Bruce, Philip

Bruce, Philip a native of North Carolina, of Huguenot descent, a soldier of the Revolution, entered the Methodist ministry in 1781, and traveled extensively, filling the most important stations until he became superannuated in 1817. He closed his useful life in Tennessee, May 10, 1826, the oldest travelling preacher in his connection in the United States with one exception. While in the ministry he was very efficient as a preacher, presiding elder, and in many important positions in the Church. The Virginia Conference, of which he was one of the fathers, delighted to honor him while he lived, and delegated one of its members to build his tomb when he died. — Minutes of Conferences, 1, 541; Sprague, Annals, 7, 73.