William Byrd was the son of William and Nancy Johnson Byrd. His father died when he was less than 10 years old and he lived with his mother until he married Mary Elizabeth Avera in February of 1853.
William Byrd was only 67 when he died.
This obituary, which was written by officials of the Cape Fear Conference, was also found at Mount Olive College by Mike Royals of Wilson, NC. This College is the repository and library of the Free Will Baptist Church in North Carolina.
OBITUARY OF REV. WILLIAM BYRD
BORN MARCH 8TH, 1830
DIED AUGUST 30TH, 1897
Eld. William Byrd, our beloved and deceased Bro. in Christ, was born in the year 1830, and departed this life August 30th, 1897.
He united with the Free Will Baptist Church at Prospect, in the year 1856. Soon after he was converted he claimed to have been called to preach the Gospel which he proved to be true in after years by being such a wonderful power in promulgating the Word of Eternal Truth. Upon his extraordinary talent in handling the Word of God while quite a babe in Christ, at his demand of the Church of which he was a member, for license to preach, the Church unhesitatingly granted his request. From thence forward he did a great work in the Master's cause, His preaching dates almost as far back as the Cape Fear Conference. While the Conference was in its infancy, he was a man wonderfully used of God, in turning the people from darkness to light, and from the power of satan, unto God. He also established and organized several churches during his ministerial life. His manner of preaching was wholesome and actually food for the soul of those that heard him preach. For many years he tried the fleece, both wet and dry. He was possessed of almost an ironclad resolution to meet his appointments - cold, hot, sleet or snow. It seemed to be his chief glory to do the Master's will; and through so great a worker in the Master's cause yet, like Paul, of old, when necessity was laid upon him, he refused not to labor with his own hands. And though he was a preacher of righteousness, yet he was an industrious man.
In connection with his great talent for vocal music, and known all over North Carolina as an extraordinary songster. He taught singing schools for churches of other denominations and well as that of his own. He was no respector of persons, and was very successful in cultivating a feeling of sympathy upon the part of all whom he became acquainted with. He never knew what it was to be spurned by and of his fellow-men.
The writer was in conversation with the aged Elder not long before his death and he kindly gave me a short history of his life. He said: "Brother, my experience is a broad one while in life, more especially since I got into the ministry. Though I have been very successful, yet have I made some mistakes. After I was a member of the Cape Fear Conference for a number of years, under a certain persuasion I left the Conference, which I have often regretted."
During the second year of the writer's pastoral care of Prospect Church, of which the Elder was formerly a member he came out one Saturday at one of our regular quarterly meetings. After the business of the Church had all been dispensed with, Elder Byrd, who at that time was a member of the Methodist Church, slowly arose from his seat and asked permission to say a few words.
In those words he referred the Church to the past record of his life and said: "Brethren, I'm no stranger among you; for by certain persuasion, at my request, you discontinued my name from your Church roll. Now I confess that I want, by an action of this body, to come back as a brother among you. All things work together for good to those that love God. I feel that the mistake I have made has only served as a means of grace in bringing me closer communion with my God."
Upon his noble confession he was unanimously received back into full fellowship with Prospect Church, of which he died a member. The last days of his life seemed to have been his happiest ones. In the annual session of the Cape Fear Conference in 1896, held with New Hope Church, Johnston County, Elder Byrd preached the introductory sermon - Text: 1 Tim.4;12. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example unto the believer, in word, in conversation, in charity, in sprit, in faith, in purity." The instruction he gave upon this noble subject should ever be heeded by all who heard it. Holiness and purity was the theme of his noble sermon. Soon afterwards he became a great sufferer with Bright's disease, and though the best medical aid was obtained and the prayers of many Christians for his recovery, yet as Paul says, Heb. 9:27, "It is appointed once for man to die and after that the judgment." So after many years of toil and tribulation, crosses and trials of life, the grim monster took him away from his dear companion and children, and a large circle of brethren, sisters, and friends.
He was buried with Masonic honor at Pleasant Plains Church, Harnett County, N. C. His funeral was preached by Eld. R. C. Jackson,in the presence of a large congregation.
In the death of Eld. Byrd the Cape Fear Conference has sustained a loss that can never be filled, but we hope our loss is his eternal gain. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."
Farewell, Brother, deep and lowly.
Rest thee on thy bed of clay;
Kindred spirits, angels holy,
Bear thy heavenward soul away.
R. C. Jackson,
J. A. Hodges,
W. A. Colville,
Committee.
NOTE:
In his will (unsigned) dated 6-Aug-1897, William Byrd left an estate of 34 acres of land and a house to his (second) wife Esther as a life estate, and at her death, everything was to be sold. None of the proceeds were to go to the children he named: Nancy G. Spence, E. L. Byrd, Bettie L. Byrd, Emily L. Blalock, and W. H. Byrd.
NOTE:
In the book "Old Averasboro" in the Lillington Library, the following passage is included (pg44):
On one occasion Rev. William Byrd, pastor of the Baptist Church which served this area of roaring roisterers, had the tip of his nose bitten off in a furious fight. He was hauled off before the Association for conduct unbecoming a minister. However, the Clerk of the Association happened to be thoroughly familiar with Averasboro and its lively citizens.
"Brother Byrd," he inquired, "how long have you lived in Averasboro?"
"Three years." replied the minister.
"Is this the first fight you've had since living there?"
"It is."
The Clerk turned to the assembled Churchmen. "Bretheren," he said, "any man, be he minister or not, who has lived in Averasboro for three years and has only been in one fight deserves the be praised instead of censured. I hope we dismiss the charges against Brother Byrd."
William Byrd was only 67 when he died.
This obituary, which was written by officials of the Cape Fear Conference, was also found at Mount Olive College by Mike Royals of Wilson, NC. This College is the repository and library of the Free Will Baptist Church in North Carolina.
OBITUARY OF REV. WILLIAM BYRD
BORN MARCH 8TH, 1830
DIED AUGUST 30TH, 1897
Eld. William Byrd, our beloved and deceased Bro. in Christ, was born in the year 1830, and departed this life August 30th, 1897.
He united with the Free Will Baptist Church at Prospect, in the year 1856. Soon after he was converted he claimed to have been called to preach the Gospel which he proved to be true in after years by being such a wonderful power in promulgating the Word of Eternal Truth. Upon his extraordinary talent in handling the Word of God while quite a babe in Christ, at his demand of the Church of which he was a member, for license to preach, the Church unhesitatingly granted his request. From thence forward he did a great work in the Master's cause, His preaching dates almost as far back as the Cape Fear Conference. While the Conference was in its infancy, he was a man wonderfully used of God, in turning the people from darkness to light, and from the power of satan, unto God. He also established and organized several churches during his ministerial life. His manner of preaching was wholesome and actually food for the soul of those that heard him preach. For many years he tried the fleece, both wet and dry. He was possessed of almost an ironclad resolution to meet his appointments - cold, hot, sleet or snow. It seemed to be his chief glory to do the Master's will; and through so great a worker in the Master's cause yet, like Paul, of old, when necessity was laid upon him, he refused not to labor with his own hands. And though he was a preacher of righteousness, yet he was an industrious man.
In connection with his great talent for vocal music, and known all over North Carolina as an extraordinary songster. He taught singing schools for churches of other denominations and well as that of his own. He was no respector of persons, and was very successful in cultivating a feeling of sympathy upon the part of all whom he became acquainted with. He never knew what it was to be spurned by and of his fellow-men.
The writer was in conversation with the aged Elder not long before his death and he kindly gave me a short history of his life. He said: "Brother, my experience is a broad one while in life, more especially since I got into the ministry. Though I have been very successful, yet have I made some mistakes. After I was a member of the Cape Fear Conference for a number of years, under a certain persuasion I left the Conference, which I have often regretted."
During the second year of the writer's pastoral care of Prospect Church, of which the Elder was formerly a member he came out one Saturday at one of our regular quarterly meetings. After the business of the Church had all been dispensed with, Elder Byrd, who at that time was a member of the Methodist Church, slowly arose from his seat and asked permission to say a few words.
In those words he referred the Church to the past record of his life and said: "Brethren, I'm no stranger among you; for by certain persuasion, at my request, you discontinued my name from your Church roll. Now I confess that I want, by an action of this body, to come back as a brother among you. All things work together for good to those that love God. I feel that the mistake I have made has only served as a means of grace in bringing me closer communion with my God."
Upon his noble confession he was unanimously received back into full fellowship with Prospect Church, of which he died a member. The last days of his life seemed to have been his happiest ones. In the annual session of the Cape Fear Conference in 1896, held with New Hope Church, Johnston County, Elder Byrd preached the introductory sermon - Text: 1 Tim.4;12. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example unto the believer, in word, in conversation, in charity, in sprit, in faith, in purity." The instruction he gave upon this noble subject should ever be heeded by all who heard it. Holiness and purity was the theme of his noble sermon. Soon afterwards he became a great sufferer with Bright's disease, and though the best medical aid was obtained and the prayers of many Christians for his recovery, yet as Paul says, Heb. 9:27, "It is appointed once for man to die and after that the judgment." So after many years of toil and tribulation, crosses and trials of life, the grim monster took him away from his dear companion and children, and a large circle of brethren, sisters, and friends.
He was buried with Masonic honor at Pleasant Plains Church, Harnett County, N. C. His funeral was preached by Eld. R. C. Jackson,in the presence of a large congregation.
In the death of Eld. Byrd the Cape Fear Conference has sustained a loss that can never be filled, but we hope our loss is his eternal gain. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."
Farewell, Brother, deep and lowly.
Rest thee on thy bed of clay;
Kindred spirits, angels holy,
Bear thy heavenward soul away.
R. C. Jackson,
J. A. Hodges,
W. A. Colville,
Committee.
NOTE:
In his will (unsigned) dated 6-Aug-1897, William Byrd left an estate of 34 acres of land and a house to his (second) wife Esther as a life estate, and at her death, everything was to be sold. None of the proceeds were to go to the children he named: Nancy G. Spence, E. L. Byrd, Bettie L. Byrd, Emily L. Blalock, and W. H. Byrd.
NOTE:
In the book "Old Averasboro" in the Lillington Library, the following passage is included (pg44):
On one occasion Rev. William Byrd, pastor of the Baptist Church which served this area of roaring roisterers, had the tip of his nose bitten off in a furious fight. He was hauled off before the Association for conduct unbecoming a minister. However, the Clerk of the Association happened to be thoroughly familiar with Averasboro and its lively citizens.
"Brother Byrd," he inquired, "how long have you lived in Averasboro?"
"Three years." replied the minister.
"Is this the first fight you've had since living there?"
"It is."
The Clerk turned to the assembled Churchmen. "Bretheren," he said, "any man, be he minister or not, who has lived in Averasboro for three years and has only been in one fight deserves the be praised instead of censured. I hope we dismiss the charges against Brother Byrd."
William Byrd was the son of William and Nancy Johnson Byrd. His father died when he was less than 10 years old and he lived with his mother until he married Mary Elizabeth Avera in February of 1853.
William Byrd was only 67 when he died.
This obituary, which was written by officials of the Cape Fear Conference, was also found at Mount Olive College by Mike Royals of Wilson, NC. This College is the repository and library of the Free Will Baptist Church in North Carolina.
OBITUARY OF REV. WILLIAM BYRD
BORN MARCH 8TH, 1830
DIED AUGUST 30TH, 1897
Eld. William Byrd, our beloved and deceased Bro. in Christ, was born in the year 1830, and departed this life August 30th, 1897.
He united with the Free Will Baptist Church at Prospect, in the year 1856. Soon after he was converted he claimed to have been called to preach the Gospel which he proved to be true in after years by being such a wonderful power in promulgating the Word of Eternal Truth. Upon his extraordinary talent in handling the Word of God while quite a babe in Christ, at his demand of the Church of which he was a member, for license to preach, the Church unhesitatingly granted his request. From thence forward he did a great work in the Master's cause, His preaching dates almost as far back as the Cape Fear Conference. While the Conference was in its infancy, he was a man wonderfully used of God, in turning the people from darkness to light, and from the power of satan, unto God. He also established and organized several churches during his ministerial life. His manner of preaching was wholesome and actually food for the soul of those that heard him preach. For many years he tried the fleece, both wet and dry. He was possessed of almost an ironclad resolution to meet his appointments - cold, hot, sleet or snow. It seemed to be his chief glory to do the Master's will; and through so great a worker in the Master's cause yet, like Paul, of old, when necessity was laid upon him, he refused not to labor with his own hands. And though he was a preacher of righteousness, yet he was an industrious man.
In connection with his great talent for vocal music, and known all over North Carolina as an extraordinary songster. He taught singing schools for churches of other denominations and well as that of his own. He was no respector of persons, and was very successful in cultivating a feeling of sympathy upon the part of all whom he became acquainted with. He never knew what it was to be spurned by and of his fellow-men.
The writer was in conversation with the aged Elder not long before his death and he kindly gave me a short history of his life. He said: "Brother, my experience is a broad one while in life, more especially since I got into the ministry. Though I have been very successful, yet have I made some mistakes. After I was a member of the Cape Fear Conference for a number of years, under a certain persuasion I left the Conference, which I have often regretted."
During the second year of the writer's pastoral care of Prospect Church, of which the Elder was formerly a member he came out one Saturday at one of our regular quarterly meetings. After the business of the Church had all been dispensed with, Elder Byrd, who at that time was a member of the Methodist Church, slowly arose from his seat and asked permission to say a few words.
In those words he referred the Church to the past record of his life and said: "Brethren, I'm no stranger among you; for by certain persuasion, at my request, you discontinued my name from your Church roll. Now I confess that I want, by an action of this body, to come back as a brother among you. All things work together for good to those that love God. I feel that the mistake I have made has only served as a means of grace in bringing me closer communion with my God."
Upon his noble confession he was unanimously received back into full fellowship with Prospect Church, of which he died a member. The last days of his life seemed to have been his happiest ones. In the annual session of the Cape Fear Conference in 1896, held with New Hope Church, Johnston County, Elder Byrd preached the introductory sermon - Text: 1 Tim.4;12. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example unto the believer, in word, in conversation, in charity, in sprit, in faith, in purity." The instruction he gave upon this noble subject should ever be heeded by all who heard it. Holiness and purity was the theme of his noble sermon. Soon afterwards he became a great sufferer with Bright's disease, and though the best medical aid was obtained and the prayers of many Christians for his recovery, yet as Paul says, Heb. 9:27, "It is appointed once for man to die and after that the judgment." So after many years of toil and tribulation, crosses and trials of life, the grim monster took him away from his dear companion and children, and a large circle of brethren, sisters, and friends.
He was buried with Masonic honor at Pleasant Plains Church, Harnett County, N. C. His funeral was preached by Eld. R. C. Jackson,in the presence of a large congregation.
In the death of Eld. Byrd the Cape Fear Conference has sustained a loss that can never be filled, but we hope our loss is his eternal gain. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."
Farewell, Brother, deep and lowly.
Rest thee on thy bed of clay;
Kindred spirits, angels holy,
Bear thy heavenward soul away.
R. C. Jackson,
J. A. Hodges,
W. A. Colville,
Committee.
NOTE:
In his will (unsigned) dated 6-Aug-1897, William Byrd left an estate of 34 acres of land and a house to his (second) wife Esther as a life estate, and at her death, everything was to be sold. None of the proceeds were to go to the children he named: Nancy G. Spence, E. L. Byrd, Bettie L. Byrd, Emily L. Blalock, and W. H. Byrd.
NOTE:
In the book "Old Averasboro" in the Lillington Library, the following passage is included (pg44):
On one occasion Rev. William Byrd, pastor of the Baptist Church which served this area of roaring roisterers, had the tip of his nose bitten off in a furious fight. He was hauled off before the Association for conduct unbecoming a minister. However, the Clerk of the Association happened to be thoroughly familiar with Averasboro and its lively citizens.
"Brother Byrd," he inquired, "how long have you lived in Averasboro?"
"Three years." replied the minister.
"Is this the first fight you've had since living there?"
"It is."
The Clerk turned to the assembled Churchmen. "Bretheren," he said, "any man, be he minister or not, who has lived in Averasboro for three years and has only been in one fight deserves the be praised instead of censured. I hope we dismiss the charges against Brother Byrd."
William Byrd was only 67 when he died.
This obituary, which was written by officials of the Cape Fear Conference, was also found at Mount Olive College by Mike Royals of Wilson, NC. This College is the repository and library of the Free Will Baptist Church in North Carolina.
OBITUARY OF REV. WILLIAM BYRD
BORN MARCH 8TH, 1830
DIED AUGUST 30TH, 1897
Eld. William Byrd, our beloved and deceased Bro. in Christ, was born in the year 1830, and departed this life August 30th, 1897.
He united with the Free Will Baptist Church at Prospect, in the year 1856. Soon after he was converted he claimed to have been called to preach the Gospel which he proved to be true in after years by being such a wonderful power in promulgating the Word of Eternal Truth. Upon his extraordinary talent in handling the Word of God while quite a babe in Christ, at his demand of the Church of which he was a member, for license to preach, the Church unhesitatingly granted his request. From thence forward he did a great work in the Master's cause, His preaching dates almost as far back as the Cape Fear Conference. While the Conference was in its infancy, he was a man wonderfully used of God, in turning the people from darkness to light, and from the power of satan, unto God. He also established and organized several churches during his ministerial life. His manner of preaching was wholesome and actually food for the soul of those that heard him preach. For many years he tried the fleece, both wet and dry. He was possessed of almost an ironclad resolution to meet his appointments - cold, hot, sleet or snow. It seemed to be his chief glory to do the Master's will; and through so great a worker in the Master's cause yet, like Paul, of old, when necessity was laid upon him, he refused not to labor with his own hands. And though he was a preacher of righteousness, yet he was an industrious man.
In connection with his great talent for vocal music, and known all over North Carolina as an extraordinary songster. He taught singing schools for churches of other denominations and well as that of his own. He was no respector of persons, and was very successful in cultivating a feeling of sympathy upon the part of all whom he became acquainted with. He never knew what it was to be spurned by and of his fellow-men.
The writer was in conversation with the aged Elder not long before his death and he kindly gave me a short history of his life. He said: "Brother, my experience is a broad one while in life, more especially since I got into the ministry. Though I have been very successful, yet have I made some mistakes. After I was a member of the Cape Fear Conference for a number of years, under a certain persuasion I left the Conference, which I have often regretted."
During the second year of the writer's pastoral care of Prospect Church, of which the Elder was formerly a member he came out one Saturday at one of our regular quarterly meetings. After the business of the Church had all been dispensed with, Elder Byrd, who at that time was a member of the Methodist Church, slowly arose from his seat and asked permission to say a few words.
In those words he referred the Church to the past record of his life and said: "Brethren, I'm no stranger among you; for by certain persuasion, at my request, you discontinued my name from your Church roll. Now I confess that I want, by an action of this body, to come back as a brother among you. All things work together for good to those that love God. I feel that the mistake I have made has only served as a means of grace in bringing me closer communion with my God."
Upon his noble confession he was unanimously received back into full fellowship with Prospect Church, of which he died a member. The last days of his life seemed to have been his happiest ones. In the annual session of the Cape Fear Conference in 1896, held with New Hope Church, Johnston County, Elder Byrd preached the introductory sermon - Text: 1 Tim.4;12. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example unto the believer, in word, in conversation, in charity, in sprit, in faith, in purity." The instruction he gave upon this noble subject should ever be heeded by all who heard it. Holiness and purity was the theme of his noble sermon. Soon afterwards he became a great sufferer with Bright's disease, and though the best medical aid was obtained and the prayers of many Christians for his recovery, yet as Paul says, Heb. 9:27, "It is appointed once for man to die and after that the judgment." So after many years of toil and tribulation, crosses and trials of life, the grim monster took him away from his dear companion and children, and a large circle of brethren, sisters, and friends.
He was buried with Masonic honor at Pleasant Plains Church, Harnett County, N. C. His funeral was preached by Eld. R. C. Jackson,in the presence of a large congregation.
In the death of Eld. Byrd the Cape Fear Conference has sustained a loss that can never be filled, but we hope our loss is his eternal gain. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."
Farewell, Brother, deep and lowly.
Rest thee on thy bed of clay;
Kindred spirits, angels holy,
Bear thy heavenward soul away.
R. C. Jackson,
J. A. Hodges,
W. A. Colville,
Committee.
NOTE:
In his will (unsigned) dated 6-Aug-1897, William Byrd left an estate of 34 acres of land and a house to his (second) wife Esther as a life estate, and at her death, everything was to be sold. None of the proceeds were to go to the children he named: Nancy G. Spence, E. L. Byrd, Bettie L. Byrd, Emily L. Blalock, and W. H. Byrd.
NOTE:
In the book "Old Averasboro" in the Lillington Library, the following passage is included (pg44):
On one occasion Rev. William Byrd, pastor of the Baptist Church which served this area of roaring roisterers, had the tip of his nose bitten off in a furious fight. He was hauled off before the Association for conduct unbecoming a minister. However, the Clerk of the Association happened to be thoroughly familiar with Averasboro and its lively citizens.
"Brother Byrd," he inquired, "how long have you lived in Averasboro?"
"Three years." replied the minister.
"Is this the first fight you've had since living there?"
"It is."
The Clerk turned to the assembled Churchmen. "Bretheren," he said, "any man, be he minister or not, who has lived in Averasboro for three years and has only been in one fight deserves the be praised instead of censured. I hope we dismiss the charges against Brother Byrd."
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