of what ought to be our growth and standing, after all 
 the labor and means expended there. Some of the 
 leading members of the little community were opposed 
 to us, and were throwing their weight of influence 
 against us. We felt that there were other communities 
 in the State that would extend to us much more of sym- 
 pathy and patronage than we were receiving here, and 
 the question was brought squarely before the Board at 
 its meeting. The matter was discussed at length, and 
 propositions were made to make the change, provided 
 any other community would offer greater inducements 
 than we enjoyed at Vacaville. At the same time, the 
 opportunity was given the latter place to make propo- 
 sitions to us to have the college remain in their midst. 
 
 The friends of Vacaville, seeing what they were about 
 to lose by their own action, rallied, and asked a suffi- 
 cient delay to enable them to see what could be done 
 for the college in their midst. The counties of Solano 
 and Yolo were canvassed by an active committee; and 
 though liberal propositions of endowment were made, 
 yet Santa Rosa came in with a bid, pledging themselves 
 to give ten acres of ground in the heart of their city, 
 erect thereon a better building than the one we now oc- 
 cupied, and add $15,000 to our endowment. 
 
 Santa Rosa was located in the heart of one of the 
 most beautiful valleys in the State. A railroad from 
 San Francisco was beins: built, and the climate was all 
 
368 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 that we could ask. Under these circumstances it was 
 decided to move, and accordingly the order was given. 
 The buildings at Vacaville were disposed of at a merely 
 nominal figure, and all our interests as a college in that 
 place were sold to the Baptist denomination. They 
 took hold with commendable zeal, but after about the 
 same length of experience as we had had, gave it up, 
 and moved their interests elsewhere. 
 
 Immediately after the adjournment of our Confer- 
 ence, Bishop W. M. Wightman proceeded to San Ber- 
 nardino, where he organized the Los Angeles Confer- 
 ence with the following members: William Moores, M. 
 W. Glover, R. A. Latimer, A. Adams, William Monk, 
 W. A. Spurlock, G. E. Butler, J. E. Miller, D. M. Rice, 
 and Alexander Groves. 
 
 This organization took place October 26, 1870. Two 
 of these original members have withdrawn from the 
 communion of our Church — viz., W. A. Spurlock and 
 G. E. Butler. William Monk returned to Texas after a 
 few years, and D. M. Rice has found his way back into 
 the Pacific Conference. 
 
 These men deserve more than a passing notice. Some 
 of them have passed in review before us, having form- 
 erly been members of the Pacific Conference. We 
 shall avail ourselves of the sketches written by the able 
 pen of the Rev. C. B. Riddick, D.D., now of the Pa- 
 cific Conference, who wrote them for the Pacific Meth- 
 odist. Dr. Riddick says: 
 
 The Rev. William Moores was born in Smith Coun- 
 ty, Middle Tennessee, January 26, 1808. He preached 
 his first sermon on the 3d of July, 1835. That fall, in 
 October, he was received on trial as a traveling preach- 
 er into the Tennessee Conference. In 1838 he trans- 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 369 
 
 ferred to the Alabama Conference, where he continued 
 for seven years. In 1846 he was transferred to the Ar- 
 kansas Conference, which at that time included the 
 whole State of Arkansas. A few years after (in 1850 
 or 1851), the Little Rock (formerly called Ouachita) 
 Conference was formed, and he remained in that Con- 
 ference until the fall of 1869, when he was transferred 
 to California — remaining, however, in the Little Rock 
 Conference, on Ouachita Circuit, until August, 1870, 
 when he came West, and was present, as before stated, 
 at the organization of the Los Angeles Conference. 
 He traveled both the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara 
 Districts, and labored On station and circuit work until 
 1SS2, when, at San Luis Obispo, he was superannuated, 
 which relation he now sustains. Tennessee, Alabama, 
 Arkansas, and California! Veteran of half a century, 
 well done! Over all these broad lands has he gone, 
 preaching the gospel, and thousands have been led from 
 " sin's destructive way " under his ministry. 
 
 Brother Moores is a unique man. His convictions 
 are so deep that those who do not understand him often 
 construe them into prejudices. He is regarded by some 
 as an austere, intolerant man, but I have never found 
 him so. He has always been as gentle as a woman to 
 me, and who that has ever visited him at his own house, 
 and witnessed his genial, child-like spirit in the midst 
 of his family, can have such a thought of him? I feel 
 richer to-day for having known this holy man of God, 
 and indeed, my wife and self have learned to reverence, 
 with a feeling akin to filial devotion, the almost sacred 
 and altogether saintly presence of Father Moores. I 
 can never forget the first time I saw him — a bronzed, 
 stalwart-looking old gentleman, at home on a visit to 
 24- 
 
370 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 his family from the far-off Santa Barbara District. I 
 remember he found some objection to my wife's dress, 
 but he did it in such a gentle, sweet-spirited way, that 
 to this day she loves him as a father. He is a strong: 
 preacher, and at times rises to heights of startling and 
 impassioned speech. 
 
 He is a firm believer in Christian perfection as " a 
 second blessing,' 1 and in his old age, as he nears the 
 " valley of shadows," he seems greatly moved on this 
 subject. Grand old man! he lives holiness, and who will 
 quarrel with him whether it be a gradual or instanta- 
 neous work? At the last session of the Los Angeles 
 Conference I was compelled, as his presiding elder, to 
 approacl) him on the subject, having learned that he 
 had joined a " Band of Holiness," under the auspices 
 of the " Southern California and Arizona Holiness As- 
 sociation." I thought I knew the man well enough to 
 be sure that he meant no wrong to the Church that had 
 licensed him to preach, and under whose vows of ordi- 
 nation he had so long " gone in and out " as a preacher, 
 and I was not mistaken. Who that was present at that 
 Annual Conference in Los Angeles Citv last fall can 
 forget the occasion when this venerable man rose up, 
 at the call of his name for passage of character, and 
 stated that if the joining of a band of holiness under 
 what was considered another Church organization had 
 given his brethren offense he was sorry, and he would 
 immediately withdraw from it. At once the sympa- 
 thies of the whole Conference, so far as I know, were 
 with him, and his character passed without a dissenting 
 voice. There has always been an honest difference of 
 opinion upon this subject among Methodists, as to man- 
 ner and mode, but never as 'to the fact and possibility 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 371 
 
 of Christian holiness; and if a man clings to the Church, 
 that Church whose great mission has been to " spread 
 scriptural holiness over all these lands," I have no quar- 
 rel with him. Would to God we were all baptized 
 with the spirit of fire and entire consecration to the 
 great work to which he has called us! I am persuaded, 
 as I grow older, that temperamental differences furnish 
 larsre grounds for Christian forbearance, and he is wisest 
 and drinks most deeply of the spirit of true religion 
 who cultivates the grace of Christian charity. "And 
 to godliness add," says the apostle, what? Can any 
 thing be added to godliness? Yes — "brotherly kind- 
 ness." I close this brief sketch with a quotation from 
 a letter received from him a few weeks ago. He will 
 pardon me for introducing it here: "I am now in my 
 77th year, and I must say, like Jacob of old, few and 
 evil have the days of the years of my life been, and 
 have not attained unto the days of the years of the life 
 of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. I mourn 
 because I was not fully awakened to the subject of 
 heart purity, entire sanctification, at an early day of my 
 ministry, and induced to seek and obtain that great Bi- 
 ble doctrine in my own experience, then I should have 
 been divinely qualified for the work of the ministry. No 
 one can tell how many more souls I should have been in- 
 strumental in saving, and how much bitter heart-sorrow 
 now in mv old asfc I should have been relieved of in retro- 
 specting past life. I am very thankful I have a merciful 
 High Priest, who is touched with the feelings of our 
 infirmities, and is able and willing to save all of them 
 to the uttermost who come to God by him. I would ad- 
 vise you and all young preachers to commence at once 
 to seek this glorious gospel experience, if you would do 
 
372 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 good in saving souls and be ready to meet the Master 
 at his call." 
 
 Dr. Riddick says of M. W. Glover: 
 
 Milton White Glover was born near Bowling Green, 
 Warren County, Kentucky, January i, 1S13. He was 
 licensed to preach on Brush Creek Circuit, Benton 
 County, Mo., by W. W. Redman, presiding elder, in 
 the year 1S37; was married to Elizabeth Osborn, Octo- 
 ber 15, 1S39. This faithful wife still survives him. She 
 lives near San Bernardino, with her noble son James, 
 calmly awaiting the summons to come up higher. 
 
 It was one of my chief joys, in visiting San Bernar- 
 dino, to hold my quarterly meetings the past year, to 
 meet this dear, good woman and mother in Israel. She 
 was certain to be present at the Saturday morning serv- 
 ice, and there was always a serene joy in her face that 
 to me was an inspiration. She belongs to that illustrious 
 company of women " of whom the world was not wor- 
 thy,"" who in the earlier days of Methodism shared with 
 true Christian cheerfulness the privations and toils of 
 their husbands, and often by their unflinching fortitude 
 braced them for more heroic endurance. 
 
 He was a member of the Missouri Conference for six 
 years. He then located, but kept up regular appoint- 
 ments until 18^0, when he came to California and re- 
 mained five years, accumulating a very valuable prop- 
 erty in Amador County in quartz-mines. In 1S55 he 
 returned to Missouri for his family, brinsring: them with 
 him to California the same year. In 1S57 he became 
 involved, and surrendered his entire property to his 
 creditors. Property is a dangerous thing for a Chris- 
 tian minister. A fortune acquired by mining often 
 comes in a day, and as suddenly " takes wings and 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 373 
 
 flies away."' The location of this good man was doubt- 
 less the result of delicate health, and yet it did not seem 
 best in the eye of Divine Providence that he should 
 accumulate earthly treasure. Who would have used 
 it to better purpose, so far as all who knew him could 
 see? and yet it was denied him. He was distinguished 
 for his liberality, and yet God did not intrust him with 
 wealth. It might have corroded his pure spirit and 
 secularized him for life. Life at its best is a tangled 
 web, but we may be sure that God has a plan for us — 
 a plan which dominates all our fugitive impulses, our 
 changeful purposes, and unconnected deeds. Event 
 meets and answers event, wrong steps are retrod, bro- 
 ken threads are taken up and worked in, triumphs of 
 faith are set over against failures in faith; and in and 
 through all this strange and mingled discipline we see 
 the grace of God at work to prepare us for the most 
 honorable service and the highest blessedness. 
 
 Allow me to sav in this connection that it is a danger-- 
 ous thing for a traveling preacher to locate. Do not lo- 
 cate, my brother,, if you have any reasonable evidence 
 of God's blessing upon your past labors. Even if your 
 health fails, and you cannot stand the thickest of the 
 fight, do not ask that your name be stricken from " the 
 roll," but go back to the rear for awhile and join the 
 " ambulance corps." The Conference needs your pres- 
 ence and counsel, and while you are comparatively rest- 
 ing and recruiting your health, you may, by visiting the 
 sick, cheering the afflicted, promptly attending all the 
 means of grace where you live, and occasionally preach- 
 ing the gospel of resignation and obedience, win your 
 neighbors to Christ, and in God's good time your health 
 may be regained and your way opened for active use- 
 
374 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 fulness again in the regular work. I am quite sure that 
 if statisties could be prepared on this subject, the result 
 would show that location " at his own request "" in four- 
 fifths of the cases has proved disastrous. 
 
 But to return to the subject of this sketch. He ac- 
 cepted the situation, and like an honest man surrendered 
 all he had. and with renewed consecration gave himself 
 for life to the one work of an itinerant preacher. In 
 iS^S he joined the Pacific Conference, and was sent to 
 the Santa Rosa Circuit. He remained in this Confer- 
 ence until the organization of the Los Angeles, in 1870. 
 His last appointment and his first in the Los Angeles 
 Conference was San Bernardino Station. The next 
 year he was sent to Los Angeles City, and then was 
 re-appointed to San Bernardino, making the third year 
 at that place. During this year he built the church (or 
 rather rebuilt it) in which our people there now wor- 
 ship. 
 
 His next appointment was San Luis Obispo, where 
 he built another church, now called Glover's Chapel. 
 He was emphatically a church-builder. It was no easy 
 matter in that day to build a church in Southern Cali- 
 fornia. There was no Church-extension then, and the 
 Mission Board was embarrassed — the membership was 
 small and poor, for the most part — and if the preacher 
 did not know the use of tools, and have the will to 
 work, church-building was out of the question. If he 
 were living to-day, you could track his ministry by the 
 churches built. 
 
 In Sa*n Luis Obispo his health began to decline, and 
 yet in weariness he toiled on, preaching, visiting, and 
 doing with his own hands much of the work upon that 
 house. The next year, 1S73, he was sent to San Ber- 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 375 
 
 nardino Circuit as a sort of mission-work, on which his 
 health utterly broke down. There was no provision made 
 for his support during the year, but that generous, large- 
 hearted man, Dr. Barton, and his excellent wife, invited 
 Brother and Sister Glover to their hospitable home, and 
 kindly cared for them until the next Conference. A 
 thousand blessings upon them for such tender and con- 
 siderate attention to two of God's aged servants! Dr. 
 Barton is a Baptist, and yet for a whole year he gives a 
 home in his own house to a Methodist preacher and his 
 wife. This very day I was reading an account in the 
 Argonaut of his wonderful vineyard and orchard, and 
 as I read, I felt my pulse beat faster, and in my heart I 
 thanked and blessed him for his kindness to these dear 
 old people. 
 
 At the next Conference Brother Glover was granted, 
 at his own request, a superannuated relation, and so 
 continued until his death, which occurred April 3, 1S77, 
 while he was eating breakfast. His great desire, in re- 
 gard to his last days on earth, was that he should not 
 linger in a protracted sickness, and his request was 
 granted. Those who were about him in the evening 
 of his life have told me that the nearer the end, the more 
 eager he was to reach it. He never complained of his lot, 
 but delighted to suffer as well as to do God's will. " I glo- 
 ry in my infirmities," said Paul, and blessed be the Lord, 
 thousands of his suffering people have realized a like 
 experience — to die daily, and yet to live; to submit, and 
 yet to conquer. How often it occurs that the most em- 
 inent saints pass away without a word of dying testi- 
 mony! The best testimony is that of the life. What 
 need had those who were nearest this holy man to have 
 a dying message? His daily walk and conversation 
 
376 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 gave the most conclusive evidence of what his humble 
 soul contained. I shall never forget his venerable and 
 feeble form, as I saw him at Los Nietos, in 1876. He 
 was a man of fine p r esence, and there was a serious- 
 ness of practical purpose in his very carriage. He was 
 an experimental Christian, and consequently a practical 
 and pointed preacher. We want more of such preach- 
 ing — that which bears the impress of individual expe- 
 rience — a living gospel that has been felt by the man 
 who proclaims it. 
 
 No tribute is worth more than the words which, like 
 the offering of a simple white flower, were uttered by 
 an old friend to the memory of Father Glover: "He 
 was first a true Christian, then a true minister. His 
 mantle has fallen upon a worthy son, who, like his 
 ascended father, is a pillar in the Church of God, and 
 loved by all who know him. We have no more de- 
 voted and useful layman in the Los Angeles Confer- 
 ence than James B. Glover, who is liberal to the farthest 
 extent of his ability, and adds to his many noble quali- 
 ties the highest of all — a tender care for his saintly 
 mother in her declining 1 years." 
 
 Of R. A. Latimer Dr. Riddick says: 
 
 R. A. Latimer is our stand-by at Santa Ana. To 
 him more than to any other man are we indebted for 
 the neat and comfortable house in which our people 
 worship there. His wise and brotherly counsels were 
 of great service to me when on the district. In former 
 years he was one of our most useful and laborious work- 
 men, and wherever he went as preacher in charge signs 
 of growth and improvement were sure to follow. He 
 and his most excellent wife have a beautiful home at 
 Santa Ana, and the neatness with which that house 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 377 
 
 and premises are kept is a study and example to every 
 visitor. The Rev. Dr. Finley, so long an esteemed Pres- 
 ident of Pacific Methodist College, married their only 
 daughter, who, I am told, partakes largely of the ster- 
 ling qualities of the parents. 
 
 Dr. Riddick says of Abram Adams: 
 
 Among the most prominent of its members, and the 
 only one of its original number now on the effective 
 list, is the Rev. Abram Adams. John W. Allen is still 
 effective, but he w r as not then in full connection, but on 
 trial, as we Methodists phrase it. Brother Adams came 
 to California on account of delicate health, and though 
 never robust, he has regularly received an appointment, 
 and been a laborious itinerant from the day of his trans- 
 fer to the Pacific Conference, in 1869. He displayed 
 good judgment, I think, in buying a valuable home at 
 the outset, and placing his family upon it. He is capable 
 of filling acceptably any pulpit in the Connection, and 
 yet he has been content, since he came West, to travel 
 hard circuits, with meager support in almost every case, 
 discharging the duties of his high vocation without 
 murmuring or hesitancy. " None of these things move 
 me," has been the impelling power of his ministry, and 
 wherever he has gone he has won, by his spotless life 
 and able ministrations of the gospel, the admiration and 
 esteem of the people. By speech and pen he is a keen 
 and ardent controversialist in the lists with whatever 
 seems to him narrow or intolerant, or in any other way 
 untrue. He is a man of vigorous logic, and possesses 
 in no ordinary measure that power which the metaphy- 
 sicians call " association of ideas." Though not liber- 
 ally educated, he is a strong thinker, and deeply versed 
 in the theological questions of the day. He is wonder- 
 
3/S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 fully gifted in fluency of speech, and yet never takes a 
 superficial view of any subject. By diligent study he 
 has become an accomplished and critical expounder of 
 the Scriptures, ranking with the first men of the Church, 
 and, best of all, behind none in the irreproachable con- 
 sistency of his daily walk. 
 
 He was born in Lowndes County, Alabama, March 8, 
 i S3 1. At three years of age his parents moved to Mis- 
 sissippi, where he grew to manhood. In his fourteenth 
 year he was converted to God, and joined the Church. 
 In April, 1856, he was licensed to preach, and the fol- 
 lowing December received into the traveling connec- 
 tion. His first year was spent as junior preacher with 
 J. E. Newman, now of Brazil. At the close of that 
 year he was put in charge of Little Zion, at Mobile. 
 The next two years he spent at Wesley Chapel, in the 
 same city. He continued to receive the best apjDoint- 
 ments in his Conference — such as Columbus, Eutaw, 
 and Marion Stations, and the Tuscaloosa District — among 
 the preachers of which was the now sainted Bishop 
 Wightman. Then followed a year of ill-health, and the 
 following summer he was transferred to the Pacific Con- 
 ference, and stationed at Los Angeles. Here he organ- 
 ized a Church of eleven, which grew to fourteen — a 
 slow growth to inexperienced eyes, and yet in that year 
 was laid the foundation of the prosperous Society now 
 in that city. In October of the same year the Los An- 
 geles Conference was organized, and he was made Sec- 
 retary for that and the three following sessions. In 
 1873 he was elected a delegate to the General Confer- 
 ence which convened in Louisville the next May, and 
 was an active member of that body until sickness pros- 
 trated him in the midst of its session. His appoint- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 379 
 
 ments in Southern California have always been within 
 the bounds of Los Angeles District, and though he has 
 traveled the entire field, he still retains his popularity as 
 a preacher and his strong hold upon the confidence of 
 the people. He is a most genial companion — at times 
 a little absent-minded, sensitive in his make-up, rather 
 shy of responsibility unless duty imposes it, honorable 
 to the last iota, and generous to a fault in dispensing the 
 hospitality of his quiet home at Savannah. " The string 
 of the latch " is always out at that house. It has al- 
 ways been a wonder to me how Methodist preachers, 
 often with a mere pittance of salary, entertain so much 
 company. It must be a great strain on the good woman 
 of the house, and I am afraid there is sometimes a want 
 of considerateness on our part in placing these burdens 
 on preachers' wives. Sister Adams is one of the ex- 
 cellent of earth, and her worthy and devoted husband 
 will agree with me that, without her wise administra- 
 tion of affairs at home, he could never have maintained 
 his active and useful position in the regular work. She 
 is a model in all respects — intelligent, discreet, practical, 
 " a keeper at home," and, above all, adorning in her 
 daily life the excellency of our holy religion. I thank 
 her to this hour for kindness to me in the by-gone years. 
 I think they have eight or nine children, and such nice 
 children! ranging all the way from eighteen years down 
 to the babe. May the mantle of the father fall upon 
 that dear boy, the eldest son! 
 
 To this sketch the Doctor adds: The Rev. Samuel 
 Adams, his brother, is almost one of the original mem- 
 bers of this Conference, having joined it the year after 
 its organization. I am sorry my space and time will 
 not allow an extended sketch of him. He and his 
 
3S0 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 brother married sisters, and were alike blessed in the 
 union. He also has eight or nine children, and charm- 
 ing children they are! I never knew a more delightful 
 family. Some people say Abram is far superior to 
 Samuel as a preacher. I think they make the differ- 
 ence too great between the two men. I never heard 
 the latter when I was not profited and instructed. He 
 is not impassioned in the pulpit, but always methodical 
 and true to the text. The love of the two men for each 
 other is simply beautiful. 
 
 In writing of P. O. Clayton, Dr. Riddick says: 
 In his personal appearance he always reminded me 
 of the picture I have seen of the Apostle Peter; and 
 there is some resemblance in the moral characteristics 
 of the two men. I do not think he would have quailed 
 before his accusers, but he would surely have drawn 
 his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus. He has an 
 impetuous devotion to any cause he espouses, and a 
 personal directness of speech that has always made 
 him a man of mark among his brethren. He is every 
 inch a gentleman of the old school. He has an intense 
 hatred of all shams. His natural abilities are of the 
 first order, and he is capable of mastering any subject 
 upon which he bestows his thought. He reads strong 
 books, and but for a physical defect in his utterance, 
 which he has earnestly striven to overcome, he would 
 be a most interesting speaker, and stand in the front 
 rank of expository preachers. One thing is worthy of 
 especial note in his history as a preacher — souls have 
 been converted to God, and on all his charges are to be 
 found the seals of his ministry. 
 
 He was licensed to preach in 1846, in La Fayette 
 County, Missouri, and was received on trial into the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 381 
 
 St. Louis Conference the same year. He continued to 
 travel in this Conference until 1852, when he was trans- 
 ferred to the Pacific Conference, and sent by the Rev. 
 Dr. Jesse Boring to Napa and Suisun Circuit as junior 
 preacher, B. H. Russell being the preacher in charge. 
 He was appointed the following year by Bishop Soule 
 to Murphy Camp Circuit, then a flourishing mining- 
 town not far from Sonora. This was the first and the 
 only time he ever failed to obey the appointing power. 
 His mother was old and feeble, and required his con- 
 stant attention at home. I have often heard him refer 
 to this fact in his itinerant life, and the mental conflict 
 he underwent in deciding the question. Duty to his 
 aged mother prevailed. From this time to 1S66 he 
 filled various appointments, when he was appointed 
 Presiding Elder of Petaluma (now Santa Rosa) Dis- 
 trict. The next year he was put in charge of 1?he Ma- 
 ry's (now Colusa) District. He traveled this district 
 for three consecutive years. 
 
 In 1S73 Bishop McTyeire transferred him to the Los 
 Angeles Conference, and appointed him to New River 
 Circuit. He traveled every year until 1SS1; from that 
 to 1SS3 he sustained a supernumerary relation. This 
 year (1S84) he is on the Florence Circuit. As I have 
 already said, my acquaintance with him began in 1S75, 
 when he was Presiding- Elder of the Los Angeles Dis- 
 trict. The country then was comparatively new, the 
 compensation small, the population sparse, organization 
 imperfect, and yet at the close of his two years on the 
 district there was a manifest improvement in every de- 
 partment of the Church. I doubt if there have been 
 as many conversions in any tw r o years of the same dis- 
 trict. Some people say Mr. Clayton is slow (I have 
 
3S3 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 never found him so), that he gets to his appointments 
 behind time, and that but for this he would be a model 
 preacher. Good old Brother McGaw, who is one of 
 his devoted friends, remarked to me once, " Well, if he 
 is slow, he is sure. He always gets there, and we can't 
 say this of every preacher; and when he does get there 
 he always does you good." Mrs. Clayton — who is a gen- 
 uine itinerant, full of energy, and jealous of her hus- 
 band's good reputation — had heard this complaint of 
 slowness, and she was determined it should not be so 
 when the time came for the next quarterly-meeting. 
 So on Saturday morning she moved the clock up thirty 
 minutes. She knew her husband had been unjustly 
 charged, that he always made it a point to be on time, 
 and if the clock said eleven, nothing could keep him 
 back. It was precisely so, and that morning he could 
 not even wait for his wife, but hurried to the church, 
 which was only a few steps from his home, and had the 
 lonely pleasure of spending a full half hour in prayerful 
 waiting for his congregation. I had occasion to pass 
 the church-door about this time, and can recall now 
 most vividly the anxious look that was on that presid- 
 ing elder's face. He never went by that clock any 
 more. His wife insists that he has never since been 
 behind time. 
 
 He was one of the first who came to this coast, and 
 is rapidly becoming one of the few who remain of that 
 heroic band that planted our Church in California. 
 Men like P. O. Clayton fill the world with the light of 
 a great hope. What elements of power they wield! 
 Vy'hat reverence they win! what sanctity they diffuse! 
 Their very presence is a grace, and to have known such 
 men is itself a religion. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 383 
 
 Dr. Riddick says of J. E. Miller: 
 
 Bear Valley, where we did have a beautiful church 
 built by the indefatigable labors of the Rev. J. H. Sher- 
 rard, is about forty miles from the sea -coast. The re- 
 cent storms did much damage to the house, but Brother 
 Sherrard is already at work, and soon the necessary re- 
 pairs w T ill be completed. This valley is a large plateau 
 at an elevation of several thousand feet above the level 
 of the sea, nestling among the mountains that rise on 
 every side, and destined to be a populous and thriving 
 settlement. If the people living there possessed the 
 means and the enterprise, this would soon become one 
 of the most prosperous sections of Southern California. 
 Here lives the Rev. Joseph E. Miller, the venerable pi- 
 oneer, who preached the gospel under the auspices of 
 our Church in that country before even the Los An- 
 geles Conference had been organized. Some years ago 
 he left Los Angeles County to seek a climate more con- 
 genial to his declining health, and that climate he found 
 in the mountain-home where he now resides. He was 
 then the only Southern Methodist preacher in San Di- 
 ego County. Everybody that knows him loves Father 
 Miller, and a brief sketch of his life will be read with 
 interest by hundreds in California. 
 
 He was born in Kentucky, June 1^, 1S11, of Chris- 
 tian parents, who moved to the wilds of Arkansas when 
 he w r as but a boy. There was no preaching in that part 
 of Arkansas for several years after their arrival, but his 
 religious training was in no wise neglected by his godly 
 father and mother. At home he was taught the impor- 
 tance of dedicating: himself in early life to the service 
 of God, and at the age of fifteen joined the Methodist 
 Church as a seeker of religion. He thus continued 
 
3S4 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 until his marriage, which took place when he was about 
 twenty-one years old, and then he gave himself more 
 fully to God, and received the witness of the Spirit in 
 answer to long and earnest prayer. Immediately he 
 erected the family altar, which has been kept up to this 
 hour, after the example of his sainted parents. 
 
 He was licensed to exhort in 1834, and to preach in 
 1837. In 1838 he was ordained deacon, in 1840 elder. 
 He traveled fifteen years in connection with the Meth- 
 odist Protestant Church in South-western Missouri and 
 North-western Arkansas, during which time he was 
 twice elected President of the Annual Conference. In 
 1S54, on account of failing health, he came to Califor- 
 nia, and as a local preacher proclaimed the gospel in 
 destitute neighborhoods as opportunity offered. He so 
 continued until 1866, when he was admitted into the 
 Pacific Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South, and appointed to Snelling Circuit. His next ap- 
 pointment was the Los Angeles District, embracing 
 three counties, and he was the only Southern Method- 
 ist preacher then in that vast territory. To him we are 
 largely indebted for the planting of our Church in 
 Southern California. His next appointment was the 
 Santa Barbara District — then the Santa Clara, Los Ni- 
 etos, and Santa Ana Circuits. The last he traveled 
 three consecutive years, until, at his own request, on ac- 
 count of extreme feebleness, he was granted a super- 
 annuated relation. He was present at the organization of 
 the Los Angeles Conference in 1870, from which time 
 he has always been one of its leading and most hon- 
 ored members. During the last four years of his active 
 itinerant life there were added to the Church on the 
 circuits he traveled about four hundred names! What 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 3S5 
 
 a record for California! What a splendid commentary 
 on the power of the gospel to save even where the con- 
 ditions seem so unfavorable! What a pleasing close to 
 a long life of active and laborious service! But his suc- 
 cessful ministry did not cease when he became a super- 
 annuated preacher. For more than three years he has 
 resided in San Diego County, and there his labors have 
 been crowned with the happiest results. When he 
 settled in Bear Valley our Church was comparatively 
 unknown there — the field had been abandoned; but 
 immediately he began to preach, souls were converted, 
 and the nucleus formed for what is now called Bear 
 Valley Circuit. 
 
 Brother Miller did not enjoy the advantages of an 
 early education — not even the instruction of the Sab- 
 bath-school. He is one of the many remarkable proofs 
 of the efficiency of the itinerancy as a training-school 
 for the pulpit. He w r ould be regarded in any Confer- 
 ence as a theologian of more than ordinary ability, and 
 a most acceptable preacher. His language is chaste and 
 well chosen, his style concise and perspicuous, his ar- 
 gument well conceived, his exposition spiritual and true 
 to the text, his manner pleasing, and his application of 
 the subject in hand always good, and at times truly 
 eloquent. I shall never forget the prayer of dedica- 
 tion offered by him at the opening of Sherrard Chapel. 
 It was a glad day to him to see a beautiful house of 
 worship completed and paid for in the neighborhood 
 where, two years before, there was no preaching-place, 
 not even a school-house. He had been a true co-laborer 
 with the tireless pastor, the Rev. J. H. Sherrard, in 
 bringing about this happy consummation, and it did 
 seem as if he had immediate audience with God as he 
 
 -5 
 
3S6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 poured out from a full heart devout thanksgiving, and 
 besought the blessing of the Most High upon all the 
 services of that house. No Israelite, as he beheld the 
 flashing splendor of the ancient temple, ever felt a 
 deeper joy than did this aged man of God when he 
 knelt on that beautiful Sabbath morning to present 
 unto the Lord a house set apart exclusively to his wor- 
 ship. 
 
 There have been two camp-meetings held by Brother 
 Sherrard in the neighborhood — one in 18S2, and the 
 other in 1S83 — at each of which Brother Miller preached 
 with the fervor and power of his earlier years. I had 
 the pleasure of attending the second, held on the farm 
 of the pastor, beneath wide-spreading oaks perhaps a 
 century old, and beside the two finest springs in all that 
 country. The prayers of David Huckaby, the son-in- 
 law of Brother Miller, still linger in my memory, and 
 the voice of Sister Miller I still hear shouting the 
 praises of God as she beheld her children and grand- 
 children turning to the Lord; and the venerable form 
 of Brother Miller I still see, as in his quiet way he 
 looked on with a face serene and radiant with a light 
 such as never shone on sea or shore. I thank God that 
 I have never gotten so far as not to be moved with an 
 intense delight when I behold scenes like these. 
 
 These dear old people — the veteran preacher and his 
 wife — are quietly and happily spending the evening of 
 life on a beautiful little ranch, which they took up as 
 Government land about three years ago, and by their 
 industry have converted into a comfortable home. I 
 wish I had a drink of that delicious water from their 
 well this moment, and could spend another night be- 
 neath their hospitable roof, talking over the by-gone 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 3S7 
 
 years and antedating the blessed rest that remains for us 
 in our Father's house in heaven. — 
 
 Of A. Groves we have written elsewhere. Dr. Rid- 
 dick says of him: "Alexander Groves, now a local 
 preacher in Arizona, was one of the earliest pioneers in 
 this section. He was an eccentric man, but greatly be- 
 loved by his brethren. The history of his life in Ari- 
 zona would make a most romantic book." 
 
 Great changes have taken place in this Conference 
 since its organization. It has grown steadily in num- 
 bers and influence. The number of preachers in the 
 Conference is now 23, with a membership in the Church 
 of 1,185. There are 19 churches within the bounds of the 
 Conference, valued at $70,950. They have 12 parson- 
 ages, with an estimated value of $10,830. 
 
3SS History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 5JJHE twenty-first session was held in San Jose, Oc- 
 tober 4, 187 1, Bishop J. C. Keener presiding. 
 Bishop Keener had been on the coast but two 
 months, and yet when he met us in this Conference he 
 seemed to know as much of the preachers and of their 
 work as if he had been with us for a year. His per- 
 ceptions were keen, and he looked and inquired into 
 every thing, and seemed to forget nothing. His plans 
 and suggestions were all comprehensive and far-reach- 
 ing. While in the bounds of the Los Angeles Conference 
 he secured some of the most eligible lots in the city of 
 San Diego, foreseeing that that was to be an important 
 place in the near future. 
 
 Only two were received on trial into the Conference 
 at this session — R. F. Allen and Alfred E. Layson. 
 
 R. F. Allen is still with us. From a timid, bashful 
 youth he has steadily advanced in ministerial worth, 
 until he now ranks among our most useful members. 
 Looking carefully after his own personal piety, and then 
 guarding the Church with a jealous care, he inspires all 
 with confidence in himself and his work. Being relig- 
 iously opposed to all clap-trap performances, such as am- 
 ateur theaters, festivals, etc., with which to raise money 
 for the Church, he throws its claims squarely upon its 
 merits as a religious institution, and rarely if ever fails. 
 No man that we have ever had in our ranks stands 
 more firmly upon the grand platform of the Methodist 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 3S9 
 
 Episcopal Church, South, in its non-interference with 
 all political questions than he. While exceedingly smooth 
 and affable in his manners, yet he is uncompromising; 
 and when principle is involved, he has the courage to 
 stand alone, if need be. 
 
 A. E. Lay son was a man in the prime of life, and 
 having recently received a bountiful baptism of the 
 Holy Spirit, entered the work with every prospect of 
 usefulness, but fell during the year, dying with the glo- 
 ry of God shining all around him. 
 
 Dabney Ball had been transferred from the Baltimore 
 to the Los Angeles Conference, and on his way to his 
 new field of labor met with us at this Conference, and 
 after reviewing the work carefully, Bishop Keener 
 stopped him with us and appointed him to San Fran- 
 cisco Station. He was a man of great worth, a fine 
 preacher, full of courage and endurance. He was in 
 rather feeble health, and remained on the coast but a 
 short time. 
 
 A. F. Trousdale, a man well along in years, was re- 
 ceived at this Conference as a licentiate from the Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian Church. He remained in our 
 communion but a few years, when he returned to his 
 mother Church. 
 
 This year we lost by death a useful member — G. W. 
 Wood. 
 
 Bishop Keener introduced a new feature in connec- 
 tion with the memorial service of deceased brethren. 
 Heretofore some member of the Conference was ap- 
 pointed to preach a stated sermon in memory of the 
 dead. But when the Committee on Memoirs were ready 
 to read their report, the Bishop rose in his place, and 
 selecting the hymn — 
 
39° 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Servant of God, well done; 
 Rest from thy loved employ — 
 
 announced it, asking all the Conference to unite in sing- 
 ing it. When this service of song had mellowed and 
 melted all hearts, amid the hush of deep emotion the 
 chairman of the committee read his report. Short 
 speeches were made by a number of the brethren, and 
 then all kneeled in prayer. 
 
 T. K. Howell, the principal and agent of the Visalia 
 Seminary, in presenting his report, represented the in- 
 stitution as involved in debt, and ' the creditors on the 
 eve of a foreclosure of mortgage. At this juncture ten 
 brethren — viz., S. Brown, W. F. Compton, T. C. Bar- 
 ton, T. H. B. Anderson, L. C. Renfro, L. D. Hargis, J. 
 W. Leach, T. K. Howell, Jesse Wood, and T. D. Clan- 
 ton — came forward and paid off the mortgage, and took 
 possession of the property in their own names. But 
 notwithstanding the help afforded by these brethren, 
 the Church was never able to redeem the property, and 
 it was finally lost to us. 
 
 The public-school system in California is so complete, 
 and the resources of the school department of our State 
 government are so great, that it is a very difficult matter 
 to sustain a denominational school. It is hard to per- 
 suade men to pay for that which they can get free of 
 cost. And it will take the experience of a generation 
 to wake the Church to the importance of Church 
 schools. Education is lauded to the skies; it is looked 
 upon as the foundation-stone of our Government. But 
 the time is coming, and now is in some places, when it 
 will be seen that education in the possession of a man 
 devoid of moral principle is a two-edged sword in the 
 hands of a madman. Education only empowers a vil- 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 391 
 
 lain to be more successful in his villainy. The Church 
 can never afford to relegate the education of her chil- 
 dren to the State. There is scarcely any direction in 
 which money can be spent to more advantage, and that 
 will be more far-reaching in its influence for good and 
 the glory of God, than in building up and sustaining 
 denominational religious institutions of learning. 
 
392 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 fHE twenty-second session was held in Santa Rosa, 
 October 2, 1872, Bishop H. N. McTyeire presid- 
 ing. The hospitable people of Santa Rosa are 
 always glad to entertain a Conference of our Church. 
 The college, located in their midst, has drawn around it 
 many of our most devoted friends from all parts of the 
 State, who have gone there to educate their children in 
 our own school. Besides, this has for many years been 
 a strong point for our Church. 
 
 Bishop McTyeire had been for some months on the 
 coast, and had drawn around him the affections of 
 preachers and people. 
 
 This year there was not a single applicant for admis- 
 sion on trial into the Conference. Several names were 
 added to our roll, however, by transfer. E. E. Hoss, 
 'from the Holston Conference, had come to us in the 
 midst of the year to take charge of the Church in San 
 Francisco, D. Ball's health having failed. 
 
 W. H. Mason came to us from the Baltimore, T. L. 
 Moody from the Tennessee, John Anderson from the 
 Missouri, and W. A. Finley, D.D., from the Columbia 
 Conference. 
 
 E. E. Hoss was one of the most brilliant young men 
 we had in our Conference; besides, he had a good ex- 
 perience of conversion. He was thoroughly conse- 
 crated to God and his Church. But San Francisco had 
 tried the metal of older soldiers than he. We were 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 393 
 
 struggling against strong prejudices in that city, and, 
 above all, we were laboring to build in a part of the 
 city in which the best mind and heart of the Church 
 could never have succeeded. After three years of hard 
 labor he was called to a professorship in Pacific Meth- 
 odist College. After teaching for a time he returned to 
 the East, where he has steadily risen — first, from a pro- 
 fessorship to the presidency of one of our leading col- 
 leges, and then to a chair in Vanderbilt University. In 
 his prosperity and success none rejoice more than his 
 co-laborers in California. 
 
 W. H. Mason was an architect as well as preacher, 
 and when pastor of the Church in Stockton he drew 
 the plan and superintended the erection of our beautiful 
 house of worship in that city. Dr. O. P. Fitzgerald had 
 raised a large subscription for a church, and Brother 
 Mason completed the work of building the house. It 
 became deeply involved, and would have been finally 
 lost to us had not the Mission Board come to our rescue. 
 
 Brother Mason was never robust, and finding: his 
 health giving way, returned to his native Conference, 
 and in a few years ceased to labor and live. 
 
 John Anderson was a vigorous, energetic young man, 
 with a mighty voice. He was quite successful at sev- 
 eral, points, but in 1875 ne returned to Missouri, where 
 he is doing good work. 
 
 T. L. Moody was a good preacher, a man of fine ad- 
 dress and appearance, but the work in California was 
 so different from the home work that he pined to re- 
 turn, and did so in a short time, to the Tennessee Con- 
 ference, where he is much loved and honored as an able 
 and consecrated minister of the gospel. 
 
 W. A. Finlev had first been a member of our Confer- 
 
394 
 
 History Of Southern Methodism 
 
 ence, and after a connection of a number of years with 
 the Columbia Conference, as President of Corvallis 
 College, he returned to us. 
 
 The visit of the venerable Dr. Sargent, of the Balti- 
 more Conference, greatly enhanced the pleasures of 
 this session. He captured us at once. He was like a 
 St. John among the disciples. His familiarity with the 
 Scriptures, and with the hymns of our Church, was to 
 us a marvel and a joy. He seemed able to give expres- 
 sion to almost any thought, either in Scripture or in 
 verse. His very appearance was an inspiration. 
 
 From the organization of the Pacific Conference W. 
 R. Gober had been with us, and was recognized as a 
 leader. He had three times been called to preside over 
 the deliberations of the Conference in the absence of a 
 Bishop; had been again and again elected to the Gen- 
 eral Conference; had filled the most responsible posi- 
 tions, and served our best charges; but for reasons best 
 known to himself he this year severed his connection 
 with us. And here we would let the curtain fall, did 
 not a sense of responsibility as a faithful historian com- 
 pel us to give the last act in the scene of his connection 
 with us. This year he had been stationed in the city 
 of Sacramento. In September, some two or three 
 weeks before the session of the Pacific Conference,*the 
 California Conference of the M. E. Church met in the 
 city of San Jose. The Saturday of its session he made 
 an announcement in the Sacramento Union, a daily 
 morning paper, that he would preach his farewell ser- 
 mon in our church on Sunday morning, and in the even- 
 insr he would deliver an address in which he would 
 show that there was a necessity for but one Methodist 
 Church in California. The trustees of the church 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 395 
 
 held a meeting immediately, and, locking the door of 
 the church, called on Brother Gober and informed him 
 that he could not preach again in the church. He then 
 announced through the Bee, an evening paper, that he 
 would deliver his address in the M. E. Church, which 
 he did, and the next day went to San Jose, and, by re- 
 quest of the California Conference of the M. E. Church, 
 delivered the address there, and then formally united 
 with that Church and took an appointment at their 
 hands. 
 
 When the Pacific Conference assembled in Santa 
 Rosa in October, he repaired to that place, prepared to 
 represent his charge in Sacramento City. " When the 
 name of W. R. Gober was called, J. C. Simmons, the 
 presiding elder of the district, gave a brief history of 
 his case, in connection with the Church in Sacramento 
 during the past year, and also stated that rumor had it that 
 he had united with the M. E. Church, and had taken 
 an appointment. in the California Conference of that 
 Church, but that he had received no official notification 
 of the fact. He therefore moved that the matter be re- 
 ferred to a committee of investigation appointed by the 
 Bishop. E. K. Miller, W. F. Compton, and George 
 Sim were appointed said committee." This committee, 
 after a careful investigation, brought in the following, 
 which was adopted: 
 
 Your committee, to whom was referred the case of W. R. Go- 
 ber, beg leave to present the following report: 
 
 i. We find upon his own admission that he united with the 
 California Conference of the M. E. Church (North) on the 23d 
 of September, 1872, and received an appointment from that body. 
 
 2. We find farther, that he has not given the necessary notice 
 to his presiding elder nor to this Conference of his desire or in- 
 tention to withdraw from the M. E. Church, South. 
 
396 History Of Southern Methodism 
 
 3. While the Conference has not lost its right to prosecute to 
 the fullest extent any bill of charges framed against W. R. Gober, 
 and based upon his conduct during the year, yet the committee 
 do not recommend the Conference to assert that right. A trial, 
 or any farther prosecution of the case, we deem unnecessary, 
 nor would it in our judgment promote the end of discipline. We 
 suppose there is but one opinion as to his course. 
 
 4. We therefore recommend the case to be dismissed by order- 
 ing the name of W. R. Gober to be struck from the roll of the 
 Conference. E. K. Miller, 
 
 W. F. Compton, 
 George Sim. 
 Santa Rosa, Oct. 3, 1872. 
 
 No one questioned the right of Brother Gober to 
 change his Church relations. But when he, without 
 consultation with, or permission of, the official mem- 
 bers of his charge, deliberately planned to attack the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and question its 
 right to an ecclesiastical existence in California, in one 
 of our own pulpits, all felt that he had overstepped the 
 bounds of propriety, and that the least we could do 
 was to strike his name from the roll of the Conference. 
 But while we did this, it was not our purpose to forget 
 the many noble acts he had done, and the heroic suf- 
 fering he had endured in building up the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, South, on this coast. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 397 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 pHE twenty-third session was held in Colusa, Oc- 
 tober 8, 1873, Bishop D. S. Doggett presiding. 
 This was the first time our Conference was ever 
 held in the town of Colusa, and right royally did the 
 good people entertain it. This was the first visit of the 
 scholarly Bishop Doggett. He had been with us for 
 some weeks before the session of the Conference, 
 preaching at camp-meeting, and in town and country, 
 and everywhere charming the people with his elo- 
 quence and fervor. Nowhere in the land is good 
 preaching more appreciated than in California. Cali- 
 fornians, as a rule, take no man on his past record. If 
 it be said he is a grand orator, an eloquent speaker, a 
 magnificent preacher — that he has enraptured thou- 
 sands by his masterly efforts — Californians, instead of 
 taking it all for granted, fold their arms, and throwing 
 themselves back, look up, as much as to say, " Now, 
 let us see you do it." And just to the point to which 
 he rises will they rate him, and no more. And yet no 
 people are more ready to estimate a man for his full 
 worth than these same Californians. 
 
 C. C. Snell, recommended from the Plainsburg Cir- 
 cuit, and T. R. Burkett, from the Woodbridge Circuit, 
 were received on trial. 
 
 C. C. Snell continued in the work till 1877, and hav- 
 ing never been received into full connection, was dis- 
 continued, at his own request. 
 
39S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 T. R. Burkett was a young man of more than usual 
 promise, but from some cause he discontinued at the 
 close of the first year. 
 
 Eli H. Robertson, of the Kansas Conference of the 
 M. E. Church, made application for admission at this 
 Conference, and was received as an elder. He is a 
 good man, faithful to his work, and in full sympathy 
 with us as a Church. 
 
 Richard Pratt was transferred to us from the North 
 Mississippi Conference; J. M. Lovell, from the Colum- 
 bia Conference; and G. W. Fleming, from the Texas 
 Conference. 
 
 Soon after the war some of the Wesleyan Methodists 
 of England had their attention turned to the South. 
 They knew nothing of the Southern Methodist Church, 
 save as they had received intelligence through North- 
 ern channels. They sent out a man to examine and 
 spy out the land for himself, and to report. This report 
 was so favorable that quite a number of preachers 
 came out and entered the work in the North Missis- 
 sippi Conference. Among them was R. Pratt. After re- 
 maining for a time in Mississippi, he concluded to come 
 to California, and was regularly transferred to the Pa- 
 cific Conference. After laboring with us for a few 
 years he removed south, and joined the Los Angeles 
 Conference, where he is still at work. 
 
 J. M. Lovell had formerly been a member of the Pa- 
 cific Conference, and, after laboring for a few years in 
 Oregon as a member of the Columbia Conference, he 
 returned to California. 
 
 G. W. Fleming was a young man of energy, and 
 some little experience in the itinerancy. He continued 
 to labor with us for a few vears, and then located He, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 399 
 
 as a local preacher, is a zealous worker and an ardent 
 lover of the Methodist Church, South. 
 
 This had been a hard year on our paper, the Pacific 
 Methodist, and it was reported some $1,400 in debt. 
 An effort was made on the Conference-floor, and the 
 sum of $1,180 was raised. W. M. Winters was also 
 appointed to act as agent for the paper in raising an en- 
 dowment of $10,000 for it. He entered earnestly upon 
 his work, and in a few months had secured endow- 
 ment notes, to be paid in annual installments for ten 
 years, for $8,350, when his health failed to such an ex- 
 tent as to force him to desist. This endowment proved 
 a great blessing to the paper as long as it lasted. 
 
400 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 'HE twenty-fourth session was held in Stockton, 
 October 7, 1874, Bishop G. F. Pierce presiding. 
 The Rev. J. B. McFerrin, D.D., the Secretary of 
 the Mission Board, came with Bishop Pierce. Many 
 of us had never seen him before, and his visit was both 
 pleasant and profitable. He was perfectly at home 
 with us, and gave us much good counsel and advice. 
 He made frequent talks during the session of the Con- 
 ference, and was always listened to with the greatest 
 reverence. 
 
 The preachers received on trial at this session were: 
 William O. Askins, Timothy S. Paul, John S.Clark, 
 and Milton McWhorter. 
 
 W. O. Askins traveled two years, and then discon- 
 tinued. Subsequently he joined the M. E. Church, and 
 is laboring with them still. 
 
 T. S. Paul, after laboring with the Pacific Confer- 
 ence for a few years, went to Oregon, and is now con- 
 nected with the Columbia Conference. 
 
 J. S. Clark, after working in the bounds of our Con- 
 ference till 1879, transferred to the Los Angeles Con- 
 ference, where he still labors. 
 
 M. McWhorter remained several years in the itiner- 
 ancy, and then located. 
 
 C. C. Chamberlin was transferred to us from the 
 Mississippi Conference. He was born in Natchez, 
 Mississippi, September 23, 1839; was converted while 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 401 
 
 in college in 1858. Two years later he was licensed 
 to preach. He came to California on account of his 
 health. Although he was delicate, and never well, yet 
 somehow he was ever able to do full work. He was 
 a lovable man. Genial in his disposition, he won and 
 held the hearts of his brethren. He was sent first to 
 Sacramento; remained there two years, when he ac- 
 cepted a call to a chair in Pacific Methodist College. 
 After remaining there a year he was sent to San Fran- 
 cisco. His success at this point was very marked. He 
 added quite a number to the Church, and brought up 
 the finances in a most remarkable manner. He filled 
 other important charges in the Conference. His preach- 
 ing always abounded in original thought and striking 
 illustrations. He was ever on the lookout for some- 
 thing with which to enforce religious thought. He 
 found his illustrations wherever he went. 
 
 Sometime during this year W. J. Mahon was trans- 
 ferred by Bishop Pierce, and stationed in San Francis- 
 co. He came to us from the Memphis Conference. 
 He is a man of strong mind and will, and perfectly 
 fearless when acting under what he esteems to be duty. 
 He grasps with great power the fundamental doctrines 
 of Methodism, and stands ready to defend and preach 
 them on all occasions. 
 
 When he took charge of the Church in San Fran- 
 cisco we were worshiping in the little church on Min- 
 na Street. During the year he found that the Baptists, 
 who had a large church on Russ Street, were forced 
 to sell their property at a sacrifice. With the aid of 
 the Mission Board he purchased that property, having 
 disposed of the Minna Street church to the Campbell- 
 ite Christians. But a new and large building did not 
 26 
 
402 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 bring an increase in congregations. This church was 
 no improvement in location on the former, and it was 
 not until this portion of the city was abandoned, and 
 the Church moved to its present location, that any de- 
 gree of success marked our labors in San Francisco. 
 For a number of years Brother Mahon has been Presid- 
 ing Elder — first of the Visalia, then of the Santa Rosa 
 District. On both these districts he has left his mark. 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 
 
 4°3 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 ^HE twenty-fifth session was again held in San 
 Jose, October 13, 1875, Bishop H. H. Kavanaugh 
 
 |M presiding. This session was remarkable in view 
 of the large number of transfers that came to us, the 
 Memphis Conference alone furnishing six: R. H. Ma- 
 hon, T L. Duke, R. A. Sawrie, H. B. Avery, W. D. 
 Senter, and T. A. Atkinson. The South-west Missouri 
 gave us two — C. P. Jones and C. C. Wright; the 
 North Georgia one — A. Odom; and the Western one — 
 J. C. Hyden. We had room for all. We have never 
 been jealous of transfers. In fact, we have never had 
 as many as we wanted. The nature of our work is 
 such that we have ever had more territory inviting our 
 labors than we were able to occupy. These brethren, 
 who had been doing faithful service in the Master's 
 vineyard, and who came to us with the full indorse- 
 ment of our sister Conferences, were taken at once to 
 our hearts. 
 
 Nothing exhibits the unity of our Church more than 
 this movement of our preachers. We are one in aim 
 and labor. Every living stone added to the walls of 
 our Zion adds to the glory, security, and defense of all. 
 Every traveling preacher has to undergo his annual 
 examination, and has to answer to the question, "Are 
 all the preachers blameless in their life and official ad- 
 ministration?" The preacher never gets too old not to 
 undergo this searching ordeal; and wily must he indeed 
 
404 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 be who can long escape detection, if his heart be not 
 right with the Lord and the Church. A man's name 
 printed in the Minutes of an Annual Conference is 
 his indorsement. Not only so, but it is an evidence 
 that he is in sympathy with the whole Church. 
 
 There were admitted on trial at this session, Perry- 
 man F. Page, William P. Andrews, and Tilford A. 
 Miller. These were all promising young men. 
 
 R. H. Mahon, the son of W. J. Mahon, was a prom- 
 inent and scholarly man. He was placed in charge of 
 San Francisco — the station that had tried so many 
 men's souls. For reasons that were satisfactory to him- 
 self and to his brethren he returned to his native Con- 
 ference. 
 
 T. L. Duke is a man of sterling worth, and has done 
 us good service. He is a clear, logical preacher. His 
 subjects are always well arranged, and so presented as 
 to leave a lasting impression upon his hearers. 
 
 He has had a sad experience amongst us, having had 
 the misfortune to bury two wives, besides having sore 
 affliction in his family — one of his children being hope- 
 lessly ill — and yet he has done full work. Taking 
 whatever charge is committed to his hands, he goes 
 forth, labors the allotted time, and comes in at Con- 
 ference with his report, and has ever received the 
 plaudit, " Well done, good and faithful servant." 
 
 R. A. Sawrie was born in Maury County, Tennes- 
 see, January 15, 1840. His parents were both members 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and al- 
 though his father died while he was quite young, yet 
 the golden truths he taught by precept and example 
 served as beacon lights to his boy, and these, followed 
 by his pious mother's prayers and teachings, led him 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 40^ 
 
 early to Christ. When nineteen years old he felt it his 
 duty to preach the gospel, but alas! he refused for 
 twelve long years. But at last he yielded to the call 
 of God, and gave himself to the work. He was li- 
 censed to preach in August, 1871, and was received on 
 trial into the Memphis Conference the same year. He 
 filled three appointments in the Memphis Conference, 
 and was then transferred to the Pacific Conference, 
 where he has been laboring acceptably and profitably 
 ever since. 
 
 H. B. Avery was born in Gibson (now Crockett) 
 County, Tennessee, June 24, 1839. His parents were 
 both religious, and proved the power of God to keep 
 them through a long life. His father was a local 
 preacher for thirty-six years. His mother lived beyond 
 the allotted time of three-score years and ten. He was 
 converted in 1858, and was soon put to work as a class- 
 leader and steward. In 1S60 he was licensed to preach, 
 and joined the Memphis Conference, where he labored 
 till transferred to the Pacific Conference. 
 
 He was an earnest, good man, and a faithful worker. 
 As presiding elder, he looked well to all parts of his 
 district, and brought up a good report at each Confer- 
 ence. He was in feeble health when he came to the 
 coast. Consumption had already begun its deadly 
 work. Bravely he stood up against it — traveling, 
 preaching, and working for the Saviour when all his 
 physical man cried out against it. Realizing at last 
 that he was growing no better, but rather worse, he 
 turned his eye to Florida, and after five years of faith- 
 ful, useful work in the Pacific Conference, transferred 
 to the Florida Conference, where he ended his days in 
 peace and holy triumph. 
 
406 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 A line of his personal testimony, given before he left 
 our Conference, will do more to photograph the man 
 than any thing we can say: "1 often think if I could 
 pass through life again, with my present experience, I 
 could improve it in very many instances. But I could 
 not repeat the journey if I would, nor would I if I 
 could. If I have done any good hi the world I am 
 thankful to God. If I am saved in heaven at last 
 (and I expect to be), I shall be a sinner saved by 
 grace." 
 
 W. D. Senter was also in feeble health when he 
 came to the Pacific Conference. He had been a local 
 preacher in our Church for nineteen years. He grad- 
 uated in medicine in 1865. When called to see the sick 
 he often ministered to both soul and body. Soon after 
 joining the Memphis Conference he was transferred to 
 the Pacific Conference. He was sent first to the Prince- 
 ton Circuit, where he labored in great feebleness of 
 body, and at the ensuing session of the Conference he 
 was granted a superannuated relation, and that year he 
 died in great peace at the residence of W. O. Rucker, 
 of Merced. 
 
 T. A. Atkinson was born December 2, 1849, in Fay- 
 ette County, Tennessee. He was converted in 1S67. 
 Two years after he was appointed class-leader and su- 
 perintendent of a Sunday-school. In 1S71, while at 
 college, he was licensed to preach, and the following 
 vear he was received on trial into the Memphis Con- 
 ference. During the year 1S74 he was transferred to 
 the Pacific Conference, and stationed in Visalia. Since 
 then he has proved himself one of our most efficient, 
 laborious young men. He has filled some of our best 
 stations, ever aspiring to usefulness. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 407 
 
 C. P. Jones was a man well advanced in life, and had 
 had experience in the work of the ministry. He re- 
 mained with us for a few years, and changed his Church 
 relations — uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 He is still a member of the California Conference of 
 that Church. 
 
 C. C. Wright was a man fond of books and reading. 
 He labored for a number of years, when his health de- 
 clined, and he returned to his native State, where he 
 recovered, in a measure at least, his health. He now 
 belongs to the Los Angeles Conference. 
 
 A. Odom was born in Forsythe County, Georgia, 
 May 4, 1S41. He was born of pious parents. He says 
 his educational advantages were not good — the com- 
 mon-school system in his day not being nearly perfect. 
 The first school-house he attended would be considered 
 a novelty now — being built of round logs, dirt floor, 
 door without a shutter, and if there was a window, it 
 was made by leaving out one of the logs. The benches 
 were made of pine slabs, with wooden pins for legs, 
 and they so long that no small boy could expect to 
 touch his feet to the floor from early morn to hungry 
 noon. Thus "scrunched up," a curved spine was the 
 least evil to follow — as may be seen upon him or any 
 one who had the constitution to endure and live. With 
 such disadvantages as these he entered the school-room 
 in his fifth year, and left it in his tenth year, being pro- 
 moted to the corn-field. After this he was in school 
 two weeks at one time and four weeks at another. 
 "The course of study" consisted of Webster's Speller 
 and Definer, having cultivated the art of penmanship 
 and unraveled the science of mathematics at home dur- 
 ing spare moments " mornings." The last four months 
 
40S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 in school he took a more advanced course — viz., Smith's 
 Grammar to page forty, and Davies's Arithmetic, and 
 lessons in penmanship. Aside from these, his farther 
 attainments are to be attributed to personal application, 
 observation, and experience. 
 
 He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 
 in his twelfth year; was converted in his seventeenth 
 year, and was licensed to exhort in his nineteenth year; 
 was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Finley, October i, 
 1861, and in the following March was transferred from 
 the corn-field to the battle-field; served two and one- 
 third years in the Confederate army as a private soldier 
 — first under General Bragg; then under General Pem- 
 berton, at Vicksburg; then under General Joseph E. 
 Johnston, in Georgia. His license having expired 
 while in the war, he was licensed again to exhort in 
 1865; was licensed to preach in 1S67. In 1S79 he la- 
 bored as a supply on the Stilesboro Mission, under W. 
 P. Harrison, presiding elder. This mission embraced 
 four counties, making a circuit of one hundred and 
 fifty-four miles, which he traveled,' not as a circuit- 
 1'ider, but as a c i re uit-u'tf /&?/'/ During the year he 
 held four protracted - meetings, at which there were 
 over twenty accessions to the Church. The next year 
 he was promoted, to his surprise, to the Rome Circuit. 
 Success attended his earnest labors here, and 217 mem- 
 bers were added to the Church through his instrumen- 
 tality. He was transferred to the Pacific Conference 
 by Bishop Pierce, and put in charge of Fresno Circuit. 
 He had the honor of being the first Methodist that 
 ever preached in Fresno. Upon organizing in Fresno, 
 nineteen united with the Church. 
 
 He is a zealous worker — looks to, and labors for, the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 409 
 
 salvation of souls, and is never disappointed. There 
 has never been a year of his ministry in which there 
 have not been additions to the Church. 
 
 In the history of this good man we see what God 
 can do with one that is willing to labor with an eye 
 single to his glory. With but limited educational ad- 
 vantages, his early life clouded with the sad experiences 
 of a cruel and bloody war, beginning his ministerial 
 life under the most disadvantageous circumstances, 
 serving a people financially prostrate, and yet with a 
 firm faith in God and the training: and advantages of 
 the itinerancy, he has proved himself worthy of his 
 high calling, and written his name among those who 
 " turn many to righteousness," and of whom it is said, 
 "They shall shine as the stars forever and ever." 
 
 J. C. Hyden was born in Roane County, Tennessee, 
 March 14, 1827. His venerable parents were of Vir- 
 ginia birth and education — Methodists of the McKen- 
 dree order. He joined the Church, April 14, 1844; 
 but did not profess religion till August following. He 
 was licensed to preach, September 27, 1849. ^ n Octo- 
 ber of that year he was received on trial into the Hol- 
 ston Conference. He traveled twenty-one years in that 
 Conference, when he was transferred to the Western 
 Conference, and stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas. 
 He was presiding elder two years, and then transferred 
 to the Pacific Conference. Since his admission into 
 the itinerant ranks he has never failed to answer roll- 
 call, and seems good for many more years of service in 
 the ministry. 
 
 P. F. Page was converted in California. He is a Ca- 
 nadian, and when converted knew nothing of Meth- 
 odism, or, in fact, any thing with reference to any of 
 
410 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 the denominations. It is said when he was ready to 
 join the Church he delayed, because he thought he did 
 not have money enough to pay his initiation fee. But 
 some brother, like Aquila, took him and expounded the 
 way of God more perfectly unto him. He soon felt a 
 call to preach, was licensed, and has made us a most 
 useful preacher. 
 
 How wonderfully apostolic is Methodism! While it 
 can use the mightiest minds, and men of the greatest 
 learning — men that have been brought up at the feet of 
 our modern Gamaliels — yet she can utilize the talents 
 and experience of all who have found Christ in believ- 
 ing. When one has truly been enlightened and tasted 
 of the heavenly gift, and been made partaker of the 
 Holy Ghost, and has tasted of the good word of God 
 and the powers of the world to come, he is ready to 
 point others the way to the cross and the blessed fount- 
 ain at which he has drunk. 
 
 Brother Page was a printer by profession, and though 
 not learned in theology, was possessed of a fund of in- 
 formation much of which could be turned to account in 
 the work of God. 
 
 W. P. Andrews is a Mississippian. He began his 
 work as a preacher in California, and after preaching 
 here a few years returned to his native State, married, 
 preached a few years there, and came back to the 
 Pacific Conference. 
 
 T. A. Miller was a young man of delicate mold. 
 
 From infancy he had been feeble. His history during 
 
 his minority was somewhat remarkable. He was made 
 
 Sunday-school superintendent when but eleven years 
 
 of asre; was received into full connection in the Mettl- 
 es ' 
 
 odist Episcopal Church, South, in his sixteenth year. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 411 
 
 At the age of seventeen he was licensed to exhort, and 
 at nineteen to preach. When he was twenty- four he 
 was received into the Conference on trial, and for three 
 or four years he labored in feebleness of body, and then 
 was forced to locate. 
 
4.13 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 ! HE twenty-sixth session was held in San Fran- 
 cisco, October n, 1S76, Bishop E. M. Marvin 
 presiding. The Bishop was on his way to visit 
 the Mission in China. One of our most saintly Super- 
 intendents, this visit was looked to with the deepest in- 
 terest by him and the whole Church; and we felt it a 
 peculiar privilege that ours was to be the last Confer- 
 ence he was to preside over before starting to visit this 
 distant Mission, and then to complete the circuit round 
 the world, touching in his trip the Holy Land, the home 
 of the incarnate Saviour. A hallowed influence seemed 
 to pervade all his work, and he impressed all who came 
 in contact with him that he felt and enjoyed the pres- 
 ence of God in a high degree. 
 
 J. O. Branch, who had been transferred from the 
 South Georgia Conference during the year, and sta- 
 tioned in Santa Rosa, met with us for the first time. 
 We also received A. L. Hunsaker, transferred from 
 the Memphis Conference; also Philip Tuggle, from the 
 Los Angeles Conference; and M. C. Field, from the 
 Texas Conference. 
 
 T. D. Lewis, George H. Newton, and Samuel A. 
 Whipple were admitted on trial. 
 
 James O. Branch was one cf Georgia's best preach- 
 ers. He was a clear thinker and forcible speaker. 
 Every sermon he preached gave evidence of careful 
 study and prayerful arrangement. He brought none 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 413 
 
 but " beaten oil •' into the sanctuary. He remained 
 with us but two years, when, on account of his health, 
 he returned by transfer to the South Georgia Confer- 
 ence. 
 
 A. L. Hunsaker was born in McCracken County, 
 Kentucky, July 31, 183.1. At the age of twenty-two 
 he was powerfully convicted, and happily converted to 
 God. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South, in 1854, and August 19 of the same year he was 
 licensed to preach, and received on trial in the Memphis 
 Conference that fall. For twenty-one years he labored 
 in that Conference, and then transferred to the Pacific 
 Conference. He has been somewhat hindered in his 
 work on this coast on account of family affliction. He 
 is a man of great resources, and succeeds well in any 
 work given him. To him the work of the ministry is 
 a labor of love. 
 
 Philip Tuggle was a preacher well advanced in years. 
 He had been but a short time in the Los Angeles Con- 
 ference. He was placed on the supernumerary list. 
 He has never been regarded as effective, and yet he has 
 supplied several charges. He made his presence and 
 influence for good felt in San Francisco, where he died 
 in 18S6 in great peace. 
 
 M. C. Field is a young man. A part of the time 
 since his connection with the Conference he has been 
 in the local ranks. He is fully in the work no, v. 
 
 T. D. Lewis came to us from the M. E. Church, re- 
 mained but a short time, and returned to the East. 
 
 G. H. Newton, while well advanced in years, is able 
 to do good and efficient work. He has had great suc- 
 cess since he has been in the Conference. He looks 
 well to all the interests of the Church. He is a clear 
 
414 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 thinker and fearless advocate of the truth. A man of 
 strong convictions when he makes up his mind, he 
 does not often alter it. 
 
 S. A. Whipple remained with us but a little while, 
 and returned to his native State, Texas. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 41^ 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 ^HE twenty - seventh session was held in Santa 
 Rosa, October 10, 1S77, Bishop H. N. McTyeire 
 presiding. We were favored with the presence 
 of Dr. W. R. Lambuth, our young missionary to China. 
 His father was at one time Superintendent of our Mis- 
 sion in that land. His son, following in his footsteps, 
 bids fair to be even more useful than his father, being a 
 physician as well as preacher. He will often have a 
 way of access opened up to him through the afflictions 
 and diseases of the people. His talk before the Con- 
 ference concerning his work in China, and what he 
 had witnessed in that land of superstition, was deeply 
 interesting, and had the effect to stir the missionary 
 zeal of the members of the body. 
 
 We had but a single applicant for admission at this 
 session — A. L. Paul. He has made us a useful preach- 
 er. He was born in Dubuque County, Iowa; con- 
 verted at sixteen; but when, three years afterward, he 
 felt a call to the ministry, and he refused to obey, he 
 lost his comfort and drifted into sin. Coming to Cali- 
 fornia in 1S76, under the faithful labors of J. H. Xeal 
 he was induced to yield to his convictions of duty. He 
 joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was 
 licensed to preach in February, 1S77. He is still with 
 us, abounding in good works. 
 
 G. W. Humphries came to us from the Free Methodist 
 Church. He was of English birth; came to America in 
 
4i 6 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 i 85 i, and was converted in the State of New York, and 
 joined the M. E. Church. He was ordained both dea- 
 con and elder in that Church. It is not known when, 
 where, or why he joined the Free Methodists. He 
 came to California, October 13, 1873; joined our Church 
 of choice, and worked with great zeal for its advance- 
 ment. He was very earnest, and sometimes abrupt, in 
 his manner. He was one of the best of men; and very 
 many souls were converted under his ministry. 
 
 The physical afflictions that produced his death were 
 peculiar. He suffered from a stricture, or closing of 
 the esophagus, or swallow. For weeks he could not 
 swallow even a drop of water, and he perished of hun- 
 ger, with provisions all round him. He said to the 
 writer, who visited him in his last sickness, "O Broth- 
 er Simmons, I want you to pray for one thing — that the 
 Lord will not let me die of starvation." But though 
 his body was refused its necessary food, his soul was 
 replenished from day to day.. He said, " The prospect 
 before me is glorious; every thing is bright; I am hap- 
 py as a king." His last message to his fellow-laborers 
 was, "Tell my brethren of the Pacific Conference that 
 the great salvation makes me happy. I have no mere 
 emotional sentiment, but the real salvation." On No- 
 vember 2, 18S2, the Master called for his servant. Rais- 
 ing his hand at the call, he shouted, "Glory! glory!" 
 and then whispering, "Jesus!" fell asleep to wait the 
 resurrection trump. 
 
 The year of which this Conference formed the close 
 had been a most successful and prosperous one. Over 
 700 souls had been added to the Church, and the ma- 
 terial interests were greatly advanced. 
 
 C. P. Jones, D.D., who came to us by transfer in 1875, 
 
Ox the Pacific Qpast. 417 
 
 left us and united with the M. E. Church, and took 
 work in the California Conference. 
 
 The delegates elected to the General Conference this 
 year were — J. C. Simmons and O. P. Fitzgerald, cler- 
 ical, and C. P. Berry and Wick B. Parsons, laymen. 
 
 27 
 
41S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 wmYLE twenty -eighth session was held in St. Paul 
 W Church, San Francisco, October 16, 1878, Bishop 
 kf W. M. Wightman presiding. For many years 
 E. K. Miller had been the Secretary of the Conference, 
 always prompt and accurate, his records passing un- 
 challenged under the eagle eyes of the General Confer- 
 ence Committee. This year he was absent, having re- 
 turned to his native Conference in Missouri. The fol- 
 lowing resolutions were unanimously adopted by the 
 Conference: 
 
 Whereas, the Rev. E. K. Miller, for fourteen years an able and 
 efficient member of this Conference, has been transferred from 
 us to the Missouri Conference; therefore be it 
 
 Resolved, 1. That in his departure from us this Conference 
 loses one of its strongest members, the Church a faithful pastor, 
 and the State an estimable citizen. 
 
 2. That we will most cordially welcome him back whenever, 
 in the providence of God, he shall so purpose to return. 
 
 Three were admitted on trial into the Conference at 
 this session — A. R. Reams, recommended by the Sa- 
 linas Circuit; H. M. McKnight and J. T Howard, rec- 
 ommended from the Princeton Circuit. 
 
 A. R. Reams was a graduate of Vanderbilt Univer- 
 sity, and came to devote his life to the cause of Christ 
 on this coast. He has a fine analytical mind, and is de- 
 veloping considerable talent as a polemic. He has 
 written a treatise on the Christian Sabbath in answer 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 419 
 
 to the views held by the Sabbatarians, who have a 
 following in many parts of California, which is a very 
 creditable work. 
 
 A preacher in California has to be prepared to meet 
 error of all sorts. And while, as a general rule, the 
 simple preaching of the gospel is the best reply to all 
 errors of faith or practice, yet a preacher should ever 
 be fortified with the best arguments on all subjects like- 
 ly to come under his hand as a pastor. 
 
 In some parts of our State the Seventh-day Advent- 
 ists have, by their zeal and persistence, taken from our 
 Communion some of our best members. Their wild, 
 conflicting theories and vagaries, the frequent and utter 
 failure of their predictions as to the second coming of 
 Christ, will not stop their teachings or prevent a follow- 
 ing on the part of some. They have one of the largest 
 of their publishing houses in Oakland to be found in the 
 United States, and they are pushing their papers, books, 
 and tracts upon the attention of the reading people with 
 a persistence that can but be productive of fruit. 
 
 These troublers of Israel laid siege to the community 
 in which A. R. Reams was laboring. He met them in 
 debate, and the sharp conflict through which he passed 
 brought forth the treatise referred to. 
 
 Brother Reams was born in Nashville, Tennessee, 
 December 31, 1859. 
 
 H. M. McKnight was also born in Tennessee, but to 
 all intents and purposes he is a Missourian, his parents 
 moving to that State in his infancy. Trained in his in- 
 fancy by pious parents to love and serve God, he has 
 the highest respect and love for the good, and es- 
 pecially for those engaged in the Christian ministry. 
 When converted there came over him that strange feel- 
 
420 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ing so unexpected yet so familiar to many who have 
 experienced a call to the Christian ministry. In his own 
 language: "A feeling of loneliness, responsibility with- 
 out ability to meet it, developed itself distinctly into a 
 duty to preach the peace to others. But how could I? 
 For long years I pined in sadness, and almost to spirit- 
 ual ruin. I might have been seen wandering, day or 
 night, with book in hand, to the solitude of the silent 
 grove, or reclining upon one favorite clefted rock. At 
 last I surrendered, and was made joyful again." 
 
 How frequently have we, in studying the experience 
 of the men who figure in these pages, found them fight- 
 ing against, or flying from, a call to preach the gos- 
 pel! The callings of God are without repentance. The 
 command once issued is never recalled until probation 
 ends, and a man's peace, if not his salvation, depends 
 upon obedience. He may stifle his impressions by the 
 roar and clatter of secular business, but always, when 
 his thoughts turn to God, he feels the impression, and 
 hears the still small voice whispering of duty — a duty 
 the demands of which can only be satisfied by obedi- 
 ence. No other service can be substituted for it; no 
 gifts can buy off the King. 
 
 After traveling a few years, Brother McKnight, be- 
 ing young, felt that a course of theological study at the 
 Vanderbilt would not be wasted, and so he went to that 
 institution and graduated in that department. On his 
 return he was connected with Pacific Methodist Col- 
 lege as teacher in the primary department, but in 1SS5 
 he again took his place in the regular itinerant ranks. 
 
 J. T. Howard was from Canada. His father was a 
 traveling preacher in the M. E. Church in Canada. 
 
 Here was another instance of an effort to flv the call 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 421 
 
 of God to preach. He was converted at fourteen, and 
 realized it to be his indispensable duty to preach when 
 he was nineteen. He was not obedient to the heavenly 
 calling; strove to rid his mind of such impressions; 
 plunged into business, and, of course, under the neg- 
 lect of duty, necessarily lost that peace of mind he once 
 enjoyed. He fled to California; sought for gold; found 
 it — lost it. Misfortune came. It was sanctified to his 
 good. Yielding at last to duty, he had his lost peace 
 restored, and for several years was useful in the Con- 
 ference. Difficulties surrounded him, and he retired 
 from the ministry, but he is not happy. 
 
 J. S. Hutton is not afraid of work, or of hard appoint- 
 ments. For three years he traveled the Tres Pinos Cir- 
 cuit, which involves as much of hard mountain travel 
 as any other in the Conference. Each year he brought 
 up a good report of his work. 
 
 W. M. Prottsman remained with us but a short time, 
 when he returned to his native Conference, where he 
 is doing good work. 
 
 C. Y. Rankin was born in Wilson County, Tennes- 
 see, August 25, 1848. His was a religious family, a 
 spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion being character- 
 istic of the children, two of his sisters — Misses Lochie 
 and Dora Rankin — being found among that devoted 
 band of women-workers in China. Just after the Civil 
 War his father moved to Milan, Tennessee, where, at 
 the age of sixteen, he went to work to earn money to 
 finish his education, having been interrupted by the 
 war. He worked at the carpenter's trade. In the fall 
 of 1870 he entered Milan College, desirous of fitting 
 himself for the Christian ministry, for which he felt 
 called of God. He took the degree of A.B. in this 
 
422 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 school, and afterward entered the Southern University, 
 Greensboro, Alabama, from which institution he grad- 
 uated in July, 1873, having taken, in addition to the reg- 
 ular A.B. course, about two-thirds of the A.M. course, 
 as prescribed by this university. In the meantime he 
 had been licensed to preach. He first entered the 
 Memphis Conference, in November, 1873. He labored 
 in this Conference till 1877, when he was transferred 
 to the Pacific Conference, and stationed in Sacramento 
 City. At a very early age, when a mere child, he felt 
 impressed with a call to preach, and grew up with 
 that impression. 
 
 He has been stationed in Santa Rosa, taught for a 
 time in Pacific Methodist College, and is now in his 
 third year as presiding elder. He is extremely consci- 
 entious. Duty, duty to God, stands ever between him 
 and every thing else. 
 
 M. B. Sharbrough came to us from the Mississippi 
 Conference, having just been admitted into full connec- 
 tion in that Conference. He belonged to the family of 
 Levi, his father — F. W. Sharbrough — being an honored 
 member of the Mississippi Conference. He was con- 
 verted before he was quite ten, and while he had a sea- 
 son of coldness on account of neglect of duty and some 
 sinful practices, yet he ever intended to be a Christian. 
 When he w T as about sixteen years old he reconsecrated 
 himself to God, and his peace was restored. From 
 childhood he felt an impression to preach. This im- 
 pression grew in intensity as he grew in years. At the 
 age of twenty he gave his full consent to be a preacher, 
 and began adjusting himself to his life-work. He at- 
 tended Centenary College, Jackson, Louisiana. For 
 nearly two years he remained at this school. While 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 423 
 
 there he was licensed to preach, April 26, 1S75, and in 
 the following December he was admitted on trial into 
 the Conference. After two years' work in Mississippi 
 he transferred to the Pacific Conference, where he ex- 
 pects to end his days. He is an earnest, faithful preach- 
 er, doing good service. 
 
 L. C. Renfro, who had served as Assistant Secretary, 
 was now elected Secretary of the Conference, and to 
 the present has made us as faithful, painstaking, and cor- 
 rect a Secretary as did Brother Miller. 
 
 The Committee on the State of the. Work gave a 
 most encouraging report, and after reviewing the entire 
 field, say in regard to the material advancement of the 
 Church: "During the year our people have not been 
 indifferent to the acquisition of Church-property. At 
 Willow two lots have been secured, and a comfortable 
 church has been erected by Brother McWhorter. At 
 Arbuckle, on the line of the Northern Railway, J. S. 
 Clarke is building a church which, when finished, will 
 be an ornament to the town and a blessing to the com- 
 munity. Trinity church, at Colusa, will be finished and 
 furnished within the next two months. A church, 
 comfortable and commodious, has been erected at Le- 
 moore; a parsonage at Mountain View, and one at Oc- 
 cident." 
 
424 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 fHE twenty-ninth Conference met at Sacramento, 
 October 8, 1879, Bishop J. C. Keener presiding. 
 Four young men were received on trial at this 
 Conference — J. M. Brown, W. H. Cooper, J. F. Rob- 
 erts, and H. Neate. We received by transfer W. H. 
 Richardson, H. A. M. Henderson, and F. M. Feather- 
 stun. 
 
 J. M. Brown was recommended by the Salinas Cir- 
 cuit. He had been working as a supply for a year or 
 two. He is a young man of strong constitution, ready 
 to go anywhere the authorities may see proper to send 
 him. 
 
 W. H. Cooper has done good work so far, and is des- 
 tined to make a very useful member of the Conference. 
 
 J. F. Roberts had preached some years before admis- 
 sion into the Conference. He is something of a writer, 
 is quiet and unobtrusive, but is none the less worthy 
 for that. 
 
 H. Neate is an Englishman, and is making us a use- 
 ful man. 
 
 W. H. Richardson transferred from the South Caro- 
 lina Conference. He had been sent out and put in 
 charge of Stockton Station, but after a few months' 
 trial returned by transfer to his native Conference. 
 
 H. A. M. Henderson came from the Kentucky Con- 
 ference. He was put in charge of the San Francisco 
 Station, but after a little over a year's trial went back, 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 425 
 
 lodged in Missouri for awhile, and then went North 
 and joined the M. E. Church. 
 
 F. M. Featherstun came from the Mississippi Confer- 
 ence; remained with us until 1884, doing good work, 
 and returned to Mississippi, where he is highly es- 
 teemed. 
 
426 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 HE thirtieth session was held in San Jose, Octo- 
 ber 27, 1880, Bishop H. H. Kavanaugh presiding. 
 
 |S Bishop D. S. Doggett had been assigned to our 
 Conference, but ere it met he had been called to his re- 
 ward on high. But our faithful friend, who was ever 
 readv to visit our shores, came in his stead, and at the 
 appointed hour opened the Conference by reading the 
 Scriptures, singing, and prayer. His remarks on the 
 death of his honored colleague as the cause of his com- 
 ing were very touching. Arrangements had been made 
 to beofin the session with the administration of the sac- 
 rament of the Lord's Supper. Dr. H. B. Heacock, and 
 a few other members of the. M. E. Church being pres- 
 ent, were introduced to the Conference, and Dr. Hea- 
 cock invited to assist Bishop Kavanaugh in the admin- 
 istration of the sacrament. It was a sweetly-solemn 
 occasion, and put all hearts in tune for the duties of the 
 Conference. 
 
 We were favored at this session with the presence of 
 Dr. A. W. Wilson, then Missionary Secretary, now 
 Bishop. We took him to our hearts at once as a Meth- 
 odist preacher. He gave us a talk upon the general in- 
 terests of the Publishing House, showing perfect fa- 
 miliarity with that institution, and then enlarged on the 
 subject of Missions. 
 
 We received by transfer J. C. C. Harris and L. R. 
 Featherstun, both from the Los Angeles Conference; 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 427 
 
 on trial, M. J. Gough, W. H. Layson, D. W. Yokum, 
 and C. C. McVeigh. 
 
 Lewis R. Featherstun was the son of F. M. Feather- 
 stun. He came originally from the Mississippi Confer- 
 ence; came west for his health,, and after remaining in 
 the Los Angeles Conference but a single year, he came 
 to us. He did good work while with us. He built a 
 beautiful church at the South Buttes, on the Yuba City 
 Circuit, the last work he served. He attended the Con- 
 ference that held its session in Colusa, 1S83, and was 
 appointed to Gait Circuit. But before he had time to 
 change from one appointment to the other, he received 
 his summons to go up on high, and without a fear he 
 laid down his armor and Went into the presence of his 
 King. He said: " I feel I am going to die; but it is all 
 right with me — I am ready." As he neared the final 
 hour, the scene took on a more heavenly type. Once, 
 in broken accents, he spoke of the angels, and then, as 
 if watching and recording each movement of his heav- 
 enly conductors, he exclaimed: " Nearing heaven — at 
 the gate — entering paradise!" And then as if over- 
 whelmed with the sight shut out from the eyes of his 
 anxious friends of earth, but in full view of him on 
 whom the change was coining, he shouted: "Glory! 
 glory! the angels! the angels! good -by! good-by! fare- 
 well! farewell!" And thus in one breath he bade fare- 
 well to earth and greeted heaven. 
 
 How these Methodist preachers die! Spending a life- 
 time in preaching of heaven, God sometimes lifts the 
 veil before all the fastenings that bind us to this life are 
 cast off. 
 
 Matthew J. Gough is an Englishman by birth. He is 
 diligent in his work, and bids fair to make a useful man. 
 
428 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 J. C. C. Harris remained with us till 18S4, when he 
 retransferred to the Los Angeles Conference, and after 
 one year's labor there, located. 
 
 William H. Layson is a graduate of Pacific Meth- 
 odist College — a nephew of T. H. B. Anderson. He is 
 a close student. He entered upon the work with zeal; 
 was first sent to Biggs Circuit, but during the year was 
 changed and sent to organize our Church in Oakland. 
 He was young and inexperienced, but succeeded be- 
 yond expectation for one so young; was returned the 
 second year, gave up the work in the midst of the year, 
 and at Conference was discontinued, at his own request. 
 
 Daniel W. Yokum was admitted on trial, received 
 an appointment, and when next heard from he was 
 in Oregon. He has since been laboring in that State. 
 
 Charles C. McVeigh was expelled during the year 
 for immoral conduct. 
 
 Sunday afternoon of this session was devoted to a 
 memorial service in honor of the late Bishop D. S. Dog- 
 gett. J. C. Simmons led in religious exercises, and made 
 some remarks upon the death of the Bishop. A suita- 
 ble preamble and resolutions were then introduced. 
 Bishop Kavanaugh made a few touching remarks, when 
 Dr. Wilson delivered a length v address on the life and 
 character of his friend, Bishop Doggett. A page on 
 our record-book was set apart as a memorial page to his 
 memory, and the preamble and resolutions in reference 
 to him were spread upon it. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 'HE thirty-first session was held in Petaluma, Sep- 
 tember 28, 1SS1, Bishop H. H. Kavanaugh pre- 
 siding. This was the seventh time the dear old 
 Bishop had sat as President of our Conference — first in 
 1856, twice spending a year at a time with us, and pre- 
 siding over two Conferences in succession. This en- 
 twined him very closely in all our hearts. Once he came 
 to us when we were entirely cut off from the home 
 Church, suffered with us and for us, and to say that we 
 loved him would not express all our feelings. We ven- 
 erated him, and now, as he sat and guided our delibera- 
 tions this the seventh time — the complete number — 
 though to outward appearance hale and strong, yet we 
 did not know that we should ever see his face again in 
 the flesh. His sermon on Sunday, though a little more 
 disjointed than formerly, yet gave no sign of dimming 
 fires or wasting strength. As of old, he stood before 
 us the prince of pulpit orators. Reaching his perora- 
 tion by the most masterly flight, he turned his eye heav- 
 enward, and shot upward with a daring and splendor 
 of flight never excelled in his younger days. When he 
 read the Appointments at the close of the Conference, 
 and pronounced the apostolic benediction, his work 
 on the Pacific Coast was done, and, like Moses still in 
 strength, he turned from us to meet his God and die be- 
 fore we should see him again. 
 
 This vear we had no admissions into the Conference, 
 
430 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 Steps were taken at this Conference to secure an 
 Episcopal residence on the coast, and a strong petition 
 was sent the General Conference to " designate San 
 FranciSco as an Episcopal residence on account of its 
 central position on the highway of nations, the facilities 
 of communication which it affords not only to States 
 and Territories west of the Rocky Mountains, but the 
 empires of the Orient." 
 
 We have had our full share of Episcopal supervision 
 •—perhaps some might think more than our share. Sev- 
 eral times have we had a Bishop to spend the entire 
 year with us, visiting at all points and preaching for 
 our people. But then ours has been, and is yet, a pe- 
 culiar work, as any one can see by the perusal of these 
 pages. And above all the Conferences, we of the ex- 
 treme West needed the constant oversight and super- 
 vision of a Bishop. In the changes that often rapidly 
 occur with us — changes unknown in the older Confer- 
 ences — we needed a General Superintendent to adjust 
 matters at once to these changes. Ours was not a for- 
 tification held for years, but we were on the open field, 
 moving, changing with the ever-changing circumstances 
 before and around us. We needed the influence of his 
 exalted position and office. In a land like ours, where 
 everything is forced to stand on its merits, and nothing 
 is gauged by its past record, a chief shepherd would 
 have been worth more to us than half a score of preach- 
 ers. We have ever felt this, and have pleaded from the 
 beginning to have a Bishop reside in our midst. We 
 want no local or diocesan Bishop, but we want one 
 placed within short call of our wants and the exigen- 
 cies of any occasion that might arise. 
 
 Our brethren of the M. E. Church have moved in ad- 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 431 
 
 vance of us in this matter. But this year their Bishop, 
 while in the midst of a grand work for them, was called 
 away by death. Our Conference deeply sympathized 
 with them in their loss, and adopted the following pre- 
 amble and resolution: 
 
 Whereas, in the providence of God the M. E. Church on this 
 coast has been during the past year bereaved by the death of 
 their resident Bishop, the Rev. E. O. Haven, D.D., LL.D.; and 
 whereas. Bishop Haven had endeared himself to our ministers 
 and people wherever he was known, and that in his death the 
 Protestant Churches on the Pacific Coast have lost one of their 
 ablest advocates; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That we sympathize with our sister Conferences 
 in this their deep affliction, and hereby extend to them our heart- 
 felt condolence. 
 
 For a number of years a strong feeling of fraternity 
 has been growing between ours and the M. E. Church 
 (North). Fraternal delegates have been from time to 
 time exchanged between the two Conferences, and in 
 many places preachers and people have worked har- 
 moniously together. The year before Bishop Haven's 
 death he had delivered a literary address at the Com- 
 mencement exercises of the Pacific Methodist College. 
 
 The delegates to the General Conference elected at 
 this Conference were: O. P. Fitzgerald and T. H. B. 
 Anderson, clerical; and W. F. Goad and W. B. Brown, 
 lay. 
 
432 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 |#HE thirty-second session was held in San Fran- 
 cisco, October n, 1S82, Bishop R. K. Hargrove, 
 one of our new Bishops, presiding. 
 
 J. H. Collins, from the Memphis Conference: S. M. 
 Godbey, from the South-west Missouri Conference; and 
 H. Walter Featherstun, from the Los Angeles Confer- 
 ence, came to us by transfer. W. P. Andrews, who 
 had once been a member of the Conference, returned, 
 and D. M. Rice was re-admitted. 
 
 A class of seven noble young men were admitted on 
 trial — namely, Paris N. Blankenship, David T. Belvel, 
 Thomas J. Alexander, William A. Booker, Martin V. 
 Howard, Edwin Palmer, and William D. Taylor. Al- 
 ready some of these young men have been tried on 
 hard circuits, and they have stood the test. One (T.J. 
 Alexander) left the work at the Conference of 18S5. 
 
 J. H. Collins was a good preacher and an indefati- 
 gable worker. He was deeply pious, and his whole 
 soul was in the work. His first year in the Conference 
 was a success. He was stationed in Chico, where a 
 glorious revival accompanied his labors. But while in 
 the g-low and ardor of the revival-fire a " holiness 
 band " came, and he became involved in its peculiar 
 workings, and lost much of his influence. The follow- 
 ing year he was put upon the Shasta District, a new 
 district organized in the northern part of the State. 
 But the crotchets he had adopted from this peculiar 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast 433 
 
 form of holiness clung to him, and in large measure 
 prevented his usefulness. He was returned to the dis- 
 trict the second year, but owing to affliction in his 
 wife's family in Tennessee he returned in the midst of 
 the year. 
 
 California has been greatly afflicted with a peculiar 
 phase of the " holiness" movement. A set of men cut- 
 ting loose from all Church responsibility have organ- 
 ized themselves into a " band," and travel all over the 
 State, holding their meetings wherever they can secure 
 a hearing. Most of the members of this association 
 were formerly members of the M. E. Church. That 
 Church at first fostered it, being commissioned as a 
 Church " to spread scriptural holiness over the land." 
 But they soon found that much of their teaching was 
 not " scriptural," and by formal Conference resolution 
 they ignored the whole thing. These men, without in- 
 tending it, built up a sort of spiritual aristocracy. They 
 look down with pity, if not contempt, on all who do 
 not profess as they do. They are constantly making 
 flings at " Churchianity," as they are pleased to call it. 
 By a simple process they lead men and women to pro- 
 fess sanctification, make them trumpet it to the world 
 as the "glory of full redemption," and when these loud 
 professors are guilty of inconsistencies in their every- 
 day life they do an incalculable amount of injury to the 
 cause of Christ. The path that has been beaten hard 
 and plain by the feet of the long line of the saints that 
 were devoted to the organized Church of Jesus Christ 
 should not be forsaken for any other, however highly 
 recommended. If our enemy cannot overcome us by 
 a direct assault he will enter our citadel in the guise of 
 a friend if we are not watchful, and the disaster that 
 28 
 
434 History of Southern "Methodism 
 
 will inevitably follow will be none the less overwhelm- 
 ing because of the peculiar mode of his attack. 
 
 S- M. Godbey was put at once as Professor in Pacific 
 Methodist Oollege, and has proved of invaluable serv- 
 ice to us. His quaint, quiet ways win for him the love 
 of the students. He is a good preacher, and is destined 
 no doubt to make his mark in California. 
 
 H. Walter Featherstun, also a son of F. M. Feather- 
 stun, is a highly educated gentleman and a good preach- 
 er. He was stationed in Sacramento, but at the close 
 of the first year transferred to Mississippi, where he 
 first labored. 
 
 This year a new venture was made in San Francisco. 
 For years we had been struggling in that city, hoping 
 against hope. A. M. Wynn, as related elsewhere, or- 
 ganized a Society before the formation of the Pacific 
 Conference. But the very record of this first class is 
 lost. Dr. Boring bought a building and had it erect- 
 ed on Powell Street, which was afterward sold and a 
 more eligible site was secured. A building was begun. 
 This proved to be on public-school property, and the 
 school authorities paid us just what it cost us. 
 
 In 1852 J. S. Malone and Morris Evans, two of our 
 very best young preachers, were stationed here with 
 Dr. J. Boring, editor of the Observer, who was to ren- 
 der any assistance in his power in building up the Church 
 in this city. In 1S53 Dr. J. Boring was stationed here 
 alone. In 1854 it was left to be supplied. In 1855 O. 
 Fisher, just then transferred to the Pacific Conference, 
 was sent here. He preached, as related elsewhere, in a 
 Presbyterian church to a Presbyterian congregation, and 
 nothing was done to build up our branch of the Church. 
 In 1S56 B. T. Crouch was appointed to the station, 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 435 
 
 meeting with no more success than his predecessors. 
 At the second Conference held in this year — this being 
 necessary in changing from the spring to the fall of the 
 year — it was left to be supplied. In 1S57 the Pacific 
 Methodist was removed from Stockton to San Fran- 
 cisco, and O. P. Fitzgerald, the editor, received the nom- 
 inal appointment to the charge. He did what preach- 
 ing he could, but nothing was accomplished. We had 
 a few members living in the city who clung to the shad- 
 ow of an existence as a Church. The next year O. P. 
 Fitzgerald was returned as preacher in charge and ed- 
 itor of the Pacific Methodist. Accordingly, Novem- 
 ber 7, 1858, a small congregation met in the Chinese 
 Chapel, corner of Sacramento and Stockton Streets, and 
 had an appropriate sermon from Brother Fitzgerald 
 from Nehemiah iv. 20: " In what place therefore ye hear 
 the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our 
 God shall fight for us." After which he proceeded to 
 organize a Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 South. Eight persons presented themselves for mem- 
 bership, namely, the Rev. D. O. Shattuck, the Rev. C. 
 L. Newman, A. G. Kitchens, Wick B. Parsons, Mrs. Sa- 
 rah B. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Mary Spencer, Mrs. M. G. Par- 
 sons, and Mrs. Margaret Woodhead. Brother New- 
 man was appointed class-leader, and Brothers Shattuck, 
 Newman, Kitchens, and Parsons, stewards. The rec- 
 ord concludes: ,; The presence of God was felt by all, 
 and every heart was strengthened for future duty." 
 Thus the first permanent organization of our Church 
 was formed in this great city. At the first Quarterly 
 Conference for the station, held January 10, 1859, two pro- 
 bationers, J. W. Shattuck and G. P. Butler, and Mrs. Mar- 
 tha Newman, George White, Mrs. Melvina White, and 
 
436 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 A. Klose by letter, were reported. Joseph Genella also 
 seems to have been received, as he is among the official 
 members. The congregation worshiped the greater part 
 of this year in the Presbyterian Chinese Chapel men- 
 tioned, when a church on Pine Street, near Montgom- 
 ery, was rented. In 1S59 it was left to be supplied. O. 
 P. Fitzgerald, editor of the Pacific Methodist, and L. 
 Cately, book agent, supplied it. Regular services were 
 kept up and quarterly-meetings held. In 1S60 W. R. 
 Gober was stationed in San Francisco. The troubles 
 in connection with the Civil War that was then impend- 
 ing began to thicken, men's hearts were failing them 
 for fear, and thinking our name would cut us off from 
 many, an effort was formally made in the Quarterly 
 Conference to change the name, as far as the Church in 
 San Francisco was concerned. At the second Quar- 
 terly Conference, held February 3, 1S60, M. Evans be- 
 ing the presiding elder and W. R. Gober preacher in 
 charge, O. P. Fitzgerald, Charles Spencer, R. Larimore, 
 Joseph Genella, and Wick B. Parsons, being present as 
 members of the Quarterly Conference, the following 
 resolutions were adopted: 
 
 Resolved, 1. That this Society be forever hereafter known 
 and called "Pacific Methodist Church." 
 
 2. That the Board of Trustees this day elected be incorpo- 
 rated as a religious corporation under the laws of the State 
 under the said name — " Pacific Methodist Church." 
 
 3. That the presiding elder be, and he is hereby, requested and 
 directed to make and file according to law a certificate of incor- 
 poration of our Society under said name. 
 
 At the fourth Quarterly Conference, held August 5, 
 1 36 1, the preacher in charge reported: " There was con- 
 siderable falling off in our congregation shortly after 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 437 
 
 the third quarterly-meeting, owing, doubtless, to politi- 
 cal troubles." The following year W. R. Gober was 
 returned to the station. We were in possession of a 
 very valuable lot on Post Street, and at the third Quar- 
 terly Conference, July 17, 1862, it was resolved to sell 
 or mortgage it. It was accordingly sold, and part of 
 the price paid on preacher's salary, and the rest expend- 
 ed on other debts. Our people were greatly discouraged 
 at the time. Our Nation was in the midst of a fratrici- 
 dal war, and our Church and ministry were ostracised, 
 and through the clouds and gloom there seemed to be 
 no light falling upon the future. Under these circum- 
 stances we let slip from our possession one of the raost 
 valuable lots in the city of San Francisco. Morris Ev- 
 ans was sent to San Francisco in 1862. The brethren 
 still held to their chosen name, and the record of the 
 quarterly-meeting reads: "The first Quarterly Confer- 
 ence of the Pacific Methodist Church, San Francisco 
 Station, Pacific Annual Conference, for the Conference- 
 year of 1S62-3, was held at the office of Brother Spen- 
 cer, December 1, 1862, at 7 o'clock p.m." We find in 
 the Minutes of this Quarterly Conference the follow- 
 ing: " On motion of Brother Evans, the tender of Broth- 
 er J. C. Ayers of a church-lot on Mariposa Street was 
 accepted, the church to be erected to be called the Sum- 
 merville Methodist Church. On motion of Brother 
 Evans, the following persons were elected a Board of 
 Trustees for this Church-property: Charles Spencer, R. 
 Cain, R. Larimore, J. C. Ayers, C. L. Newman, C. A. 
 Klose, P. W. Taylor; and said trustees were authorized to 
 take the deed of said property to themselves from Broth- 
 er Ayers, and thereafter the presiding elder is authorized 
 and requested to make and file in the proper office a 
 
43S History of Southern Methodism 
 
 certificate of incorporation of said trustees, as a religious 
 society, under the corporate name of . On mo- 
 tion, Brothers Ayers, Larimore, and Klose were appoint- 
 ed a Building Committee. " 
 
 During the pastorate of M. Evans the congregation 
 left the Pine-street church, and rented a small hall on 
 Mission Street, between Second and Third. 
 
 In 1S63 Samuel Brown was appointed to San Fran- 
 cisco. At the first Quarterly Conference " the Board 
 of Trustees were appointed a committee to estimate the 
 cost of a building for a new church.'" 
 
 Brother Brown moved forward vigorously with the 
 work of church-building. The Ayers donation comes 
 no more in sight. Whatever became of the lot on 
 Mariposa Street we are not advised. A lot was secured 
 on Minna Street, a narrow street running parallel with 
 Mission and Howard, and between these streets. The 
 church-lot was between Fourth and Fifth Streets. The 
 location was very unfortunate, and yet at the time it 
 seemed the very place. In August the church was com- 
 pleted, and on the 7th day of that month (1S64) Bishop 
 H. H. Kavanaugh preached the dedication sermon. 
 
 Once more were we in a house of our own in San 
 Francisco, and there was great rejoicing all over the 
 Conference at the event. Brother Brown was looked 
 upon as a hero, as he was. The mistake of location 
 was not his so much as the official board. We had 
 been tossed about by adverse winds so long that any 
 haven seemed a blessing beyond estimation. The breth- 
 ren took courage, and began once more to lift their 
 heads; for it was, on motion of Brother Spencer, 
 
 Resolved, That this Society shall hereafter be called and 
 known as the " Minna-Street Methodist Church. South," and that 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 439 
 
 the said Board of Trustees and their successors in office be in- 
 corporated as a religious corporation under the provisions and 
 act entitled "an act concerning corporations, passed April 22, 
 1850," and the acts amendatory and supplemental thereof, under 
 and by the corporate name of the "Minna-street Methodist 
 Church, South," and that the presiding elder, the Rev. A. M. 
 Bailey, be, and he is hereby, requested and directed to duly sign 
 and acknowledge, and cause to be duly filed and recorded, a cer- 
 tificate of incorporation to that effect. 
 
 The following year S. Brown was returned to the 
 charge; but at the first quarterly-meeting, held Novem- 
 ber 7, 1864, with the consent of both parties, the pre- 
 siding elder (A. M. Bailey) placed Brother Brown in 
 charge of Suisun Circuit, and put O. P. Fitzgerald, who 
 had been sent to the latter place, in charge of San 
 Francisco. 
 
 The third Quarterly Conference for the charge was 
 held April 17, 1S65, just after the memorable assassina- 
 tion of President Lincoln. On motion of Brother Fitz- 
 gerald, the following resolutions were adopted by the 
 body : 
 
 Resolved, That in common with our fellow -citizens of all par- 
 ties we heartily reprobate the crime which has deprived our Na- 
 tion of its Chief Magistrate by the hand of an assassin, and with 
 them we deplore the consequences likely to result therefrom. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this body and the congregation 
 it represents are hereby tendered to Chief Burke, of the city po- 
 lice, for the efficient measures taken by him to secure our Church- 
 property from injury on Saturday evening, the 15th instant. 
 
 Resolved, That the soldierly and gentlemanly deportment of 
 the city police and the military while guarding the Church- 
 property deserves, and hereby receives, the expression of our 
 approbation and thanks. 
 
 These resolutions will show better than any words 
 we can use the state of feeling toward us as a Church 
 
44° 
 
 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 in this great city, when an obscure little church had to 
 be guarded by police and soldiery from destruction. 
 The mob raved like ravening wolves, and was hungry 
 for some object upon which to expend its fury. No 
 sound but the notes of the gospel of peace had ever 
 been heard within the walls of this building. The rec- 
 ord of our Church for fifteen years had been a record 
 of peace and good-will to men on this coast. But all 
 this went for naught when the eyes of the mob, hot 
 with passion and urged on by those who should have 
 known better, were set on the lettering "South," like a 
 mad bull, with nothing but a red flag in view, ready to 
 toss and gore friend and foe alike. But God was at 
 our right hand, and out of all our troubles he brought 
 us, and " there was not the smell of fire upon our gar- 
 ments.'' No one not present can imagine the perils of 
 the hour, nor the wonder of the deliverance. On the 
 Sunday following the assassination of President Lin- 
 coln a mob of many thousand men gathered at the in- 
 tersection of Fourth and Minna Streets, with cries of, 
 "Tear down the Rebel church!" "Burn it!" "Hang 
 Fitzgerald, the Rebel preacher!" etc. Dr. Fitzgerald 
 was warned by personal friends of Northern birth and 
 sentiments that he would be mobbed if seen on the 
 streets that day, but he passed through the howling 
 rabble unharmed and unfrightened, and preached to an 
 audience of forty-three persons, mostly women. The 
 caprices of popular opinion find illustration in the fact 
 that two years afterward Dr. Fitzgerald received a ma- 
 jority of fifteen hundred votes in San Francisco for the 
 office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
 to which office he was then elected. 
 
 Over $1,603 was raised and paid to the presiding 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 441 
 
 elder and preachers by the charge this year. During 
 the war men of business were afraid to be seen attend- 
 ing our church, and some of our warmest friends, not 
 members, would slip in the church at night after serv- 
 ices began, and out again just before the close. They 
 would meet the preacher on the street, and slipping a 
 piece of money in his hand, would say, " Don't say any 
 thing about it." They were afraid for it to be known 
 that they contributed to the support of a Southern 
 Methodist preacher. 
 
 In these days of peace and prosperity we can scarce- 
 ly realize these facts. But we know whereof we af- 
 firm. Doubtless many that opposed us in an early day, 
 and during the war, are now heartily ashamed of it. 
 We trust God has as freely and fully forgiven them as 
 we have, and only a desire to be faithful to history in- 
 duces us to record the facts in these pages. 
 
 In the year 1865 O. P. Fitzgerald was returned to the 
 charge. 
 
 W. R. Gober, O. P. Fitzgerald, and J. C. Simmons 
 were elected delegates to the General Conference. By 
 Conference resolution the one receiving the highest 
 vote was to have his expenses met first, so that we 
 might have at least one representative in that body. 
 W. R. Gober had gone, when the Church in San Fran- 
 cisco determined that they would send their pastor, and 
 they raised the money for that purpose, and O. P. Fitz- 
 gerald was added to the members of that memorable 
 Conference which met in New Orleans, and which 
 made such radical changes in the economy of the 
 Church. While away, his members and the friends of 
 the Church refitted the parsonage with new carpets 
 and furniture, and gave him such a welcome on his re- 
 
44-2 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 turn as to make him feel that he was their pastor, and 
 fully appreciated as such. 
 
 At the fourth Quarterly Conference, September 7, 
 1866, the Sunday-school is reported with a membership 
 of 65, 8 regular officers and teachers, 600 volumes in 
 library, and $200 raised for Sunday-school purposes. 
 Besides this they contributed the sum of $1,500 to the 
 support of the preacher in charge, $100 to the presiding 
 elder, and $50 to defray the expenses of W. R. Gober 
 to the General Conference. What was given to defray 
 the expenses of their pastor to the General Conference 
 and to fit up the parsonage is not known. 
 
 E. K. Miller was preacher in charge in 1866-7; I 868-o, 
 Jesse Wood; 1870, A. M. Bailey. During these years 
 there was no marked change. 
 
 At the Conference in 187 1 it was left to be supplied. 
 In the midst of the year Dabney Ball, of the Baltimore 
 Conference, was sent out and put in charge. His expe- 
 rience did not differ from that of many of his prede- 
 cessors. He was a physical sufferer, and did his work 
 under great bodily pain. He did not remain the whole 
 year. But when E. E. Hoss was transferred to us he 
 took charge. For two years he battled with the diffi- 
 culties of the situation, when W. J. Mahon was sent out 
 by Bishop Pierce as the preacher. During his admin- 
 istration the church near Columbia Square, on Russ 
 Street, owned by the Baptists, was offered for sale. 
 Application was made to the Mission Board, who made 
 a donation of $5,000, and we sold the Minna-street 
 church to the Campbellite Christians, and moved into 
 our new quarters, which cost us $17,000. To all ap- 
 pearance this was a grand move. The building was 65 
 by 90 feet, with basement, all well furnished. But the 
 
Ox the Pacific Coast. 443 
 
 little congregation which made a very good show in the 
 cozy little chapel on Minna Street were almost lost in 
 this great church, and we found it took more than a 
 building, however well furnished, to make a successful 
 Church. In 1875 ^- ^- Mahon was transferred with 
 the understanding that he would be the man for San 
 Francisco. He remained but a few weeks, when he 
 returned. In 1876 C. Chamberlin took charge. He 
 was more successful than many that had preceded him. 
 A. M. Campbell was appointed the following year, but 
 failed to take charge. J. C. Simmons had been ap- 
 pointed College Agent that year, and failing to realize 
 his expectations, he was appointed by Bishop McTyeire 
 in his place. 
 
 At the following- Conference W. M. Prottsman was 
 transferred by Bishop Wightman and put in charge. 
 One year convinced Brother Prottsman that San Fran- 
 cisco was a hard place, and H. A. M. Henderson was 
 sent to take charge. No man ever entered with higher 
 hopes than he. But the same fate awaited him that 
 had befallen others before him. He fought the diffi- 
 culties for one year, and when re-appointed the second 
 year, he gave up and returned to the Eastern Slope, and 
 again was J. C. Simmons sent to take charge. 
 
 This brings us to this Conference, when Bishop Har- 
 grove made two appointments in San Francisco instead 
 of one. J. C. Simmons was left in charge of St. Paul's, 
 as the Russ-street Church was called, and appointed T. 
 H. B. Anderson to California Street, an entirely new 
 charge. Dr. Anderson hired a hall and went bravely 
 to work. A number of the best members of the Church 
 were at once transferred to the new charge. This great- 
 ly weakened St. Paul's. After a four-months' trial, it 
 
444 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 was thought best to abandon the Russ-street location 
 and concentrate our forces on the California-street 
 charge. Just then a petition was circulated in Oakland, 
 praying the Bishop to send J. C Simmons to that city 
 to organize a Church. The change was made. 
 
 P. Tuggle, C. C. Clay, S. B. Wakefield, W. F. Goad, 
 and others took hold of matters with energy. An eli- 
 gible lot on Bush Street, between Octavia and Gough, 
 was purchased, and a plan formed to move the church 
 from Russ Street. It was an immense building, 65 by 
 90 feet, wider than most of the streets inside the curb- 
 ing. But a responsible party contracted for the sum of 
 $8,000 to move it and set it in good shape on the Bush- 
 street lot The church was first cut in two, but it was 
 found necessary to take off some ten feet more from one 
 of the parts. It was then moved some two miles 
 through the city, put together, and is as good if not bet- 
 ter than ever. The whole of the inside has been thor- 
 oughly renovated, and the entire building put in the 
 best of order. Since the removal it has greatly pros- 
 pered under the pastorate of Dr. C. B. Riddick, who is 
 now serving the people his third year. The building 
 was moved during the pastorate of Dr. T. H. B. An- 
 derson. A word more in regard to the locality on Russ 
 Street. It may, to the uninformed, seem strange that 
 some one of the many able preachers that have from 
 time to time filled the pulpit there, did not succeed. But 
 there were various causes that operated to prevent suc- 
 cess. In the first place, it was on an obscure street, only a 
 block and a half long, and in a city like San Francisco 
 such a street is unknown, except to those in the imme- 
 diate vicinity. Ask any one, even a policeman, in any 
 other part of the city, for Russ Street, and he would 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 445 
 
 have to refer to the Directory to tell you where it is. 
 We have known members to be in the city for weeks 
 trying to find our church, without success. And time 
 and time again have we heard the expression, " This is 
 the hardest place in the city to find." Again, it was in 
 the midst of a foreign population, made up of Jews and 
 Catholics. During Mr. Moody's revival the whole city 
 was districted, and committees sent to every house to 
 inquire after their religious predilections. The block 
 •on which the Russ-street church was situated con- 
 tained about 200 families, of whom only seven were 
 nominally Protestant, and not one in sympathy with us. 
 This is but a sample of all that portion of the city. 
 There were other reasons that we could mention, but 
 this is enough. 
 
 In 1883 J. C. Simmons organized a Church in Oak- 
 land, preaching in the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
 tion Hall, on Broadway, near Seventh Street. He was 
 followed the next year by S. Brown, who secured a 
 beautiful church in the best part of the city for $10,000, 
 the Church Extension Board helping with funds. 
 
 A most fraternal spirit between ours and the M. E. 
 Church has been growing up for the past few years. 
 Each year fraternal delegates visit the Conferences. 
 We understand each other fully. The expression is 
 often indulged in, " We do not seek or want organic 
 union. There is room enough for both our Churches 
 on this coast. We want fraternity — joining of hands 
 and hearts to fight sin and save souls." The following 
 resolution was adopted at this session: 
 
 Whereas, as God seems to have set his hand to bring the dif- 
 ferent tribes of Methodism into more friendly relations; and 
 whereas, the two Conferences of the M. E. Church have appoint- 
 
446 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 ed delegates to meet and confer as to the best means of effecting 
 greater fraternity; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That the Bishop be requested to appoint a delegate 
 from the Pacific Conference to meet with delegates of other 
 Methodist Churches. 
 
 J. C. Simmons was appointed. 
 
 A very fraternal resolution touching the death of Dr. 
 Guard, an eminent minister of the M. E. Church, and 
 once a member of the California Conference, was 
 passed. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 447 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 f HE thirty-third session was held in Colusa, Octo- 
 |s ber 10, 18S3, Bishop R. K. Hargrove presiding. 
 J. W. Atkinson, who had been away from Cali- 
 fornia but a year, returned by transfer from the North 
 Texas Conference. He was glad enough to get back 
 to the Pacific Conference and among his old friends, 
 and the joy was mutual. 
 
 T. D. Bauer came as a transfer from the St. Louis 
 Conference. He is an earnest, efficient man, and bids 
 fair to make us a valuable member. 
 
 G. B. Winton came by transfer from the South-west 
 Missouri Conference He is a young man full of zeal, 
 and comes with a good record. 
 
 W. T. Grove, H. M. McKnight, and M. McWhorter 
 were re-admitted. 
 
 W. T. Grove located after one year. H. M. Mc- 
 Knight came back after a course at Vanderbilt, where 
 he had been sharpening his ecclesiastical sword. He 
 was put at the head of the primary department of Pa- 
 cific Methodist College, but at the last Conference took 
 work as a station preacher. M. McWhorter has gone 
 back to the local ranks, after a year's labor. 
 
 James M. Brown was admitted on trial. He is a 
 young man of vigorous constitution, and is ready for 
 any work the Church may assign him. 
 
 At this session the Conference made a radical chansre 
 in the constitution of the Board of Trustees of the col- 
 
448 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 lege. From its organization it was composed of twen- 
 ty-five members — thirteen clerical, and twelve lay. 
 This body was unwieldy, and we never could get them 
 all together at the same time. So the number was 
 changed to eleven, composed of five clerical and six 
 lay members. A majority of the latter were to be 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 449 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 HE thirty-fourth session was held in Santa Rosa, 
 I October, S, 1884, Bishop J. C. Granbery presid- 
 ing 1 . 
 
 \Ve received by transfer C. B. Riddick, from the Los 
 Angeles Conference; G. B. Winton and G. M. Win- 
 ton, from the South-west Missouri Conference; H. C. 
 Christian, from the North Georgia Conference; J. W. 
 Folsom, from the South Georgia Conference; and C. 
 O. Steele, from the Little Rock Conference. W. H. 
 Townsend was received on trial. A. L. Hunsaker was 
 re -admitted. 
 
 C. B. Riddick came to us early in the Conference- 
 year, and was stationed in San Francisco. He is now 
 tilling his third year in that station, and is doing a no- 
 ble work. 
 
 The Wintons, father and son, will no doubt greatly 
 strengthen us, as they are pious, faithful workers. G. 
 M. Winton is employed as professor in Pacific Meth- 
 odist College. His father is in the traveling ranks. 
 
 H. C. Christian also came early in the year, and was 
 stationed in Sacramento City. He found the Church 
 in that city in a most discouraged condition. Some of 
 the leading members had about abandoned hope, after 
 long years of struggling. Soon after his arrival a 
 gracious revival began that lasted for weeks, in which 
 the membership was greatly revived and their num- 
 29 
 
450 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 bers more than doubled. He is serving them the third 
 year. 
 
 J. W. Folsom came about the time Brother Christian 
 did, and has served us faithfully since his arrival. 
 
 C. O. Steele has served the Princeton Circuit since 
 his coming, and has more than doubled the member- 
 ship of that charge. 
 
 W. H. Townsend was from Vanderbilt University, 
 and remained with us but one year. 
 
 The Pacific Synod of the Presbyterian Church sent 
 us a fraternal delegate this year in the person of the 
 Rev. J. B. Warren. The California Conference of the 
 M. E. Church, as has been their custom for years, also 
 sent a fraternal delegate, and messengers were sent 
 from the Pacific Conference to each of these bodies. 
 
 At an evening session, when there was a congrega- 
 tion of less than three hundred present, Dr. T. H. B. 
 Anderson — who had been acting in the threefold ca- 
 pacity of station preacher, college president, and col- 
 lege agent — made a showing of the affairs of the col- 
 lege in the most masterly document that was ever pre- 
 sented to the Pacific Conference with reference to the 
 college, and made in conclusion a stirring appeal to the 
 friends present to raise the balance of the debt, amount- 
 ing to $6,000, and let the institution go free. His ap- 
 peal met a hearty response, and before the meeting 
 closed the whole amount was subscribed, the preachers 
 giving their full share of it. In recognition of the serv- 
 ices of the Doctor, the following resolution was unan- 
 imously adopted: 
 
 Whereas, Dr. T. H. B. Anderson has, by most earnest and la- 
 borious effort, succeeded in doing a noble work for Pacific Meth- 
 odist College, and as financial agent has conducted us to the 
 
On the Pacific Coast. 
 
 45 
 
 dawn of a brighter day in the history of the institution, in the 
 twilight of which we now stand, and rejoice in prospect of the 
 perfect day; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That as a Conference we tender to Dr. Anderson 
 a most cordial and earnest expression of thanks and grateful ap- 
 preciation of his valuable services in the arduous field from which 
 he now retires. 
 
452 History of Southern Methodism 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 iIE thirty -fifth session was held in Sacramento, 
 October 7, 1885, Bishop R. K. Hargrove presid- 
 ing. 
 
 At first roll-call fifty-seven out of sixty-seven clerical 
 members, and fourteen out of twenty lay delegates, an- 
 swered to their names; and of the ten clerical absentees 
 on the first day seven came in subsequently, and of the 
 six laymen three came in before Conference closed. 
 
 Robert Boynes was the only one received on trial. 
 He is a vigorous, earnest Englishman, who had served 
 the Stockton Station very acceptably the year before. 
 
 The vote on the change of name was 4 ayes and 70 
 nays. 
 
 Drs. T. H. B. Anderson and C. B. Riddick, clerical, 
 and C. C. Clay and T. H. Bell, lay, were elected dele- 
 gates to the General Conference. The session was 
 harmonious and delightful. We stationed this year 
 sixty-eight preachers. 
 
 And now, after the toils of thirty -four vears as an 
 Annual Conference, we number 42 local preachers; 
 4,598 white, 17 colored, and 8 Indian members. In- 
 fants baptized the past year, 176; adults, 205. We 
 have 9 [ Sunday-schools, with 580 teachers; 4,689 schol- 
 ars. We collected last year for Conference claimants 
 $1,068.55; for Foreign Missions, $1,006.75; for Domes- 
 tic Missions, $1,017.40; for Sunday-schools, $1,818.31; 
 
Ox this Pacific Coast. 453 
 
 for building and repairing churches and parsonages, 
 $10,18248; for Bishops, $170.10; for the poor, $636: 
 for Woman's Missionary Society, $57.50; for the sup- 
 port of the ministry, $33,943.40; for Church Extension. 
 $629.85; for Educational Sustentation Fund, $314.05. 
 and for other objects, $6,096.88 — making an aggregate 
 of $56,876.07 that was raised by the preachers within the 
 bounds of Pacific Conference. We have 64 churches, 
 valued at $222,305; 43 parsonages, valued at $34,430; 
 while we have other Church- property, valued at $45,405. 
 
 Then in the Columbia Conference there are 31 local 
 and 15 traveling preachers; a membership of 1,363; 17^ 
 churches, valued at $22, 375 ; 10 parsonages, valued at $3,. 
 750. They have 20 Sunday - schools, 121 officers and 
 teachers, 781 scholars, 626 volumes in library; value of 
 college-property, $10,000; value of other Church-prop- 
 erty, $1,360. They collected last year for Bishops, 
 $49.55; Conference claimants, $73.85; Foreign Missions, 
 $339.65; Church Extension, $69.01 ; preachers' salaries, 
 $3,312.82 — making a total of $3,844.88. 
 
 In the Los Angeles Conference there are 23 preach- 
 ers, 1,185 members; Sundav - schools, 2^; officers and 
 teachers, 198; scholars, 1.559; number of churches 19, 
 valued at $70,950; 12 parsonages, valued at $10,830; 
 collected on preachers' salaries, $5,233.48. 
 
 These figures show where we stand to-dav, after thir- 
 ty four years of labor. But who can estimate the num- 
 bers that have been connected with our Church during 
 these years, or that have been brought under our influ- 
 ence, or saved through oar instrumentality? Thousands 
 have gone into other Churches that were converted 
 under the labors of our preachers and people. The 
 work has been constantlv enlarging, and calls for our 
 
454 History of Southern Methodism, Etc. 
 
 Church and ministry are constantly heard, and as op- 
 portunity offers we are extending our borders. 
 
 Had we been able to write the true history of the 
 preachers, as many of them have gone forth amid priva- 
 tions, toils, and suffering, bearing precious seed, sowing 
 as they had opportunity, and often forcing opportunity, 
 we would be ready to conclude that the heroic age had 
 not passed. There is no spot of earth so uninviting, 
 no land so destitute, if inhabited, but that preachers 
 could be found in our midst who would respond to a 
 call to go and declare unto them the word of life. 
 
 And now with an earnest prayer for a blessing upon 
 all who may read these pages, we lay down our pen. and 
 start with a fresh consecration, determined to devote 
 the remnant of our days to that God whose hand hath 
 led us thus far. 
 
 THE end. 
 
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