OUR LEGACY FROM THE PAST - NCCUMC

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churches since he came here in 1907.It was said that he was an
outstanding minister in the pulpit whose sermons were marked by
an unusual insight into the Scriptures. He strengthened all of his
parishioners through his loving guidance, and while in
Williamston, he added thirty-three members to the roll and
christened eight babies. After giving thirty-seven years of service
in the ministry, he died in Durham in 1946. His daughter, Mrs.
W. V. Gupton, Jr. is presently living in Rocky Mount, North
Carolina, and his step-daughter, Mrs. W. M. Whitehurst, is living
in Wilson, North Carolina.
The church saw steady growth under the wise leadership of
Rufus Bradley, a friendly, unassuming man of God who came
here in 1910for a two-year term. Those who knew him were impressed
by the power of his faith and the gentleness of his nature.
He was said to be always motivated by love and unselfish devotion
to his calling, and the church in Williamston saw steady growth
under his wise leadership. He died in 1937and was buried in Littleton,
North Carolina.
James Townsend Stanford followed Reverend Bradley in 1912
and stayed in Williamston for three years. He was related to
Leland Stanford, the founder of Stanford University, and was born
in Person County in 1871.Known as the "biggest man in the North
Carolina Conference," it was explained that he was not only big in
body (6 ft. 5 in.), but also in intellect and spirit as well. When he
walked down the street, he had a word of good cheer and kindness
for all. This" giant of a man" had a heart that made Christ appealing
to all that he met. While Reverend Stanford was in
Williamston, a smallpox epidemic was raging, and even though he
continued visiting the sick and needy, he never contracted the
disease himself. He retired in 1941and lived until 1946when he
passed away at his home in Scotland Neck. His daughter, Nellie
Stanford Pittman, is presently living in Murfreesboro, North
Carolina.
Reverend N. M. Wright, who came to Williamston in 1915,
stayed only one year. He served five churches in the county and
his salary was $881a year! The total budget for the Williamston
church that year was $1882.