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.
