I’ve never seen a book written by today’s subject. I live on the other side of the country from where he was born and have not visited his grave site. I may have read his name before, but it didn’t stick with me.
Charles Augustus Stiles was born in 1836 near Charleston, South Carolina. His father was a school teacher. The 1860 census tells us that he was still living at home at the age of twenty-four, caring for one or both of his parents. C.A. was saved by the grace of God at the First Baptist Church in Sumter. Two years later he was licensed to preach at which time he entered Furman University. But his schooling was interrupted by his enlistment in the Confederate Army – where he was wounded at Boonesborough. His ordination took place on January 3, 1869 after his wounds healed.
Following the war, brother Stiles married and lost three wives and several children. His oldest son died at the age of fifteen when the steamer Marion exploded while sailing up the Wateree river. Only three daughters outlived their Father.
His ministry involved half a dozen churches – the largest of which was the Congaree Baptist Church. He pastored several congregations at once. Since he had no horse, he had to walk to each preaching point.
Charles Augustus Stiles died at his home in Eastover, S.C. on October 10, 1908. There was a memorial service for him the following day. For fifty years he faithfully served the Lord without much earthly remuneration or recognition, but the Lord knoweth them that are his.
And the Lord is fully acquainted with you and your ministry, my brother.