William Sadler Fears
(1807-1903)

        W. S. Fears was born January 31, 1807. He was the youngest son born to William and Mary (Griffin) Fears, his first wife. They lived near Scull Shoals on the Oconee River in Greene County, Georgia, near Oglethorpe County line and just across the river from old Franklin-Clark county. William S., along with his older brother, Jesse Griffin Fears, and his younger step-brother, Augustus Browder "Buck" Fears grew up on the American frontier.

        On December 31, 1834 William S. married Sarah Kleckly Whitsel, the widowed wife of John Whitsel. Fears, along with his brothers, accompanied an emigration of relatives in the 1820s to Henry County where William settled in the Third District on a plantation east of Bear Creek on the Locust Grove Road.

        According to family sources, the Fears brothers accumulated land through buying and selling to the great total of over 4,000 acres between them. William's older brother Jesse, lived in the home of William and Sarah all his life, never marrying. A descendant, Jack Fears, of Hampton, Georgia, tells the story that his old uncle Jesse was somewhat of elusive character. Jesse was not a professed Christian, like his two younger brothers. He helped them build the original church building of the Disciples in Hampton, but never attended on a regular basis. It was said that Jesse attended a Revival meeting on one occasion, and he told his brothers that it was the last time he would attend, that religion was not for him. The only other time he went, was when his funeral was held, January 2nd, 1901. 

        Nathan W. Smith, long-time evangelist in Georgia,  spoke of the conversions of "Buck" Fears and his step-brother William in the Christian Standard, May 24, 1879 as follows:

        The two Brothers Fears, A.B. and Wm. S., came to the knowledge of the Scripture truths as taught by the Disciples, by reading our publications, and they have been great workers. I receive them into a small congregation I had gathered in Fayette County. They rode 25 miles from their home to have and enjoy church privileges; as an evidence of their faithfulness. I used to preach in a school-house in their vicinity in passing, but so great was the prejudice and opposition, could not get more than half dozen hearers. And in 1845, while Bro. Hook (Dr. Daniel Hook) was with me, Bro. Wm. S. Fears made an appointment for us to preach at his house, and gave the appointment publicity through the neighborhood. The time came and we were on hand. Now for our hearers. Two neighbors, young men, and Bro. Fears’ family of whites and blacks, all told.

          Bro. Hook, always ready to do all he could, preached, doubtless, a good sermon. I was tired an sleepy, and I confess I took a short nap. Now for evidence that these brethren with what aid they have had, were good workers. There is one among the best and largest congregations of Disciple in that neighborhood in our State. Good and substantial citizens, people of intelligence and influence. Brother Wm. S. Fears is, I think, one of the most untiring workers I have known in the State. Bro. A.B. Fears was a good man and preacher – more of a pastor than an evangelist. He has closed his earthly pilgrimage and gone to the rest that remains for the people of the Lord.

        The first meeting of the of the Church of Christ in Henry County was in the home of William S. Fears in 1845. Through the influences of men like Dr. Daniel Hook and Nathan W. Smith, William became the minister of the congregation and helped to organize the Berea Christian Church in 1854. He was committed to the sound principles of New Testament Christianity all the days of his life. After the Civil War when innovations like, American Christian Missionary Society's Louisville Plan, it was William S. Fears who though in a minority stood against such organization.

        According to J. Edward Moseley, in Disciples Of Christ in Georgia the controversy over the addition of musical instruments cause splits in fellowship among many Georgia churches, not so with Berea, though it's first gospel preacher was against it until his death. Moseley wrote: 

        The Berea Church of Henry County illustrated an enlightened way to solve the organ dispute. Christian liberty of opinion, in the best tradition of the Disciples, was extended to all concerned. William S. Fears, founder of the church and its spiritual guide until his death about 1903, opposed instrumental music in worship. The church did not divide, but members differed with Mr. Fears though they respected his convictions. Near the end of his life, unable to attend worship some elders talked with him about the use of the organ. The veteran preacher replied that he could not worship with an instrument, but he did not wish to hinder others by imposing his views upon them. After his death, the organ was placed in the church. (page 269,270)

        According to the Christian Standard, Dec. 3, 1870, p. 386, it was William S. Fears who attended the 1870 Georgia State Convention and stated, "There are crushing strifes, contentions, feuds, and hair-splittings, among our brethren. The time may come that we will divide."

        William Sadler Fears died at his home in Hampton, Georgia, January 3, 1903, at the age of 95 years, 11 months, and 3 days. He is buried in the cemetery that is adjacent to the old Berea Church building, on the property that he had contributed to the church years earlier for the construction of an edifice of worship. Some years later the building was sold and the congregation moved to the southwestern part of the town of Hampton.