Rev. M. F. Dukes was born at the old Dukes home, three miles from
Branchville, in Orangeburg County, S. C., November 2, 1867. He joined the
church at eleven years of age under the preaching of Dr. Thomas Raysor,
and was converted during a revival held by Rev. W. H. Hodges, under the
preaching of Rev. John E. Beard. He was licensed to preach at Cattle
Creek Camp Ground in 1889, by Rev. J. T. Clyde, Presiding Elder.' He
served as a supply on the Indian River Mission in Florida. He was admitted
into the Florida Conference in January 1893, and transferred to the South
Carolina Conference in 1899. In the South Carolina Conference he served
various charges, among them Bucksville, 1900; Loris, 1901; Ridgeway, 1902-4;
Woodford, 1905-8; Chesterfield, 1909; Brightsville, 1910-13; Mullins Circuit,
1914-17; Tuberville, 1917-20; Beaufort, 1921; Greeleville, and Lanes,
1922-24; Little Rock, 1925. He transferred to the Florida Conf8rence, and was stationed at Oakland in 1926. Since that time he has served other
charges in Florida very faithfully and efficiently. His last pastorate was Greenville, where he was stricken with a severe illness. He underwent a sur~ical operation from which he recovered sufficiently to visit his children and other relatives. On Friday morning, March 20, 1931, he finished
his earthly career, and entered into his eternal rest.
He is survived by his faithful and devoted companion, Mrs. Hattie
Conner Dukes, Greenville, Fla., and the following children: M. F. Dukes,
Turbeville, S. C.; Herbert Dukes, Arcadia, Fla.; Charles Dukes, Duke University; Mrs. C. E. Tyler, Wagener, S. C.; Mrs. Jennie Feagin, West Palm
Beach, Fla., and Miss Dorothy Dukes, Greenville, Fla., and a step-daughter,
Miss Hattie Conner, Tallahassee, Fla.
Our precious brother was at the home of his beloved son, M. F. Dukes,
Jr., Turbeville, S. C., when God called him up "On High." This was his
last and happiest appointment. He is now at home in Glory.
His funeral services were conducted in Pine Grove Church, Turbeville,
S. C., on Saturday, March 21, 1931, by Rev. W. L. Parker, assisted by Revs.
G. F. Kirby, E. K. Garrison, J, A. Campbell, S. D. Bailey, G. W. Davis, and
A. D. Betts. Other brethren in the ministry wer~ in attendance. The following ministers were his pall bearers: C. S. Felder, R. P. Turner, J. G.
Ferguson, H. D. Shuler, J. B. Prosser, and B. L. Knight. Our precious
brother's favorite hymns were sung: "Close to Thee," and "Servant of God
Well Done," and "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus." His dear friends, Mr.
and Mrs. W. M. Coker and Mrs. John J. Turbeville sang "One Sw'eetly Salmen Thought."
Among the many beautiful floral offerings were wreaths from Duke
University, Board of Stewards of Pine Grove Church, Woman's Missionary
Society, Turbeville and Atlanta, Board of Trustees Wagener High School
and numerous other friends and relatives.
A saintly man and a faithful gospel preacher has gone from us to his
eternal home in Heaven. We mourn because of his departure, but rejoice
that we will meet him in the "Sweet Bye and Bye." His beloved companion,
who shared with him in the burdens and pleasures of the ministry, for a long number of years, rejoices that she will be reunited with her precious
husband in the Celestial City. May God sustain her, and all his loved ones,
while they wait for the call to meet him at the Beautiful Gate of Heaven.
Submitted: T. L. Z. BARR.