Bucklesberry, Back in the Day: Hickory Grove Church (24)
Hickory Grove Church (24)
Dr. Joe Sutton
TRANSITION YEARS (Cont.)
The denominational metamorphosis of Hickory Grove from a Free Will Baptist church in the early 1840s, to a Baptist work in the 1870s, and finally to a Methodist church in 1884 spanned about four decades. Pastored by Rev. William E. Swain, Hickory Grove began its second year of transition as a Methodist Protestant Church (M.P.C.) Conference church in 1886. Month after month, Rev. Swain faithfully met his ministerial commitment:
1886, January 6: "Rev. W. E. Swain, of the M.P.C. Church, returned to his charge last Friday, and preached his first sermon for this year at Hickory Grove last Sunday. Mr. Swain preached to the churches on La Grange Mission last year, and they are highly pleased to have him returned to the Mission this year." (The Daily Journal, New Bern)
1886, February 11: "Rev. W. E. Swain preached at Hickory Grove last Sunday, his regular appointment." (New Berne Weekly Journal)
Rev. Swain was Hickory Grove's first pastor under the M.P.C. Conference banner. He showed his willingness to partner collaboratively with other area preachers in disseminating the Gospel:
1886, February 11: "A protracted meeting began at the M. E. [Methodist Episcopal] Church in this place [La Grange] last Sunday night, conducted by Rev. Mr. Mendinhall of the Church of Friends, and Revs. Rose and Swain of our place. The meetings will continue through the week, and it is hoped that good will be accomplished." (New Berne Weekly Journal)
Shortly after the revival meetings, Rev. Swain became seriously ill, causing concern among Hickory Grove Church members and those in the greater community:
1886, March 18: "We are sorry to hear that Rev. W. E. Swain is still quite sick in Bucklesberry. Mr. Swain has many warm friends in that community who are cheerfully giving him every possible attention and who will continue to do so. We truly hope to see him up and out again soon." (New Berne Weekly Journal)
1886, March 25: "Dr. J. M. Hadley, attendant physician during the recent illness of Mr. W. E. Swain, reports that gentleman convalescent, which we are happy to learn." (Goldsboro Messenger)
Although the nature of his sickness was unreported, Rev. Swain recuperated fairly quickly. He was back in the pulpit within weeks:
1886, April 7: "Rev. W. E. Swain preached at Hickory Grove last Sunday, his first sermon after his recent illness. We think he is quite himself again." (The Daily Journal, New Bern)
Next month's article will share more about Hickory Grove's transition to a Methodist work. Interested readers may enjoy a previously published Bucklesberry article titled "Medicine Men" available at https://bit.ly/4z6H32R.
