1895
Bennett, S. M., Sumach, Ga.
Minister - Georgia Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Free Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Beaverdale, Ga.
Pastor - Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dawnville, Ga.
[Source: Minutes of the Sixty-Fifth General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1895, pages 165 & 268]

1896
Bennett, S. M., Sumach, Ga.
Minister - Georgia Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Free Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Beaverdale, Ga.
Pastor - Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dawnville, Ga.
[Source: Minutes of the Sixty-Sixth General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1896, pages 151 & 241]

1897
Bennett, S. M. (teacher), Sumach, Ga.
Minister - Georgia Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
Pastor - Cohutta Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Cohutta, Ga.
Pastor - Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Dawnville, Ga.
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1897, pages 205 & 272]

1898
Bennett, S. M. student, Sumach, Ga.
Minister - Georgia Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1898, page 286]

1899
Bennett, S. M., student, Sumach, Ga.
Minister - Georgia Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1899, page 190a]

1900
Bennett, S. M., teacher, Rocksprings, Ala.
Minister - Chattanooga Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1900, page 200a]

1901
Bennett, S. M., Rocksprings, Ala.
Minister - Chattanooga Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
listed in index but not in Presbyterial Directory
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1901, page 222a]

1902
Bennett, S. M., charge, Gaylesville, Ala.
Minister - Talladega Presbytery - Alabama Synod
Pastor - Attalla Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Attalla, Ala.
Pastor - Piedmont Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Piedmont, Ala.
Pastor - Pleasant Vale Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Ringgold, Ala.
Pastor - Spring Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Hurley, Ala.
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1902, pages 105a, 106a & 229a]

1903
Bennett, S. M., charge, Gaylesville, Ala.
Minister - Talladega Presbytery - Alabama Synod
Pastor - Attalla Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Attalla, Ala.
Pastor - Gaylesville Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Gaylesville, Ala.
Pastor - Pleasant Vale Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Ringgold, Ala.
Pastor - Spring Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Hurley, Ala.
Commissioner to General Assembly, May 21-28, 1903 - Nashville, Tennessee
Served on Committee on Missions and Church Erection
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1903, pages 10, 25, 90a & 215a]

1904
Cumberland University Theological Department
Middle Theological Class Picture 1904 - S. M. Bennett

1904
Bennett, S. M., student, Lebanon, Tenn.
Minister - Lebanon Presbytery - Tennessee Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1904, page 186a]

1905
Bennett, S. M., student, Lebanon, Tenn.
Minister - Robert Donnell Presbytery - Alabama Synod
Pastor - Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church - New Market, Ala.
Pastor - New Market Cumberland Presbyterian Church - New Market, Ala.
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1905, pages 54a & 171a]

1906
Bennette, S. M., charge, Wolfe City, Tex.
Minister - Bonham Presbytery - Texas Synod
Pastor - Dial Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Honey Grove, Tex.
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1906, pages 102a & 146a]

Name: Bennett, S. M.
Occupation: HR
Presbytery: Trinity
Place of Death: Arlington, TX
Date of Death: May 22, 1973
Age: 103
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1974, page 674]

     

"He conducted 2,000 funerals, married 1,000 young couples. He baptized their babies, watched them grow into young adulthood, and married them. Some of the funerals, he recalls, were for these young and old parishoners who made up the cycle of his ministry."(1)

Rev. Samuel M. Bennett was one of the seven ministers produced by Sumach Church. Like the other six men who followed him into the ministry, he left a lasting impression on the people he assisted in his 68-year pastoral career. His ministry, like that of C. W. Hayes and W. L. Swartz, encompassed the industrial revolution; two world wars; two smaller, contained conflicts; a great depression; the New Deal era of Franklin D. Roosevelt; and an economic period of prosperity which no other nation in the history of mankind has ever experienced. He once commented during his pastoral career that "everything has come to pass in my life." (2)

Rev. S. M. Bennett was born on December 13, 1869 near Griffin, Georgia. He was born at a time when the nation was recovering from the War Between the States and the south was having to endure the period of Reconstruction. By the time he was 19 years old, his family had moved to Whitfield County, Georgia. Here he assisted his father in raising cotton on their 160-acre farm. It was at this time that he approached his father about the possibility of attending school.

Mr. Bennett's father was initially opposed to his schooling. He felt that his son could enjoy a prosperous career on the farm. S. M., however, disagreed and after several conversations they worked out a compromise. Bennett recalled that his father "didn't think it (school) was necessary, but I thought I had a chance in the world if I would just prepare myself." (3)

The father allowed the son "to take half of the 160-acre farm, give his father a 500-pound bale of cotton from it and the remaining profits would be used 'for financing schooling." (4) Mr. Bennett recalled that from this arrangement with his father he was able to buy" . . . an old horse, bridle, and saddle . . . The plow things were already on hand, and I made a crop. I sold cotton, corn, potatoes, and the old horse, paid my debts and had $90 left." (5)

With the hard earned cash Mr. Bennett paid his way to a prep school called Sumach Seminary in Sumach, Georgia. Here he completed his high school and junior college course work, which normally took four years, in two years. (6) While attending the Sumach Seminary Mr. Bennett boarded with the S. H. Henry family. It was here that he met his future wife, Miss Onie Henry, on of S. H. Henry's daughters. She was also one of S. M. Bennett's instructors at the Sumach Seminary.

Following graduation, S. M. Bennett traveled to Ryles High School in Sugar Valley, Georgia where he "stood the exam" and got a second grade teaching certificate. (7) After obtaining the teaching certificate, he "found a school nearby that needed a teacher, and started work at $21 a month." (8)

During the second year of teaching, his principal became involved with the Ku Klux Klan and was dismissed. S. M. Bennett was appointed the new principal.

"I was a little leery about that high school work, but as luck would have it an old bachelor from Indiana, who was a finished scholar, came down that way and took a teaching job with me. He did the teaching (Greek, Latin, and higher mathematics) and I did the watching." (9)

After several years of teaching, S. M. Bennett, who had been a "hard shell" Baptist most of his life, joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and became convinced that he should prepare for a career in the ministry. He enrolled at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee which offered theological training. It was while there that he married Miss Onie Henry. At the time they married, she was completing her degree at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee.

"She (Mrs. Bennett) taught several years, both before and after her marriage, and attended the wives' counterpart of seminary along with her husband in Lebanon. She took high honors in her graduating class at Peabody, and gave up a college teacher's profession to marry a $75 a month preacher." (10)

After marriage she encouraged her new husband to continue training while she taught school, but this was unacceptable. After six months he withdrew and

"I told her to meet me in Chattanooga and we would go down to Alabama and find a place to teach. She asked me if I knew a place. I didn't but I assured her we could find a school." (11)

By train the Bennetts journeyed to Attalla, Alabama and from there rode horseback six miles to the East Gadsden community where they found suitable employment for both of them.

"They had a nice school but no money. I told them we would take anything you can roll, tote, or drive as tuition. At the end of each month, parents would bring in hams, shoulders, sides, fodder, corn, oates, and other items. I had to build a barn to keep all of it in. A young man opened a country store and agreed to buy most of it." (12)

Following their teaching experience in East Gadsden, he decided to return to Cumberland University and complete his theological training. He graduated in 1905. For a period of time he served as a member of the faculty at Sumach Seminary. He also served as pastor of the Cohutta Presbyterian Church, Cohutta, Georgia, which until 1906 had been a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation.

He began receiving correspondence from several Texas churches whose pulpits were vacant.

(My wife) "wanted to come west and I thought I could stand it. I was hired sight unseen . . . All of our household belongings were loaded into a railroad car for the trip west. I had hoped that some of the furniture would be broken up so the railroad would replace it. But the furniture got to Texas in good shape. Only one stove leg was broken off." (13)

S. M. Bennett's first pastorate in Texas was in Wolfe City. Later he served a congregation in Dial which is located in northeast Texas. Following his service at Dial he became pastor of a church in La Donia near Honey Grove, Texas. He often stated that he became too comfortable at La Donia where the church prospered and a new church building and manse were constructed.

In 1914 Rev. Bennett accepted a call to serve the Arlington Presbyterian Church (today the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington). This congregation had been organized as a Cumberland Presbyterian church in 1888 by the Rev. D. G. Malloy with 25 charter members. In 1906 the Arlington congregation voted to join the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (14) When Mr. Bennett accepted the appointment at Arlington, he found the congregation struggling.

"I was a big stout young fellow and I felt like I wanted to go where there was something to do. I told them (at La Donia) that any man with half sense and one eye could take care of them." (15)

The church building was "rickety" and cattle grazed between the church and the manse. He recalled that "we moved in or Monday after World War I broke out on Sunday. My salary was $100 a month." (16)

For the next 21 years the Rev. Mr. Bennett served the Arlington church, and his pastoral record of this congregation is impressive. He saw the membership grow from 75 to 425 (and in later years exulted in the growth of the congregation to 1850, which makes it the largest congregation today in Texas Synod, United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.). During his tenure a new domed church was built at 202 West Abram and a manse next door. This domed structure later became a landmark in the city and today the site of the Arlington City Hall. (17)

Mr. Bennett served eight times as a commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., "including assemblies at Atlantic City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Columbus, Ohio." (18) His work in Arlington was so outstanding that in 1928 Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas (originally connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church), conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. (19) In the early 1950's, Dr. Bennett was appointed pastor emeritus of the Arlington Church. (20) In 1959 the spire of the new Arlington Church was dedicated to the Rev. and Mrs. S. M. Bennett, commemorating their sixty years in the ministry and service to the Arlington Church since 1914.

Mrs. Onie Henry Bennett played an important role in her husband's ministry. She stood

"like a mighty oak alongside her able husband. Throughout his pastorate (at Arlington) she taught the women's Sunday School class. Her mind was stored with bible history and tradition, and she could quote chapter after chapter from memory. Long after failing eyesight prevented her from doing her usual study, she continued to teach the class, drawing richly from her storehouse of knowledge. . . As one of her daily mental exercise, she repeated the presidents of the United States, giving the years each served, and named over the states of the Union with their capitals." (21)

On December 31, 1934, at the age of 66, Mr. Bennett retired as pastor of the Arlington Church. (22) His retirement, however, was short lived. In 1936 he filled in temporarily as pastor of the Arlington Heights Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. This temporary appointment lasted for the next ten years. In 1946 he retired again and moved back to Arlington where are the age of 76 he stated, ". . . I came back to Arlington and decided I was going to stop and live awhile." (23)

The Bennetts moved into a pleasant two-story home at 507 South Center where for the next 27 years Mr. Bennett enjoyed retirement and "pastored the whole town. He called on the sick, and those in distress, regardless of church membership, and gave sympathy and counsel wherever it was needed." (24) He continued also to serve the Arlington Church as a "visiting pastor" and was often called upon for advice.

In the late 1950's there was considerable controversy over the Arlington congregation's decision to relocate after having outgrown its quarters. Dr. Bennett recalled:

"They cussed and discussed the thing . . . then asked my opinion . . . I told them nothing would be lost by moving to the new South Collins site, that they could carry all the history and sentiment over to the new church . . . We didn't lose more than two members over the move." (25)

Throughout his pastoral career, Dr. Bennett supported the concept of the organized church and the ecumenical movement. He once stated that the church:

". . . is doing more than any institution of the age in spreading humanity and Christianity throughout the world . . . 'Fussing' between various faiths is unnecessary and almost all of them can agree that God is Creator, Jesus Christ is Saviour, the Holy Spirit is Comforter." (26)

The Bennetts lived in Texas for 45 years. In all that time they never forgot Sumach Church and the many friends and relatives they had back in Georgia. On May 24, 1953, they sent the following letter of congratulations to the congregation celebrating its 100th anniversary:

"Rev. and Mrs. S. M. Bennett send their loyal, devoted greetings to the beloved pastor, Rev. Charles W. Hayes, the session and congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church observing its 100th anniversary today. The influence of this church has been felt around the world.

We have been absent from this church and community for more than 50 years but still the voice of the old pastor, S. H. Henry, organizer and pastor for 50 years, still rings in our ears. His influence and spirit was not only felt in this community, Murray County, the state of Georgia, but in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and on to the Pacific coast. We also remember the people who backed Rev. S. H. Henry in the organization of this church 100 years ago. They were 'the salt of the earth.'

We remember also with thanksgiving the elders, deacons, and congregation of this church 50 years ago. Such men as Dr. Leach, Prof. Humphreys, Billy Harris, Leach Henry, etc.--men whose character cannot easily be forgotten.

Since that time this church has elected and ordained two benches of elders and deacons, as far sighted and as noble we believe as those of 100 years ago or 50 years ago. All of these have lived their day, filled their little niche, did their work and have gone on to their reward.

We today thank God for your pastor, the Rev. Charles W. Hayes, the session and congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in the years of our Lord, 1953. You have as a church inherited great spiritual riches.

In the midst of wars and rumors of war this church has gone steadily about the Master's work, thus proving that 'God is the same yesterday, today and forever.' Many things have had to be adjusted to suit the times in which we live, but never before has the Church of Jesus Christ witnessed such material and spiritual progress as today.

We believe we are right in reminding you that you have not been hindered but helped by all the things that have gone before. You have a first class pastor, a first class session, and a first class congregation at Sumach, Georgia. You live in the center of the universe, and God is with you.

We also believe that those we loved long ago and have lost for a while are still with us. Paul says, 'Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us an run with patience this race set before us.'

We humbly pray that the history of the past, the facts of the present and the hopes of the future may stimulate you on this 100th anniversary to greater things for God. The Bible teaches us 'That all things work together for good to them that love God to those called according to His purpose.'" (27)

Mrs. Bennett died in 1960. Mr. Bennett survived his wife by 13 years. Their marriage was blessed with five children, eight grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Their health was always good, and their outlook on life bright.

Following his wife's death, he continued his independent lifestyle. At the age of 100 he commented:

"I've been around all kinds of diseases, even yellow fever, but the only thing I ever caught is the measles. I don't act a fool about overdoing anything and I stay busy at something nearly all the time. I haven't gone to my doctor in more than a year. Sometimes he comes to see me, just to visit. Nothing irritates me. As far as I can tell everything seems to help me. I haven't spent more than $10 on doctor's medicine." (28)

Seven months after celebrating his 100th birthday, the Rev. Mr. Bennett was honored by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. He, along with six other citizens, received the "Arlington Citation for Service" award. He was cited as an 'inspiration' to younger citizens." (29)

He lived to be 103 years old. He died on May 21, 1973, and is buried at Arlington, Texas. To the end of his life he was alert and energetic.

"In his book-filled home he cooked for himself and was grateful for such modern miracles as canned and frozen foods. 'I have a good home, haven't had to ask for anything, live my own life. I've planned my own work and do my own thinking. Life has always just kept climbing with me. There is always something just ahead, still better.'" (30)

The Rev. S. M. Bennett led a colorful, adventuresome and meaningful life. He and Mrs. Bennett were Georgia born and reared. Both received their secondary and junior college training at Sumach Seminary. He turned to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for his career and theological training. No doubt, Mrs. Bennett's father, Rev. S. H. Henry, played a part in his decision to enter the ministry. He finished a long pastoral career as a minister of the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were specimens of a rare breed. Their lives are best summarized by Ruth Grundy who wrote in 1959 that the Bennetts gave "spiritual substance to the Church's growth and imbued it with inspirational beauty." (31) The tribute with evidence is true. That's the kind of nurture they received at Sumach and other churches and places. And that's what they gave back, to the people of Georgia, the people of Texas, and to people at large.

1. Ruth Grundy, "Lives Point Upward; Spire Named for Reverend Couple," The Arlington Citizen, Arlington, Texas, 1958, p. 1.

2. Jim W. Jones, "Pastor Is A Young 100 Years Old," Fort Worth Star Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, December 11, 1969, p. 4.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. Ibid.; Grundy, p. 1.

7. Jones, p. 4.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Grundy, no page no.

11. Jones, p. 4.

12. Ibid.

13. Ibid.

14. "First Presbyterian Church Founded in Late Eighties," The Citizens Journal, Arlington, Texas, February 1972, Section E, p. 12.

15. Jones, p. 4.

16. Ibid.

17. Grundy, p. 1.

18. Ibid.

19. Ibid.

20. Personal letter from Rev. S. M. Bennett to Mrs. Lillie Petty dated Sunday September 6, 1970.

21. Grundy, p. 1.

22. "First Presbyterian Church Founded in Late Eighties," p. 1.

23. Jones, p. 4.

24. Grundy, p. 1.

25. Jones, p. 4.

26. Ibid.

27. Personal letter from Rev. and Mrs. S. M. Bennett dated May 24, 1953. This letter is in the possession of Mrs. Lillie Petty.

28. Jones, p. 4.

29. "Six Arlington Citizens Honored," The Press, Arlington, Texas, July 2, 1979, p. 10-A.

30. Ibid.

31. Grundy, no page no.

[Source: Gregory, Jr., Conway. Sumach on the Hill: Tracing the History of the Sumach Cumberland Presbyterian Church From 1846 Through 1976. Chatsworth, Georgia, 1977, pages 159-163, 215]