My great grandfather was a minister in the early 1900s. I recently found a website that has quite a bit of information on his ministry in North Carolina. These two articles in particular touched me.
Biblical Recorder, January 6, 1909
FROM BROTHER HAIGHT
Dear Brother Moore: The cordiality which seems to pervade the Baptist brotherhood of the Old North State encourages me to send this word to the Biblical Recorder. It was my privilege to come to North Carolina last July to take the pastorate of Berea, Salem, and Riverside churches, and to have charge of the Parsonage Street Chapel, which is a mission station of the First Baptist Church of this city. Later Olivet church was added to my work. The people received my family and myself with genuine “Tar Heel” hospitality, and we have felt at home ever since we came “down home.” Just twenty-four hours after our arrival in Elizabeth City, our infant son of twenty months, died of meningitis. We were comforted in our sorrow by the kindly ministrations of the good people of this place.
In our meetings last summer (not having outside help) there were eleven additions at Berea, nine being by baptism; at Riverside there were fourteen additions, ten by baptism; and at Salem there were six additions, four by baptism. In the fall a meeting was held at the Parsonage Street Chapel. Pastor E. W. Stone, of the First Church, assisting, which resulted in five additions by baptism.
All of my churches have good Bible schools, with efficient officers in charge.
I had the pleasure of attending my first North Carolina Baptist State Convention at Wilson, my churches paying my expenses. Words fail me to express my enjoyment of that occasion. I was impressed by the true spirit of democracy and brotherliness which characterized the great gathering and by the deep spirituality which breathed through speech, and song, and prayer. Parliamentary tangles and differences of opinion in no way marred the beautiful harmony of the convention, so potent and all-pervasive was the Spirit of the Master.
We had missionary mass meetings at Berea, Riverside (Olivet uniting) and Salem second Sunday this month. Rev. Mortimer C. Clarke and his wife were with us. They are now in this country after seven years of missionary labor in the heart of India. Mr. Clarke gave a most excellent and instructive account of the country and people of India. He and his wife sang some hymns in the Marathi language, and also displayed many interesting curios. Mrs. Clarke was dressed in the native female costume.
I shall do my best to interest the people of my churches in the Biblical Recorder, as I appreciate its utility and mission. It is more than a welcome visitor to my own home.
Fraternally yours,
WILLARD R. HAIGHT
Elizabeth City, N. C.
Biblical Recorder April 17, 1912, page 8
GOOD PROGRESS THIS WINTER
Dear Brother Moore: In spite of cold, snow, rain, and muddy roads, the work on my field has made good progress this winter. I have met every country appointment save one. Our finances have been kept in good shape, my salary has been increased nearly one hundred dollars, and we will have about ninety dollars extra for the Foreign Mission debt. I have actually done some pastoral visiting also.
Ramoth-Gilead Church is not far from Dismal Swamp, and is fifteen miles from Elizabeth City (where I live); but the largest congregation on my field greets me here, and this church has given nearly fifty dollars on the Foreign Mission debt.
My Salem church will entertain the Chowan Association which meets Tuesday after the first Sunday in May, and will have a fine new organ installed by that time. You are especially invited to attend this meeting.
Berea Church will put sixty-five dollars in improvements upon the interior of the meeting-house as soon as the weather permits.
Riverside has one of the best country Sunday-schools I know of, and worships in a building that is a credit to the church and community, though it has the smallest membership of all. All of my churches are out of debt.
I am praying for, and expecting, a great spiritual awakening on the field this year.
WILLARD R. HAIGHT
Elizabeth City, N.C.
