Bain, William Ira

Bain, William Ira a Methodist Episcopal minister, was born near Norfolk,Va., Oct. 30, 1844. His early advantages were limited. He was a remarkably wellread young man, and being bright, in possession of a good memory and an irrepressible perseverance, he trained himself to be a good thinker and fine preacher. He was converted in 1867, immediately joined the M. E. Church, and was shortly afterwards licensed to preach. In 1870 he was admitted to the Virginia Conference, and ordained deacon in 1871. He served Hillsborough Circuit as junior preacher. He was preacher in charge at Manassas three years, after which he served similar terms at Princess Anne and Fairmount respectively. His last appointment was Pocomoke City, Md., where, after a few weeks' labor, he died, on May 13, 1880. Success attended his work. As a preacher, he was studious, prayerful, and laborious. His sermons were clear, logical, and spiritual. See Minutes of Annual Conferences, 1881.