Waters, Jones Holland
2/22/1858
1823-1858 |
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Rev. J. H. Waters was born A. D. 1823. Having the advantages of an early and thorough religious education, he remembered his Creator in the days of his youth, and unto him was fulfilled the promise, “They that seek Me early shall find.” Through the counsel and prayers of his pious mother and other servants of God, (particularly the Methodist preachers who traveled in that portion of Tennessee, then known as the Western District, where his mother resided,) he was enabled to make steady and respectable progress in Christian experience. Subsequently, feeling that he was moved by the Holy Ghost, he entered upon the work of the Ministry. He was identified with the Memphis Annual Conference during four or five years, and was constantly engaged in the regular pastoral work. Brother Waters was transferred to the Louisiana Annual Conference in the autumn of 1855, by Bishop Kavanaugh. At the ensuing Conference he was appointed preacher in charge of New Iberia Circuit. He was returned to the same work the following year. His re-appointment was hailed with joy by the people of New Iberia Circuit, among whom he had already formed strong personal attachments. On the 23rd day of February 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Chevis. Twelve brief months passed swiftly by. Brother Waters had applied himself with no less ardor than formerly to his Master’s work. He had enjoyed the pleasure of meeting his brethren again in annual conference. He had also, accompanied by his wife, again visited his mother, for whom his love knew no abatement or bound. Brother Waters had recently been appointed to Richmond and Madison Circuit and Colored Mission. A very arduous work yet “white already unto the harvest.” In the midst of active preparations to go to this field of labor, he was taken suddenly ill, and died in less than two days, at the residence of his brother-in-law in Vermillion Parish, Louisiana, on the 22d day of February 1858. He left a disconsolate widow, to whom he had been married just one short year to the hour when he was laid in the cold and silent tomb. Brother Waters was a man of deep and fervent piety. His religious experience was uniform, and he was “Always abounding in the work of the Lord.” He was a faithful pastor, a tender companion, a dutiful son, and an affectionate brother. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1858 | |
