Title: Reverend Miles F. McCuistion Papers

Date/Date Range :   1894-1916

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:

The Reverend Miles F. McCuistion Papers, 1894-1916, contain letters to McCuistion regarding his ordination in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South as well as other materials providing insight into religion in East Tennessee around the turn of the 20th century.

Call number: MS-2248

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

This collection is property of Special Collections.

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], Reverend Miles F. McCuistion Papers, MS-2248. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of a single folder.

In 1894, Miles F. McCuistion of Rhea Springs, TN, became an ordained minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South was formed in 1845 when the church was divided over the issue of slavery. In 1939, the Northern and Southern Methodist Episcopal Churches along with the Methodist Protestant Church merged to form the Methodist Church. McCuistion's 1894 local preacher's license was issued by the Spring City Circuit of the Sequachee District of the Holston Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Four letters and two other items in the Revered Miles F. McCuistion Papers, 1894-1916, demonstrate the ordination process and McCuistion's involvement in church activities in Rhea Springs, TN. A letter from the Ordaining Council of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, chaired by G.W. Brewer, provides insight into the process of becoming a preacher. It states that "the Ordaining Council was composed of 6 Brethren from 4 churches, who after a deliberate and thorough examination of the candidate cordially recommended him for ordination."

Additionally, a November 3, 1916 letter from Revered Charles T. Gray of Dunlap, TN, describes some of the difficulties faced by country preachers at that time. In comparing his current church to his former church, Gray notes that "the people are more appreciative for the preaching of the word, and also for the preacher himself than at S.C." He also invites McCuistion to preach at his church, saying "I think I may be able to use you in one meeting this year. I sing, you preach."

• Methodist Episcopal Church, South -- Clergy.
• Methodist Episcopal Church, South -- History.