Rev. Samuel Joseph Bethea, II

Notes: The following came from Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference, M.E. Church, South: "Rev. Samuel Joseph Bethea was born in Marion County, S.C., October 7, 1857. His father was the Rev. Samuel J. Bethea, who for forty-five years lived and preached the Gospel as a local minister. His mother, Elizabeth A. Bethea, was one of the excellent of earth. Reared in a pious Methodist home, our brother was early brought into the Church and converted to God. In his youth he was impressed with a call to preach. Finally this impression became a conviction. Giving himself to prayer for Divine guidance, he made the decision, and peace filled his soul. He received license to preach, and in December, 1883, was received into the South Carolina Conference. His appointments have been: 1884-5, Parksville; 1886-87-88, Abbeville Circuit; 1889-90-91, Bethel, Spartanburg; 1892-93, Darlington Circuit; 1894-95-96-97, Lake City; 1898-99, Mullins; 1900-01, Verdery. In all his labors were blessed of God in the conversion of sinners and the addition of many to the Church. He was also instrumental in the building of a parsonage and several churches. His ministry has been successful. Brother Bethea was educated in the schools of his native county — and these are of rare excellence. A year was spent by him in Vanderbilt University, his studies being in both the literary and theological departments. These only began his mental development. He has studied while preaching the Gospel to those to whom he was sent. Our brother's sermons are prayerfully prepared, simply planned, clearly and earnestly delivered under the power of the Holy Spirit. His experience of the things of God is sincere and satisfying; and he speaks from the heart as well as from the head. His pastoral duties are faithfully discharged. His kind, sympathetic spirit gives him access to the people, and he uses the opportunity to their com- fort and help. As a man, he is true and fearless, devoted and unselfish — a man to be relied upon in difficult days as well as when the sun shines. On December 12, 1879, he married Miss Nannie J. Bethea. He and she were schoolmates in childhood — and even then were sweethearts. This lasted through the years, and they married — only to love each other more and more as time has passed. She has known much sickness and suffering, but these afflictions made them dearer to each other. One child was born of this union — Samuel J. Bethea, Jr. When the Day of Days comes there will be revealed a life of such single-mindedness and such fidelity to God and man that many might covet the Divine approval which will be accorded Samuel Joseph Bethea ! The writer knows him, and knew his people before him." https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/find-a-grave-prod/photos/2010/60... Source: Findagrave.com