EV. JAMES L. NEESE belonged to the Georgia and Alabama Christian Conference. He was born in Georgia, and finally located in Alabama. His labors were chiefly in Chambers and Clay counties. He died in Clay county, Alabama.

      In 1870, the committee on the standing of the ministry reported all in good standing except J. L. Neese, a licentiate, who was "excommunicated." At the Conference in 1871, Rev. J. L. Neese was restored to fellowship in the Church having given satisfaction to the brethren.

      In 1873, at the Conference at New Hope in Chambers county, Alabama, he was appointed on the committee on Periodicals and Temperance. He preached before the Conference from Matt. 12:39. In 1874, at Liberty in Randolph county, Alabama, he was elected secretary of the Conference, and served on the committee on Sabbath schools, and on that on Education. He preached occasionally. At the Conference at Antioch in Chambers county, in 1875, he was re-elected secretary, and served on the committees on Periodicals and Temperance, and on the committee to examine T. H. Elder for ordination. During 1876, he conducted a school at Antioch church, Chambers county. He was secretary of the Conference at Fellowship in Randolph county, in 1879, and served on the committee on periodicals. He engaged in teaching as well as preaching.

      In 1881, charges were preferred against him, but the committee on the standing of the ministry reported the [392] charges not sustained. In 1885, he served on the committee on Sunday schools and on Moral Reform. To the Conference he reports, "Owing to circumstances over which I had no control, I failed to do as much ministerial work as I desired to do." At New Hope, in 1886, he was elected secretary and treasurer of the Conference. He reported as chairman of the committee on Temperance: "Intemperance is rapidly giving place to temperance--especially the debasing and dangerous habit of dram drinking, which often leads to drunkenness. We earnestly ask all and especially the ministers of our order to begin at once and work zealously and constantly in the cause of temperance." He preached at Fellowship, Rock Springs, Antioch, Beulah, Union School House, High Pine School House, and other places. In 1889, he reported that he had had charge of Macedonia, and received four members into the church. At the Conference at Mt. Zion, in 1895, he served on the committee on Temperance. And in 1896, he served on the committee on the standing of the ministry and on religious literature.

      His name disappears from the minutes about the year 1900 or 1901.

[LCM 392-393]