Rev. J. H. Lewellyn (1830-1903) - Rockingham and Surry Co. N.C.
Billie Harris - Jan 15, 2009
The following article appeared in Llewellyn Traces March and June 1997:
"Tribute of Respect to Reverend J. H. Lewellyn (1830-1903)
"The Great Architect of the Universe removed from us by death our beloved Brother, Rev. J. H. Lewellyn, on 18 November 1903.
"Brother Lewellyn was born 10 October 1830, and professed faith in Christ in early life and united with the Baptist church and was ordained to the full work of the Gospel ministry 29 October 1859, which calling he admirably filled till his health failed. His last sermon was preached sitting down at Cross Roads Church.
"He was reared near Madison in Rockingham County (North Carolina) and about the time of the Civil War he moved to Surry County where he lived till his death.
"He served in many of the best churches of Surry and Yadkin Counties as pastor, part of the time serving as high as nine church at one time. Also a missionary in the old Yadkin Association for a number of years traveling from Virginia to Davie County.
"He was a man of extraordinary ability as a preacher, having only a few, if any, equals in his day. He laid the foundation of the Baptist work in Surry County having been instrumental in the organization of 10 churches, baptizing hundreds of people and aiding in the ordination of many preachers. He was moderator of the Yadkin Association for years, which position he filled with credit to himself and honor to God. He was Superintendent of Public Schools for Surry County for a number of years and did a great work for the schools of his county. He was appointed Chaplain of the 17th N.C. Regiment by the Governor of North Carolina.
"He married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Pratt who preceded him to the Glory World about three years, and God blessed this union with nine children, four boys and five girls, eight of whom are living: J. R. Lewellyn of Dobson; richard Lewellyn of Elkin; thomas Lewellyn and F. T. Lewellyn of Dobson; Mrs. Jack Fox, Mrs. Monroe Jarvis, Mrs. Bettie Davis, and Miss Susan Lewellyn of Dobson.
"Therefore, resolved that we sympathize with the bereaved children in their sad loss, believing that loss to be his eternal gain.
"Resolved, that a copy of this tribute be tendered to the bereaved family, also spread on New Hope Church book, also a copy be sent to the elkin Times, Biblical Recorder and N.C. Baptist, and Mount Airy News for publication.
"C.E. Stone, C.F. Fields, Committee
"Adopted by New Hope Baptist Church, in session 8 January 1904.
"Reference: Marriages and Deaths from the Mount Airy News in the "Journal of Surry County Genealogical Association, Dobson, North Carolina, Volume 17, Book 1, Spring 1997, page 7."