Rev. Olympia McKelvey ABNEY

     Rev. Olympia McKelvey ABNEY, son of Dr. Ezra Styles ABNEY, was born on 8 March 1872 in Lexington County, South Carolina. He graduated in June 1894 at Wofford College at age 22. He ediucation had begun in the home and continured through various schools in Lexington and Richland counties. While in college he was secretary of his class and taught Sunday school. After graduation he taught school at Boiling Springs in Lexington county. In the fall of 1895 he entered the Theological Department at Vanderbilt University. He graduated with honors in 1898.

He was licensed to preach 5 Aug 1893. After his graduation in 1898 he was appointed to the Cartaret Street Church, Beaufort, South Carolina. He was received into the Methodist conference and was a circuit preacher 1899-1900 before being appointed to West End, Anderson.