Rhodes, Samuel Heatwole (1880-1957)

Latest revision as of 20:50, 12 June 2017

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Oct 24 p. 10

Birth date: 1880

text of obituary:

Well-Known Bishop Of Virginia Conf. Dies

Harrisonburg, Va. — Samuel Heatwole Rhodes, faithful bishop in the Middle District of the Virginia Conference for 38 years, died Oct. 2, 1957, at the age of 77. Funeral services were conducted by Bishop Daniel W. Lehman, Oliver Keener and Ralph Heatwole at Weavers Mennonite Church, and burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Bro. Rhodes was baptized and received as a member of the Mennonite Church on Oct. 12, 1895. He was ordained to the ministry on Jan. 3, 1902, and to the office of bishop Nov. 22, 1919.

In these many years of diligent service he conducted numerous communion services, council meetings, marriages, baptisms, anointings and other services in both Virginia and West Virginia. It is estimated that he preached over 3,000 sermons.

As an evangelist he conducted revival meetings in his home state as well as in neighboring states. He enjoyed visiting the sick and afflicted, both in the local hospital and in homes. His favorite testimony was frequently given as recorded in I Peter 1:3-5, to comfort, strengthen and encourage others in the faith. This passage was used as a text at his funeral. As a faithful shepherd of the flock of God, he will be greatly missed.

Bishop Rhodes was one of the early founders and supporters of the Eastern Mennonite College where he served on the Religious Welfare Committee for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Holsinger Rhodes; three children, Delphia E. Rhodes, Mrs. Samuel (Ina) Coffman, and Amos G. Rhodes; two grandchildren, Fred and Mary Nell Rhodes, all of Harrisonburg; one brother, Amos W. Rhodes of LaJunta, Colo.; and two sisters, Mrs. Anna E. Brunk and Miss Ella S. Rhodes, both of Harrisonburg.