By Kevin Geisert, SMC Research Librarian, July 2025
Dr. Sparks White Melton, celebrated as “Norfolk’s pastor,” was a dedicated leader remembered for his eloquent sermons and compassionate endeavors throughout the city. From 1908-1952, a span of forty-four years, he preached at Freemason Street Baptist Church (FSBC) (see local wiki: Freemason Street Baptist Church) in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Known for an extraordinary speaking ability and communication skills, Dr. Melton mesmerized countless parishioners for nearly half of the twentieth century. He guided Freemason Street Baptist Church through two world wars and the Great Depression, as the congregation endured amid some tough times. Always kind-hearted and benevolent toward fellow citizens, his long ministry in Norfolk is a testament to the many relationships he forged along the way.[1]
Born in Fluvanna County, Virginia on March 3, 1870 to parents, Dr. John Melton and Ann Virginia White, Sparks White Melton grew up a short distance away from Charlottesville. His father served the rural community as a country doctor. Even decades later, the younger Melton held fond memories of Fluvanna County. He attended the public schools there before studying in Richmond at Smithdeal Business College and then the University of Richmond. Still unsure of which career path to follow, the young man considered pursuing a law degree. After finally settling on the Baptist ministry, he received his training at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania.[2]
While in Richmond, Melton met and married Laura Virginia Nelson at First Baptist Church on April 28, 1896. The couple later had one son, James Carroll Melton, who was born on October 8, 1901.[3] Franklin Square Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland and the 23rd Street Baptist Church in New York City both sought to hire Dr. Melton right out of seminary. With a choice to make, he began his ministerial career at Franklin Square Baptist Church and preached there from 1895-1899. After about four years, he left Baltimore to serve First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia as its new pastor. Then in 1908, Freemason Street Baptist Church came calling and Dr. Melton moved to Norfolk where he established his ministry that impacted the lives of so many. Although other churches tried to lure him away through the years, he felt his calling to be in Norfolk and turned down all requests.[4]
On December 6, 1908, Dr. Melton received a warm reception when he arrived at FSBC for his first Sunday leading worship. The church had both morning and evening services. During the second service, Dr. Melton stood in front of a standing-room only crowd to deliver his sermon entitled “The Christian Code of Ethics.” Since every pew was already occupied by the time he began speaking, two hundred attendees could only stand for the duration. Afterward, several church members remarked that they had just heard the finest sermon in FSBC history. His reputation as a gifted orator soon spread throughout the Tidewater region. Highly coveted in other areas of the state as well, he enjoyed his frequent travels throughout Virginia to address groups. However, nothing compared to the honor he received in 1926. As America celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Melton visited Monticello in Charlottesville and gave the keynote speech for this historic occasion. Radio transmitted his message across the country for all Americans to hear.[5] He also delivered a Thanksgiving sermon at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now known as Randolph College) in Lynchburg, Virginia later that year.[6] In 1948, Dr. Melton also appeared on a CBS nationally broadcast radio program known as “Church of the Air.” During this episode, he preached a half-hour sermon that called for his listeners to make God the center of their everyday lives.[7]
He accepted many responsibilities as pastor of FSBC but also felt an obligation to the wider community. Dr. Melton taught weekly Bible study classes at church, imparting his theological wisdom to all those who attended. There were separate sessions for the men and women. He held leadership positions in several organizations, including a stint as president of the Baptist General Association. Staying true to his Christian faith, he believed in helping fellow citizens during their time of need. Listening to the concerns of others, Dr. Melton developed a rapport with Norfolk residents. He led humanitarian and compassionate missions throughout the city on many occasions. When the Great Depression brought many hardships to Hampton Roads, he formed the Church Relief Association, which became a vital lifeline of food and other assistance during this troubling period in American history. The Cosmopolitan Club noted his longstanding service toward friends and strangers alike while recognizing him as First Citizen of Norfolk in 1938. Dr. Melton also promoted interfaith dialogue. Along with Rabbi Dr. L.D. Mendoza, he established an annual Thanksgiving service in 1927 between FSBC and Ohef Sholom Temple (located on Stockley Gardens) that still takes place each November.[8]
The pastor outlived his wife by about four decades. Although only forty-six years old, Laura died from meningitis on January 11, 1918 and was buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Melton never married again. He preached his last sermon at FSBC on Sunday, July 27, 1952. From thenceforward known as pastor emeritus, he spent time in both Norfolk and Fluvanna County. He died at Norfolk General Hospital of bronchopneumonia on Monday, April 1, 1957. FSBC hosted funeral services a day later. His final resting place is the Melton family cemetery in Fluvanna County. To honor Dr. Melton’s lasting impact on church and community, FSBC posthumously dedicated Melton Hall, which is still used today, the April following his death.[9]
Sources:
1. Sandusky Curtis, “Dr. Sparks Melton, Clergyman, Dies,” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), April 1, 1957, p. 1 and 8;
“Dr. Sparks Melton—The Triumph of a Life,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), April 2, 1957, p. 4;
“Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), April 2, 1957, p. 19 and last.
2. Curtis, p. 1; “Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today,” p. last.
3. “Whereabouts and Movements of People That You Know,” Staunton Vindicator (Staunton, Virginia), April 24, 1896, p. 3;
“Dr. Sparks White Melton,” Find A Grave, accessed May 5, 2025, Dr Sparks White Melton (1870-1957) - Find a Grave Memorial;
“James Carroll Melton,” Find a Grave, accessed June 5, 2025, James Carroll Melton (1901-1967) - Find a Grave Memorial;
“Laura Virginia Nelson Melton,” accessed June 6, 2025, Laura Virginia Nelson Melton (1871-1918) - Find a Grave Memorial;
“Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today,” p. last.
4. Curtis, p. 1; “Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today,” p. 19 and last.
5. “Immense Crowds Greet New Pastor,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), December 8, 1908, p. 12;
“Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today,” p. 19;
“Religious Freedom Services Sunday at Jefferson’s Tomb,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), July 2, 1926, p. 15.
6. “Dr. Melton Preaches Thanksgiving Sermon,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), November 26, 1926, p. 10.
7. “Melton Speaks on Nation-wide ‘Church of Air,’” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), July 19, 1948, p. 20.
8. “Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today,” p. 19; Curtis, p. 1 and 8.
9. “Melton Hall Is Dedicated,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), April 14, 1958, p. 3; “Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today,” p. last;
“Dr. Sparks White Melton,” Find a Grave; “Laura Virginia Nelson Melton,” Find a Grave; Curtis, p. 1.
Full Name: Sparks White Melton
Also Known as: Dr. Sparks White Melton
Birth Date: March 3, 1870
Birthplace: Fluvanna County, Virginia
Parents: Dr. John Melton and Ann Virginia White
Ethnicity: American
Race: White
Spouse: Laura Virginia Nelson (1871-1918)
Children: James Carroll Melton (1901-1967)
Marriage Date: April 28, 1896
Marriage Place: Richmond, Virginia (First Baptist Church)
Death Date: April 1, 1957
Death Place: Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia
Burial Date: April 3, 1957
Burial Place: Melton Cemetery, Wilmington, Fluvanna County, Virginia
Major Keywords/Search Terms: Melton, Dr. Sparks White|
Freemason Street Baptist Church| Norfolk, Virginia| Baltimore, Maryland| New York City|
Great Depression| Smithdeal Business College| Randolph-Macon Woman’s College|
Randolph College| Lynchburg, Virginia| Chester, Pennsylvania| Melton, Dr. John|
White, Ann Virginia| Richmond, Virginia| First Baptist Church (Richmond)|
Charlottesville, Virginia| Fluvanna County, Virginia| University of Richmond|
Crozer Theological Seminary| Nelson, Laura Virginia| Melton, James Carroll|
Franklin Square Baptist Church| Augusta, Georgia| First Baptist Church (Augusta)|
23rd Street Baptist Church| “Christian Code of Ethics”| Tidewater Region|
Declaration of Independence| Monticello| “Church of the Air”| Thanksgiving Sermon|
CBS Radio Program| Bible Study| Church Relief Association| Cosmopolitan Club|
First Citizen of Norfolk| Mendoza, Dr. L.D.| Ohef Sholom Temple| Stockley Gardens|
Interfaith Dialogue| Baptist General Association| Compassionate Missions|
Norfolk General Hospital| Melton Family Cemetery| Hollywood Cemetery|
Christian Faith| Pastor| Pastor Emeritus|
Sources:
1) Primary Sources:
1. Books and Pamphlets:
▪ Gillroy, Bernard L. Community Builders of Norfolk Virginia. Norfolk, Virginia: Community Builders, 1942, p. 10.
▪ Lumpkin, William Latane. Doctor Sparks: A Biography of Sparks W. Melton. Norfolk, Virginia: Phaup Printing Company, 1963.
▪ Lumpkin, William Latane. The History of the Freemason Street Baptist Church 1848-1972. Norfolk, Virginia: Phaup Printing Company, 1973, p. 122-177.
City Directories:
▪ 1910 Norfolk City Directory (Norfolk, Virginia), p. 374.
▪ 1920-21 Norfolk City Directory (Norfolk, Virginia), p. 636.
2. Documents/Collections:
Census Records
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1880 US Federal Census-Columbia, Fluvanna County, Virginia. Roll: m-1365. Page: 403b.
Enumeration District: 049.
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1910 US Federal Census-Norfolk City, Virginia.
Roll: T624_1638. Page: 2a. Enumeration District: 0055.
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1920 US Federal Census-Norfolk City, Virginia.
Roll: T625_1900. Page 7A. Enumeration District: 133.
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1930 US Federal Census-Norfolk City, Virginia.
Page: 6B. Enumeration District: 0094.
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1940 US Federal Census-Norfolk City, Virginia.
Roll: m-t0627-04314. Page: 7B. Enumeration District: 114-115.
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1950 US Federal Census-Norfolk City, Virginia.
Roll: 3676. Page: 72. Enumeration District: 115-58A.
Special Collections
▪ Sargeant Memorial Collection Norfolk Clippings Files, MSS 0000-NCF.
Folder 354: Churches.
▪ Sargeant Memorial Collection Norfolk Ephemera Collection, 1682-2016,
MSS 0000-NEC, Freemason Street Baptist Church, 1848-2014. Box 12, Folder 4.
▪ Virginia Authors Collection, circa 1950s-1970s, “Doctor Sparks” Manuscript by William Latane Lumpkin, MSS 0000-158.
Vital Records
▪ Library of Virginia. Richmond, Virginia. U.S. Marriage Registers, 1853-1935. Marriage: Richmond, Virginia. Marriage Year: 1896.
Virginia, U.S., Death Records, 1912-2014 - AncestryLibrary.com.
▪ Virginia Department of Health. Richmond, Virginia. Virginia Deaths, 1912-2014. Death Year: 1957.
Virginia, U.S., Death Records, 1912-2014 - AncestryLibrary.com.
3. Maps/Plats/Surveys:
▪ Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: Norfolk Independent City, Virginia. New York: Sanborn Publishing Co., 1910-1921, Vol. 1, Sheet 63.
ProQuest Digital Sanborn Maps ~ Map of Norfolk 1910-1921 vol. 1, 1910, Sheet 63.
▪ Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: Norfolk Independent City, Virginia. New York: Sanborn Publishing Co., 1928-1950, Vol. 5, Sheet 505.
ProQuest Digital Sanborn Maps ~ Map of Norfolk 1928-Oct. 1950 vol. 5, 1928-Oct. 1950, Sheet 505.
4. Newspapers/Magazines/Journals:
1896
▪ “Whereabouts and Movements of People That You Know.” Staunton Vindicator (Staunton, Virginia), April 24, 1896, p. 3.
1908
▪ “Will Issue Call to Dr. Melton.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), November 3, 1908, p. 3.
▪ “Dr. Melton Will Accept Call.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), November 10, 1908, p. 12.
▪ “Rev. S.W. Melton Given Hearty Welcome.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), December 4, 1908, p. 4.
▪ “Immense Crowds Greet New Pastor.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), December 8, 1908, p. 12.
1920
▪ “Dr. Melton to Preach Sunday Morning.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), January 1, 1920, p. 7.
1926
▪ “Religious Freedom Services Sunday at Jefferson’s Tomb.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), July 2, 1926, p. 15.
▪ “Dr. Melton Preaches Thanksgiving Sermon.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), November 26, 1926, p. 10.
1933
▪ “Dr. Melton Speaker as Race Relations Week Here Begins.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), February 13, 1933, p. 2 and last.
1939
▪ “Cosmopolitans Elect Melton Honor Member.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), January 27, 1939, p. 2 and 4.
1948
▪ “Melton Speaks on Nation-wide ‘Church of Air.’” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), July 19, 1948, p. 20.
1951
▪ “Dr. Sparks W. Melton to Begin 44th Year in Pastorate Sunday.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), November 30, 1951, p. 14.
1952
▪ “Dr. Melton Resigns as Pastor of Freemason Street Baptist.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), June 16, 1952, p. 24.
▪ “Dr. Melton Concludes a Notable Pastorate.”
Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), July 26, 1952, p. 6.
▪ “Dr. Melton Made Pastor Emeritus.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), July 28, 1952, p. 13.
1957
▪ Curtis, Sandusky. “Dr. Sparks Melton, Clergyman, Dies. Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), April 1, 1957, p. 1 and 8.
▪ “Dr. Sparks W. Melton-The Triumph of a Life.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), April 2, 1957, p. 4.
▪ “Dr. Sparks W. Melton Dies; Last Rites Today.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), April 2, 1957, p. 19 and last.
1958
▪ “Melton Hall Is Dedicated.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), April 14, 1958, p. 3.
5. Photographs/Images:
▪ Gillroy, Bernard L. Community Builders of Norfolk Virginia. Norfolk, Virginia: Community Builders, 1942, p. 10.
▪ The Virginian-Pilot Photograph Collection, MSS 0000-187. Box 256, MEH-MEN.
2) Secondary Sources:
1. Books and Pamphlets:
▪ Lumpkin, William Latane. Doctor Sparks: A Biography of Sparks W. Melton. Norfolk, Virginia: Phaup Printing Company, 1963.
▪ Lumpkin, William Latane. The History of the Freemason Street Baptist Church 1848-1972. Norfolk, Virginia: Phaup Printing Company, 1973, p. 122-177.
▪ Shank’s Raw Materials on the History of Norfolk-Portsmouth Newspapers Vol. VII, 1931-1965, p. 2399.
2. Documents/Collections:
▪ Folder: “Norfolk-Biographies-Melton, Sparks W.”
Sargeant Memorial Collection Norfolk Clippings Files, MSS 0000-NCF,
Sargeant Memorial Collection, Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, Virginia.
▪ Sargeant Memorial Collection Card Catalog. Legacy Biographical:
“Melton, Sparks White.”
▪ The Virginian-Pilot Index Cards, MSS 2020-005. Biographical: 1947-1984:
“Melton, Sparks W.”
3. Websites:
▪ FamilySearch. “Sparks White Melton.” Accessed May 8, 2025. Sparks White Melton (1870–1957).
▪ Find a Grave. “Dr. Sparks White Melton.” Accessed May 5, 2025. Dr Sparks White Melton (1870-1957) - Find a Grave Memorial.
▪ Find a Grave. “James Carroll Melton.” Accessed June 5, 2025. James Carroll Melton (1901-1967) - Find a Grave Memorial.
▪ Find a Grave. “Laura Virginia Nelson Melton.” Accessed June 6, 2025. Laura Virginia Nelson Melton (1871-1918) - Find a Grave Memorial.