| John Lewellen |
|---|
 |
As the "Angels of Dawn" heralded the morning light of June 21st, 1900, the spirit of John W Lewellen took its flight from all that was mortal, to take up its abode with the redeemed hosts of heaven. The whispers of loved ones in the death chamber reverberated in louder expressions among neighbors and distant friends, that a good man had fallen. Brother Lewellen was born in Randolph county, Indiana, near the place now called Parker City, September 8th, 1845, of very worthy parentage, being at his death 54 years, 9 months and 13 days of age. He was brought up on the farm, devoting his time during the summer months to farm labor, and attending In the month of September, 1867, he entered Indiana Asbury University, at Greencastle, and pursued a special course in that institution. This was a step preparatory to the plan which was gradually developing in his life-work. He was converted in his seventeenth year, and proved his consecration bv his activity in church work. In the capacity of trustee, Sabbath school superintendent, and class-leader, he served the church as a loyal follower of the God he loved ; and at the age of twenty-two he was licensed as an exhorter, and one year later as a local preacher. He did not fail to exercise his gifts and graces in this capacity, for such he truly possessed, .until in 1871 he was admitted into the traveling connection in the North Indiana Conference, receiving his first appointment to Elwood, as Junior preacher. He then served the following charges: Hartford City, Jonesboro, Perrysburg, LaGro, Bourbon. At the close of the last named pastorate he received a Supernumerary relation, because of vocal disabilities. Soon after he removed to his farm in Delaware county, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life. In March, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Watson. To them were born five children — three sons and two daughters. The youngest, a daughter, died in early childhood. The widow and four children survive him. Brother Lewellen was a preacher of unusual ability — earnest, logical, spiritual. As a pastor, he was popular in his charges among all classes. As a revivalist, he was very successful, his labor being rewarded with the conversion of many souls. His years of supernumerary relation were full of usefulness. His pastor had a warm friend and worthy supply, while adjoining charges eagerly sought him for quarterly meetings and special occasions. He was a willing, patient sufferer, but desired his Father's will to be done, and peacefully fell asleep, to waken on the resurrection morn. |