March 21, 1850 - October 3, 1918

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(Front cover)

Tribute of Respect to Rev. J.A. Hoyle

by Rev. L.R. Williams

Inside front cover:

(picture of Rev. Hoyle)

Rev. J.A. Hoyle, Maiden, N.C.

A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO BROTHER J.A. HOYLE

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The hearts of many friends in Maiden, the South Fork Association, and throughout the State were made sad when the news was made known that God had called from our midst Brother J.A. Hoyle. For many years before his death he was in feeble health and often was not able to fill his appointments. He frequently spoke of death and of being ready for the call, and he had been sick only a few days when the summons come. While he was sick he told his family not to trouble about him, and prayed for them just a little before his death.

The funeral services were conducted in the Maiden Baptist Church, of which he was a member, in the presence of a host of relatives and friends, by his pastor and brethern, Bangle and Osborne Brown. He was laid to rest in the Maiden Cemetery. Many manifested their love and appreciation of his service by completely covering his grave with flowers.

Brother Hoyle was born in Burke County, N.C. on the 21st of March, 1850, and died October 3rd, 1918. He was nearly to the sixty-ninth mile post in life.

At the age of nineteen he was married to Miss Ellen Crowder and to this union were born seven children. He was married the second time to Miss Carrie Beaty, who with four children still survive.

He was converted under the preaching of Brother A.C. Ervin in August, 1880, and baptized into the fellowship of Mt. Zion Church. He was licensed in March, 1881, and was ordained to the full work June 16th of the next year by Brethern T. Dixon, A.L. Stough, and G.M. Webb.

When a young man in the ministry he did much preaching at mission points and built up the cause in destitute places. He has been greatly blessed as the introducer of Baptist

(Backside)

doctrines into communities, the organization of churches and the building of good houses. He has built more church houses and baptized more members than any other minister that has labored in our bounds. He has served churches in Catawba, Lincoln, Cleveland, Burke, Gaston and many other adjoing counties.

Brother Hoyle did great work in his early ministry as a pioneer preacher. He did much of his preaching under arbors, in school houses, and dwelling houses. For this mission work he received very little compensation. He prepared the way for many churches that are now strong organizations and are now doing much for the cause of Christ. Though many of these church houses have given way to nicer and better equipped buildings, yet it should not be forgotten that it was through his untiring efforts and sacrifices that these churches had their origin.

I am of the opinion that Brother Hoyle will never get the honor due him, and our churches will never fully realize what he has done for us, in preparing the way, especially in the South Fork Association.

Brother Hoyle was a man that was firm in what he believed to be right. He was a man that spoke out his convictions and stood for the same. He was a good citizen, a faithful preacher of the gospel, and an affectionate husband and father.

He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and ten children and a number of friends.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:

Yea, sayeth the Spirit, that they may rest from

their labors; and their works do follow them." Rev. 14:13

(This memorial was part of a collection of papers belonging to Mrs. Pearl Shaw Williams.)

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