Rev. W. H. Patterson came into the Bethel Association in 1876 and made his 
home at Georgetown, Quitman County.  He was a very learned preacher of the 
Gospel, a man of high christian character and one of the outstanding preachers 
of the state.

He served various churches in the Bethel Association from 1876 until his death 
on March 26, 1901.  He was Moderator of the Bethel Association for two years, 
in 1889 when the Association met with the Vilulah Church in Randolph County 
and in 1900 when it met with the Lebanon Church.  He was loved and appreciated 
by the membership of the churches which he served, and was profound student of 
the Bible and an eloquent and forceful preacher.  His sermons were forceful 
and strong and  his pastoral work among his churches was outstanding.  It is 
regretted that we do not have the history of his early life and attainments 
before he located in the Bethel Association.

(page 322)