EV. WILLIAM G. PROCTOR was converted in 1823, and baptized by Rev. Enoch Harvey in Spring Garden near the city of Baltimore.

      At Antioch in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1835, he was engaged in a meeting. He says that Elder Christy Sine was in attendance, together with "our dear brothers Teats and Ward," In a communication dated November 2, 1836, he states: "Our general meeting held the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of September at Antioch, was well attended; many came from a distance. Elder Isaac N. Walter of New York city, was with us, and preached to great satisfaction, showing himself a workman that need not be ashamed." Elder John Zahn also was in attendance. Eight members were added to the church on the last day of the meeting, and many others came forward for prayer, some of whom realized a joy inexpressible." Much good was done in the name of the Lord.

      For the purpose of organizing a new Conference, a preliminary meeting was held in Frederick county, Virginia, August 27, 1888. The conference formed was called "The Christian Conference of the Valley in Virginia," of which Elder W. G. Proctor was Moderator. The first regular meeting of this Conference was held at Antioch chapel, in Rockingham county, on the 8th day of November, 1838. The Rev. John Zahn was chosen Moderator. Elder Proctor was also present. It was agreed "that a committee of three be appointed to draft the further business of the Conference, which was done by the chair as follows: Elders C. Sine, W. G. Proctor and Brother J. Ridgeway." At this Conference the territory was divided into two circuits from the [137] Narrow Passage," South and North, and Elder Proctor to ride the "North circuit."

      In 1839, at the Conference at the Christian meeting house, in Hampshire county, Virginia, Elder Proctor was chosen moderator; and likewise moderator of the Conference at Timber Ridge, in 1840. At this Conference he agreed to preach for the Northern circuit.

      The Valley Conference of Virginia met in Antioch chapel, Rockingham county, on September 20, 1841, at which it was "resolved, that Elder W. G. Proctor travel in the Alleghany circuit." At the Virginia Valley Conference at Christian chapel, Hampshire county, in 1842, he was stationed on Ray's Hill circuit in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. He reported that since his return from the Conference four had united with the church at Green Ridge. That at the close of a camp-meeting, in which Brothers Hance and Miller assisted, "34 united with us during the meeting." Later he says, "I have received into membership since Conference 82, and baptized 57. The reformation moves along without the extravagances common to revivals." In 1843, he was still with the Ray's Hill circuit, and at the Conference in Bedford county, he was appointed on the presbytery that ordained Rev. David Houser. In 1845, complaints were made against Elder Proctor, which were referred to a committee, and by it to the Conference for settlement. From this point we have no further information given, by which to trace his life. At one time he was near falling into the theories of the "Adventists," which reflected upon his calling as a Christian minister. Having given twenty-three years to the ministry and possessing a good character, it pains one to think of so long a life of service being called in question. Further data are wanting. [138]

[LCM 137-138]