REV. LEVIN CARY MADISON was born in Granville county, North Carolina, March 4, 1820, and died in Rockingham county, December 26, 1891. He was buried at Howard's chapel.
He was the third son of Peyton and Elizabeth (Cary) Madison, who reared a large family of twelve children, three sons and nine daughters. He was of noble birth. From the Madisons have sprung many noted divines of the Church of England and a President of the United States. While his father Peyton Madison, with some brothers, had come from Virginia and settled in Granville county, North Carolina, his mother's parents had removed to this section from Maryland early in the century. They, too, were of the Episcopal Church; thus, his first lessons in spiritual things were of this Church.
He professed religion at the early age of ten or twelve years, and joined the Methodist church. He was early impressed with a concern for the spiritual welfare of others, being from his conversion ever ready to testify to the efficacy of the all-atoning blood of a crucified Saviour. Though confronted with many obstacles, he determined to enter the ministry. He was of a studious disposition, and was eager to learn. About the year 1830, he attended a school conducted by Mr. J. W. York, where he prosecuted his studies with ardor and zeal. About this time he met Rev. Stephen Turner a minister of the Christian Church, and having learned from him something of its liberal principles and that he would be allowed to exercise his gifts in the Christian Church, he at once resolved to unite with the Christians, which he did in 1843. In 1844, the Christian Sun was commenced and young Madison was employed in the office. He was associated with the family of Rev. D. W. Kerr. By him he was granted many privileges, which he made use of for self-improvement. Among other things he had time to get up and print a small religious newspaper (Zion Light) of his own, which served to develop his literary tastes. After the death of Rev. Mr. Kerr he was thrown upon his own resources.
He was licensed by the North Carolina and Virginia Conference at Pope's chapel in 1847, Rev. John R. Holt being Secretary. Having labored some time in his own and adjoining counties, later he traveled as an itinerant in North Carolina and Virginia.
In 1849, he married Miss Margaret Christman in Guilford county, North Carolina, near Apple's chapel. She was the only child of John and Sarah Christman. The young couple made their home with her parents at their request, but he continued in the work of the ministry. In 1854, he removed to Rockingham county, near Wentworth. There being no church of the Christians in the county, he set himself to work to organize a church, which was known as Parks' Stand. In 1852, he attended the Conference as at Union, as well as the Conference at New Providence in 1848. At Bethlehem in Alamance county, in 1857, the committee on ministerial standing referred his case to the Conference which after investigation and suitable confessions and promises on his part  was passed At the Conference at Union, in Alamance county, in 1859, he was present and served on the committee on periodicals, and in his ministerial report says, "Traveled 2800 miles, preached 95 sermons, visited sick 34, got 10 new subscribers for the Christian Sun." He was now residing at Pleasantville, in Rockingham county, North Carolina. In 1860, he attended the Conference at Pleasant Hill in Chatham county, also the Conference at Damascus in Orange county in 1862. The work which he had done at Parks' Stand was scattered and disorganized by the evil effects of the Civil War, and it was not until 1882 when an attempt was made to gather up the scattered forces. Rev. John T. Ball, who as Home Missionary was assisting Rev. A. G. Anderson in a series of meetings at Mt. Bethel twelve miles away, visited that section of the country, and having had an interview with some of the members who belonged to the old Parks' Stand church, decided that the time was propitious for the building of a Christian church This was in the mouth of September, and by the persistent efforts of the Rev. Mr. Ball the church was built, and named Howard's chapel in honor of the Evangelist Charles Howard. At the Conference held at Poplar Branch church, in Moore county, in 1888, the church was received and Mr. Wm. B. Madison was enrolled as a delegate. At the dedication of this church to the service of God, the joy of this old veteran knew no bounds. His failing health and strength kept him from much active service. At times he preached with such power as to surprise his most intimate friends; in prayer he was sublime, approaching the throne of grace with great solemnity and reverence.
His labors were confined principally to Rockingham county, North Carolina. He was a hard student, and though he spoke extempore, he made heads or outlines of his sermons.
In the early years of his ministry he devised a scriptural chart, which he called "The Broad and Narrow Way, or The Way of Life and Death," setting forth God's plan of salvation, and man's obligations in Bible terms. He was induced to part with the chart by one, a pretended friend, who proposed to have it published and share the profits with the author. The chart was published and sold, but he received none of the proceeds. Though time and again the victim of false friends, and neglected often by those who wished to be kind to him, his faith in God was steadfast and his love for humanity and devotion to the Church wonderful.
Howard chapel was a great solace to him, a veritable church home. Here he spent many joyous seasons; here he preached his last sermon, declaring his work done and calling upon an all-wise God with all the hosts of heaven and all who had ever listened to the sound of his voice, to witness that he had done his duty. Like Paul, he had fought a good fight, finished his course, and was ready to be offered up. This indeed proved to be his last, and was prophetic of the end.
He had long been suffering from chronic bronchitis, and being attacked with a severe case of La Grippe his delicate frame gave way, and the spirit took its departure. He spoke of the beautiful home-land which he was approaching and talked fondly of many dear ones who had gone before.
At the Conference at Wake chapel, in 1892, the committee on memoirs stated: "That in the death of Bro. L. C. Madison, who in the evening of life laid down his armor to receive a crown of glory for faithful service in his Master's cause, we mourn in our loss, but rejoice in his gain. 
(Source: Compiles by and used with permission of Bethlehem Christian Church)

REV. JOSIAH McCULLOCH was born in Orange (now Alamance) county, North Carolina, and died in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, in 1864.
He early became interested in his soul's salvation, and ceased not to seek until he had found the pearl of great price. Finding the Saviour so precious to his own soul, he soon became anxious to declare the "unsearchable riches" of Christ to his fellow men. Acting under these impulses and impressions, he sought and obtained, in the year 1851, at the Conference at Apple's chapel, in Guilford county, North Carolina, license to preach the gospel.
He married, in 1862, Martha D. Faucett of Graham, North Carolina, and to them one daughter was born, named Flora.
In 1863, the committee on itinerancy assigned him to Pope's chapel, Good Hope, Ridgeway, Wilson's, and Flint Hill. He attended the Eastern Virginia Conference at Cypress chapel as a fraternal messenger from the North Carolina and Virginia Conference, and with others was invited to a seat in the body as a licentiate. In 1854, he labored in Randolph county, north of Deep river, now in the bounds of the Western North Carolina Conference. He attended the Conference at New Providence in 1855. In 1856, he was a member of the Southern Christian Convention at Union chapel, Alamance county, North Carolina, from his Conference. He advocated with others the "Preamble and Declaration," setting forth the cause which led to the calling of the Convention and its organization. At this Convention he was appointed on a committee to confer with the building committee and trustees of the Graham Institute and report to the next Convention. At the Conference at Hanks' chapel, in 1856, which followed immediately after the adjournment of the Convention, the educational report recommended that A. Iseley and J. McCulloch be appointed to wait on the building committee and trustees of the Graham Institute and ascertain the amount donated, the names of the donors, the amount expended and present indebtedness of the Institution. The object of this recommendation was to put the Conference control under that of the Convention. The result of the action was the formation of a joint stock company, and Rev. Josiah McCulloch was appointed one of the soliciting agents to increase the stock to $4000.00. At this Conference he was on the committee to formulate rules for the government of the Conference in conformity to the acts and resolutions adopted by the Southern Christian Convention. The committee on itinerancy assigned him to Graham circuit to preach at New Providence, Union, Zion Hill, Mt. Zion, Mt. Bethel, Vest's School-house, and Holt's Factory the next conference year. He was treasurer of the home missionary society of the North Carolina and Virginia Conference. The following year, 1857, the Conference met at Bethlehem, in Alamance county, and he served as chairman of the committee on temperance. He favored also the resolution to recommend a course of study for those wishing to enter the Christian ministry. And likewise he was appointed on a committee on statistics to ascertain the number of delegates the conference was entitled to in the Southern Christian Convention, which number was found to be nine ministerial and nine lay delegates. Of this number Rev. Josiah McCulloch was elected one. He was also chosen to deliver the opening address before the next Conference, at Pope's chapel, and was appointed to correspond with Elder J. M. Minnis of Tennessee and supply him with the minutes of this Conference.
In 1859, the Conference met at Union chapel, in Alamance county, and was opened with prayer by Rev. J. McCulloch. He was chairman of the committee on temperance, and served on the committee on church letters and on memoirs. And he was chosen also a fraternal messenger to the Eastern Virginia Conference. At this time he resided in Chatham county. At the Conference at Pleasant Hill in Chatham county, in 1860, he was chairman of the committee to nominate officers for the Conference. He was appointed on the committee on unfinished business and to examine candidates for the ministry. He was still treasurer of the Home Missionary Society. In 1862, at the Conference at Damascus, in Orange county, he was chairman of the committees on Sunday schools and on ministerial supply, and served on the committee on character and standing of ministers and on other committees. The report on Sunday schools represents the man, and pleads for what the country now needs more than ever possibly.
Rev. J. McCulloch labored faithfully and well. His conduct was such as became a follower of the meek and lowly lamb and of the pious, faithful and exemplary Christian minister. His industry was untiring; and few have more faithfully obeyed the injunction of Scripture: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." His efforts in behalf of the Home Missionary Society and of Graham College were especially worthy of commendation. In the midst of his exertions for the good of his race, he was seized with that fatal disease, consumption, which has so often brought to an untimely end the noblest and best of our land. He removed from his former place of residence in Chatham county, North Carolina, to Mecklenburg county, where he hoped to derive benefit from the influence of a milder climate. But alas! the hand of affliction was upon him. He took his bed to rise no more. "Having received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at the hands of Elder Thos. J. Fowler, he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus." At the Conference at Antioch in Chatham county, his funeral was preached by Rev. John R. Holt.
The following is the report on Sabbath Schools alluded to above: "The committee to whom was referred the subject of Sabbath Schools beg leave to report. We feel deeply impressed with the worth of Sabbath Schools, and the only question, it seems to us, for our consideration, is, what course shall we pursue to induce our ministers and brethren to go to work actively in showing our congregations the importance of bringing up their children to reverence the Sabbath. It seems to have escaped the minds of many that there is one day out of seven that God has set apart for his own use. Six days he allows us to engage in our various occupations, the seventh he has commanded us to keep holy. If we look to the plain teachings of our Bible, we can have no excuse for not obeying this holy injunction. There is every reason why we should meet the children, that are soon to take our places as men and women, on the Sabbath, to train their young and tender minds in the way of godliness, and to reverence the day which God has commanded us to keep holy. We know that one of the reasons why Sabbath Schools are so much neglected is, persons do not wish to deprive themselves of any fancied enjoyment that they may secure to themselves by spending this day according to their own notions; forgetting that if, from regard to God's Sabbath, we deny ourselves, he will more than pay us. Surely in keeping God's statutes there is great reward. Therefore,
(Source: Compiles by and used with permission of Bethlehem Christian Church)

US Marine LCPL Ricky Lee Meeks, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Mebane, NC.
US Marine Lance Corporal Ricky Lee Meeks was casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, LCPL Meeks served our country until September 17th, 1969 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was 20 years old and was married. It was reported that Ricky died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. Ricky was born on January 1st, 1949 in Mebane, North Carolina. LCPL Meeks is on panel 18W, line 104 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for one year.
Meeks, Ricky Lee, Lance Corporal, US Marines, died September 17, 1969, in action in Vietnam. Lance Corporal Meeks, age 20, is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Meeks of the Hawfields community, and his wife, Teresa Sappenfield Meeks of Kannapolis. The funeral was held at Jackson Park Church in Kannapolis. Source: Times-News September 26, 1969.
He served with Lima Company, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Amphibious Force, USARV.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.
Burial: Carolina Memorial Park, Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Plot: Meeks
(source: Reece, Jim & Reece Thomas;NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites)

US Marine PFC Rodney Wayne Melton, Born in North Carolina, He later became a native of Pennsylvania.
US Marine Private First Class Rodney Wayne Melton was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, PFC Melton served our country until May 5th, 1968 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. It was reported that Rodney died from artillery fire. His body was recovered. Rodney was born on January 1st, 1947 in Burlington, North Carolina. PFC Melton is on panel 55E, line 022 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for less than a year.
Marine PFC Rodney Wayne Melton, 21, son of Mrs. James A Caton, of 19 Vista Road, Reading, Pennsylvania. PFC Melton died of fragment wounds from rocket fire while on patrol in Quang Nam Province last Sunday. A 1964 graduate of Wyomissing High School, he attended Harvey College in Charleston, West Virginia, before enlisting in September, 1967.
Rodney was born in Burlington, NC. He was a member of the First Church of the Brethren, Wyomissing Hills, and graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1965. Known as 'Scooter,' he played varsity football in school. He enjoyed the seashore, water skiing, hunting and drag racing. He was a member of the Junior Fire Brigade of the Wyomissing Fire Company. Rodney attended Morris Harvey College in West Virginia for two years before enlisting in the Marine Corps. He was selected as the outstanding recruit of his platoon in boot camp. Scooter told his family he did not like having to go to Vietnam, but he did not mind if his younger brother and sister would have the same good life and opportunities that he had. In Vietnam, Rodney was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment. In his only letter home, he told his family that all the training and all he'd seen and been told, didn't prepare him for what it was really like when he got there. Scooter was killed by enemy rocket fire while on patrol in Quang Nam Province. Surviving at the time were his mother, father, one sister and one brother.
He is the son of Mr Belvin Webster Melton.
He served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 1st Marines Division, 3rd MAF.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.
Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Plot: Sect. 51, Site 2616
(source: Reece, Jim & Reece Thomas;NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites)

CPL John Calvin Miles, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Burlington, NC.
Corporal John Calvin Miles was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army Selective Service and a Draftee, CPL Miles served our country until August 11th, 1968 in Dinh Tuong, South Vietnam. He was 23 years old and was not married. John died when his vehicle crashed. His body was recovered. John was born on August 30th, 1944 in Burlington, North Carolina. CPL Miles is on panel 49W, line 048 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for one year.
Miles, John C, Corporal, U. S. Army, died August 11, 1968, in an automobile accident in Vietnam. Corporal Miles, age 23, was a native of Caswell County. He attended Central High School in Alamance County before entering the Army. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dock Miles. The funeral was held at Beulah Baptist Church in Caswell County with burial in the church cemetery. Source: Times-News August 19, 1968.
He was the son of Mr and Mrs Dock Miles, Route #3, Burlington, NC.
He served with the 267th Signal Company, 2nd Signal Group, 1st Signal Brigade, USARV.
He was awarded The Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Burial: Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery (Black), Leasburg, Caswell County, North Carolina
(source: Reece, Jim & Reece Thomas;NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites)

US Navy Lieutenant George Lee Morningstar, Vietnam Veteran, Born in Burlington, NC, he became a Native of Virginia. Born Novemeber 23, 1942.
US Navy Lieutenant George Lee Morningstar was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Navy Reserve, LT Morningstar served our country until March 16th, 1970 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 27 years old and was married. It was reported that George died when his plane crashed upon crash landing at Da Nang. His body was recovered. LT Morningstar is on panel 12W, line 007 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 3 years.
Morningstar, George Lee, Lieutenant, US Navy, died March 16, 1970, when a Navy four-engine electronic spy plane crashed at Na Dang Air Base in Vietnam. A native of Virgilina, Va., the 27-year-old Lieutenant was a 1961 graduate of Elon College High School and a graduate of Wake Forest University. He entered the Navy in July 1966. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Eunice Morningstar of Burlington; his wife, Ms. Nell Morningstar; one stepson, Brad Morningstar; one sister, Mrs. Phyllis Moore; one brother, Dewey Morningstar; and an aunt, Miss Willie Bowen with whom he made his home. Source: Times-News April 4, 1970.
Twenty-two persons died and 11 were injured when a four-engine U.S. Navy propeller-driven EC-121 Super Constellation crashed and burned as it came in for a landing at Da Nang airport just before noon, the U.S. Command announced. The plane destroyed an F4 Phantom jet fighter-bomber parked near the runway as it hit a steel-covered aircraft revetment, bounced, and landed near a road near the runway, Stars and Stripes reporter Spec. 4 Bob Hodierne reported witnesses in Da Nang as saying. The plane carried 31 persons, including the crew, all of them U.S. Navy personnel, the Command said. It said two U.S. Air Force men were injured on the ground. The U.S. naval Support Activity at Da Nang Monday night listed eight patients as a result of the crash. Five were listed by the hospital as in good condition, two in fair and one in very serious condition. Witnesses described the crash this way:
The plane was approaching the field for a landing when it suddenly veered to the right as if to take off again and smashed into the revetment. The fuselage landed just short of a road that runs in front of the headquarters of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. This section of the plane, where most of the bodies were found during the seven-hour recovery operation, burned fiercely. The tail section and one center wing section landed in the road. The tail section was the only part that did not burn.
He served on the EC-121, VQ-1, 7th Air Force, DaNang Airbase, RVN.
He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal and The Air Medal with Multiple Oak Leaf Clusters and Two Gold Stars.
Burial: Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Escambia County, Florida. Plot: Site 31/795
(source: Reece, Jim & Reece Thomas;NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites)

REV. JOSEPH A. MURRAY was one of the old time preachers of the Christian Church and belonged to the North Carolina and Virginia Conference. For his day and time he was very well informed. To the General Meeting at Pleasant Grove in Halifax county, Virginia, in 1835, a petition was sent from Bethlehem church requesting the appointment of a presbytery to ordain Rev. Joseph A. Murray. The petition was granted. In 1838, he attended the General Meeting, or Conference, at Pope's chapel in Granville county. And in 1839, he preached the opening sermon from Psa. 50:21, 22, 23, before the Conference at old Lebanon in Surry county, Virginia.
At the North Carolina and Virginia Conference at Union, in 1840, he was appointed an itinerant to travel on the Deep River circuit. He reported himself at the Conference at Apple's church, in Guilford county, in 1841. At the Conference at Pleasant Grove in Randolph county, in 1843, he opened the meeting with prayer. He was on the committee on ordination that recommended Ashbel S. Nelson and John R. Holt for "Elders' orders." In 1845, at Apple's chapel, he was chairman of the committee on itinerancy, and also served on the committee on education. He was assigned to the Haw River circuit. At the Conference at Union chapel, In 1846, he was on the committee on itinerancy, and on ordination to examine candidates for the ministry. He was assigned to the Deep River circuit. In 1847, he attended the Conference at Pope's chapel in Granville county, North Carolina In 1850, he was at the Conference at Union, Alamance county, in connection with which a camp meeting was held. He preached. Others who preached were Revs. I. N. Walter, Jesse K. Cole, and Thomas J. Fowler. And again in 1852, he was at Union chapel.
In 1853, he withdrew from the Christian Church, and joined the Baptists, at which time his name was erased from the roll of the North Carolina and Virginia Christian Conference. At the Conference at O'Kelly's chapel, in 1854, the following was adopted: "Whereas Elder Joseph A. Murray, formerly a member of this Conference, has withdrawn from the same and united with the Baptist church; Resolved, That his name be dropped from the roll of this Conference." He soon became disaffected toward the Baptists, and endeavored to pass himself off again as a Christian minister, but he was never recognized by the body. He lived till about the year 1859 or 1860, or even a little later, and preached from place to place as he could find admission or hearers. In his latter days, he emphasized, "Live as I tell you, and not as I do." He was not satisfied with his conduct during his last days when the shades were falling fast. Sympathy goes out for a man thus conscious of his weakness.
(Source: Compiles by and used with permission of Bethlehem Christian Church)