Rev. M. W. Swearingin, the eldest minister in the Cookeville Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the present date, was born in Jackson County, now Putman County, Tennessee, May 22, 1854; was converted at Roaring River Church, Jackson County, Tennessee, October, 1874; was married to Miss Hester Ann Hicks, November 24, 1874. He became a candidate for the ministry under the Old Sparta Presbytery at Cave Springs, in Overton County, Tennessee, September 11, 1878. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry at his home church at Roaring River, Jackson County, Tennessee, April, 1884. He has served the following churches as pastor or supply: Flat Creek, Cave Springs, New Bethel, Beech Grove, Trinity, Ruth's Chapel, Roaring River, Cumberland, Pherris Chapel, and Spring Creek.
He is now serving the Church at Lee Seminary as pastor. He was opposed to the merger throughout the unpleasant controversy, and declares his purpose to spend the remainder of his days in the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and die as a soldier of the cross under her banner.
He has served his presbytery as moderator seven different times. He represented his presbytery as commissioner in the Bowling Green, Kentucky Assembly in 1913. He is at this time well and hearty, and able to travel, preach and work for the Lord.
Brother Swearingin is not what the schools would call an educated man, but nevertheless he has a mind for profound thinking. His preaching is of the revival type, and the writer of this sketch has heard him preach some powerful sermons. He is a Cumberland Presbyterian of the true type, and his theology is true to his Church. He is eloquent and sublime in prayer, his singing is uplifting and soul-stirring. He is affable and congenial in social qualities, and is of the type of man that will be greatly missed when he lays his armor down and goes to his reward above. May the Lord crown his last days with the benedictions of heaven.
[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 50-51]