This Week in Texas Methodist History April 23

E. L. Shettles Converted April 27, 1891

On April 27, 1891 a 6' 5" professional gambler decided to go to a revival in Belton at which the Rev. Joe Jones was the preacher. The result was a conversion experience that led to a call to the ministry. For the next thirty years E. L. Shettles ministered in the Texas Conference as preacher, presiding elder, historian, and conservator of historical materials.

Few of his early associates could have predicted such a career for the Mississippian. From 1881 to 1891 Shettles travelled Texas haunting saloons, gambling dens, prize fight arenas, and other unsavory sites. He lived by his wits and often faced danger from the other gamblers whom he cheated. That life ended dramatically at age 39.

After a year of preparation, Shettles was given a circuit in Bastop County. Later appointments took him to Houston, Pittsburg, and Navasota (among other places). He also collected Texas history materials and co-edited the Texas Methodist Historical Quarterly. (1909-1911)

After his retirement in 1921, Shettles began a new career as book collector. He scoured book stores and private collections to add to the library holdings of the University of Texas, Southern Methodist University, Rice Institute, and Sam Houston State Teacher's College. The SMU items included some very rare Wesleyana items.

After his death at age 88 in Austin, his friend J. Frank Dobie eulogized him. He said He was one of the best men I have ever known, and he and my own father have led me to conclude that pure goodness and justice and mercy and kindness in men make them cheerful.