ARTICLES ABOUT
TYLER AND SMITH COUNTY, TX IN THE
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE
1876-1880
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 22, 1876, p. 4, c. 6
From
Bro. S. W. Turner, Tyler, Jan. 14.—"I rode out a few miles into the
country yesterday afternoon to celebrate the rite of matrimony between Mr. J. T.
W. Bradshaw and Miss Johnnie F. Knowles, both of Smith county, at the residence
of the bride's mother—a worthy member of our church at Jamestown.
I had a most delightful trip for myself, and as a result of a small
effort for you and the dear ADVOCATE while out, I send you three
subscribers.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 22, 1876, p. 8, c. 6
In
Smith county a great deal of cotton yet remains unpicked. Smith county is out of debt, with $920 72 in favor of its
assets.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 12, 1876, p. 8, c. 4
The Index,
Smith county, reports a sheaf of rye fully ripe which had just been cut in that
county. It was sown in August last.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 26, 1876, p. 8, c. 2
The Index
tells us that rye sown in Smith county in August is now being harvested.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 11, 1876, p. 8, c. 2
Tyler
has shipped 12,000 bales of cotton this year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 24, 1876, p. 8, c. 2
The
Tyler Reporter reports mad dogs in that vicinity.
Corn
was up last week in Smith county.
Grangers
of Smith county are making preparations for a grand fair in October.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 29, 1876, p. 5, c. 4
The
whole length of the Tyler Tap road is now under contract, to be graded by the 15th
of August.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 17, 1876, p. 6, c. 2
Two
camp-meetings, if no more, will be held on the district.
The first on the Starrville circuit, ten miles east of Tyler and four
miles west from Starrville, will commence on Monday, the 21st, and
close on Saturday, the 26th of August.
The Tyler camp-meeting will commence on the 4th of September
and close on Saturday, the 19th.
These meetings may be protracted over Sunday.
That will depend upon the success that attends them.
Preachers, traveling and local, are solicited to come up to the help of
the Lord ad these feasts of tabernacles.
The
District Conference was held in Tyler on the 15th inst.
Such movements should be made in every county in the State.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 22, 1876, p. 8, c. 5
A
large immigration meeting was held in Tyler on the 15th inst.
Such movements should be made in every county in the State.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 5, 1876, p. 8, c. 6
Maj.
Dean, of Smith county, says his Irish potatoes will average 421 bushels to the
acre. He brought to the Democrat
fifteen potatoes which aggregated 16˝ pounds.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 19, 1876, p. 8, c. 6
On the
11th inst., Minnie, the little daughter of Mr. John T. Wyout [?],
Starrville, Smith county, while with some little playmates, fell into a well
thirty-five feet deep. There were
two ladies on the place, who promptly let down the bucket; to this the little
girl caught on rising to the surface, and after a time took hold of the curbing
and held on until brought out wet, but neither hurt, strangled, nor much
frightened.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 16, 1876, p. 3, c. 2-3
From
Starrville Circuit.—Having completed the round of protracted meetings,
including the camp-meeting previously announced in the ADVOCATE, the present
opportunity is regarded as a suitable time to give the result of those meetings
to the church. The whole round of
protracted services has been eminently signalized by the divine blessings.
The Word preached was in demonstration of the spirit and with power.
The multitudes were swayed under the ministration of the truth, as the
forest is swayed by the tempest. Many
were cut to the heart, and frequently whole congregations were bowed in prayer
before the Lord; calling upon His name, and soliciting the prayers of the church
in their behalf. There were two
noted characteristics in the series of meetings:
The work and the workers were chiefly among the males.
Frequently and generally the crowded altar would be composed principally
of young men. May-be, most of the
ladies were religious. Another characteristic of these meetings to be generally
bewailed. The conversions and
accessions to the church were entirely disproportionate to the number of
penitents. Scores ought to have
been converted, where only tens were brought to the experience of
Salvation. The church seemed
divested of the power, to a considerable extent, to grapple with an omnipotent
faith, the promises of the gospel, and thereby help the unbelief of the
penitents. The preacher in charge
here records, with gratitude, the commanding claims, for the success of these
meetings, of those giants in pulpit power, Dr. Finley, Professor Alexander,
Bros. Stovall, Turner, Smith, C. H. Mathis and the very efficient services of
the local brethren, Marler, Tunnell and Little; and lay members Thos. Smith, Dr.
Yoakum, Spruce, Wilson, Neille [?] and the Baptist minister Wadsworth, our sweet
singer, and others. If the powerful sermons at our camp meeting of Finley,
Alexander, Mathis and Stovall could have been seconded by a greater working
power in the church, the results would have been signalized, as we believe, by
extraordinary displays of divine mercy; and we should have had over 100
conversions, instead of a score. One
night there were seventy five or eighty penitents and the whole congregation
prostrate before the Lord. We thank
God and take courage for the work which has been accomplished.
Between thirty and forty conversions; about twenty-two accessions to the
church; many penitents earnestly seeking salvation; and the church greatly
blessed—shouting the praises of God. Bless
the Lord for His wonderful works for and through His people.—H. M. Booth.
N.B.—Please
announce the following protracted meetings:
At Pleasant Grove, embracing the 1st Sabbath in September; at
Antioch, embracing the 3d Sabbath in September; at Center, embracing the 2d
Sabbath in October; at Starrville, embracing the 5th Sunday in
October.—H. M. B.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 23, 1876, p. 5, c. 2
The
next session of the State Grange will be held at Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 18, 1876, p. 1, c. 4
Hotels
in Tyler are crowded with guests. Cotton
coming in at the rate of two hundred bales per day.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 24, 1877, p. 1, c. 4
From the Starrville Circuit.
Our first quarterly meeting for this work, which was held at Antioch,
closed on the 25th ultimo; a refreshing time from the presence of the
Lord, and having served this people on this work for four consecutive years, and
being by the authorities of the church returned to serve them again, I find many
warm hearts and kind words with many friendly hand-shakes; the stewards having
devised liberal things for their preachers, and they manifested their
appreciation of their labors by bringing up to the first quarter quite nobly the
first installment, they mean business. There
are fourteen appointments on this work, and we have, through the goodness of
God, been able to meet them all since the first of January; and notwithstanding
the cold winds, the rain, the sleet and the beautiful snow, we have found a
congregation at every appointment; yes, they come on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, as
well as on Saturdays and Sundays. The
outlook for good on this circuit is quite encouraging.
Our people are live to their church interest. O, may we, who are called to the sacred functions of the
ministrations of the word of God, be all that we ought to be, and what I humbly
trust we are all trying to be, holy in heart, Godly in all manner of
conversation; we should be men of but one work, looking after and taking care of
the church and the people; and then will not our God, and the people whom we
serve, take care of us and others? Then
let us live and labor to this end. We
endorse Dr. Finley's articles: preachers
should take care of their health, and the people should take care of their
preachers. But, above all, let us,
as preachers, be quite sure to meet all of our engagements; then we will grow in
favor and in power with God and with the people.
John S. Mathis.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 31, 1877, p. 8, 2. c
Work
is now being done on the bridge across the Sabine.
That finished, the Tyler Tap will come straight ahead to Tyler.—Tyler
Democrat.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 14, 1877, p. 3, c. 4
Utley.—Sister
E. D. E. Utley, daughter of Brittain and E. P. Utley, died near Zavalla, Smith
county, Texas, December 1, 1876, of pneumonia.
Sister Utley professed religion on August, 1865, and joined the M. E.
Church, South, and lived an acceptable member of the same until death.
She was a devoted Christian, an obedient daughter, and an affectionate
sister. Her place in the family
circle is vacant; has left many mourning friends, but they mourn not as those
who have no hope. Sorrowing ones,
grieve not; but look forward to the day when sorrows shall end, and friends and
kindred shall meet to part no more. "Earth
hath no sorrows that Heaven cannot heal."—A. Little.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 14, 1877, p. 3, c. 3
Fenton.—Massie,
son of T. and C. M. Fenton, died near Zavalla, Smith county, Texas, March 6,
1877, of diphtheritic croup, in the third year of his age.
Massie was a lovely little boy, an idol of the family; his stay here was
short. Death rides on every breeze
and lurks in every flower. He is
freed from care and sorrow, and gone to that world where sorrow never comes.
Bereaved parents, grieve not; your lovely boy is an angel now, a tie to
draw you heavenward.
A. Little.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 14, 1877, p. 8, c. 1
The
Tyler Democrat advises the merchants and others to utilize their leisure
time, of which they have an abundance, in cleaning up their back yards and
preparing for the heated term.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 21, 1877, p. 8, c. 1
They
have a tan yard in Tyler and the owner advertises for all the tan bark he can
get.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 21, 1877, p. 8, c. 2
Farm
work is being vigorously prosecuted in Smith county.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 28, 1877, p. 5, c. 3
Against
Prohibition.—Counties of Smith. . . .
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 28, 1877, p. 8, c. 1
The
public square, streets, etc., of the town of Tyler have been put in thorough
repair by the county convicts worked under contract.
On
Monday last the tax collector of Smith county turned over to the County
Treasurer $14,835.21 for collections made during the last quarter.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 1, 1877, p. 1, c. 4
It is
said the orchard of Governor Hubbard in Smith county produces the best fruit in
Texas.
Track
laying is about completed on the Tyler tap.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 8, 1877, p. 8, c. 1
Starville
[sic], Texas, Aug. 24, 1877.—I send you my appointments for fourth round
quarterly conference. Please insert
in the ADVOCATE. Have just closed
our camp-meeting near this place. More
than thirty were converted; church revived, and the camp-ground bought.
The preachers are all at work, and in good health.
The ADVOCATE is brought before each quarterly conference, and the people
urged to subscribe.—R. W. Thompson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 29, 1877, p. 1, c. 2
Tyler,
Sept. 22.—We are in the midst of an extensive revival in Tyler and in the
whole surrounding country. We have
taken into the church here forty-five members on three Sabbaths, and expect
others to-morrow.—R. S. Finley.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 29, 1877, p. 1, c. 6
Tramps
are reported as being troublesome near Tyler, Smith county.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 5, 1878, p. 8, c. 4
The
East Texas University at Tyler has been sold under a mortgage by the East Texas
Fire Insurance Company.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 19, 1878, p. 8, c. 6
The
Tyler Democrat says the people of Smith county, and especially the
farmers, are financially in a better condition than at any time since the war.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 9, 1878, p. 8, c. 6
Tyler Courier:
Several residences are being built in this city.
Lumber is cheap and hence the inducement to build.
An election for city officers is to take place on the first Tuesday in
April. E. S. & P. W. Rowland
received this week 250 dozen eggs.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 6, 1878, p. 8, c. 5
The
Tyler Courier suggests a game law for Texas—as "deer are killed
for pastime, and the buffalo can not hold out many years."
Turkey
hunting and fishing the rage in Smith county.
Corn 50c. A fine prospect
for fruit crop.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 11, 1878, p. 6, c. 3
The
Tyler Courier reports hundreds of negroes in that city in sight of
starvation, and yet work at fair wages is offered to them on every side. They are in a state of chronic contentment.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 11, 1878, p. 8, c. 5
The
Tyler Democrat, alluding to the failure of church members to pay their
preachers, remarks: "If there
is any one thing in a civilized country for which people ought to be willing to
pay liberally, it is the privileges of the church, the restraining and ennobling
influences of the gospel and the work of the ministry."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 3, 1878, p. 4, c. 3
Bro.
Samuel D. Wrogg [?], of Caledonia, Smith county, says: "I must say that I can not do without the ADVOCATE.
I am determined to be a paying subscriber to it as long as I live.
I have been a reader of all our church papers.
I look upon the TEXAS ADVOCATE as being equal, if not superior, to any of
them."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 24, 1878, p. 8, c. 3
The
fair at Tyler, Smith county, will commence on the 15th of October and
close on the 19th. Mechanics
seem to be busy making improvements in various portions of the city.
As many as four new business houses will be opened out in this city in
September next.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 7, 1878, p. 4, c. 4
We
have spent a most delightful week at Tyler.
A more genial, hospitable people are seldom encountered in any land.
The congregation worshiping in our church under the pastoral charge of
Dr. Finley, is one of the most intelligent we have ever addressed.
The courts which hold their sessions at this point have gathered strong
legal talent around it, and many who rank high at the bar and in the political
world are regular attendants on his ministry.
The quarterly conference embraces some members whose names are familiar
to the entire State. It was
refreshing to mark the prompt and business like manner in which they attended to
the temporal interests of the church. The
church building has a seating capacity of about six hundred, and was well filled
during the week we have spent among them. There is inspiration in the presence of an attentive
congregation. An excellent and
well-trained Sunday-school, under the superintendency of Col. Bonner, is doing
good work. With its well-filled
churches, its moral community, its social advantages, and its superior
educational facilities, Tyler possesses attractions which but few of our inland
cities can claim.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 7, 1878, p. 4, c. 5
Rev.
R. S. Finley, Tyler, Sept. 3: "A
good meeting is in progress in Tyler. It
is growing in interest daily. Conversions
have been clear and satisfactory, and penitents still throng the altar.
Dr. John has been with us more than a week, and his ministrations have
been blessed. He is high in the
esteem and in the affections of our people.
We are laboring to and for a thoroughly evangelical
work—contradistinguished from that effervescent, sensational type, from the
effects of which God deliver us. We
ask the prayers and help of all good people."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 7, 1878, p. 4, c. 5
Rev.
I. S. Ashburn: "The first
camp-meeting on Garden Valley circuit was a gracious success; one thousand
people in attendance on the first Sunday; 50 conversions; twenty-two joined the
church, and ten promised to hold family prayer regularly for one year.
The church was greatly revived.
Two very old men were converted.
One had not been to church before in three years.
Both were great sinners. Arrangements
were made to have a permanent camp-ground.
O how happy and thankful we all are over the results!
God be praised."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 14, 1878, p. 4, c. 4
As the
freight train due at Troupe on the evening of September 9th reached a
spot four miles south of that place, some one fired from a caboose into a crowd
on the roadside shattering a negro's arm, necessitating amputation, and wounding
a section man in the shoulder and Andrew Copeland in the leg.
A negro has been burglarizing Jacksonville, and it is supposed some one
was after him. The parties shot are
innocent.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 19, 1878, p. 3, c. 4
The
corner-stone of the building to be erected by the Odd Fellows at Tyler was laid
on the 10th with the impressive services attending the ceremony.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 26, 1878, p. 1, c. 6
The
East Texas Fair Association has been quite successful in its exhibit held in
Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 26, 1878, p. 7, c. 2
Yelton.—J.
R. B. Yelton, son of Rev. J. L. and Florida Yelton, was born August 6, 1874;
departed this life Sept. 29, 1878, aged 4 years 1 month and 23 days.
Little Barkly was taken with congestion on
Saturday evening, and died Sunday night.
He suffered a great deal, until his parents, in their prayers, resigned
him to their Heavenly Father, and besought that the sufferings of their child
would end. His last moments were
passed without a struggle, and with no apparent pain. Barkly was an unusually
promising child, with very quick perception for one of his age.
Was often anxious to know of the Lord's dealings with his creatures.
Now he is where the goodness of God will unfold to him continually.
Thus death has robbed Brother and Sister Yelton of their only son.
But he has only passed over the river to join his little sister and await
the coming of his parents. The
parting here causes the heart to bleed with many lonely hours of waiting and
wishing, yet if borne with patience and resignation, the meeting and reunion on
the shores of eternity will more than compensate.
"Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast:
There by his love o'er shadowed
Sweetly his soul shall rest."
E. S. Williams.
Mt. Sylvan, Oct. 12, 1878.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 2, 1878, p. 2, c. 5
Troupe Circuit.
Our fourth quarterly meeting, which was held at Henry's Chapel, closed a
few days ago. Rev. R. W. Thompson,
our presiding elder, was, as he always is, on hand, preaching with his usual
zeal and power, winning many hearts to the love of Christ by the ministry of the
Word of God. Oh, may he long be
spared to the church that he may bless her sons with the gospel!
The
meeting continued until the Thursday following, resulting in seven conversions
and eight accessions by ritual to the M. E. Church, South, and the membership
greatly strengthened in the faith and set out anew to make sure work for heaven.
The
meeting at Oak Grove resulted in six conversions and seven accessions, with the
members much warmed and edified.
At
Pleasant Grove, four conversions and four accessions.
Here the people gave glory to God, took courage, and journeyed anew
toward the promised land.
At
Good Springs, one accession. The
church at this place took a higher degree in the faith of the gospel.
At New
Hope, three conversions and four accessions.
At
Asbury Chapel, three conversions and two accessions.
All said it was one of the best meetings known there for many years past.
Bro.
Berry Duke, local deacon, held a protracted meeting of several days at Gant's
schoolhouse, resulting in twelve conversions and fourteen accessions. This
point was outside of my circuit—in fact, it was not in the regular bounds of
any work.
We
have held several protracted meetings in which there were no conversions, but
the membership everywhere very much revived; in fact, all round the work the
members are much encouraged, and are hopeful.
Finances
behind, but promising well. I think
we will be able to exhibit a fair report at conference. But I have not succeeded as well for the ADVOCATE, as I
expected and desired. We consider
the TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE a power in the land.
Oh, that every member of the church would take it!
for it is truly a messenger of love and of mercy to all.
J. S. Mathis.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 9, 1878, p. 2, c. 5
Reminiscences of a Texas Itinerant.
The fifth session of the East Texas Conference was held at Paris, in
November 1849; Bishop Paine presiding. . . . I soon moved to Palestine, the head
of the district, where the kind friends gave me a piece of land. . . . During
this year (1850), there was a heavy immigration from the "States" to
the counties of Anderson, Cherokee, and Smith, indeed to all Eastern Texas.
It was not uncommon in traveling through those counties to find families
in camps, while they were cutting logs to build cabins, clearing lands, etc.
There were no vacant houses to be obtained, or lands to be rented—all
had been taken in the fall. The
population in several counties had been doubled in that single year.
This gave a large increase to our membership, and stirred and quickened
the energies of the church. Our
great drawback was the want of houses of worship of sufficient capacity and
comfort to accommodate the congregation. We
had some gracious revivals of religion on the district. The membership increased about one hundred per cent.
Long will I, with others, remember some of the camp-meetings of this
season. Many souls passed from
death into life.
More
anon.
J. W. F.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 23, 1878, p. 4, c. 6
Tyler,
Texas, Nov. 15, 1878.—You may say to the lovers of Zion that the Lord has been
with us on the Starrville circuit and to some extent blessed our labors.
About forty have professed religion during the year and seventy-five
joined the church.—John Adams.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 23, 1878, p. 5, c. 3
At
midnight on Saturday last, fire was discovered in a building on the north side
of the public square at Tyler. Two
large stores were burned, together with the United States courtrooms and all
books and papers. The origin of the
fire is unknown.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 4, 1879, p. 2, c. 3
Troupe,
Texas, December 17.—Lectured here last night.
A council of United Friends of Temperance was organized; eleven male and all
the ladies present joined. A.
A. Copeland, W. P., and G. B. Pope, W. S. Four bar-rooms in this place; hence temperance work much
needed.—J. Y.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 4, 1879, p. 2, c. 6
Tyler-Linflatt,
Texas, Dec. 19.—I was invited, while attending our delightful conference
session, to visit the Novelty Foundry, Bro. Blair, a most excellent gentleman,
proprietor, in company with several of the preachers. Bro. B. well deserves the liberal patronage of our Texas
merchants and planters. He showed
us an invention of his own, a combination plow, which embraces all the qualities
of utility, durability and cheapness, making one stock do for all kinds of
plowing, subsoiling, etc. By the
way, I saw the blue ribbon of the Tyler Fair attached to one.
Texans should encourage home enterprise, especially when as good, and
cheaper than foreign.—E. C. Finley.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 18, 1879, p. 1, c. 6
Tyler,
Jan. 2.—In my last communication, I referred to the kind reception the people
of Marshall had given my successor in the Marshall station.
I promised to write again on my arrival at Tyler.
We are snugly ensconced in our new home.
A delegation of mortal angels are bestirring themselves in a mysterious
way in all parts of the house, while the new occupants are silently waiting and
watching for results, but we are not to be long in suspense, for dinner is
announced, and O, what a dinner! oyster-soup,
turkey-gobbler, chicken "fixens," four "doings," and egg
"arrangements." Limited
space will not allow us to give the dimensions of the boiled ham, or the
quantity and quality of the third course served.
Sisters Doraugh and Cain are supported by Misses Sallie Dennis and Lucy
Ellis, in serving the viands, all of whom are exerting themselves to make us
welcome and happy. But, sir, the
half is not yet told. We shall ever
remember the hospital reception given us at the City Hotel on our arrival. This place is kept by Sister Henry, who has a place for every
one who will entrust themselves to her care.
The
ladies above mentioned, assisted by other friends, have set us up for living in
our own house; from the store-room to the last bedroom, has been thoroughly
furnished. Good things are in the
pantry, good wishes are in their hearts and ours, and we are ready as preacher
and pastor, to serve. So, Mr.
Editor, you see the flints are still sending forth sparks. But more anon.—U. B. Phillips.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 18, 1879, p. 4, c. 3
Adieu.
Adieu to Tyler!
thou lovely city! Beautiful for situation—in queenly attire and modest
pretensions. She sits upon the
highest altitude, midway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Northern boundary of
the Lone Star State, where flows the famed river of the great West.
Surrounded by a county noted for the fertility of its soil, its flowing streams,
its pure water and good timber, its healthfulness, the intelligence, industry,
morality, generosity, and piety of its people.
Tyler is the judicial centre of the East, where do congregate the
magnates of the law and the ruling minds of the State.
It is the home of the Governor and the ex-Governor; of an ex-Congressman
and of an ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives; and of many distinguished
gentlemen whose names modesty and space demand that we suppress in this place.
It is the centre of intellectual wealth, where cultured minds vie with
each other in lawful emulation in business-life.
It now promises to become the Athens of the East, from which the pure
streams of higher education shall flow out to elevate and bless the masses. It may become to the East what Athens was to Greece, the
fountain of knowledge, law, and religion. Its
noble men and lovely women are its jewels.
They shine in unconscious brightness, and must be seen and intimately
known to be appreciated. Its morality
and religion are conspicuous. After
a pastorate of five years in the city, we give it as our opinion that there is
less of vice in its grosser forms in Tyler than in any place of its size in
this, our any State of which we have knowledge.
A very large majority of the young gentlemen and ladies are members of
the church; and indeed there are but few heads of families who are not connected
with some church. The Sabbath, in Tyler, is a day of quiet; undisturbed by
noise or street commotions. It is
unusual for the sanctity of the day to be marred by any gross trespass upon the
refined religious sentiments of good people.
The churches are thronged with well dressed, attentive congregations, in
which there is the element of a true, intelligent devotion; from which there
arises an aroma of spiritual fervor which is a sweet savor to the pulpit,
warming into flame the zeal of the preacher.
The history of
Methodism in Tyler during the last six years would form an interesting chapter
for the ADVOCATE; but we could hardly write it without allusions to self as we
decline to make. We have been its
pastor five years out of the six, and have, therefore, shared its perils and
rejoiced in its triumphs.
Suffice it to say
that we left the church in Tyler in a healthy state, with an official board of
twelve stewards which will compare favorably with any board of any church in the
State, or elsewhere. Noble,
generous and wise, they are a power for good—the right arm of the pastor.
God bless them!
We never preach
farewell sermons; but we did preach our last sermon the Sabbath after conference
with the single design to prepare the way for the new pastor, with the purpose
of slipping away without any leave-taking; but while we were singing the last
hymn, the retiring pastor was stormed and overwhelmed by hands and tears.
It was purely spontaneous, and unexpected on his part, and equally so,
doubtless, to others. To say that we love the church in Tyler is too cold and
common place to express the deep wellings of our heart, stirred to its depths by
the reminiscences of five years of Christian affection, cemented by the love of
Christ; warmed into intense heat by a thousand united prayers and many songs and
sermons. Blessed five year! the memory of them shall never lose its freshness; neither
shall the pictures grow dim. While
we now write, in the silent vigils of the last hour of the old year, we fancy
ourselves in an art gallery all richly hung with pictures of scenes in that five
years.
But stop! We are now in a new charge; we have been kindly received; a
multitude swarms around us, and there is no time to lose ruminating over the
past. The new year will be upon us
in forty minutes. The living issues
of the future rise up before us like unto a new continent. Let us pray.
F.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 1, 1879, p. 4, c. 3
Troupe
is at the junction of the Tyler branch of the International.
Though much of its business has been diverted to other points by branch
roads, it is a thriving village and has the trade of a good section of the
country.
Our
membership here is small, and our preachers are indebted to our Presbyterian
brethren for a house of worship. We
remember the day when our church generously opened its pulpits to the ministers
of all other denominations, who were then unsupplied with houses of their own.
We have been a liberal people. We
not only opened our houses to other churches, but when they became organized, we
contributed liberally toward the erection of houses for them.
Now it is but right when, in many places we have left ourselves out in
the cold, that these houses should be open to the Methodist preacher.
We appreciate their kindness, yet we can but feel that we would have
shown ourselves a wiser people, had our liberality in building churches for
ourselves measured up to our generosity to other people.
As ye
go, preach. On Tuesday night we met
an appointment at Overton, the junction of the Henderson branch of the
International. Our church building
here is of good size, but not so neat in its appearance as is the Baptist church
in the same place. Our membership
is small; but from the earnest tone of the pastor in his exhortation, we fee
assured the work will move on this year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 8, 1879, p. 2, c. 5
Tyler,
January 28.—With the exception of a few country members, I have visited and
formed the acquaintance of the entire membership of Tyler station.
I found every door open, every hand warm.
We are hopeful, and expect a successful year.
My worthy and beloved predecessor has cleared the ground, planted the
seed; we hope to harvest an abundant fruitage.
Many families are not taking the ADVOCATE, but promise to do better. Organized two missionary societies last Sabbath; will bring
up full assessments.—U. B. Philips.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 8, 1879, p. 8, c. 3
Judge
Z. Norton, of Tyler, died last week.....Five miles from Tyler a number of
panthers are running loose, supposed to have been driven in by the cold.
Neighborhood school broken up, as people fear for their children.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 15, 1879, p. 2, c. 2
Tyler,
Smith Co., Feb. 6.—The prolonged inclement weather is having its effect upon
many of Tyler and vicinity. Several
deaths from pneumonia. Visited
to-day four families. Connected
with them were five cases of pneumonia. Citizens
alarmed at the number of rabid dogs in and around Tyler.
A Mr. Cousins, living near here, was bitten a few days ago, and has since
died. The marshal of our city has
orders to kill all dogs upon the streets.—U. B. Philips.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 22, 1879, p. 7, c. 2
Pope.—Died
in Tyler, Texas, Jan. 20, 1879, in the fourteenth year of her age, Miss Emma A.
Pope, daughter of W. A. Pope, of Troupe. Her
death was unexpected—having left her father's home only a few days before,
joyous and bright, to attend school at Tyler. "But in the midst of life we are in death."
Emma had not made a profession of religion, but during the fourteen
summers of her life that peculiar light that emanates from a Christian parent's
life constantly shone upon her pathway, and no doubt had its saving effect upon
her heart. She was the daughter of
Christian parents, who endeavored to infuse into her soul the great principles
of our holy religion. We believe parent and child will meet again in the realms of
bliss to separate never again. We
accompanied her remains to Troupe, where she awaits the resurrection morn.—U.
B. Phillips.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 1, 1879, p. 8, c. 1
A
Tyler firm put up 300 tons of pure ice during the big freeze about Christmas and
New Year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 8, 1879, p. 7, c. 2
Rhome.—Died,
at Etna, Smith county, Texas, Feb. 5, 1879, in the 34th year of her
age, Mrs. Ella Rhome, wife of Byron C. Rhome.
It was not the good fortune of the writer to have met this estimable lady
until sympathizing friends, with solemn tread, had borne her lifeless form to
the gloomy chamber of her present resting place. It was there we met her, and with black-book in hand, read
over her disfurnished tabernacle, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
We learned from those who knew her well and esteemed her much, that she
possessed and practiced all the graces of a true and refined lady as well as the
virtues of a disciple of Christ, and for fifteen years of marital life adorned
the domestic circle as wife and mother with a brilliancy that the gloom of death
will not soon eradicate. So
sterling was her moral worth, that its impress was made upon husband and
children, and for years to come will be the beacon light along life's troubled
sea to guide them in the way of right. As
we hang this wreath upon her broken urn, our prayers are lifted high in behalf
of the smitten husband and the three motherless children who now mourn her
death.
U. B. Philips.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 22, 1879, p. 1, c. 5
Starrville,
Smith Co., March 13. If there was
no license for the sale of intoxicating drinks in Texas, would it be necessary
to build another penitentiary? Is
it a violation of the laws of the M. E. Church, South, for a member to furnish
money to keep a drinking saloon? Is
there any circumstance which would excuse a person for the willful violation of
such a law? Bro. Wages is at his
post, working in earnest—the right man for this work.
He is well received, and we anticipate good results from his
ministry.—Lizzie J. Slagle.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 22, 1879, p. 2, c. 1
Tyler,
Smith Co., March 10.—Starrville circuit, first quarter, every church
represented. Salary of preacher in
charge, $500; presiding elder, $100; paid on claim, $243.20; good.
J. R. Wages at work, to the pleasure of all the people.
Sunday-schools are now to be revived.
Railroad tax and want of harmony in political circles is causing many
people to move out of the county. Thirty
members lettered the last quarter. Lands
are good. County healthy and the
people moral.—R. W. Thompson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 5, 1879, p. 8, c. 2
Tyler,
Smith Co., March 28.—First round of quarterly meetings over.
Preachers all at their posts and doing well; not only preaching, but
visiting from house to house, giving special attention to the neglected families
and members of their flocks. Results:
An increase of family altars; better congregations, and improved
finances. All honor to the good
people of Tyler station. They paid
at the first quarterly meeting one-half of their preacher's salaries, besides
furnishing the parsonage, and raising their missionary assessments in full.
Weather dry and warm.—J. Adams.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 5, 1879, p. 8, c. 3
Starrville,
Smith co., March 25.—We have had six weeks without rain enough to wet the
ground; corn not coming up well; garden seed lying in the drills, with no sign
of germination. Some
sickness—pneumonia, diphtheria and chills.
In religious interests it is winter with us. Only a few attend prayer meeting. We will have class-meeting and Sabbath school soon.
May the Day Spring from on high shed His beams of life-giving light into
our hearts, and each member of the church at this place feel he is not his
own—that he belongs to God. Lizzie
J. Slagle.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 19, 1879, p. 2, c. 3
Starrville,
Smith Co., April 8.—The dry weather continues.
Several deaths recently from pneumonia.
Frost on the 3d inst. The
prospect rather gloomy for farmers. If
the present crop is a failure, there will be much destitution; all classes will
suffer more or less. The credit
system is a bad one. Living this
year on what may be made another year has involved the people in debt.
The heavy taxes and the State debt accumulating is not a flattering
prospect truly. Retrenchment by those at the head of our political affairs,
for an example, would encourage others. God
help us as a people to live righteously.—Lizzie J. Slagle.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 10, 1879, p. 1, c. 1
Tyler,
Smith Co., May 3.—I want to say something about our circuit and preacher.
It has been my pleasure to hear Bro. Crouse preach five times, to our
edification and comfort. He is well received in the northern portion of Larissa
circuit. I have had the pleasure of
visiting his home once in Larissa; like his family very much.
The prospect on this circuit is brightening up for good.—E. R. Large.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 31, 1879, p. 2, c. 2
Starrville,
Smith Co., May 22. The 13th
of April we had rain. A good
season; since we have had several seasons; some wind and hail; in some places
the wind did considerable damage. General
health good. Crops are better than
expected; cotton is looking well; corn not so good; small grain middling, on an
average. Brother Wages is doing
good; an earnest, faithful pastor; a blessing to his charge.
He is no respector of persons—faithful to the cause of right and truth.
May god bless his labors with the genial showers of divine
grace.—Lizzie J. Slagle.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 31, 1879, p. 2, c. 4
Canton,
Smith Co., April 22.—Canton is a quiet village in the southern part of Smith
county. The railroads have run all
around us and taken all our saloons and street loungers away from us—would not
care for that, if they had not taken our postoffice. We have three church organizations. The Baptists are the strongest, the Methodist next;
Cumberland Presbyterians have a very small church.
We have a Methodist Sabbath-school numbering about sixty members,
including officers and teachers. This
school is destined to accomplish much for the cause of our Master.
We have a union school which numbers about the same as ours.
We have as much peace and unity among our religious people as I have
witnessed in my life. We have an
excellent church building, but I am sorry to say it is a union house.
God bless the ADVOCATE and hasten the time when it shall find its way
into all Methodist families in Texas.—T. H.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 21, 1879, p. 1, c. 5
Canton,
Smith Co., June 2.—Methodist Sunday-schools.—Why can we not have a
Methodist Sunday-school in every town and community where we can get ten
children? We can if we will.
Some say that it will not do in a unionhouse, nor where Methodists are in
the minority. Let me tell about our school in Canton: About two months ago we organized with about thirty members.
The community is chiefly Baptist, and we have a union-house.
There was a union school in operation with about sixty or seventy members
when we organized. What is the
result? We now have about seventy
members, including officers and teachers. Those
who opposed the move at first now send their children and give liberally to
support our school. We asked our
friends to give us a fair trial before condemning us, and the result is they are
well pleased with our effort to save the youth of this community.
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Will our brethren all over Texas try this, especially on Overton and
Troupe circuit? The ADVOCATE is a welcome visitor in our family.—C. D.
Wilson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 21, 1879, p. 2, c. 2
Tyler,
Smith Co., June 12.—Garden Valley circuit very dry; crop prospects very
gloomy. Some religious interest.
Twenty-five have joined the church since conference; seven infants
baptized. Second quarterly meeting
over. Finances low.
Paid the preacher to date, $85.50. Presiding
elder in place. Have up to this
time preached seventeen times on Garden Valley circuit, and the year but half
gone. How is that for high?
Will soon commence a series of protracted meetings.—C. H. Smith.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 5, 1879, p. 6, c. 6
Birdwell's School.
Prof. G. P. Birdwell's school, at Starrville, Smith county, closed the 20th
inst., after a two days' examination. A
more thorough, impartial examination I have never attended; reflecting honor on
teacher and pupil. The professor is
well qualified for the position—untiring in his efforts for the advancement of
his scholars. Bros. Thompson and
Wages, at the close of the exercises, addressed the audience on education.
The remarks were interesting and profitable.
Lizzie J. Slagle.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 12, 1879, p. 1, c. 5
Tyler,
Smith Co., July 4.—Picnic yesterday; nice time for awhile; some of us got wet;
there were about two hundred and fifty people; nice dinner; expected fish;
didn't see any; it was at the big lake on Neches river.
Some corn is almost a failure, but the most is fine; cotton promising.
Good lands and clever people. Bro.
Crouse will commence his protracted meetings to-morrow.
The church has an upward tendency. Hope
he will have a glorious revival all round the circuit.—E. K. Large.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 12, 1879, p. 2, c. 2
Overton
and Troupe, Rusk Co., July 1.—Health good.
Delightful showers of rain have raised the spirits of our people.
Corn crops sufficient to supply local demand.
Cotton crop looks well. A
splendid mast. Religious prospects encouraging, but no revivals; one
Methodist chapel within the bounds of this otherwise lovely little charge; one
Sabbath-school. We are praying and
hoping for revivals. Our people
love the ADVOCATE, its editors and publishers.
Our temporal wants are met. O
that God would bless this good people more abundantly.—F. M. Stovall.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 12, 1879, p. 5, c. 2
Old
Canton, Smith Co., July 4.—A fact appears in last week's ADVOCATE, signed
Parson, about stewards not doing their duty.
I will give the good Parson another fact:
Stewards have been around to see all the members and friends of the
church, but the pastor has not; steward calls for quarterage; they tell him the
pastor must come and see them first; he has four or five leisure days in each
week. I once heard a sister say
that the pastor had not been to her house for eight or ten years, although she
lived within four hundred yards of the church.
(She was poor.) But the
stewards have called on her quarterly. Is
this an isolated case? I tell
you, nay. C. L. Willson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 2, 1879, p. 2, c. 2
Old
Canton, Smith Co., July 22. Our
pastor, Bro. F. M. Stovall, is stirring around among the people, looking after
his flock. He says he will find his
way into the house of every Methodist in this community, when he gets around I
will report the fact to his credit, as it will be something that no
pastor has done for many years, if ever. He
is trying to get his brethren to have their own Sunday-schools, instead of union
so-called; he has only succeeded at one place, Canton.
Our school is gladdening the hearts of many children; our prospects are
bright.—C. S. Wilson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 23, 1879, p. 3, c. 3
Reminiscences of a
Texas Itinerant.
Number Eleven.
The Tyler circuit, to which I was appointed in 1854, numbered some
eighteen or twenty regular appointments, now included in Starrville, New Salem,
Garden Valley and Tyler station.
As I
learned from the presiding elder, Bro. Fisher, the object of my being appointed
to this circuit was to build a Methodist house of worship at Tyler during the
year; and as the next session of the conference was to be held there, I felt
that no small responsibility rested on my shoulders. But how was this brick to be made without straw? was the
question. When I tested the
financial strength of the membership, I found it utterly inadequate to the task.
I learned that the Masonic fraternity designed building a lodge-room, and
though not a Mason, proposed to unite with them to build conjointly.
The proposition was accepted, a joint committee appointed, and the work
in due time commenced. In order to
keep the Methodist corner up, after procuring all the aid I could in town and
county, I made a begging tour to Marshall, Jefferson and country around,
obtaining a few hundred dollars, which gave the enterprise a new start upwards,
and by conference we had our part of the house seated and ready for opening
exercises, etc. This, under the
circumstances, I considered a great triumph.
Indeed, I was proud of it. I
think we had, all told, about a half dozen male members, and they were plucky,
but unfortunately poor. My
wife turned agent during the session of the Supreme Court and solicited money to
purchase a bell and seat the house.
It
pleased the Lord to visit us with a gracious revival before the new house was
finished, at which some thirty to forty souls were converted. Among the number I am glad to mention the name of Bro. Vic.
Parsons, editor of the Pacific Methodist. We had also times of refreshing at other places, among them
Chappell Hill, Center camp-ground, etc.
On
this circuit were several local preachers of marked ability, zeal, and
usefulness. these men of God
co-operated with their pastor mainly, and to a large extent the church was
indebted to the former more than the latter for the good accomplished.
May the day never come when there shall be any friction in this one
body of two orders of the Methodist ministry.
It would indeed be a sad day to our beloved Methodism.
No church is so much blessed as ours in her ministry—especially in the
superabundance of her free, gratuitous ministrations.
Our local preachers in many instances do as much preaching gratuitously
as the ministers of some churches I wot of for fair salaries.
Brethren in the regular pastoral work and ye laymen, let us see that this
honored class among us by duly respected and appreciated.
"Honor to whom honor," etc.
The
quarterly conference of this circuit at that day, in point of numbers and
intelligence, would have compared favorably with an annual conference.
The presiding elder was struck with the fact, as well as the preacher in
charge; indeed it impresses me yet.
The
circuit made ample provision for the support of her pastor. I had not been at Tyler two days till I was called upon by
the noble Jo. McDougal (steward) and asked what we wanted.
The answer was corn; the next a wagon load came.
But to mention names would swell the list too long.
This pastor never served a more appreciative people.
And when conference commenced they seemed to vie with each other as to
who should or could help the preacher and h is wife most.
One sent a servant girl to help the wife, another sent provision, and
another, and still they came till the preacher had to say stop, for we
are full and running over. God
bless that people. Indeed, many of
them are already blessed; for they are in heaven.
As an
evidence of the big good things sent us at conference, Bishop Early
determined to carry one of the big yams all the way to his Virginia home,
to show it to his good wife.
I was
candidate for reappointment to this circuit, but failed to be elected; the
Bishop degraded me by placing me on a district as presiding elder.
But I endured it the best I could. More
anon.
J.
W. F.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 30, 1879, p. 2, c. 1
Garden
Valley, Smith Co., Aug. 21.—The Lord has revived His work on this circuit.
Up to date there have been 42 conversions and 43 accessions to the M. E.
Church, South. Three other
camp-meetings and several protracted to come off yet.
We hope and pray God will give us 200 conversions on the Garden Valley
circuit this year. We aim to get you 50 subscribers to the ADVOCATE in the mean
time.—C. H. Smith.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 13, 1879, p. 2, c. 2
Garden
Valley, Smith Co., Sept. 2.—The Lord is still reviving His work on Garden
Valley circuit. Edom camp-meeting
closed last Thursday night; lasted six days.
The most wonderful meeting I ever saw; for the last day or two you could
hardly stop them day or night; 20 joined the Methodist Church, South; others
will join. There were probably 65
converted.—C. H. Smith.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 20, 1879, p. 1, c. 5
Garden
Valley, Smith Co., Sept. 8.—Union Chapel and Garden Valley camp-meeting closed
last Friday night; lasted just one week; church wonderfully revived; 57
conversions; 50 accessions to the M. E. Church, South.
My local preachers did nobly. Bros.
Wm. A. Smyth, Marler and McDow were nearly all the help I had.
In the last two weeks, 122 conversions and 70 accessions; 164 conversions
to date. One more camp-meeting to
hold.—C. H. Smith.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 27, 1879, p. 6, c. 2
Ministerial Support.
The meeting which was in progress for nearly two weeks at this place,
closed on Friday night last. There
were four professions and five additions to the church.
Such of the members of the church as were in regular attendance derived
solid comfort from the services. We
feel that the church in Tyler has been substantially strengthened under the
labors of Bro. Philips. He is,
indeed, a man of but one work—an earnest, faithful preacher of the Gospel.
Bro. John Adams, our presiding elder, and Bro. J. R. Wages, pastor of the
Starrville circuit, were present, and preached acceptably to our people.
Our
third quarterly conference was held September 1.
We are up with our finances. Our
missionary collections here have been made in full. Our presiding elder's claim for the whole year has been paid,
and three-fourths of our pastor's salary for the year has been paid in cash.
This
desirable result has been accomplished by a systematic method of collections.
By your permission, I will make some suggestions on the question of the
proper and efficient way to raise funds for ministerial support, not claiming
for them so much of novelty, as the result of successful experience.
The ministry cannot be supported for a series of years unless there is
some system about it. It
occasionally happens, where a new minister is immensely popular, both in and out
of the church, that there will be no great difficulty in raising his salary
towards the close of the year. But
it is not every charge that has a popular minister, and no charge has such a
minister every year.
I hold
that it is the duty of every Methodist organization to support the minister sent
to it, even though he is not the choice of a majority of its members; and that
it is the duty of every member of the church who can do so, to aid in the
support of the ministry, even though that minister may not be the one preferred.
The true rule should be to contribute to the minister—not the man.
If the one sent this year is not the choice of the particular member,
perhaps the one sent next year will be. This
support should be regular—not only an annual sum—but under our system it
should be regularly paid ever quarter.
The
itinerant preacher is not generally blessed with much of this world's goods and
when sent to a new field of labor, often reaches it without money and without
supplies for his family. This is
certainly an embarrassing situation, and yet it is true of the great body of our
Methodist traveling preachers. It
also frequently happens that in cases like this, there is no one to meet the
preacher and give him temporary relief. He
is without money, without supplies, and often without a parsonage to which he
can carry his family for shelter.
This
would indicate a want of system somewhere.
Methodism in Texas is a wonderful organization.
Eighty thousand names are recorded in our church registers.
It requires a large amount of money to support the large number of
traveling preachers who monthly carry a message of salvation to all these
thousands, and keep up our widow and orphan fund, our missionary and other
causes of the church. We depend
wholly upon voluntary contributions to do this great work.
Our assessment plan, notwithstanding the objections urged against it, is
not compulsory, but voluntary. No
member is assessed above the amount he is willing to pay.
Every member ought to be assessed something, and when such member
ratifies the assessment he ought, in all good conscience, to pay it.
I have never known many members who declined or refused to pay, when
properly reminded of their duty in regard to it.
The
great cause in the annual deficit in the payment of so many preachers' salaries,
originates in the want of proper system at the beginning of the year.
The want of this system is the cause of the small pittance usually
brought up at the first quarterly conference.
In the
meanwhile the preacher has been without money or adequate supplies, and
frequently departs from the first conference with an empty purse.
Perhaps our second conference comes off late in the spring and the
scarcity of money at that season of the year furnishes a satisfactory reason (to
the steward) for small contributions at the second conference.
The third conference comes off before the cotton crop is marketed, and it
not unfrequently occurs that the third quarterly conference adjourns and not
exceeding two-fifths of the preacher's meagre salary has been paid, leaving the
remaining three-fifths to be collected during the last quarter.
Two
evil results attend this system. One
is that not more than one in ten of the preachers' salaries, small at best, are
ever paid in full, and the other is that the heavy drain made in the vain effort
to collect three-fifths of the year's salary in the last quarter, so completely
exhausts the liberality of those who will pay, that they do not recover from the
shock in time to open their purse strings at the first quarter of the next year,
and hence we start behind again.
There
is a remedy for this, and if a proper system is formed and executed, will yield
good results. The fourth quarterly
conferences, where they have not already been held, will soon convene all over
the State. The stewards for the
ensuing year will then be elected. The
time of the meeting of the annual conferences is already known.
When the stewards for the ensuing conference year are elected, let them
appoint a time not later than ten days after the meeting of the annual
conferences for a stewards' meeting. Every
steward should be present if possible. They
will know what amount will likely be required for the support of the pastor, and
the proportion for their circuit of the presiding elder's claim.
Let this be properly apportioned among the several appointments, as is
usually done at the first quarterly conference.
These will be subject to modification and change when the first quarterly
conference meets. This will enable
each steward to approximate the amount he will be expected to collect, and if he
proceeds with proper energy, he will be able to bring one-fourth of the whole
amount to the first quarterly conference. I
never knew a circuit or station which paid its quarterage at the first and
second quarterly conferences that failed to pay in full at the close of the
year; on the other hand, those charges which are in arrears at the first and
second quarters, are generally behind all the year.
There is no quarterage more needed or appreciated by the preacher than
that which he receives when he first goes to his work.
It
should also be the duty of this informal meeting of the stewards, if there is no
parsonage on the circuit, to appoint some efficient and active member of the
Board to look after a home for the preacher, and communicate with him, so that
he will not be delayed or troubled to find a shelter for his family when he
arrives on his work. By this means
he will be enabled sooner to get about his duties as pastor. Our itinerant preachers should be men of "but one
work," and the church, as far as possible, should relieve them from all
"entangling alliances," with the business of the world.
I
recently attended a district conference, and to my surprise, I found some of the
members opposed to the assessment plan, and one good brother, who was both a
local preacher and a steward (a combination not generally conducive to liberal
quarterage collection) boasted that the "people on our circuit are
following the old plan." It is
generally admitted that the practical meaning of the old plan, as defined by
results, is "no plan at all." I
cannot see how any reasonable objection can be urged to the assessment plan.
Each steward is acquainted, or should acquaint himself, with the
pecuniary circumstances and liberality of every member from whom he is expected
to collect quarterage. With this
information he can safely approximate the contributions he may expect to get
from the membership of his churches. Similar
information on the part of all the stewards will enable them intelligently to
fix the preacher's salary with a reasonable prospect of paying.
Having fixed the salary from the reasonable information, the stewards and
the membership should work together to pay it.
When
the assessment of each member has been made, the steward should call upon the
members, in person, as soon as practicable and obtain their assent to the
assessment, or if in any case it be refused, let him ascertain what amount the
refusing party will contribute. I
have never known a half-dozen members to refuse assent to the assessment thus
made. While some may object at
first, yet its practical working will prove so satisfactory the first year that
all opposition to it will soon vanish.
Having
determined the assessment, and had it ratified, the stewards should be prompt,
before the meeting of each quarterly conference, to call on every member to
receive his quarterage. It will
succeed, and when this system is once established on a circuit, the preacher on
that circuit will always be paid his salary in full. Under this system the stewards can intelligently promise the
preacher a certain salary, and the preacher can have a sure basis upon which to
rely for his support. If the
quarterage is promptly paid every quarter, the preacher will not be compelled to
buy supplies for his family, often without a sure expectation of being able to
pay for them, but with the money in hand he will be able to buy much cheaper.
It may
be said that the assessment plan and prompt quarterly solicitations will entail
great labor on the stewards. This
will be true until our people become accustomed to it. I have frequently thought that many members of the church did
not realize the onerous labors which our stewards perform in collecting the
finances of the church. This
assessment plan will bring the stewards and the members in closer relation to
each other. If our members realized
more fully the labors of the stewards they would doubtless lighten their work
very much. but no amount of labor
should deter a steward from the faithful performance of his duty. One of the positive promises of Scripture is that God will
regard the faithful steward. He
should be patient as well as faithful. If
a member refuses to do his duty in the support of the ministry, be not angry
with him, but by kindness and good example endeavor to correct his fault and
teach him his duty.
It
requires vigor to perform well the duties of a steward.
If some who are now acting are getting too old, let them give place to
those that are younger. Every board
of stewards should be composed partly of young men, thus training them for their
important field of Christian labor. Nothing
restrains an intelligent member of the church more than to place him in a
position of trust, and nothing develops Christian character and talents except
Christian labor.
How
many quarterly conferences in the State will adopt the informal meetings of the
stewards to take place prior to the meeting of the first quarterly conference?
T. R. Bonner.
Tyler,
September 8, 1879.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 4, 1879, p. 2, c. 3
Old
Canton, Smith Co., Sept. 22.—I believe I have seen but one man in this
community who was opposed to the Sunday law, and he is no extraordinary man.
All good men say they are going to drop the Tyler Courier, because
it opposes the law; also they will not subscribe to the Galveston News,
because of its immorality and Catholicism.—C. L. Wilson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 4, 1879, p. 7. c. 2
Rush.—Mrs.
Tennessee Rush, daughter of John and Martha Blair, was born near Nashville,
Tennessee, July 26, 1809, and departed this life in Tyler, Smith county, Texas,
July 17, 1879. At twelve years of
age she sought and found the pearl of great price and attached herself to the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and for fifty-eight years, amid joys and sorrows,
remained faithful and true. She was
twice married—first to Wm. M. Seaton. Her
second marriage was to James M. Rush. Thirty-two years ago she came to the then wilderness wilds of
Texas, and settled in Hunt county. Afterwards
she removed to Tyler, Smith county, where she remained until she went to heaven.
Thirty years ago, when Tyler was but a country village, she, with several
others, became the charter members of a Methodist society, and from that time
until her release from the infirmities of mortality her lamp was trimmed and
burning. During her last illness,
when disease was rapidly breaking to pieces her earthly tabernacle, it was
indeed strengthening to the faith of the writer to hear her speak of the
assurance of her acceptance and the bright prospect ahead of eternal life.
In hanging this wreath upon her broken Urn we would remark:
"Earth is poorer by her exit," but our loss is her eternal
gain. Peace be to her ashes and
farewell to her soul, until the resurrection morn, when we will meet never to
part again.—U. B. Phillips.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 11, 1879, p. 1, c. 2
Old
Canton, Smith Co., Oct.2.—I hope all the stewards will read and ponder well
Bro. T. R. B.'s article on ministerial support, in ADVOCATE of September 27.
He makes some wise suggestions. In
addition to the suggestion of Bro. B., I will offer the following:
Our preachers can render great assistance to the stewards by going round
before them to see all the members of the church.
I do not mean to say that he can visit all of them before the first
quarterly conference, but he can employ all his idle time in that way.
The stewards can forcibly remind the preacher of this by stating to him
in plain and unmistakable terms, that they will not collect any quarterage from
Methodist families he does not visit. Do
this and the result will be, we will have such a hunting up of old rusty
Methodists as you never did see. The
time has come when we should look well to the support of our preachers, and then
claim their whole time.—C. Lee Wilson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 18, 1879, p. 1, c. 5
Lindale,
Smith Co., Oct.11.—The Lord is still reviving His work on Garden Valley
circuit. At our Edom meeting which
lasted three days, we had four conversions and five accessions.
We had quite a revival at our camp-meeting at Tunnel's Chapel.
It lasted six days; the first two days it was raining, but during the
last four we had forty-three or forty-four conversions, forty-two accessions;
twenty-six joined the Methodist Church and sixteen the Cumberland Presbyterian.
This was a union meeting.—C. H. Smith.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 8, 1879, p. 2, c. 1
Garden
Valley, Smith Co., Oct. 29.—My camp and protracted meetings all over but one
for this year. Results to date:
The preacher a happy, though laborious, year's work; many Christians made
happy; backsliders and luke-warm members revived; 252 made a profession, 201
have joined the M. E. Church, South, and several others will join on my last
round; have paid the assessment to conference collection; have paid Bishop's
fund; have bought $300 worth of books, and taken about fifty copies of the
ADVOCATE.—C. H. Smith.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 29, 1879, p. 4, c. 6
Minutes of the
East Texas Annual Conference of the Colored Methodist
Episcopal Church in America.
Appointments.
Tyler District—M. F. Jamison, P. E.; Overton circuit, Wm. Taylor; Starrville
circuit, W. R. Grendy; Mount Zion circuit, R. A. Hogler; Harmony, I. Stephens.
[plus others clearly outside Smith County]
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 20, 1879, p. 2, c. 2
Starrville,
Smith Co., Dec. 11.—There is joy on the Starrville circuit—thanks to the
Bishop, the presiding elder, the preacher and Shaw & Blaylock—for the
return of our highly esteemed pastor, J. R. Wages, for another year.
We like all the preachers, but we needed Bro. Wages particularly for
another year; some of his appointments especially, there being an element he
could control better than any other man in the conference.
We are all glad—saint and sinner—except the shadow of a minority.—L.
J. S.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 20, 1879, p. 4, c. 4
Letter from a Preacher's Wife.
Permit me through the columns of the ADVOCATE to return thanks to dear
Bishop McTyeire and his cabinet for having returned my husband to the Tyler
station (and Bro. John Adams to the Palestine district), and sealing my destiny
for the year 1880 just as I desired. While
I am willing to accompany my dear husband to any field of labor that the wisdom
of the presiding Bishop and his cabinet would, in the fear of God, see fit to
send him, it would indeed have been a great trial to have separated from the
dear, good people of Tyler. I have
been the wife of an itinerant preacher for a number of years; have accompanied
him on hard missions, long circuits, and in stations; and have made friends in
Alabama, Mississippi and Texas—many of whom I will never see again until the
great itinerant army shall with triumphant rejoicings meet with their flocks in
the city of God. But it has never
been my fortune to be associated with a people who excelled those of Tyler for
kindness and attention to their preacher and his wife.
I
deeply regret that my health has been such that I could not mingle with them
more than I have. We turn the leaf
that introduces us into the labors of the new conference year with high hopes
and prayers to our Heavenly Father to give us success in all departments of the
church entrusted to our care.
Hoping
that the wives of the preachers of the East Texas Conference are as happy as the
writer, and that they will so express themselves, I commit this missive to your
care, with my permission, if it does not meet your wishes, to commit it to the
waste basket.
Mollie I. Philips.
Tyler,
Smith County, Texas, Dec. 9, 1879.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 17, 1880, p. 1, c. 3
W. T.
Walker, Esq., of the Texas Law Journal, Tyler, Texas, called on us this
week. The Journal is
authority on all law matters in Texas. We
are glad to know it is succeeding.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 17, 1880, p. 4, c. 4
A Visit to Tyler.
We decided to take a holiday; and why not?
A preacher may recreate as well as the members of his flock.
Twelve months had elapsed and this preacher had taken no vacation—had
not been released from official duty a single week.
This continuous labor and responsibility gave him a keen relish for
relaxation among friends, with new surroundings and pleasing associations; and
Tyler, above all other places on this green earth, promised the most real
pleasure. For six long years it had been our home.
Five years a pastor and one year on the district, had the effect to so
perfectly identify us with the place and the dear people we served, that we
longed to see and spend Christmas with them.
We
took the train at 8 P.M. of the 22d, and after a pleasant night ride, we landed
in Tyler at 2 A.M., of the 23d, to meet a most affectionate welcome at the home
of our daughter, Mrs. Ophelia Haden.
We
were amazed and delighted at the improvements the little queen city had made in
the short space of one year. Splendid
brick business houses had gone up in close proximity to each other on three
sides of the public square, presenting the most imposing fronts, with
symmetrical and pleasing outlines. Quite
a number of fine residences, with a much larger number of neat, comely cottages
adorn and beautify what was vacant space a year ago.
We
found business promisingly brisk, with cheerful faces and an air of thrift and
prosperity in every direction. The
coming St. Louis and Texas narrow gauge railroad, which will reach Tyler by
April, has given the place increased confidence and imparted new life to every
branch of business.
The
growth of Tyler has been slow—gradual, but solid.
If has never outreached itself. Should
the machine shops of the new road be located there, and the additional narrow
gauge road from the south terminate there, as is confidently believed it will,
the future of Tyler will be a fixed certainty.
We
spent one of the most pleasant weeks of our life in the city—worshiped with
large congregations on Sabbath, both at 11 A.M. and at night; were feasted on
Christmas dinners—spiced with the richest social element; married a fine
looking couple, baptized three children, and finally left, not of choice, but of
loyalty to duty elsewhere.
But it
would be in bad taste to leave Tyler and make no mention of the splendid Herndon
Festival. The Hon. W. S. Herndon,
who has been identified with the history of Tyler for many years, had recently
finished a splendid residence, and furnished it in elegant style.
He invited his friends by the hundred to a social festival.
I see it stated that he ticketed 800 guests.
On the evening of the 30th ultimo the spacious mansion was
full to overflowing with a gay, joyous crowd of the elite of the city and
country. It was estimated that 125
could find places at the splendid tables at one time.
The tables were artistically arranged, so as to form the letter H—and
were loaded with the richest luxuries of this and other climes.
The
array of beauty and richness of apparel were in harmony with the splendor of the
house, its gorgeous furniture and the tempting table, which soon became the
center of attraction and maintained its supremacy until long after 12 o'clock.
The honorable host and his estimable lady made everybody feel, not only
easy, but happy.
The
occasion was truly an enjoyable one, and will be long remembered by the many who
were feasted and honored as guests in that social, bright assemblage.
A
thousand blessings on my old friend and all his guests.
F.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 7, 1880, p. 1, c. 6
Troupe,
Smith County, February 2d.-- . . . Things look gloomy out-doors.
Nature is robed in her white winter mantle.
The snow patters against the window panes while I write.
The wind whistles from the North. Troupe
will have a new church soon.—R. M. Baker.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 28, 1880, p. 1, c. 6
Marshall,
Harrison Co., Feb. 19th.—Garden Valley circuit has 750 members.
Pays the P. C. and P. E. $600.00. In
a prosperous condition. Much good
will be done this year. Churches
will be built and parsonage repaired. Starrville
circuit: P. C. and P. E. salaries
$700.00. Not so many members.
Paid more than first quarter. Out-look
good on both circuits. Preachers
very popular. P. E. under many
obligations to preachers and people. Many
subscribers will renew for the ADVOCATE. The
people are with you in your fight against evil.—R. W. Thompson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 28, 1880, p. 2, c. 1
Troupe,
Smith Co., Feb. 13.—This is the 11th day that I have been confined
to the house. I have suffered
intensely with pleurisy. Through
the good providence of God I am on the mend.
Thanks to the good people for their many kindnesses during my
confinement, especially those noble women who ministered so abundantly to my
necessities. What would the sick
and care-worn Methodist itinerant do without these angels of mercy?
God bless them. Windy, cloudy, leaky weather.
Business dull. Farmers in
good spirits. Church prospects
favorable. Success to the ADVOCATE.
I believe our people are in for the Sunday law, good government, honest
officials, and Car Toon.—R. M. Baker.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 6, 1880, p. 2, c. 2
Mount
Sylvan, Smith Co., Feb. 7.—Marshall District, East Texas Conference:
Resolved,
That we, the undersigned, official members of the quarterly conference of Garden
Valley circuit, do most heartily approve and endorse the Sunday law passed by
the Sixteenth Legislature of the State of Texas; be it further
Resolved,
That we admire and endorse the TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE in its vindication of
said law, together with the many kind admonitions to be found in each number by
its many readers.
Resolved,
That we request the Secretary to furnish the CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE with a copy of
these resolutions.
R. W.
Thompson, P. E.; C. H. Smith, P. C.; Moses Knight, W. R. McDow, L. W. Holt, Littleton
Davidson, J. A. Tunnell, W. B. French, H. G. Bullard, T. J. Bartley, R. H.
Smith, A. Everett, W. E. Roberts, P. G. Hawkins, N. A. H. Bullard, H. C. Darsey,
O. H. Thomas, S. W. Murphy, Sect.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 13, 1880, p. 2, c. 1
Old
Canton, Smith Co., March 1.—The Methodist Sunday-school at this place is doing
exceedingly well under the circumstances. Some
of our most zealous teachers have worn the new off and retired to private life.
I am glad to say that we have some faithful men and women of God who are
untiring in their efforts to promote the cause of Christ in our town and
vicinity. I believe I have never seen "little children" more
interested in Sunday-school in my life. The
Christian parents of the community are beginning to see the importance of trying
to save their children in the name of Him who said:
"Suffer little children to come unto Me."
We have a good, live preacher this year, Rev. R. M. Baker; and our
presiding elder, R. w. Thompson, is just too popular to talk about.
We are to vote on local option to-morrow.—C. L. Willson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 20, 1880, p. 2, c. 1
Old
Canton, Smith Co., March 8.00An election on local option was held in this part
of our county on the 2d instant. The
whisky men, negroes and dram-drinking church members carried the election.
Would it not be better for the churches to expel all of their members who
co-operate with the whisky men in opposition to Christianity?—C. L. Wilson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 27, 1880, p. 2, c. 1
Troupe,
Smith co., March 16.—Farmers have plowed but little for two weeks; will have
to hold up another week, if it rains no more.
Ice on the timber Sunday and Monday; freeze this morning, Tuesday.
Gardens look sick. There has been but very little corn planted.
The majority of peach trees are thought to be dead.
We have been trudging along through the bad weather trying to see to the
interests of the church. Our church
building in Troupe is progressing slowly, but it is progressing.—R. M. Baker.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 3, 1880, p. 2, c. 2
Troupe,
Smith County, March 24th.—Will you allow us through your postal
columns to inquire of one Samuel Willie Parsons, who left Dr. J. D. Parson's
house about May, 1878. He was
twelve or thirteen years old when he left.
His friends have heard nothing satisfactory from him since.
Any information in relation to him will be thankfully received by Hattie
E. Hampton, Mary J. Reed, or the undersigned, at Troupe, Texas.
Willie was living with Dr. Parsons in Rockwall, Rockwall county, Texas,
when he strayed.—R. M. Baker.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 10, 1880, p. 7, c. 1
Jessie
Lee James, wife of J. P. Whitney and daughter of Col. Taliaferro and Fannie
James, died at the residence of her parents in the city of Tyler, Smith county,
Texas, March 25, 1880; aged eighteen years four months and six days.
On Wednesday night, February 11, 1880, just six weeks before her death,
full of all sweet hopes and bright with innocent beauty, she stood at the
hymeneal altar and gave to her now grief-stricken husband her heart with all its
love and trust. On Wednesday night,
four weeks after her nuptials, she was taken sick; and on Wednesday night, two
weeks afterward, ere the honeymoon of her marital joys had reached maturity, it
was eclipsed in death, and her suffering mortality was disfurnished of its
immortality; and with the aroma of the bridal wreath still odorous upon her
brow, she steps from the bridal altar to the tomb.
"Surely death loves a shining mark," and is inexorable and
unfeeling in his demands; for the fairest flower he is sure to cull.
By the many perfections of character of the deceased, such as noble
impulses, sterling virtues, and social qualities, she had ensconced herself into
the esteem and affections of the older members of society, and was the center of
attraction to those of her own age in the social circle.
At the age of fourteen she bowed at the same altar at which she stood on
the evening of her nuptials, and at the hands of Rev. R. S. Finley was received
into the Methodist Church by the sacrament of baptism and a profession of faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior; and up to the time of her demise none
were more punctual in their attendance at the preaching of the Word and the
social meetings of the church than she. From
early childhood she was a member of the Sunday-school, and excelled as a leader
of its beautiful songs. Proficient
in the science of music and artistic in its execution, she ever was found
willing and delighted in consecrating its ministries to God's altar, and thought
it no sacrifice to fill the corridors of the sanctuary with sweetest melody,
thereby breaking its monotony with its kindling enthusiasm, and touching the
best feelings, rebuking the sins and confirming the virtues of the many who
congregated around her. But the
shadow of death is now around the church altar, where she oftimes ministered,
and its cold desolations have come between the bereaved husband, father and
mother, and the one that was and is not. And
the sorrowing ones have wondered oft why such tender relationships are woven to
be shattered, and such deep wells of love opened in the human heart only to
overflow with tears. Ah!
It is because humanity is not an earthly flower that blooms, fades and is
no more, but it is an undying germ that can not reach ultimate perfection until
it is encoffined in the tomb, and its rootlets are anchored there.
May the thoughts of those for whom she is now waiting, as they scatter
the sweet blossoms of balmy spring above her grave, and hang wreaths of exotics
upon her broken urn, grow fragrant with the recollections of her virtues, and
amidst the mystery of the dispensations, may the faith and hope of a
resurrection inspire them to patiently watch and wait for a reunion.
"Angels, let the ransomed stranger
In your tender care be blessed;
Hoping, trusting, safe from danger,
'Till the trumpet end her rest—
'Till the trump which shakes creation,
Through the circling heavens shall roll,
'Till the day of consummation;
'Till the bridal of the soul."
U. B. Philips.
Tyler,
Texas, Marcy 17, 1880
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 10, 1880, p. 7, c. 1
Whitney—O
Death, Thou Art Cruel! was the involuntary exclamation when the sad intelligence
of the death of Mrs. Jessie Whitney reached us on yesterday.
She was the daughter of my very dear friend and brother, Colonel T.
James, of Tyler, and the young and beautiful bride of Mr. Whitney, of that city.
They had been married only about six weeks.
Their nuptials were celebrated in the Methodist church by the pastor in
the midst of a large assembly, a profusion of congratulations, merry hearts,
flowers and exhilarating music. All
were happy, and many wishes of long life and happy days baptized the union of
the hearts and hands of the fair, lovely couple. Jessie was a fair, lovely child.
We received her into the church when she was a child, and baptized her at
the altar where she gave to Mr. Whitney her hand. A circumstance connected with her baptism impressed us.
Her father, though a member of our church—having come from a church
which practiced exclusive immersion—wished Jessie to join, but preferred that
her baptism might be delayed, and so stated.
But at the invitation Jessie, with others, reverently knelt at the altar.
We asked her if she wished baptism then and there.
She replied, yes. When the
father saw it, he said: "Baptize
her." We baptized her and was
her pastor for four years afterward. She
developed into woman gracefully and rapidly, increasing in dignity, womanly
grace, beauty and influence. She
was the light of her father's house, the delight of many doting friends, and
more recently the idol of him to whom she had pledged her heart and hand in love
for life. The church organ, which
gave out its mellow sounds under her magic touch for years—accompanied by her
sweet voice in holy worship—will be a solemn remembrance to the worshipers of
the sweet spirited Jessie, who has exchanged—we trust—the organ for a harp.
The full-blown flower of a day has been nipped by the untimely frost of
death! How gladly would we condole
with the stricken parents and crushed husband and bereft church.
But, alas! how worthless and
poverty-stricken is condolence in such a case.
"Earth has no sorrow
But heaven can release."
To that we tearfully direct the eyes and hopes of these bleeding hearts.
F.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 17, 1880, p. 2, c. 1
Tyler,
Smith County, April 6.—We had a heavy rain on the night of march 31, which
damaged the roads considerably. Some
damage was done to the St. Louis and Texas railroad. I accompanied Bro. Adams, presiding elder, to Spring Hill,
Larissa circuit. Bro. L. C. Crouse
preacher in charge. Found preacher
and congregation on the ground. Finances
fair; good state of feeling in love feast Sunday morning; one infant baptized.
This people I tried to serve as pastor in 1874.
Met many a bright face and warm welcome.
God bless pastor and people.—W. N. Bonner.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 8, 1880, p. 1, c. 1
Troupe,
Smith Co., May 1.—Have had fine rains. Crop
prospects good. Peach trees that
were thought to be dead, in bloom. This
seems to be general pic-nic day, from the bustle I see around.
If the hearts of the people are as cloudy and cold as the morning is,
there will be but little fun. The
ADVOCATE comes dressed up this morning. If
the people grumble now, just let them grumble.
All reasonable people will be satisfied.
Overton and Troupe circuit is not "flat on its back," but
looking up. Give us more nonsense,
Car Toon.—R. M. Baker.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 15, 1880, p. 1, c. 4
Troupe,
Smith Co., May 4.—You have heard of the man who when knocked down by his
neighbor, remonstrated seriously that he meant no harm in the world by what he
said, when the pugilist said: "It
was not what you said, but the way you said it." I like the way she said it—that thrilling "episode of
other days;" yet some of our "slow coaches" are crying—novel;
but pshaw! Was'nt Dr. Mood's
"honest criticism" splendid? I
am delighted with Dr. Finley's "Priesthood of our Lord."
Keep up the skirmish lines. We
have a better paper than anybody. Overton
and Troupe circuit status quo. Farming
all right. Spirits up.—R. M. Baker.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 22, 1880, p. 8, c. 4
Tyler,
Smith Co., May 10.—At the first quarterly meeting of the Starrville circuit
the conference passed a resolution favoring the Sunday law, and it was
understood by some that it was to be published, and I one of that number; but on
looking up the resolutions to record them, I could not find anything to justify
me in sending them to you for publication.
At the second quarterly meeting, which convened at Hopewell the 8th
inst., a resolution was passed requesting the Secretary to send the resolutions
as passed at the first meeting to you for publication, and that the Smith county
papers be requested to copy. The
resolutions: Whereas, It is
manifest that there is an organized effort to defeat the Sunday law, we deem it
expedient for this quarterly conference to take some action on the question;
therefore, be it Resolved, That we hail the said law as of vital
importance to our material advancement as a people, and we ask good men to
support the same. (Signed)—R. W. Thompson, P. E.; J. R. Wages, preacher in
charge; J. W. Shuford, secretary; T. W. Zorn, John A. Smith, R. A. Currie, W. W.
Adams, R. G. Dorough, stewards; P. O. Tunnell, local preacher; Wm. Hazel,
exhorter; H. C. Rogers, J. J. Robbins, T. J. Jackson, Sunday school
superintendent; Wm. Kendrick, exhorter, I. I. Holt, E. G. Littlejohn, T. J.
Caswell, stewards; J. M. Kinsey, J. T. Wood.
Non-members signing: J. W.
Ogburn, J. L. Briggs, O. A. Jackson, O. D. Moore, J. L. Milstead.—J. W.
Shuford, Secretary.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 5, 1880, p. 2, c. 4
Tyler,
Smith co., May 25.—The Garden Valley circuit embraces the northwest portion of
Smith and southeast corner of Van Zandt counties, Bro. C. H. Smith, preacher in
charge. I had the pleasure of
accompanying him on that part of his work lying principally in Van Zandt county.
. .
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 26, 1880, p. 1, c. 5
Tyler,
Smith County, June 22.—I have been with Bro. Caleb H. Smith, preacher in
charge on the Garden Valley circuit. The
land of Garden Valley is all the name indicates.
The lands of Smith, northwest of Tyler, are fine, particularly those of
Village creek. I heard a gentleman,
who has a farm on the creek, say he would not thank a man to offer him less than
seventy-five bushels per acre for his corn crop. I saw, on the 8th instant, cotton that was three
feet high and in bloom. The land
will produce from one and ah-half to two bales per acre. Crops generally are looking well. Rain plenty and health good.
The circuit is too large for one man.
There is a portion of country on the Texas Pacific railroad known as
Silver Lake and Saline creek, (the missionary field of this circuit,) where the
people are destitute of Methodist preaching.
Their cry is, "Come over and help us."
We visited them and made an appointment for night.
A good brother left his plow, and mounted his horse to publish the
appointments. We preached to an attentive congregation at night.
It is their wish to have a protracted meeting in the neighborhood of
Silver Lake. They have a small
church house. Some few Methodists
there. Some have joined other
communions. Garden Valley circuit
embraces a large area of country, and a membership of over seven hundred.
We preached twenty-six times on the round; received several into the
church, principally by letter; dismissed a few for immorality.
Bro. Smith has a number of appointments for camp and protracted meetings.
Altogether, the outlook is flattering.—Wm. N. Bonner.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 10, 1880, p. 2, c. 1
Troupe,
Smith County, 1880.—The people are generally satisfied with crops in this
section. Have had an abundance of
rain. Everybody seems pleased with
the results reached by the Cincinnati Convention.
No special excitement.—R. M. B.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 10, 1880, p. 3, c. 1
R. M.
Baker, Troupe, Smith, June 30, 1880: Quarterly
meeting met here June 26, 27. Our
presiding elder is always at his post. Had a good meeting. Dr.
Younge preached on temperance. Council
in Troupe is doing good. Religious
prospects on Overton and Troupe circuits are good. We have three flourishing Sunday-schools—besides two union
schools.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 17, 1880, p. 8, c. 4
White
House, Smith Co., July 12.—Crop prospects fine. Early corn safe; cotton doing well. Health of the county generally good. A building at Tyler fell last week; one man badly hurt.
Politics running pretty high.—E. B. Z.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 24, 1880, p. 3, c. 1
E. B.
Zachery, White House, Smith Co., July 12: Am
assisting Bro. Crouse in a meeting at this place.
Had a good meeting last night; I do not know when it will close.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 24, 1880, p. 4, c. 4
R. M.
Baker, Troupe, Smith Co., July 16: The
day closed yesterday with many in the dance, but our young Methodist folks
enjoyed themselves in a sociable at the residence of one of our good citizens.
We are commencing our second new church.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 24, 1880, p. 5, c. 2
Troupe,
Smith Co., July 16.—Yesterday was a high day in Troupe. A big dinner and everybody was there. All sober and in good humor.
Speeches by Weaver, Green and White, of Tyler. Crops are grand, and people ought to be grateful.
There is some sickness. Politicians
are beginning to bustle round a little.—R. M. B.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 31, 1880, p. 8, c. 5
Iron
is being received at Tyler for the extension of the Texas and St. Louis railroad
west from Tyler. It is probable
that the road will be completed to Waco by Christmas of next year, and the cars
running between that point and Texarkana.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 7, 1880, p. 4, c. 5
R. M.
Baker, Troupe, Smith Co. July 30: Overton
and Troupe circuit expects, besides
furnishing itself in new churches, to have a parsonage ready for the next
preacher. Bros. Hamilton Spice,
Sanders, House and Henry, committee on parsonage, will not fail.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 7, 1880, p. 5, c. 1
C. H.
Smith, Harris Chapel, Smith Co., July 22: Meeting
here for five days past. Twelve
accessions to the church and ten conversions.
This is the first protracted meeting in Garden Valley circuit this year.
We look for revivals all over the circuit.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 7, 1880, p. 8, c. 5
The
Tyler Reporter says business houses are in demand at that point and rents
are rising. New business houses on
the square are in contemplation. The
merchants are preparing for a heavy fall trade.
The
Tyler Courier says, the working force on the Texas and St. Louis road is
increasing daily. It is expected
that by the first of September a large force will be at work, and the road
pushed to Waco in a short time.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 7, 1880, p. 10, p. 1
The
Tyler Courier calls for the erection of an immigrant house in that
railroad center without delay. The
suggestion is a wise one. The
business men of Tyler and the farmers of Smith county will secure a large share
of immigration for their section by this move.
All our leading railroad towns should follow the same line of policy.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 7, 1880, p. 10, c. 3
Troupe,
Smith Co., July 30.—Our enterprising merchants are clearing off the rubbish
and putting lumber on the ground to rebuild the burned district of our town.
The ground is wetter now than it has been this season.
No talk of the worm.—R. M. B.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 14, 1880, p. 8, c. 5
Etna,
Smith co., Aug.—Dear praying fathers and mothers, and all who have any loved
ones to be ruined by "that dark beverage of hell:" I have a son determined to go into that ungodly trade by
selling liquid fire. Oh
"strive together in prayer" with me that God may turn him from that
soul destroying loathsome trade. Please
do not pass it by as a mere formal request.
We are needing showers of spiritual blessings.—A Mother.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 21, 1880, p. 3, c. 2
The
Tyler Courier says the International and Great Northern railroad depot at
Tyler will be completed in about two weeks.
Property is changing hands and new buildings going up in Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 28, 1880, p. 4, c. 2
Joel
Sanders, Troupe, Smith Co., Aug. 18: On
last Sunday morning I went into Overton, and attended the Baptist Sunday-school
in the morning. Our Baptist
brethren had a meeting in progress, and at the solicitation of the preacher I
preached at 11 o'clock to a listening congregation.
In the afternoon I attended the Methodist Sunday-school.
There were very few Methodists in attendance.
A number of persons were present, who talked and laughed during the whole
exercises. The Methodist church
there, I learn, is very much demoralized for want of the exercise of wholesome
discipline.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 4, 1880, p. 1, c. 4
The
Tyler Courier gives the citizens of Smith county good advice when it tells them
to talk up their county, and to say a good word about their neighbors whether
abroad or at home. It is good
advice for the citizens of every county in the State, and many of the Texas
journals might profit by it. Many
are eager to report every street fight or murder, until strangers very naturally
suppose a revolver is worn on the hip of each citizen, and that homicide is one
of our popular pastimes. Tell the
people about the resources, the schools, the fine soil, the abundant timber of
your section. Tell the truth.
Texas needs no better advertisement.
Don't suppress the facts. If
a murder occurs report it faithfully, but give the good as well as the bad
respecting Texas and Texas life.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 11, 1880, p. 1, c. 4
Etna,
Smith co.—Bro. A. D. Gaskell, send us form of memorial, and we will do our
best. We are praying continually
for the success of the ADVOCATE and for the downfall of the whisky shops all
over the country. We are all doing
well enough in a financial point, but need more morality—more religion.
Address—Mrs. N. F. Williams.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 11, 1880, p. 4, c. 5
C. H.
Smith, Tyler, Smith Co., Sept. 2: The
protracted meeting at Lindale lasted six days.
The church is much revived; 13 conversions; 11 joined the M. E. Church,
South. Bros. Zachrie, Gaddis,
Bonner and Warren assisted me in this meeting.
Lindale was one of the hardest points, we though, on Garden Valley
circuit. It is a railroad town,
between Tyler and Mineola, in a fine section of country.
The ADVOCATE is in great favor at Lindale, and it did its part,
doubtless, in the revival.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 2, 1880, p. 4, c. 5
R. M.
Baker, Troupe, Smith Co., Sept. 27.—Our fourth quarterly conference met at
Henry Chapel on the 25th. The
presiding elder on hand; good attendance; meeting rained out.
Our fifth quarterly conference will meet at Weston Nov. 15th,
to settle up finances. Let the next preacher that is sent to Overton and Troupe know
that this is a most excellent people, and that they know how to care for their
pastor.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 2, 1880, p. 5, c. 3
Troupe,
Smith Co., Sept. 27.—Much rain is hindering farmers in gathering crops.
Cotton is being damaged; health good; politics low.—R. M. B.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 2, 1880, p. 5, c. 3
Troupe,
Smith Co., Sept. 27.—The quiet of our town was disturbed on Saturday, the 19th,
by a drunken riot, resulting in death by the stabbing of a negro man.
Last Sunday morning, before day, there was a motley crew gathered at the
saloon, when the peaceable neighbors were startled by a yell:
"hoop 'em up, captain"—bang, bang, bang!
Murderer under bond; disturbers of the peace, scot free.
How long, oh, how long will our good citizens submit to this infamous
liquor reign?—R. M. B.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 16, 1880, p. 4, c. 5
C. H.
Smith, Tyler, Smith county, Oct. __: I
send you the results of my two last meetings.
At Mt. Sylvan we held four days; the church was greatly blessed; ten or
eleven conversions and nine joined the M. E. Church, South.
My next meeting was at Prairie Spring.
We held there five days; the church was much revived; about ten
conversions and nine joined our church. At
my Mount Sylvan meeting I had no ministerial help; at Prairie Springs Rev. W. A.
Smith rendered efficient aid. Two
more protracted meetings and I am round. The
ADVOCATE is booming.