Ware, Richard Thomas
10/16/1949
September 7, 1881 - October 16, 1949 |
|
| Richard Thomas Ware was born September 7, 1881, at Low, Mississippi, and died October 16, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana. On October 7, 1901, he was happily married to Miss Malissa Maddox. To this union seven children were born, six of whom, together with Mrs. Ware, are still living. He was converted early in life and joined the Methodist Church. He was proud of this membership and looked upon the Church as a spiritual mother, for which he had a deep reverence and affection. Brother Ware was licensed to preach May 18, 1914. The following year he was admitted on trial in the Mississippi Conference and was appointed to Shiloh Church in that state. The following year he was transferred to the Louisiana Conference and was appointed to the Noble charge, where he remained for three years. Other charges served by Brother Ware were Mooringsport, Winnfield, and Park Avenue in Shreveport, where he remained for thirteen years, and where the fine spiritual flavor of his influence still abides. The last several years of Brother Ware’s ministry was spent as chaplain in the Charity Hospital in the city of Shreveport. It was here that he ministered to literally thousands of people—people who were ill, many of whom were dying; and out of his warm and tender heart he was able to bring them comfort and peace as they moved down into the valley of the shadows. Many people were converted in the wards of that great institution. The doctors and nurses, though they belonged to other Churches, looked upon him as their pastor and went to him for help and guidance in matters pertaining to their personal lives. Brother Ware was a good preacher because he had such a wonderful experience of God in his own soul, and because God was so real to him. His sermons had but one theme—the power of God in Christ to save men and make them citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Because his own life was so deeply religious, it was easy for him to emphasize those great spiritual realities which make life rich and full and complete. Because be loved people, people loved him and looked upon him as their friend. I count it a privilege to have been associated with this good man. His funeral was held in Park Avenue Church where he had served so long, and was conducted by Rev. W. 0. Lynch and Rev. F. M. Freeman. He was buried in lovely Forest Park Cemetery, where he awaits the morning of the resurrection. “He giveth His beloved sleep.” |
|
| Source: Journal of the Louisiana Conference of the Methodist Church, Pages 162-163, 1950 by F. M. Freeman. | |
