Articles about
Smith County, Texas
in the Texas
Christian Advocate
1891-1893
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 8, 1891, p. 1, c. 2
Starrville.
J. M. Mills, Dec. 26: We are
here on the Tyler circuit for the third year.
Have been kindly received by friends in the various churches, and those
outside as well, and now, for the first time, they have given us a big pounding.
We saw some signs of it by two sisters going from house to house during
the day, and about 7 p.m., December 15, they began to come in, both old and
young, with light hearts and cheerful faces, bringing with them hams, sugar,
coffee, chicken, rice, canned fruit, syrup, potatoes, ready-made clothing and
various other things that make glad the heart of a preacher and his wife.
Then, too, they laid $14 in cash on the table.
After that Sister Lott went to the organ and gave us some as good music
as I ever heard, with Bro. Bradley to assist her.
At 10 o'clock we sang, "God be with you," and joined in prayer
to God to bless all our homes, and thus closes one of the happiest nights at the
parsonage at Starrville.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 8, 1891, p. 1, c. 5
Lindale Circuit.
A. G. Scruggs, January 2: I
have now made a full round on my work, have made a diagnosis of my circuit, and
so I am ready to follow suit with others in reporting.
We were kindly received. We
are well pleased with our new field of labor.
There is plenty here to do; there is no lack of opportunity and yet there
has been much done. We realize that
we are in the midst of a kind people; they have given many expressions of the
same. We have received many tokens
of kindness. We feel quite at home.
The outlook is encouraging in many respects, though in some not so good.
I find traces of my predecessor, W. H. Crawford, everywhere I go, who has
faithfully served this charge for the past three years.
A great many good and nice things have found their way to this preacher's
home since we came here, just such things as are always appreciated by the
grateful. The stewards have met and
made a liberal assessment for our support.
They went at it in a business way and no doubt will continue on the same
line. Have received into the church
five by letter. We contemplate a good year.
We pray the Lord to make us a blessing to this kind people and them a
blessing to us. The ADVOCATE will
be remembered.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 15, 1891, p. 1, c. 1
Starrville.
J. M. Mills, Jan. 5: We are
returned for the third year to Tyler circuit; have been kindly received, and
enter upon our work to do the best we can.
Yesterday I preached three times, married a couple and rode eighteen
miles. I want all my people to take
the ADVOCATE. I believe it to be
one of the best papers published by the M. E. Church, South.
God bless the editor and publishers.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 15, 1891, p. 7, c. 3
TREST—MASSEY.—At the residence of the bride's father, December 24,
1890, by Rev. J. M. Mills, Mr. W. R. Trest, of Tyler, Texas, and Miss Grace
Massey, of Anderson county, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 15, 1891, p. 7, c. 2
GARNER—BARBER.—Near Starrville, Texas, January 4, 1891, by Rev. J. M.
Mills, Mr. James Garner and Miss Emma Barber; all of Smith County.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 29, 1891, p. 4, c. 6
--The Rev. A. G. Scruggs, of Lindale, writes under date January 23:
For eight days I have been confined to the house, and most of the time to
my bed, under treatment of the doctor. I
am just able now to sit up, and one reason for my sitting up is blisters that
are enough to keep a man from lying down. I
am suffering with la grippe—it has attacked my lungs—and catarrh of the
head. There is a great deal of
sickness in all this country; the doctors are kept busy.
Some excitement about small-pos; have one case between Mineola and
Lindale, on the railroad; it is creating some excitement.
Cannot tell what the result will be.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 19, 1891, p. 7, c. 3
LAKE.—On December 10, 1890, the death angel came to the home of Brother
and Sister Lake and carried the spirit of little E. J. Lake away to the mansion
of God. He was born August 30,
1888, aged two years three months and ten days.
It is sad indeed to part with loved ones, but the Savior has said,
"Suffer little children to come unto me."
We cannot but, with sad hearts and tearful eyes, look upon the house of
clay in which our loved ones dwelt. We
lift our hearts heavenward, knowing they are with Jesus. Dear parents, your little boy is not dead, but lives with
God. Trust in God, as he has
promised to be with you in the sixth trouble and not to forsake you in the
seventh.
A. G. SCRUGGS.
MATHEWS.—Sister Martha E. Mathews was born April 26, 1834, in
Rutherford county, Tennessee; was married October 13, 1859, to John R. Mathews.
She came to Texas, to Cherokee county, in 1850.
The fruits of her marriage were nine children, four of whom preceded her
to eternity. She was converted in early life and joined the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. After coming
to Texas she had no opportunity of joining the church of her choice.
She lived a long time out of connection with any church until July, 1890,
while on a visit to see her sick daughter, in Alto, at which time we were
conducting a protracted meeting. She
came one evening to the parsonage and said she wanted to join the church, and in
the presence of a few persons who were there we received her.
She was happy at the time. Soon
she returned to her home in Angelina county and was attacked with slow fever,
which lasted about six weeks, when the death angel came and bore her spirit away
to the land of the blessed. She
died September 29, 1890, leaving behind a husband and five children to follow
on. May her true and patient life
stimulate them to pattern after her.
A. G. SCRUGGS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 19, 1890, p. 8, c. 2
Obituary—Texas. Mrs.
Mathias, Lindale; Mat Finley, W. W. Perry, R. M. Linley, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 26, 1891, p. 1, c. 5
Lindale.
A. J. Scruggs, Feb. 16: Our
first quarterly meeting for this charge was held last Saturday and Sunday.
The presiding elder was on hand and in his usual good health, and with
the spirit of meekness and zeal for the good of all, looking after the interest
on all lines. The final conclusion
was reached in regard to assessments. All
of the appointments were represented except one.
Finances behind; but little over on-tenth of the assessments for preacher
in charge and presiding elder paid, owing to so much sickness and shortness of
crops. We hope, and the indications
are, that the present sickness will soon give way; but still there is a great
deal of it. I have never seen as
much pneumonia in the same length of time in any place that I have been, and now
the measles has made its appearance in several parts of my circuit.
My own family have been sick for five weeks.
My wife is now (as well as myself yet) a victim of la grippe.
No smallpox among us yet.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 26, 1891, p. 8, c. 2
Obituary—Texas. Miss
E. J. Brymer, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 5, 1891, p. 8, c. 1
Obituary—Texas. W.
J. Montgomery, Mrs. C. T. Bonner, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 5, 1891, p. 8, c. 2
Deputy U. S. marshal Terrell lodged J. M. Belcher, of Wood County, in
jail at Tyler, February 23, on a charge of bigamy.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 12, 1891, p. 1, c. 1
Tyler.
Democrat and Reporter: The
first quarterly conference of the Methodist Church met at the city hall last
evening, Rev. John Adams, D. D., presiding elder, in the chair.
Hon. N. W. Finley was elected president of the Board of Stewards for the
present year. A committee was
appointed to reassess the church members for the present year, and on motion the
pastor's salary was increased from $1500 to $1800 per year. The board adjourned to meet again Friday evening at 7:30
o'clock. Since the Rev. D. F. C.
Timmons entered upon his pastorate here 246 have united with the Methodist
Church, making the congregation financially and spiritually much stronger; and
in recognition of his earnest and faithful services the stewards have raised his
salary as above stated. Truly
"the workman is worthy of his hire."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 12, 1891, p. 4, c. 4
--Tyler Democrat: Under
date, Cartersville, Ga., February 21, 1891, Rev. D. F. C. Timmons, pastor of the
Methodist Church in this city, has a letter from Rev. Sam P. Jones, which says:
"Yours received. In
reply—I was taken suddenly ill at Jacksonville, Fla., the 14th
inst., and have suffered untold agonies every day since, except two; and am
fearfully wrecked by the dreadful experience.
The doctor says it will be weeks before I can work again.
I now think it doubtful if I can reach you before fall."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 12, 1891, p. 8, c. 2
Obituary—Texas. Mrs.
Frank Bonner, Mrs. T. A. Ward, Sr., Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 19, 1891, p. 7, c. 4
HOLCOMB.—Mrs. Elva Jane Holcomb (nee Johnson) was born July 25, 1853,
in Cherokee county, Texas. She
professed religion and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at about twelve
years of age, and lived a devoted and consistent life until the 25th
of February, 1891, she left the church militant for the church triumphant.
She was happily married to Bro.
Z. S. Holcomb, and to them were born eight children; four are with mother in the
happy world and father has the other four with him in this sorrowing world
below. May God help them to meet these loved ones in heaven.
Sister Holcomb last summer united with the M. E. Church, South, with her
husband and daughter, at Bethel Church, on Troupe and Overton circuit.
Heaven is growing richer, but earth poorer.
May the Lord give grace for this severe trial.
C. H. SMITH.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 26, 1891, p. 7, c. 5
BONNER.—Died, Mrs. Frank M. Bonner, at their pleasant home, Tyler,
Texas, wife of Charles T. Bonner and daughter of Col. T. F. Murchison and wife,
Mary R. Murchison, Athens, Texas. She
was born July 4, 1863, and died February 20, 1891.
She was reared by good, religious parents (Cumberland Presbyterian).
When she joined the church she united with the M. E. Church, South, as
her husband was a member of that church; and well did she fill her place in the
church as Christian, wife and mother. She
visited the sick, administered to the comfort of the poor and destitute.
The church has been made poorer by her death; but heaven made richer.
She was the mother of two children, a son and a daughter.
Charley, son, was born March 24, 1887, and died October 22, 1889.
He was a sweet child—mother's darling; was dedicated to God by Baptism
in early infancy. Died and went to
heaven in advance of his mother. I
have no doubt but he met her on the other shore.
Little Frankie M., daughter, was born January 31, 1891; three weeks old
at mother's death; is spared to battle with the afflictions of earth, to comfort
papa and relatives. The first time
I ever met Frankie was the morning after the marriage to my grandson.
She saluted me with a kiss and the endearing appellation of grandpa, and
said, "I love old people. I
had a grandpa that was an old man." And
well did she prove by her kind attentions to me that she loved old people. Farewell, my dear granddaughter, but not forever.
We will meet again. I
expected to have gone first, but you have gone a little in advance.
Thank God, if we do mourn, we mourn not as those who have no hope. Husband and relatives who survive her, remember we can't call
her back to us, but we can go to her. Then
let us meet her in the city of the New Jerusalem.
TYLER, TEXAS.
W. N. BONNER.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 26, 1891, p. 8, c. 2
Obituary—Texas. Mrs.
Sarnia Hubbard, Mrs. Thornton, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 2, 1891, p. 1, c. 4
Tyler.
Mack, March 23: The strength
the church in Tyler received last year is seen and felt in every part of the
church, not only in the roll but everywhere else.
The stewards when they began the year's work, appreciating the work Bro.
Timmons had done, raised his salary $300, making it $1800. Then, to make it better, they became responsible to the bank
for the same and he has only to go at the first of the month and draw his money.
They have the personal assessment plan and every member is assessed
something each month for the church, and but few fail to pay promptly.
The Tyler stewards are business men.
Bro. Timmons not only works but puts everybody else at it.
His prayer-meetings are well attended and very spiritual and thereby very
beneficial to the church. The
class-meetings, under Bro. Lacy Boone, are increasing in interest all the time.
Owing to Col. Bonner's ill-health, Bro. Webb Finley, son of Dr. R. S.
Finley, has been placed in charge of the Sunday-school as assistant
superintendent, and he is proving to be a leader in this work.
The new church is rapidly going up and will be as fine a church as will
be in the South. It will cost
$50,000 when complete. Since
conference twenty-five have been added to the church, and in the last two years
the membership has been doubled. The city mission, under Dr. R. S. Finley, is growing every
week. The congregations are good
and the means of grace well attended. The
Sunday-school, under Bro. Ben Moore, is increasing all the time and is a power
for great good in this part of the city. The
time is not far distant when this will be a self-sustaining church.
Father Bonner still lingers on this side of Jordan to bless here—that
is Sister Adams does, and he gets home now and then from his work.
He has begun his second round and reports the outlook encouraging at all
points on his work. We do not
believe any part of Texas is growing faster than this and the church will of
course keep up her growth with the State.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 2, 1891, p. 8, c. 3
Obituary—Texas. N.
C. Harris, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 9, 1891, p. 8, c. 2
Obituary—Texas. Col.
A. J. Sandridge, T. C. Lockie, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 23, 1891, p. 8, c. 1
Obituary—Texas. Dr. E. Jones, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 30, 1891, p. 5, c. 5
CHANGE ON LINDALE CIRCUIT.
Rev. A. G. Scruggs, preacher in charge of Lindale circuit, has been in
feeble health for several months, and for the last few weeks his health has been
growing worse, so that he has been compelled to give up his charge temporarily,
in the hope that by rest and travel he may regain his health. Rev. W. F. Mayne has been employed to fill his place until
his health shall be sufficiently restored to enable him to resume the work.
Bro. Scruggs is very much beloved by us all.
We hope, and his physician thinks, that a rest of five or six weeks will
be perhaps all that is needed.
JOHN ADAMS, P. E.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 30, 1891, p. 8, c. 2
Ike Gadney, colored, hung himself April 24, twelve miles northwest of
Tyler, because his wife deserted him.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 7, 1891, p. 1, c. 1
Troupe.
C. H. Smith, April 23: Troupe
and Overton circuit is all right; presiding elder all right. One of the best circuits in Texas, and any one knows John
Adams, D. D., cannot be excelled. So
preachers brag on your circuits and elders.
I am content with mine and you would be glad to get them.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 14, 1891, p. 4, c. 4
--Ex-Minister R. B. Hubbard, of Tyler, will deliver the literary address
at the commencement of Southwestern University in June next.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 21, 1891, p. 7, c. 4
HIX.—Margaret H. Hix was born in Autauga county, Alabama, April 16,
1835; came to Texas with her father, Rev. Geo. A. Stewart, and settled near
Jamestown, Smith county, February 14, 1848.
She was married to W. H. Hix, formerly of Blount county, Alabama, June
22, 1852, and died at the residence of her son, J. Price Hix, Smith county,
Texas, April 29, 1891. She
professed religion and joined the M. E. Church, South, in early life at the
Kimball camp ground, Coosa county, Alabama, and dying left testimony that all
was well; that she was prepared, ready and willing to depart.
She was the mother of five children, three of whom preceded her to the
spirit land, and two survive her, and wait on the shores of time a little longer
for their summons to meet the loved on the strand just beyond the river.
LACY BOONE.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 28, 1891, p. 7, c. 6
OGBURN.—Joe Ogburn, son of Rev. E. D. and Lina Ogburn, was born in
Smith county, Texas, July 11, 1878, and died at home, in Lindale, Smith county,
May 2, 1891. He was baptized by
Rev. John Adams in innocent childhood. From
the earliest dawn of intelligence he was instructed in the simple faith of
Jesus, and at the early age of nine years he publicly avowed his faith in Jesus
and his desire to serve him by uniting with the church.
Thus the responsibility was shifted from his parents to himself.
From the day of his union with the church to the day of his death he was
true to his baptismal vow. His dear
father, who was an honored member of the East Texas Conference, passed into his
rest about four years ago and left his stricken widow with five daughters and
one son to provide for. Little Joe,
though not robust, yet full of manly principle, was already looked to as the one
who should take his father's place. His
poor mother writes me: "I had
looked forward to the time when I could lean upon him, and he had already begun
to help me bear the burdens of my family; but, alas, I find myself left in this
world with nothing to lean on." He
said he was not afraid to die, brave little fellow; but he wanted to reach the
age of twenty-one years without knowing how whisky tasted, or what it was to use
a profane word. What an aspiration!
Let every boy in Texas emulate his example.
His teacher said he was the best boy in school.
His mother writes me: "This
is comforting, but why was he taken?"
Dear mother, it may be Jesus has taken away this last prop that you may
more perfectly learn how to walk by faith, leaning only on him.
At last she says: "One
more tie in heaven." Yes,
mother; little Joe ere this has seen Jesus and felt the embrace of his sainted
father, and may be sitting at the gate when you pass in.
Oh, let us cut loose our moorings from earth and anchor our every hope in
heaven. Thank God, the crowning day
is coming by-and-bye.
W. H. CRAWFORD.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 4, 1891, p. 1, c. 3
Lindale.
W. F. Wayne [sic? Mayne?], May 27: We
are moving on quietly on Lindale circuit. Bro.
Scruggs, who was appointed to this work and who served awhile with great
acceptability, is now absent, traveling for his health, while the writer is
trying to hold the fort and keep the enemy at bay. We hope Bro. Scruggs' health will improve so that he may soon
be able to come to our relief, as we have no other ministerial help, not even an
exhorter, in the bounds of the work; but thanks to God we have good praying men
and women, and, as the poet says, "Prayer moves the hand that moves the
world;" therefore, we are "not faithless, but believing."
We are looking forward to a grand revival all over the work.
Our second quarterly meeting is over.
Our beloved presiding elder was on hand, preaching to the joy and
satisfaction of all present. May he
live long to proclaim the gospel of Christ to a sinful world.
God bless the ADVOCATE. One
brother stated in love-feast that recently two short articles published in the
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE were worth more to him than the price of the paper for
twelve months. I wish all our
members would take our church paper. They
can't read it earnestly without being benefited.
Every number comes laden with articles of food for the hungry soul.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 4, 1891, p. 7, c. 6
SHANKS.—Mrs. Rebecca E. Shanks (nee Wade), daughter of Micajah and
Sarah Wade and widow of Rev. Asbury H. Shanks, was born in Butler county,
Alabama, July 20, 1818; embraced religion and joined the M. E. Church when quite
young; married Rev. A. H. Shanks in the fall of 1835, who died a triumphant
death in 1868—he was then a member of the East Texas Conference.
Sister Shanks had no children, but raised a son of a younger sister from
ten days old to manhood. He married
and died March 25, 1890, leaving a wife and two children and his Christian aunt
and adopted mother to mourn their loss. She
traveled with her husband as an itinerant's wife o circuits, stations and
districts in Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
She knew of the toil and travel of an Itinerant Methodist preacher's
wife. She lived a conscientious,
Christian life; was a kind and loving wife, a true friend.
She had a fall and was seriously hurt, which resulted in the loss of her
reason. After several months it was
thought best to send her to the asylum in Austin, which was done January last.
She was doing well until a few days before her death, which occurred on
the 23d of may, 1891. Her remains
were sent to Tyler and deposited near her adopted son, Allen Wade Cameron, in
Tyler cemetery, to await the trump of God that shall awake the dead.
The funeral was attended by a goodly number of relatives and friends.
Thank God, it is written in Divine Revelation, "Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea,
saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do
follow them." Which can truly
be said of Sister Shanks; she lived right, therefore she died right.
TYLER, TEXAS.
W. N. BONNER.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 18, 1891, p. 8, c. 3
Obituary—Texas. C.
F. Williams, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 25, 1891, p. 7, c. 4
TUCKER.—Dora Tucker, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Tucker, departed
this life February 1, 1891, in her twelfth year.
She professed faith in Christ and joined the M. E. Church, South, last
summer. Dora was a very amiable,
obedient child, and loved by all who knew her.
She was too precious for earth and the Lord took her to himself, there to
enjoy the bliss of eternal glory. No
doubt but her dear mother, who had preceded her about two years, was looking and
waiting to welcome her home. Thus
the family is divided—a part in heaven, a part on earth.
May they again be reunited, an unbroken family in the kingdom of glory.
W. F. MAYNE.
LINDALE, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 25, 1891, . 8, c. 2
Obituary—Texas. Mrs.
Claude Yonge, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 25, 1891, p. 8, c. 3
T. J. Dobb's grocery store, at Tyler, was burned, June 18.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 2, 1891, p. 4, c. 5
--Rev. A. G. Scruggs, of Lindale, East Texas Conference, writes:
"My health has improved some, but I am still unable to take charge
of my work. I count the days and
wonder when these calamities will be passed.
I have been unable for two months to take any part in public worship.
The trouble is with my throat."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 2, 1891, p. 8, c. 3
Obituary—Texas. Mrs.
Hankins, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 9, 1891, p. 1, c. 2
Tyler District Conference.
C. B. Hall, Secretary, July 3: The
Tyler District Conference met in Athens, Texas, June 29, at 9 o'clock, a. m.;
Dr. John Adams, presiding elder, in the chair.
All the pastors of the thirteen charges were present and quite a large
attendance from the laity. Bishop
Galloway reached the conference in good time for evening session.
Both in the chair and pulpit he did most valuable work.
The reports showed the district to be in a prosperous condition in most
things. Some revivals had been held
and many conversions and accessions. Several
new churches being built and others repaired.
Our books and periodicals are taken and sold; and our people are largely
a reading people. To show the
growing popularity of our beloved TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, we quote from the
report on Books and Periodicals: "We
note with pleasure the growing demand among our people for our own TEXAS
CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, the prince of the family and for its increased circulation
and wonderful popularity in the Tyler district."
One brother reported eighty subscribers from a rather poor circuit.
Steps were taken to build a district parsonage, proper committees
appointed, and trustees elected. Rev.
S. W. Turner, Financial Agent of Southwestern University, was with us and proved
himself a master workman, on the platform and in the pulpit as one of our
greatest educators.
Dr. I. Z. T. Morris was present, representing our book business at Fort
Worth.
These brethren, though rather "long horns," as the Bishop said,
all seemed to fatten every day they remained.
Indeed the hospitality was never better.
Prof. G. J. Nunn, principal of Alexander Institute, was on hand and his
earnest talk showed that most gratifying success had attended the school under
all circumstances. Doubtless never
was the prospects brighter for our own conference school. Let every Methodist father and mother throughout the
district, who have sons and daughters to educate, send them to Kilgore till they
are prepared for the university course at Georgetown, was the prevailing
sentiment of the conference. Perhaps
the most interesting part of the conference was when Mrs. M. B. Adams gave an
address on "Woman's Work for woman," followed by Bishop Galloway, with
telling effect. Delegates elect to
annual conference were D. M. McLeod, John Douglass, Dr. A. J. Gray and J. K.
Oaks. Next session of conference
goes to Mineola. We will close
these notes with the following resolution, which was signed by every member of
the conference:
Whereas, by the law of the M. E. Church, South, our beloved presiding
elder, John Adams, D. D., will sever his connection with the Tyler district at
the end of this conference year; therefore,
Resolved, that in our separation with Bro. Adams we lose a true and
faithful presiding elder, who looks closely after every interest of the church.
One who has done good and true work; such work as will be approved by the
Divine architect in that great day.
2. That our prayers and
blessings follow him wherever he may go, and that we will ever remember him as
one of God's noblemen—an humble Christian.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 9, 1891, p. 7, c. 5
HAWKINS.—Mrs. Amanda Hawkins, daughter of J. H. and Lizzie Gunter and
wife of Wm. C. Hawkins, died in Tyler, Texas, June 21, 1891, at 8 p.m.
She was born in Wood county, Texas, May 29, 1859; moved to Cook county
with her parents when she was about seven years old and lived there until she
married Bro. W. C. Hawkins, February 20, 1877.
She was the mother of five children—three boys and two daughters.
Two of the boys have preceded her to the better land.
She has left a husband and three children, the eldest and youngest
daughters, Sallie and Bettie. She
professed religion about ten years ago, but did not join the church until last
August, 1890, at the camp-meeting held at Pleasant Retreat, Rev. J. M. Mills,
preacher in charge, Tyler circuit, East Texas Conference.
I witnessed the scene. She
had been blind nearly eight years, so she did not see husband and children; but,
thank God, she was not spiritually blind—she could see Jesus.
God bless the bereaved husband and the orphan children.
May the have a happy reunion in the better land, where all can see as
they are seen and know as they are known.
TYLER, TEXAS.
W. N. BONNER.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 30, 1891, p. 5, c. 2-3
AN OPEN LETTER TO COL. T. R. BONNER, OF TYLER, TEXAS.
DEAR SIR AND BROTHER: On the
30th day of October, 1881, I was pastor of the Methodist church at
Tyler. You were then as now the
superintendent of the Sunday school. I
was gratified to have such a colaborer to assist me in bringing the many
children that were then entrusted to our care to Christ.
Often was my heart strangely warmed as I looked into so many upturned
faces as you gave unto them line upon line and precept upon precept, and in your
happy and inimical way by words of entreaty and earnest exhortation pointed them
to Christ. Since the above
mentioned date years have come and have gone; every pupil of that large and
flourishing school has reached manhood and womanhood.
Many have formed marital relations and are now the heads of families, and
are sending their children to the same Sunday school where they first learned
the way of the Lord. Some have
passed away to the realms of eternity. Some
have found the pearl of great price and are now becoming the staunch and
trustworthy members of the church in which they were spiritually born.
A few others, and thank God only a few, have wandered off into the
shoreless sea of skepticism and stubborn unbelief, and it may be several have
become the bound slaves to appetite and dissipations and are now forlorn wrecks
upon the beach of human society. I
write this letter to make a statement and to ask a question, and I think that on
the following Sabbath after you read this letter you can interrogate your
school, and give me through the ADVOCATE an answer that will be of great
encouragement to myself. The statement is this:
On the 30th day of October, 1881, I held a special service
with the children of your school, and on that occasion the names given below
took upon themselves a solemn obligation, and made an earnest request. The obligation is as follows:
"I am determined, by the grace of God, from this day forward to be a
Christian; and I request my pastor and beloved superintendent, together with all
the good people of the church, to assist me with their prayers and example to
reach this great end."
Signatures—Milton Kilpatrick, Calley Howell, Robert Frazzler, Quincy
Shuford, Willie Harris, Hallie Medlin, Claud Wiley, Jimmie Shuford, James
Herndon, Willie Green, Alexander Woldert, Shuford Long, Henry Herndon, Annie
Bonner, Mittie Marsh, Bettie Adams, Dolly Madden, Sunshine Bonner, Metta
Rowland, Lillie Rowland, Edith Martino, Bettie Bonner, Arkie Clay, Johnnie Cain,
Johnnie Medlin, Ida Rowland, Clara Cousins, Ione Jay, Jessie Johnson, Sallie
Johnson, Stella Ellis, Katie Johnson, Georgia E. Chilton, H. E. Clay, James
McBride, Frank James.
Many of these precious ones I will never see again until we shall meet in
the sweet by-and-by. Often have I
prayed over each name, and I am still greatly concerned about them.
Ten long years will soon have rolled away.
I desire you to call the roll and ask the question:
"How many have kept the vow made on that day?"
Some names will be called whose ears will not catch the sound of your
voice, for they are muffled with the icy grip of death; but you can tell us how
they died, for your eyes have not slumbered these years on any member of your
school. Should there be any present
who have not kept the vow and are still out of the church, and out of Christ,
will you not, while singing the 896 number, request all who will renew the
pledge to give you their hand in token of another effort to lead a better life
and indite [sic?] their names in the letter you will send to the ADVOCATE for my
encouragement? May God's rich grace
be the perpetual heritage of the Sunday-school at Tyler, is the prayer of
U. B. PHILLIPS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 30, 1891, p. 7, c. 3
HANKINS.—Mrs. Amanda Hankins, daughter of J. H. and Lizzie Gunter and
wife of Wm. C. Hankins, died in Tyler, Texas, June 21, 1891, at 8 p.m.
She was born in Wood county, Texas, May 29, 1859; moved to Cooke county
with her parents when she was about seven years old and lived there until she
married Bro. W. C. Hankins, February 20, 1877.
She was the member of five children—three boys and two daughters.
Two of the boys have preceded her to the better land.
She has left a husband and three children, the eldest and youngest
daughters, Sallie and Bettie. She
professed religion about ten years ago, but did not join the church until last
August, 1890, at the camp-meeting held at Pleasant Retreat, Rev. J. M. Mills,
preacher in charge, Tyler circuit, East Texas Conference.
I witnessed the scene. She
had been blind nearly eight years, so she did not see husband and children; but,
thank God, she was not spiritually blind—she could see Jesus.
She said to me before she lost her reason: "Father Bonner, I am dying." I tried to encourage her to hope to live.
She said the Lord has called me and I am going.
She clapped her hands and shouted glory be to God, I am ready and I am
going. She was a consistent Christian and died in the faith.
God bless the bereaved husband and the orphan children.
May they have a happy reunion in the better land, where all can see as
they are seen and know as they are known.
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 30, 1891, p. 8, c. 4
Obituary—Texas. Capt. Pegues, Tyler.
At Garden Valley, Smith county, Miss Onie Tucker was burned to death by
the explosion of a lamp, July 22.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 6, 1891, p. 1, c. 3
Overton.
C. H. Smith, July 29: My
first protracted meeting on Troupe and Overton circuit for this year was held at
Bethel Church, and my third quarterly meeting.
My presiding elder stayed from Saturday till Wednesday evening, and did
just such preaching as John Adams can do, and I had the help of one of my local
preachers, F. M. Spence. Visible
results: church nearly all happy;
forty-seven professions, twenty-three accessions to our church. We held eight days. We
are now at Overton. Ten professions
to Tuesday night.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 6, 1891, p. 5, c. 5
Obituary—Texas. Mrs.
Von Wie, Mr. Lum Huey, Mrs. Wood Clemens, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 6, 1891, p. 8, c. 4
A telegram from Tyler, July 30, says, in the United States Court to-day,
by consent of parties, the suit of the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, of New
York, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Company intervenors, was postponed
for hearing until September 1. The
suit is against the present receivers and asks for the appointment of receivers
by the Federal Court.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 13, 1891, p. 1, c. 1
Overton.
C. H. Smith, Aug. 7: My
meeting at Overton, Overton and Troupe circuit, resulted in eighteen or twenty
professions and five accessions to the M. E. Church, South; others I think will
join. Bros. Johnson and Alexander,
of Henderson; Webb, of Marshall, and Spruce, all did good and faithful work, and
the church was much revived.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 20, 1891, p. 5, c. 3
REPLY TO THE OPEN LETTER OF REV. U. B. PHILIPS, OF SULPHUR SPRINGS.
DEAR BRO. PHILIPS.—I have read with great interest your open letter to
me in TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE of last week, and it awakens memories both
pleasant and sad—pleasant because of the result of the special services you
had for our Sunday-school, and sad because of the death of two of the young men
who assumed the obligation on that occasion.
The sadness is, however, mitigated by the fact that both fo them were
members of the church at the time of their death.
I read your letter to our Sunday-school yesterday, and we analyzed the
list of names of the young people who entered into that obligation on the 30th
day of October, 1881—ten years ago. There
are thirty-six names on the list, and their present status is as follows:
Eighteen now belong to the Methodist Church in Tyler; four belong to the
same church elsewhere; two have died and were members of the same church at the
time of their death; one belongs to the Episcopal Church in Tyler; one belongs
to the Presbyterian Church in Mineola; seven have never joined any church; one
removed to Atlanta, Ga., and has grown to manhood at the home of his Methodist
parents; two have removed to parts unknown and their present location and
religious status is unknown to us.
At the time these children took the obligation of October 30, 1881, none
of them belonged to the church. Since
that time twenty-six of the thirty-six have joined and now belong to the church
(two to the church triumphant). Some
of the others may have joined after their removal from Tyler, and we have reason
to believe that some of the remainder will yet come within the fold of Christ.
While mere propositions should not be so often made to the children as to
cause them to lose their effect, yet a solemn promise like the one made in our
school, when understood by the children, leads to results of the most enduring
character. Who can tell the mighty
influence for good of these twenty-six young people who have joined the church
under the circumstances above stated? That
influence will widen and extend from generation to generation until time shall
be no more!
It has been nineteen years since I first became superintendent of this
school. The youngest children then
connected with it have grown to
manhood and womanhood and have assumed their stations in the religious, business
and social world here and elsewhere. Some
of the boys are now among the prominent business and professional men of the
city. Some of the girls are among
our most active workers in the societies which are auxiliary to the church.
Many of those who were former pupils are now teachers in the
Sunday-school and stewards in the church.
The Methodist Sunday-school has left its impress on the Christian
character of the people of Tyler, and its wielding a great moral power over the
young people here. This is by no
means intended to disparage a like good work carried on in the Sunday-schools of
other denominations. The churches
and Sunday-schools are all working harmoniously for the common good, and it can
be said truly: "How pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
But with all their zeal and labors there is still much more to be
accomplished. The emissaries of
evil are ever sleepless and vigilant, and great watch-care is needed on the part
of the church workers, not only to repair the evils wrought among our own
members by the enemy, but to hold up the light to the new comers on the scene.
The Sunday-school joins me in thanking you for your letter and the kind
interest you have manifested in our behalf, individually and collectively, and
we invoke God's blessing and choicest benedictions to rest and remain with you
and your good wife wherever in his providence you may be called to labor; and
when at last life's work is done, and that great day for which all other days
were made shall come, may we all meet in heaven and answer to the roll call of
our Heavenly Father and receive the welcome plaudits of "well done, thou
good and faithful servant." Fraternally,
T. R. BONNER.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 20, 1891, p. 7, c. 3
KENDRICK.—Bro. J. F. Kendrick was born in Harris county, Ga., September
6, 1830; married Miss Mattie Hunt July 9, 1861; professed religion, joined the
M. E. Church, South, at a meeting held by Bro. J. S. Mathis in 1871; died in
Smith county, Texas, July 16, 1891. Bro.
Kendrick, we believe, lived and died a true Christian.
Some of his last expressions were: "I
am ready to die," but said to his wife:
"Mattie, I hate to leave you."
Just before he died he tried to sing, "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I
Stand," and thus he passed over the river.
God bless and sustain Sister Kendrick till they meet again to part no
more. Farewell, dear brother; rest
at home.
J. M. MILLS.
SMITH.—Thomas Caleb Smith, son of Dr. C. D. and Willie Smith, born
August 22, 1889, and died August 1, 1891, at their home at White House, Smith
county, Texas. Tommy was a sweet
child and the only one in the family. Oh,
how we miss his sweet prattling; but he has gone to Him who said, "Suffer
the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the
kingdom of heaven." Weep not,
dear son and daughter, but be sure to meet little Tommy in heaven, where parting
will be no more. One more tie in
the glory world. We will meet
by-and-by.
C. H. SMITH.
BLAKE.—Allen Blake, eldest son of John and Mary N. Blake (nee
Connolly), was born near Arbacooche, Cleburne County, Ala., October 24, 1866. He came to Texas with his parents December, 1881, and located
near Tyler, Smith county, and died triumphantly on the 30th of July,
1891, at 6:30 p.m. The day before
he died he called his father and mother and made his requests known and drew
them out in reference to the future. His
mother is a good Methodist. She
with a broken heart was weeping. He
put his arms round her neck and said: "Ma,
don't weep for me, it nearly kills me to see your grief for me.
I am not afraid to die." He
told his only sister that it took him some time to get in the right way,
"but I am in it and I am not afraid to die."
He sang several songs on his dying bed. The
last one was "Jerusalem, My Happy Home."
He was perfectly rational until the last. He recognized the faces and voices of friends.
He gave directions for his funeral, chose his burying place, commended
his friends to God; closed his eyes, folded his hands on his breast and breathed
out his life to Him to gave it. Father,
mother, brother, sister, remember Allen's dying words and prepare to meet him in
heaven. He will be watching and
waiting for you.
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 20, 1891, p. 8, c. 4
Alex. Alexander's residence, near Tyler, was burned August 13.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 3, 1891, p. 1, c. 1
Troupe.
J. F. Ward: We are having
good times; God here in his power; sinners are being born to God; we are
witnessing the power of God at every service.
We had a glorious time at Bethel. We
have but few left here in this section to work for the devil. At a Baptist meeting the Lord is doing a great work, whereof
we are glad. Will close to-day with
a goodly number added to the church. We
have organized a young prayer-meeting at Bethel.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 3, 1891, p. 4, c. 5
--The daily papers announce the death of Col. T. R. Bonner, of Tyler.
A native of Mississippi and a resident of Texas from his childhood, he
was known to the people of every portion of the State as a man of fine ability.
He served the cause of the Confederacy during the war as colonel.
He was Speaker of the House of sixteenth Texas legislature, having
previously served one or more terms as a member of that body.
He was a prominent member of the M. E. Church, South, and for years was
the faithful and successful superintendent of our Sunday-school in Tyler.
He will be missed.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 17, 1891, p. 8, c. 3
Tyler.
Lacy Boone, Sept. 10: Rev.
Thomas H. Leitch opened up here last night with a good attendance under his
tent. We trust much good will be
accomplished, though a steady rain has set in from the northeast, which may cut
the attendance short for a day or two. But
I guess he will hold on like a leech.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 24, 1891, p. 1, c. 1
Troupe and Overton Circuit.
C. H. Smith, Sept. 11: I
report my last protracted meeting on Troupe and Overton circuit at London, Rusk
county, as almost the best one of the season.
The church greatly revived. Some
forty-four professed religion and thirty-seven joined the church—twenty-nine
the M. E. Church, South, and eight the Cumberland Presbyterian. Bro. G. W. Langley, of Kilgore, did me good service.
I have held a protracted meeting now at each appointment.
Grand total to date 177 professions, 125 accessions to our church, and a
number of others will join.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 1, 1891, p. 1, c. 4
Tyler.
D. F. C. Timmons, Sept. 25: Rev.
Thos. H. Leitch has just closed a meeting of two weeks in this city. Bro. Leitch comes from South Carolina. He has a most excellent singer with him—a Mr. Marshall.
He is an evangelist and has a large tent, sufficient to hold fifteen
hundred people, and goes where he is invited to go.
He preaches with great power. I
heard most of his sermons while he was here.
They were Scriptural and full of the Holy Ghost.
His meeting did much good. One
hundred and four persons joined the different churches in the city, and many
believers were quickened. He goes
from here to Waco on invitation by the pastors of that city.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 1, 1891, p. 8, c. 3
Obituary—Texas. Mrs.
T. P. Chaddick, Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 8, 1891, p. 1, c. 5
Tyler.
Lacy Boone, Sept. 29: On the
23d Bro. Leitch closed his meeting at this place.
He came, he saw, he conquered. The
pastors joined heartily in the exercises, and more than one hundred joined the
churches. Many were converted at
the tent, and some at their homes. The
work was widespread and reached all classes.
Happy is that community that secures the labors of Thos. H. Leitch.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 15, 1891, p. 7, c. 3
JORDAN.—Death has invaded the happy home of Jno. S. and Eudora Jordan
and snatched from their warm embrace the dearest of their heart on earth, their
sweet prattling babe, William Wesley. The
tender bud was too precious for earth and the Lord gook it and transplanted it
in the kingdom of glory, and is now there as a beacon light calling papa and
mamma and little brother to the shores of eternal bliss.
Little Willie was born February 9, 1890; died August 14, 1891.
The remains were carried to the church where a funeral discourse was
delivered by Rev. W. W. Watts. We
were made to feel that heaven was more precious than ever before.
Then we repaired to the grave where the fond parents bade adieu to the
loved form for a while, with the blessed assurance of a reunion "in the
sweet by-and-by."
W. F. MAYNE.
LINDALE, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 14, 1891, p. 8, c. 4
A telegram from Austin, October 7, says H. G. Askew, of Tyler, is
appointed expert to the railroad commission at $3000 salary.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 29, 1891, p. 1, c. 1
The Tyler City Mission.
R. S. Finley, Missionary, Oct. 20: The
attempt to establish this mission three years ago was an experiment without much
to stimulate the zeal or strengthen the hopes of success on the part of its
friends. At first, and for a time,
the membership consisted of a few pious people who have moved into the northern
part of the city and were inconveniently located membership in the city church.
The extension of the growing city in that direction and the increasing
spiritual wants of the poor, stimulated the leading and most benevolent members
of the city church to lead off in the enterprise of building a house of worship,
then on the outskirts of the city, on Cedar street.
It is a neat, well adjusted chapel, finished and paid for, with an organ,
Sunday-school, choir and hymn books and membership of eighty-seven communicants. The congregation is creditable, sometimes to overflowing.
The people are mostly railroad laborers.
I preach in this church the first and third Sundays, at 11 a.m., and 7
p.m. This church runs three prayer meetings per week—the public
prayer-meeting on Wednesday night, young men's prayer-meeting Thursday night and
the woman's prayer-meeting on Tuesday at 4 p.m. There is also a monthly class-meeting. There are two other appointments in the mission:
Liberty Hill, two and a half miles east of Tyler, in the country.
Here they have an organization of fifty-five members, but no house of
worship. But I am happy to say that
an eligible lot has been bought, and the lumber is on the ground, and a church
will soon be built. The appointment
is at Chandler, a railroad village twelve miles west of Tyler.
This place never had any sort of church house in it—a kind but
unbelieving people. I found a class
of fourteen members, taken from an adjoining circuit. It now has thirty-five members, a Sunday school and a weekly
prayer-meeting and a new church house going up as fast as practicable.
A great change has been wrought in Chandler and the new converts are
actively at work. The mission has
not had any revival storm and yet there have been fifty additions to the church,
nearly all of whom are new converts. The
preacher, in old age, has had the honor and the luxury of preaching the gospel
to the poor. To God be all the praise.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 5, 1891, p. 7, c. 3
DICKERT—Julia Elizabeth Dickert, daughter of Thos. F. and S. A. Dickert,
was born in South Carolina, August 24, 1882, and died near Lindale, Texas,
October 22, 1891. Julia was a good
girl, possessing a mild temper, a gentle and sweet disposition, obedient and
devoted to her parents, loving to her brothers and sisters, of whom she leaves
seven to mourn their loss; in fact, she was loved by all who knew her. This is the first time death has invaded the home of Bro. and
Sister Dickert. It comes with a
heavy stroke. The bereavement is
sad indeed. We can only comfort
them with the words of Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto
me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven," and cheer their gloom with the
strong and hopeful words of David. Although
she cannot come to you again, you can all go to her.
W. F. MAYNE.
LINDALE, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 5, 1891, p. 8, c. 4
At Tyler, October 29, W. R. Johnson, proprietor of a saloon, committed
suicide by shooting himself in the head. Ill
health and mental despondency are given as the causes of the rash act.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 10, 1891, p. 7, c. 4
PERDUE.—Twillie Beulah Perdue, daughter of M. G. and Addie Perdue, was
born in Smith county, Texas, August 7, 1877.
She and her little brother, Tommie, were baptized August 13, 1882, by
Rev. A. H. Brewer; professed religion and joined the M. E. Church, South,
received by Rev. A. Little August 30, 1887.
She died November 6, 1891. Her
mother died when she was near two years old, being left an orphan. She and her little brother, Tommie, found a home for several
years with the writer of this notice. We
soon learned to love them as our own children.
She was patient under afflictions. A
short time before she died she called her father, stepmother, little brother and
mothers present and kissed them good-bye. Truly,
while we may be sad and weep, we weep not as those who have no hope. She leaves one only brother, whose little heart was sad
indeed when his only sister was gone. May
God bless and take care of the family, and especially the brother, and may he
never forget the counsel and example of his dear sister.
P. O. TUNNELL.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 7, 1892, p. 5, c. 2
--We had the pleasure of worshiping with the Rev. D. F. C. Timmons and
his congregation at Tyler Christmas Sabbath.
Their new church is by far the finest church building we have ever
entered in this State. It cost
about $60,000. The organ cost
$4000. Now that the church is
finished Bro. Timmons can enjoy with more zest and rest his fourth year's
pastorate in Tyler. He is doing a
good work there.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 14, 1892, p. 1, c. 2
Tyler.
D. F. C. Timmons: This is my
fourth and therefore last, year on Tyler station.
For three years I have been under that fearless man, Rev. John Adams, D.
D., presiding elder of Tyler district. His
time having expired here he now goes to Marshall district and Rev. T. P. Smith
takes his place. The work that Dr.
Adams has done on this district during the four years of his administration has
been immense. He leaves the
district in a splendid condition. He
has by his godly life and pulpit ability and wise administration led his
preachers on from one victory to another. Dr.
Adams is the Enoch of the East Texas Conference.
He walks with God. There are but few men in Southern Methodism that can equal
him in pulpit power. He thinks.
He prays. He preaches.
We love him, and hundreds will follow him with their prayers wherever he
goes. Tyler station has one of the
handsomest church buildings in the South. The
lot, the building and the organ cost about $60,000.
We have a membership of 575. The
parsonage is well situated and paid for. The
Ladies' Aid Society furnishes a horse for the pastor.
There is no backward movement in the enterprises of the church this year.
The death of some of our leading men, the financial troubles, the general
depression in financial affairs have not so depressed our people as to cause
them to become non-aggressive. We
are moving on, praying and looking for a gracious revival.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 14, 1892, p. 7, c. 5
YANCEE.—Susan Elizabeth, infant daughter of David and Sallie Yancee,
was born October 3, 1891; died November 25, 1891.
The bud was plucked and planted over yonder.
Now heaven is dearer to those bereaved parents, because their precious
babe is there, and while it can not come back to live here, they can go to it.
May the Lord bless this dispensation of divine providence to their
eternal good.
W. F. MAYNE.
LINDALE, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 14, 1892, p. 7, c. 5
ROBINSON—Frances A. E. Robinson (nee Dodd) was born in Milam county,
Texas, March, 1850; was united in marriage with Dr. L. J.
Robinson January 14, 1875, and as the year 1891 was drawing to a close
her probationary state ended, her work on earth was done, the conflict past and
the victory won. On December 30,
1891, she bade adieu to earth. Her
spirit returned to the God who gave it. Her
body was consigned to the tomb, there to await the resurrection morn, when soul
and body will be reunited, and with loved ones will vie around the throne and
join the angelic chorus forever. Sister
Robinson professed religion and united with the M. E. Church, South, in early
life. She leaves a husband and
several children to mourn their loss. May
God's grace sustain them and the Holy Spirit lead them through life to that
bright world on high.
W. F. MAYNE.
LINDALE, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 28, 1892, p. 7, c. 5
BONNER.—Mrs. Sarah A. Bonner was born July 22, 1816, and died December
25, 1891, at her home, in Tyler, Texas. She
professed religion and joined the church while yet in her youth.
She was married twice. Her
first husband was Rev. Bennett Elkins, by whom she had two children, the elder
one of whom preceded her to the goodly land many years ago. The other still survives her.
Her second marriage was to Rev. W. N. Bonner, who still lives an honored
and aged minister of the gospel, and member of the East Texas Annual Conference.
Sister Bonner was a devout Christian woman.
Her service to God and her generation was a faithful one.
Those who were intimately connected with her speak of her deep devotion
and consecration to God and her church. Since
I became her pastor, three years ago, I have found her to be a woman of strong,
abiding faith in God, delighting in the services of God's sanctuary, and
maintaining her religion at home. The closing days of her life were of great suffering, but
this suffering did not in any degree cause her to distrust her Lord.
Quietly the aged saint came to her end.
She said to me a few days before her death, "It is all right.
I am ready." When the
supreme moment came she sweetly fell on sleep and now rests with her God.
We shall see her again.
D. F. C. TIMMONS.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 4, 1892, p. 8, c. 4
The three roadmaster's divisions formerly existing on the Cotton Belt
railroad between Tyler and Gatesville have been merged into two.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 18, 1892, p. 1, c. 3
Starrville.
D. W. Towns: After four
years pleasant and I hope profitable stay on New York circuit, I was sent to
this (Tyler) circuit, making the trip by private conveyance in two days through
the rain and mud to reach a wet and leaky parsonage.
But the good and thoughtful people of Starrville were not unmindful of
us. They soon had us a fire and a
nice, warm supper, and after feasting till our road-worried appetites were
satisfied, we had left enough for several days.
We have a dry house now, and as good people to serve as any preacher in
Texas. We have had no regular
pounding, but almost every day something nice is sent in to us. Now, Mr. Editor, if you could be here a little while you
would believe me when I tell you the Starrville people can't be excelled in kind
treatment to their preacher. For
all their kindness we return them thanks, and pray heaven's richest blessings on
them. The outlook is good for a
successful year. I want to do the
best year's work of my life to date. I
and family have had la grippe for some time; are now slowly recovering from its
effects.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 18, 1892, p. 7, c. 2
ELLIOTT—MCNEELY.—At the bride's residence, Smith county, Texas,
February 3, 1892, Mr. J. C. Guinn, of South Carolina, and Miss Laura Edwards,
Rev. P. O. Tunnell, officiating.
GINN—BELL.—At the home of P. O. Tunnell, Smith county, Texas,
February 4, 1892, Mr. C. L. Ginn and Miss Nannie W. Bell, Rev. P. O. Tunnell
officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 3, 1892, p. 2, c. 1-2
CHRISTIAN WORKERS.
We have a preachers' meeting in Tyler, composed of the pastors of the
Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Cumberland Presbyterian and Christian—Campbellite—Churches.
They all meet every Monday morning.
There is such unity of spirit manifested that a stranger would not know
but they were all of the same denomination.
They are about to organize a system of evangelical work, in which all the
denominations will unite as one. We
trust God will bless the effort. Not
only may it be a blessing to Tyler, but to other towns and country.
We also have a Y. M. C. A., to which you are sending the TEXAS CHRISTIAN
ADVOCATE; for which we return thanks.
As the Y. M. C. A. is undenominational, I have always understood it to be
a body of Christian workers, but like the church, many are not doing all they
might do for the salvation of sinners; but to the credit of the secretary, J. C.
Reeves, he has organized a class of Christian workers who have volunteered to do
active work for Christ.
I hope the pastors of the churches will follow his example and organize a
class of Christian workers in each church.
I think it is contemplated in the economy of grace that each member of
the church should be actively employed in doing all they can for the salvation
of others. . . .
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 17, 1892, p. 1, c. 3
Starrville.
D. W. Towns, Feb. 26: I know
of no cause why this preacher and family should not be satisfied with this work
and happy over their surroundings. On
the night of the 17th, while the clouds gathered over head to pour
their rain on the earth, a crowd gathered at the church, and before we knew
anything of it, they were at the parsonage, and to the dining-room they went.
It was a sight to look at that table and its surroundings.
Yes, led by Sisters Wallace and Erwin, the good people of Starrville,
Winona and Center gave us a big pounding; eight hams, fifty pounds of sugar and
a variety of other things in proportion. We
are grateful for their kindness, and will endeavor to show our appreciation by
rendering them the best service we are able to perform.
Our prayer is, 'May our Father bless a people who so kindly care for his
servant." The evening of the
pounding the large crowd present spent an hour or so at the parsonage enjoying
splendid singing and sweet music on the organ, rendered by Sister Wallace and
Misses Allen and Perkins. I will
just state that we have no organ, but thoughtful friends had one sent in for the
special occasion. (We do not claim
it in the pounding, however.) The
enjoyable evening closed with prayer.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 17, 1892, p. 7, c. 4
STOUT.—Samuel T. Stout was born at Mound Prairie, Anderson county,
December 2, 1865, and died at his home in Tyler, Texas, December 19, 1891. He was first married to Jimmie Howell at Overton, Texas, in
1884. She dying some three years
ago, he was again married to Annie Brown, June 18, 1890. He professed religion at Rusk, at a meeting conducted by
Burnett and Mulkey, August, 1886, and joined the M. E. Church, South.
He immediately connected himself with the young men's prayer-meeting,
which he attended punctually, missing but one service for twenty-three months.
He then removed to Tyler, and upon the organization of the Tyler City
Mission, in 1888, connected himself with it, and became its efficient
class-leader and Sunday-school secretary. About
a year ago he was put upon the city police force, where he did faithful service
for the city up to the time he was taken sick, on his twenty-sixth birth day.
He died in the faith. To the
bereaved, God has said, "My grace is sufficient for thee."
LACY BOONE.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 24, 1892, p. 7, c. 3
BLAKE.—Death has again invaded the pleasant home of our beloved
friends, John and Mary Blake, and taken away their son Robert Lee.
He was born in Clay county, Alabama, September 10, 1876, and died at
Ashcraft, Smith county, Texas, February 6, 1892. Robert was a moral boy, good and obedient to his parents.
He was sick only four days. The
last twenty-four hours of his life he was not conscious.
He left no dying testimony to encourage his aged parents and friends; but
we know our Father in heaven is merciful and kind and doeth all things well.
Therefore we say to the fond parents:
try to be reconciled to this dispensation of His grace.
Allen was first called away and not Robert.
Death is no respecter of persons. He
strikes the fatal blow upon the young as well as the old and infirm.
The sudden death of this youth should impress all with the certainty of
death and the uncertainty of life. Thereby
we are admonished that the time to prepare for death is in youth, and that
before the summons of death shall come, "prepare to meet thy God" is
the solemn warning given in His word. Grant,
O Lord, that this sudden death may lead the relatives and friends to prepare to
meet their God in peace. We laid
his remains by the side of his brother Allen in the cemetery at Midway, there to
remain until the trump of God shall sound to awake the dead.
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 24, 1892, p. 7, c. 3
CHILDRES.—Mary Elizabeth Childres was born March 31, 1874; departed
this life February 13, 1892. Mollie
(as she was familiarly called) was always a good girl; she made a public
profession of faith in Christ, and united with the M. E. Church, South, at the
age of twelve, and lived an exemplary Christian life till her death.
She died with inflammatory rheumatism.
Her suffering was intense, yet she bore the pain with Christian
fortitude; she was loved by all who knew her, as was evidenced by the many
friends who visited and lingered around her bedside during last hours, the and
[sic] the multitude that thronged the cemetery to see her body laid away to
await the resurrection morn, when it will come forth a glorified body.
Loved her? Yes; she was so
amiable, pure and lovely; she was indeed a model girl, dutiful to her parents,
gentle to her brothers and sisters, kind and loving to all.
She will be missed not only at home but at church, and by her many
friends. Earth has lost a jewel,
but heaven is richer. Let me say to the bereaved, look upward, think of her in
heaven and the associations there.
W. F. MAYNE.
GARDEN VALLEY, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 21, 1892, p. 5, c. 3
Tyler is to have free mail delivery after June 1, next.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 5, 1892, p. 1, c. 4
Tyler.
W. N. Bonner, April 22: We
had a fine Easter service in our Methodist church in Tyler at 11 a.m. Congregation large. The
church was beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens.
At 4 p.m. there was an interesting juvenile missionary service; the
children performed admirably. At night there were twenty accessions to the Church, fifteen
children between eight and twelve years old and five adults by letter and
communion. Bro. Timmons is now in
his fourth pastoral year at this charge. In
1889 there were 353 members. He has
received 355 up to date; total 708. Loss
by death and certificate 106. Total
April 22, 1892, 601. Bro. Timmons
has done a faithful work, both pastoral and pulpit labors.
He has instructed those received by ritual in the doctrines and
discipline of the church, and proposes to hold regular monthly service to
instruct the young members, which is as it should be.
They should be instructed until they arrive at mature Christian
experience, and not leave them to shift for themselves as orphans while they are
only babes in Christ.
White House Circuit.
Joe P. Dabbs, April 25: Our
second quarterly meeting was held at Liberty Hill, two miles east of Tyler,
April 21. Our presiding elder, Bro.
T. P. Smith, was on hand and preached two of his best sermons.
There was a good turnout of the official members.
All the churches were represented but two.
The collections on the White House circuit have been only tolerably good.
We fear the missionary collection will fall far below what was assessed.
We had quite a number of visiting brethren in attendance at the quarterly
meeting. Among those we notice John
Adams, D. D., R. S. Finley, Father W. N. Bonner and Lacy Boone, and perhaps
others who deserve mention whose names we did not get.
And let me say just here, that at the close of the 11 o'clock services,
when Dr. R. S. Finley was called to lead in prayer, the Lord came down in mighty
power. Many souls were made to feel
glad in a Savior's love. We thank
God for such men as John Adams, R. S. Finley, T. P. Smith and T. T. Booth.
May the Lord bless and prosper the people on White House circuit this
year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 5, 1892, p. 7, c. 1
SILLIMAN—WILLIAMS.—At the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and
Mrs. E. C. Williams, April 21, 1892, Mr. John R. Silliman and Miss Kate Hoge
Williams, both of Tyler, Texas, Rev. James H. Wiggins, her uncle, officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 12, 1892, p. 2, c. 3
REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST.
It occurred to me that a short sketch of the usages of Methodism as it
was in my boyhood days would be interesting and instructive to many of the
Church of the present day. The
territory was laid off in districts and circuits and stations as it is now. Each circuit had two preachers—senior and junior.
They had about twenty-six appointments.
Each preacher made a round, filling all the appointments every month,
preaching every day in the week save Monday.
Thereby there was preaching every two weeks at each appointment.
Before closing the service the preacher would hold a class-meeting. What is that? some
of the members of the Church at the present day may ask. It is a means of the life of godliness in the Church.
It is a Christian greeting and inquiry after spiritual condition of each
member of the Church, as we inquire after the health of the body when we meet a
friend, and if they are not enjoying good health we are apt to express our
sympathy for them, and if we have been afflicted in the same way and found a
remedy that relieved us, we are apt to suggest to our friend to try it.
Thus we should do when we meet our Christian friends—inquire after
their spiritual health and show them that we care for their souls.
In the days of primitive Methodism there were one or more class-leaders
to each organized Church, whose duty it was to see each member of his class once
a week; to inquire how their souls prospered; to advise, reprove, comfort or
exhort as occasion required. It is
expected of all those that desire to be saved from their sins that they should
manifest that desire by doing no harm and by doing good to the souls and bodies
of men, reading the scriptures, fasting and prayer.
Therefore in order to these things the leader propounded the above
questions to each member of his class.
The meetings were closed with prayer suited to the spiritual condition of
each member. Class papers were
marked so as to know who were present, absent, or sick. . . .
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 26, 1892, p. 1, c. 2
Troupe.
Mrs. H. T. Henry: The third
Sunday in May in the M. E. Church, South, in Troupe, we celebrated Children's
Day. It was certainly pleasant, and
I hope profitable to our whole school. In
the absence of our pastor, our efficient superintendent carried out the program
that was sent out from our Publishing House, adding at the close the recitation
of the twenty-third Psalm by a little girl from one of the infant classes.
The altar was beautifully decorated; the children did admirably; our
leader as usual was the right man in the right place, and the collection very
creditable considering the number of the membership of our Church and school.
The offerings were put on a table that was placed in front of the altar.
For a while quarters, dimes and nickels fairly rained down on the table,
and the contributions amounted to $5.20. We
have an interesting school all the time; old folks, middle aged and young
attend, and I think there is more spirituality about the exercises than any
school I ever attended. It is the hope of our Church for the future, and we are
praying that every unconverted soul in our school may be saved before the end of
the year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 2, 1892, p. 7, c. 3
BAIRD—JESSUP.—At the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs.
J. M. Jessup, May 22, 1892, at 7:30 p.m., Mr. Rufus E. Baird and Miss Emma L.
Jessup, all of Tyler, Texas, Rev. W. N. Bonner officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 9, 1892, p. 7, c. 4
WHITAKER.—Mrs. Martha Matilda Whitaker, wife of Hon. H. M. Whitaker,
and daughter of Judge M. H. and Mrs. E. P. Bonner, died May 22, 1892, 7 p.m. She was born in Rusk, Cherokee county, Texas, March 24, 1854;
was dedicated to God by baptism in infancy and received religious training at
home. She professed religion and
joined the M. E. Church, South, in early life, and was an active Christian
worker. She was educated in
Staunton, Virginia. She returned to
parental home in the summer of 1873; married Judge H. W. Whitaker December 9,
1873. Soon after her marriage she
joined the Episcopal Church, her husband being a member of that communion.
She had lived a devoted Christian, giving much time and money to advance
the cause of Christ and for the relief of the poor.
Many will rise up and call her blessed.
There was a large procession of relatives and friends that followed her
remains to the Church which was filled to overflowing.
Many white and colored were on the side-walk to witness the procession.
The usual services were conducted by the rector of the Episcopal Church,
Rev. Father C. H. B. Turner, after which her remains were carried to the Tyler
cemetery and deposited near the graves of her Christian father, brother and
little son, who preceded her to the better land.
She leaves a husband, two sons and two daughters, a mother, two brothers
and three sisters to mourn their loss, but what is their loss to her eternal
gain. Mattie was a loving, obedient daughter, an affectionate wife,
kind mother, a good Christian. Her
last words were comforting. She
rests in peace.
Written by her grandpa,
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 9, 1892, p. 8, c. 1
White House.
N. E. Shepherd, June 4: Bro.
T. T. Booth, our preacher on the White House circuit, is doing faithful work. We are hoping and praying for a revival at each point.
Bro. J. W. Griffin, of Lawndale mission, came over on this circuit on
Wednesday before the fifth Sunday in May and preached at night until Saturday,
then at 3 p.m., also at night, and also two sermons on Sunday.
Visible results: Conversions
one; others reclaimed with the promise to join the Church at their earliest
convenience. The Holy Ghost came
down with power and the Christians were made to rejoice in a Savior's love.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 30, 1892, p. 2, c. 3
White House.
T. T. Booth, June 15: In my
last card I said with one more building we would be well housed on this circuit,
but the prospects are now good for a building at that one place, Spring Hill.
The money necessary has been raised by subscription, and the house will
be up to hold our protracted meeting in September.
This will be the third new house for this charge this year.
At Liberty Hill we have guilt a good framed church at a cost of more than
$500, and our people here are coming to the front in every department of Church
work, and at Chandler a good house has gone up this year at a cost of $700.
At this place much is due to the good women.
They determined to build a house, and step by step they have moved until
the church is up and being used. The
paint is on hand and will be applied in a few days.
Money has been raised also to light the house by the time of our
protracted meeting. Those people
mean to succeed. God bless their
efforts. At White House and Walnut
Grove we have good houses built, one and four years ago, and at Bullard and
Union Springs and Lane Chapel we have very good buildings.
And now, with a revival at each appointment, we will be one of the best
little circuits in Tyler district; and for this many are praying, and the Lord
will hear when his people cry. And
with these surroundings, why should we not have a great meeting at each
appointment? We need it, and feel
like saying we must have it.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 7, 1892, p. 2, c. 2
Starrville.
D. W. Towns, May 31: Our
second quarterly conference convened at Ebel last Saturday and Sunday. Bro. T. P. Smith, our presiding elder, was on hand in
due time, and his work, both in the pulpit and chair, pleased all.
Bro. Smith started out from this circuit, and his relatives and friends
are all glad to have him back as presiding elder.
We had a good quarterly conference.
Financial report short, but we have a faithful Board of Stewards and they
are doing their best. I am in good
hands and I fear no evil. Tyler
circuit will come to the front in the close.
The pounding continues; a keg of syrup from Bro. W. W. Adams and fifteen
bushels of corn from Bro. Billie Jones are among the largest pounds of late.
May the Lord bless the good people of Tyler circuit.
We had interesting Children's Day at Center and Pleasant Retreat.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 14, 1892, p. 1, c. 3
TYLER DISTRICT CONFERENCE.
. . . An interesting letter from Sister M. B. Adams, of Tyler, Texas,
President of the Ladies' Parsonage and Home Mission Society, was read July 1,
after which Miss Mary Jones, District Secretary of the same, addressed the
conference on the subject. Support
in the way of assisting to organize societies in our district was promised.
A resolution was passed that the conference concur with the committee in
the location and purchase of a district parsonage in Tyler, Texas, and pledges
made to use every effort necessary to pay for the same.
Lindale, Omen and Canton were placed in nomination for our next District
Conference. Omen had never had a
District Conference, while Lindale and Canton had, therefore (as it
seemed a good omen) Omen carried and will therefore please prepare to raise
Methodist chickens. We like "the tender age" best, but you will not
scare us off if you begin raising at once, for we all expect to be there and on
time.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 21, 1892, p. 8, c. 3
TROUPE.
C. H. Smith, July 14: We
began a meeting at this place twelve days ago; closed last night with the
following results: The Church much
revived, thirty-six professions, twenty accessions to the Church—seventeen to
the M. E. Church, South, and three to the Presbyterians.
Others will join our Church, and some go to the Baptist.
Bros. Calhoun, of Athens, and Dr. Timmons, of Tyler, did most of the
preaching. Bro. LeFevre preached
one sermon, Bro. Towns one, Bro. Spence one, Bro. Chambers one, and this
preacher the balance. In the old
way they came and knelt at our altar and got converted sure enough.
And the Church in Troupe came up nobly to the help of their pastor.
God bless them.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 24, 1892, p. 1, c. 4
Troupe.
C. H. Smith, Aug. 20: The meeting held at Bethel, with the help of Bros. Bridges, Holcomb and Spence, resulted in about twenty-three professions and eleven joined the Church.
Overton and Troupe.
C. H. Smith: Have held
meetings at Overton and Omen, the latter was third quarterly conference; was
assisted by Revs. A. Little, J. B. Smith, Boynton, T. P. Smith, Presiding Elder,
and S. N. Allen. Results:
Thirteen conversions and fourteen accessions.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 22, 1892, p. 5, c. 2
--The Rev. D. F. C. Timmons, of Tyler, writes:
"I have just buried three of our elect ladies within the past few
days. The first, Mrs. William
Herring, wife of Bro. William Herring, an exhorter in our Church here.
The second, Sister Cynthia H. Towns, mother of Miss Dona Hamilton, who
died in the foreign mission field. The
third, Mrs. T. W. Boynton, wife of Rev. T. W. Boynton, of the East Texas
Conference. These all died in
faith. Obituaries will be sent in
due time by different parties." The
ADVOCATE extends sympathy to all the bereaved.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 29, 1892, p. 1, c. 1
Starrville.
D. W. Towns, Sept. 23: My
round of protracted and camp-meetings has closed.
Results: Ninety-five
conversions, forty-five additions, and quite a number of reclamations.
Our Pleasant Retreat camp-meeting was thought by some to be the best ever
held there. We had fifty-five conversions and a good many reclamations at
that place. Our help there was
Bros. Mathis, Tunnell, and one sermon each from Dr. Finley and Bro. C. H. smith.
At some of my other meetings I was assisted by Bros. Allen, Watts, and
Bros. Tunnell and Sephenson [sic?] . My
last meeting was held in connection with the third quarterly meeting.
My Presiding Elder, Bro. T. P. Smith, was with me several days.
Finances behind, but we expect to bring up all collections by conference.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 29, 1892, p. 7, c. 3
HERRING.—Mrs. E. F. Herring, daughter of James and Frances Merriwether,
was born in Clark County, Ga., September 27th, 1825, and died in
Tyler, Texas, August 18th, 1892.
She was first married to Walter Leigh, November 16th, 1843.
Her second marriage was to William Herring, who still survives her, June
7, 1849. They moved to Chappell
Hill, Texas, December, 1866; to Tyler, Texas, 1891.
Sister Herring was converted at fourteen years of age, and a more
consistent member of the Church one rarely ever finds.
She was the typical Christian of whom Paul writes in the eighth chapter
of Romans. She was the typical wife
and mother whom Solomon describes in the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs.
Her cheerful countenance, her pure soul, her strong faith, her deep
devotion to her family and Church, her frequency at the throne of grace in
prayer to God—these made her to possess a strength of character that but few
can claim. She rules and reigned in
the hearts of all her household, whether visitors, or boarders, or friends, or
family. All loved her, all would
vie with each other in doing her honor. Yet
she was modest—modest in her views, in her ways, in public, in private.
She was the friend to the young men, the counsellor of the young women,
the Scriptural help-meet of her husband, and all that a mother could be to her
children. She was a genuine
Methodist, a pure Christian. The
supreme moment came; she was ready. Peacefully
she fell asleep. Triumphantly she
passed through the gates into the city of God.
Her husband and children and a host of friends weep, but not as those who
have no hope. Farewell, dear
sister, life's long warfare is closed at last, and thou art more than a
conqueror through Him that loved you. We
shall meet you again.
D. F. C. TIMMONS.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 6, 1892, p. 7, c. 4
BOYNTON.—Mrs. Sallie Boynton, wife of Rev. Thomas W. Boynton, of the
East Texas Conference, died in Elkhart, Texas, September 13, 1892, aged
twenty-six years. She was baptized
in infancy and brought up in the Presbyterian Church in Tyler, Texas, assuming
publicly the vows of that Church at thirteen years of age.
She was married to Bro. Boynton by Rev. D. F. C. Timmons, in Tyler,
September 18, 1889, and at once became a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South. Her maiden name was
Hill. The next year after their
marriage Bro. Boynton raveled Crockett Circuit as a supply, Rev. U. B. Phillips,
Presiding Elder. I was on Crockett
Station and was Sister Boynton's pastor that year, and as the circuit parsonage
was in Crockett, she was much with my family, and by her rare common sense,
goodness of heart and devotion to her husband's work, won her way to all our
hearts. Bro. Boynton was admitted
on trial into the conference at the close of his year on Crockett Circuit, and
assigned to Palestine (now Elkhart) Mission, with the writer as his Presiding
Elder; hence I have been most intimately associated with her for three years,
and I say candidly, taken all in all, I have known few better women than she.
She was a frail, delicate little creature, and withal a cripple, using a
crutch, but a braver, truer heart never throbbed in a woman's bosom than beat in
hers. No thoughts of the trials,
hardships, or disappointments of itinerant life ever daunted her for one minute.
Her highest ambition was to cheer and help her husband on to a successful
ministerial life. When he was
admitted on trial in the conference two years ago her joy scarcely knew any
bounds. I shall never forget the
radiance of her sweet face when she met me and poured out her words of gratitude
to me and others who had spoken and voted for his admission.
But she is gone and a wide circle of friends mourn what seems her
untimely taking off. She was buried
at Tyler. A letter from Bro.
Timmons, who married and buried her, says:
I want to give you a few expressions heard here from those who knew her
best, such as: "She was the
whitest-souled woman I ever knew;" "she never offended in word;"
"my life has been made better by association with her."
She was sick but five days, and fell, unexpectedly, asleep in Jesus.
Farewell, dear sister, your traveling days are done, but the aroma of thy
sweet, beautiful life—sweet as ever exhaled from jessamine or rose—lingers
behind you and falls like the dew of Hermon upon our sore and stricken hearts.
Thou art gone from us, but not forgotten.
No, no; sweet thoughts of thee, like white-winged angels, come trooping
up and whisper to us the promise of the Lord:
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth:
yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their
works do follow them." May the
blessings of God be on our sorrowing brother, and all who mourn with him.
J. T. SMITH.
PALESTINE, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 8, 1892, p. 7, c. 4
EDWARDS—WEAVER.—At the bride's residence, Smith County, Texas,
November 13, 1892, Mr. R. L. Edwards, of Tyler, and Miss Jennie Weaver, Rev. P.
O. Tunnell officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1892, p. 5, c. 2
--The Rev. D. F. C. Timmons has served faithfully for the past four years
the Church at Tyler. His last
quarterly conference there passed resolutions expressing the high esteem in
which he was held by his people.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1892, p. 7, c. 4
HENRY.—Dr. H. T. Henry was born near Covington, Ga., April 2, 1823;
professed religion and joined the Methodist Church when a boy.
He was happily married to Miss Parks Anderson October 20, 1857.
To them were born five children, all living and religious, I hope, except
the youngest, and he is a good boy. Dr.
Henry was of that type of Methodist that Georgia produced away back in the
fifties—faithful, true, energetic and persevering; was Circuit Steward and
teacher in the Sunday-school when he died, which occurred November 16, 1892, in
Troupe, Smith County, Texas. He
died as he had lived, peaceful, quiet and happy.
C. H. S.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 22, 1892, p. 1, c. 7
Starrville.
D. W. Towns, Dec. 9: We are
closing out a very pleasant year on Tyler Circuit.
I have never served a kinder people than I find on this charge.
I learned (without any effort) in the beginning of the year to love the
people of each appointment on the work, and the more I see of them the better I
like them. I have no cause from the
people to be dissatisfied here, for they have stood by me with their prayers,
means, sympathy and love. I go in a few days to Nacogdoches, not knowing the things
that await me there. But if the
Bishop will let me, I want to come back. Finances
are behind, but to-morrow our fourth quarterly meeting will be held at Center
Church and we hope to have all in full.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 22, 1892, p. 5, c. 3
Tyler District.
T. P. SMITH, P. E.
Tyler Station—W. M. Hays.
Cedar Station—R. S. Finley.
Tyler Circuit—D. W. Towns.
Mineola Station—W. P. Pledger
Lawndale—J. W. Griffin.
Canton—D. P. Cullen and A. A. Kidd.
Grand Saline—E. R. Large.
Edom—S. N. Allen.
Athens and Malakoff—J.
C. Calhoun.
Lindale—M. L. Pate.
Larissa—J. B. Luker.
White House—T. T. Booth.
Troupe and Overton—C. H. Smith.
New York—T. B. Vinson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 22, 1892, p. 7, c. 3
BRADFORD—CARNES—At the residence of the bride, Smith County, Texas,
December 11, 1892, Mr. Nathaniel Bradford and Miss Nannie Carnes, Rev. P. O.
Tunnell officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 5, 1893, p. 1, c. 1
W. N. Bonner, Dec. 31: In
the main I have done what I could to advance the cause of Christianity.
Most of the brethren have shown me a great deal of respect.
I have traveled with them on their circuits and filled their pulpits to
the best of my ability. In doing so
the Lord has blessed me. I have
been with some of the young ministers (undergraduates) to administer baptism and
the Lord's Supper. I wish to speak
more particularly of the past two years. I
had two places that I held religious services—one three miles from Tyler,
southeast of the city. I held
services there twice a month. We
have weekly prayer-meeting and Sunday-school.
The other was one mile southwest of the city.
I held religious services every Sunday afternoon, also a Sunday-school.
I had the offer of a lot to build a Church house, but the quarterly
conference of the Marvin M. E. Church thought it not advisable to build and
refused to appoint a Board of Trustees to hold the property in trust for the
Church; therefore I had to surrender my appointment.
I now have but one appointment, which I am filling to the best of my
ability. The Lord has been with us,
and I feel that my labor has not been in vain in the Lord.
The Christians of the congregations have been revived and sinners have
asked for prayers, and I think two have found Jesus, for which I thank God.
I feel that it is my privilege to hunt up and occupy the waste places.
I ask the prayers of the Christian people that I may be led by the Holy
Spirit and win souls for Christ.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 12, 1893, p. 2, c. 1-2
AMEN.
Bishop Haygood's letter, published in TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE of
December 22, should be read and studied by every Methodist preacher, and
especially by those having charge of stations with rich and large congregations. The Methodist church is, or should be, a Missionary Church,
and every Methodist preacher should be a missionary in spirit that it may be
said of them as Christ said to the messengers sent by John:
"Go show John the things you do hear and see *
* * *
and the poor have the Gospel preached unto them.
And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me."—Matt.
11:5, 6.
Permit me to quote from the Bishop:
"There is not a more unmethodistic sight than a Church, strong in
numbers, influence and money, making elaborate efforts to hold its own and keep
itself up. A high steeple Church
costs $100,000 for just the building; then comes the great organ with rich
upholstering and luxurious appointments of all sorts; membership, 1000; seating
capacity, 700 to 800; comfortably filled in the morning, 200 more at night;
pastor like a race horse breaking his record; ears laid back, tail straight; at
his top speed laying himself out to keep up his congregation. Poor man. Poor
Church. The poor are not there
morning or evening. There is no law
against their coming, but an atmosphere. Half
the big members pay nothing; four-fifths do no real work beyond filling their
pews. What is really done beyond
keeping up that Church is done by one in twenty. If a mission is started the temptation is to discourage it.
Some members might be drawn away, and the Church, endeavoring most
strenuously to keep itself up, cannot afford to lose one of its members.
If the pastor does not yield to the temptation to keep in his big Church
all he can hold, he is a rare man; for he is expected to keep up his
congregation at all hazards. Although
a hundred or more transferring to the new Church would insure its success, this
good man, exhausting himself to keep up his congregation, can not spare them.
This statistical demon has strangled many a noble Gospel enterprize [sic]
in our cities and paralyzed not a few godly but mistaken men.
In our larger cities mission work—that is extension, life, growth,
conquest of waste places—should not require $1 missionary money raised
outside. If such big Churches,
dying of congestion; if such pastor, anxious about the wrong thing, only took
counsel of the Lord they would know how to live and how to grow.
The parable of the talents makes it all plain."
Mr. Editor, I hope you will pardon me for my lengthy extract from Bishop
Haygood's letter. When I read it I
was impressed with the force of truth and felt that it should be reprinted and
kept before the pastors and membership of the large Churches. Christ's mission into the world in part, was that the poor
have the Gospel preached unto them. I
thank God that the Methodist Church
is a missionary Church, and as a general rule the poor have the Gospel preached
unto them, but there are some exceptions.
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 12, 1893, p. 5, c. 5
--Wesleyan Advocate: Rev. W.
M. Hays leaves Oxford on Tuesday of this week for his new home in Tyler, Texas.
The people of Georgia appreciate Bro. Hays and are sorry to have him
leave. The South Georgia Conference
adopted a resolution, offered by Rev. C. E. Dowman, expressing their high
estimate of our brother, their regrets because of his departure, and their
hearty commendation of him to the people of the East Texas Conference, to which
he transfers. We are confident that
he will be heartily received by the big-hearted Texans, but if they don't spoil
him and should ever get tired of him, we will be glad to have them send him back
to us.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 19, 1893, p. 1, c. 3
Lindale.
John C. Burgamy, Jan. 9: Our
new pastor, Bro. M. L. Pate, is on hand and is at work like a beaver. He has been all round on his work; preached at every
appointment. We hated to give up
Bro. Fontain, but in losing him we have gained one we have already learned to
love. May the blessings of God ever
rest on these dear brethren. We are
earnestly praying for a revival on our charge.
Pray for us.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 19, 1893, p. 1, c. 4
D. F. C. Timmons, Jan. 11: Four
years ago Bishop Duncan sent me to Tyler. At
the last session of the East Texas Conference Bishop Hargrove sent me to this
place, Palestine. Rev. W. M. Hays,
of South Georgia Conference, is transferred to us and takes my place at Tyler.
Having served that Church four years I can safely speak of that dear
people. Bro. Hays goes to serve as
noble a congregation as can be found in the State.
As to intelligence, it ranks among the first in Southern Methodism.
As to number, it is one of the largest in Texas.
It has an abundance of wealth. The
Church edifice is one of the handsomest to be found anywhere.
Four years ago they had 336 names on the Church register, now it has 614.
The Sunday-school and other departments of the Church have also had a
rapid and healthy growth. Besides
the expense of building so handsome a church, a debt of a little more than $800
on the parsonage has been paid, and the Ladies' Aid Society has raised and spent
something more than $700 in various improvements on the lot.
The stewards of the Church are wise in the care of the pastor.
They realize that to embarrass him by meagre and irregular payments of
his salary with a possibility of a failure at the close of the year, is to
handicap the whole Church. They therefore at the beginning of the year agree to pay his
salary monthly, and give the pastor permission to go to the bank and draw his
money at the first of the month. They
then demand his services, and have the right to do so.
This method is honest and straightforward.
There are at least two things that indicate the taste and the honesty of
a congregation as a whole. The
honesty is seen in the payment of the salary, and the promptness of the payment
will show their appreciativeness. Tyler
has as clean record here as any Church in Southern Methodism. Bro. Hays has as fine an opportunity as any minister in our
Church, and we shall look for him to meet it grandly. I am now in Palestine at work. . . . This Church is next to
Tyler in membership and salary. It
is fully able to stand side by side with Tyler. . . .
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 26, 1893, p. 1, c. 7
D. F. C. Timmons, Jan. 14: The
second day after my arrival in this place I was called back to Tyler to bury
Horace Finley, the little son of Bro. and Sister N. W. Finley.
He was four years one month and twenty-six days old.
A brighter boy of his age I have never met.
He fell a victim to diphtheria and membranous croup combined.
Their little daughter, also had diphtheria; but she is now recovering.
The grief of these fond parents and of the aged grandparents, Dr. R. S.
Finley and wife, is great. Will not
the many friends of this sad home pray earnestly for God's blessing to rest upon
these bleeding hearts.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 2, 1893, p. 1, c. 7
Lindale.
W. L. Pate, Jan. 23: I came
to my work December 21, 1892, and found that my lot was cast in pleasant places.
My first Quarterly Conference was a success.
After my Quarterly Conference I returned to Tenaha after my family and my
effects. We arrived here last
Friday. We were met at the depot by
the brethren with suitable conveyance, in which we soon made our way to the
parsonage, where we were met and warmly welcomed by the elect ladies of this
charge. They had prepared an
elegant dinner and all remained to enjoy it with us.
The parsonage had been nicely furnished.
We found an abundant supply of provisions in the pantry.
So, you see, we are domiciled in due and ancient form.
WE will make this the best year of our lives.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 9, 1893, p. 7, c. 3
SMITH—JOHNSON.—At the bride's residence, Tyler, Texas, January 26,
1893, Prof. Justin c. Smith, of Palestine, Texas, and Miss Jozelle Johnson, Rev.
T. P. Smith officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 16, 1893, p. 8, c. 4
A Cotton Belt locomotive boiler exploded at Tyler, killing Jule
Raspberry, fireman, and a man named Hugh McMahan.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 2, 1893, p. 8, c. 5
The Tyler National Bank cashier opened an express package supposed to
contain $6000 and found only brown paper.
The Supreme Court has decided a suit between Smith County and the I. and
G. N. Railroad, under which that county collects taxes to the amount of $6500
and the city of Tyler $8000.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 9, 1893, p. 8, c. 3
Mrs. Harper, mother-in-law of Representative Onion, died at Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 16, 1893, p. 8, c. 2
Lindale.
W. L. Pate, March 7: We have
organized a Parsonage Aid and Home Mission Society with eighteen members. Two rooms, a hall and front gallery have been added to our
parsonage since conference. The
ADVOCATE grows on me. Those who
read it have only words of praise to speak of it.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 30, 1893, p. 8, c. 1
Tyler.
W. M. Hays: The pastor of
Marvin Church, in Tyler, was away last week assisting Bro. Ward, of Huntsville,
in a meeting. During his absence
the ladies assembled in the pastor's study and put down a very handsome Brussels
carpet, brought in a very nice roller-top writing desk and some smaller articles
of ornament and use. It is
whispered that they have hardly begun. God
bless them.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 20, 1893, p. 1, c. 4
Lindale.
W. L. Pate, April 10: My
Second Quarterly Conference is a thing of the past.
Our Presiding Elder was with us preaching to the edification and delight
of us all. We continued our meeting
fifteen days. Those of the Church
who attended were strengthened in their purposes to serve God.
We had six conversions and three accessions.
Bros. T. P. Smith, W. P. Pledger and J. C. Calhoun rendered efficient
service. Bros. Mayne and Burgamy,
local preachers, worked faithfully in the meeting.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 4, 1893, p. 8, c. 4
The directors of the East Texas Horticultural Fair met in Tyler May 1,
and resolved to hold the next annual fair on July 12, 13, 14, and 15.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 4, 1893, p. 8, c. 4
Mr. Thomas Harvey, living five miles northeast from Tyler, had one-third
interest in 150 acres of peaches. He
sold his interest in this year's crop for $1500.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 1, 1893, p. 1, c. 4
The Tyler Protracted Meeting.
R. S. Finley, May 21: After
a continuation of services twice a day for more than five weeks the meeting
reached a period on the 17th instant.
Results: It is estimated
that there were fifteen conversions and thirteen joined the Methodist Church,
while some will join other Churches. Large
crowds attended the services from the beginning to the ending.
The pastors of all the evangelical Churches did their best to make the
meeting a success, and the religious people of the city were in line and moved
at the bidding of their chief—Dr. Hays. A
general revival of Christians and the reclamation of struggling backsliders
marked the occasion a success. Dr.
Hays filled his pulpit with much ability twice a day from the beginning to the
end, except four days, in which he had the efficient help of Rev. J. T. Smith,
Presiding Elder Palestine District. The
meeting was one of religious power, but peculiar in that so few professed
conversion.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 8, 1893, p. 1, c. 6
Tyler Meeting.
W. M. Hayes: Our protracted meeting continued nearly six weeks. The pastors of the city rendered cheerful help; Christian fraternity is nearer perfection in Tyler than in any city I know of below the city of New Jerusalem. The crowds were large at morning services; at the night services house full; sometimes packed and overflowing. Rev. J. T. Smith, Presiding Elder, rendered timely and efficient help. Many backsliders reclaimed; the Church edified; about thirty five added to the Church; fourteen on profession; total added during this year fifty-two. The Church is spiritual and growing.
Starrville.
Drury W. Towns, June 2: Our
Second Quarterly Conference was held last Saturday and Sunday at Starrville.
Bro. Smith came on Friday to be ready for the work, and his preaching and
presiding was satisfactory to all. We
had a spiritual feast both days. Finances
very well up. I have no fears on
that line, for the good people of this charge have that in hand.
We observed Children's Day at Center and had a delightful time;
children's offering, $4.82. The
general outlook for the circuit is very good.
We are not flying, but walking (by faith), and hope to make a good race
with patience. We are praying and
working for the best year we have ever passed through.
The ADVOCATE is remembered. I
ought to send you fifty new subscribers, and will if I can get them, for it
ought to be in every family. Camp-meeting
at Pleasant Retreat, beginning Friday night before the fourth Sunday in August. We would be glad to have one of ye editors with us.
All preachers will be welcome.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 8, 1893, p. 7, c. 2
GILBERT—WALLIS.—At the bride's residence, Smith County, Texas, May
10, 1893, Mr. W. E. Gilbert and Miss Ida B. Wallis, Rev. P. O. Tunnell
officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 15, 1893, p. 1, c. 3
AT HOME AND ABROAD.
Marvin Church is on rejoicing ground; her membership added to and
strengthened; are busy at work advancing the interests of the Lord Jesus.
We are raising money, hard as the times are, to clear away old debts.
Up to date all our current expenses have been paid.
The missionary assessments—foreign and domestic, including our part of
the debt—have been collected. The
class meeting is reorganized with a much larger attendance than before the
meeting. The prayer meetings are
well attended and very spiritual. The
Epworth League is large, growing, and religious, but young converts are taking
right hold—leading in prayer and leading the meeting when called on.
The Church stands fairly and squarely against the social and seductive
sings of the day. They insist on a conscious pardon of sin—the witness of the
Spirit to sonship and a holy life as the normal condition of Church membership.
Taking it altogether, it is the best city Church I know of.
There may be many as good, or even better, but I do not know them.
We are not yet made perfect, but we are pressing on to know and to do the
will of the Lord more fully just now. We
are bowing in grief over the condition of our brother, John B. Douglass.
He is very low—may be dead before this reaches you.
A generous, loyal, loving man; everybody loves him.
We do not know how to give him up. We
are praying for his recovery. Pray
with us for our sick and rejoice with us in our mercies and blessings.
It has been my privilege and great pleasure to attend in part the closing
exercises of the Alexander Institute and the Southwestern University.
Good reports greeted me from all quarters concerning both institutions.
Alexander Institute, at Kilgore, under the Presidency of Prof. Nunn,
aided by his competent and diligent teachers, has had a very successful year.
It seems to me that this conference school ought to be more eligibly
located and have more financial aid that it is getting.
It can be and ought to be made the pride of the pride of the East Texas
Conference. Pardon me, brethren,
the youngest of your conference, for making this suggestion.
But I am deeply interested in our educational work.
The care and money given to good schools is well bestowed.
I have often heard of the Southwestern back yonder in my native
State—her name is an ointment poured forth.
Mood [Moody?] and his marvelous works for higher education are well-known
stories. The faithful Regents who
have succeeded him and the faithful professors, from the beginning till now, are
so well known by their works that it seems superfluous to write of them.
The present commencement was a marked success.
The graduating speeches were exceptionally good.
One specially impressed me: The
diction was like Macaulay's; the spirit like Marvin's.
One such man turned out from an institution is of more value to the State
than all the money and toil required to make him.
Texas Methodism can not afford to be without a great central institution
of such towering supremacy that all other schools will recognize her leadership.
This great commonwealth, which ought never to be divided, should build up
a university in her midst the equal of any in this or foreign lands. Of course, this can not be the work of a day; perhaps a
generation. Mushroom growths are
not desirable. But the purpose can
be well defined, the plans put in motion, and hopes inspired for the
accomplishment of so desirable an end.
Just now brick, stone and mortar are greatly needed.
One hundred thousand dollars in well-constructed university buildings
would lay the foundation for the glorious realization of this healthy dream for
our State and our Methodism. Are
there not a few generous Methodists who have the ability and the wisdom to do
this needed thing? I think I would
rather be the little, fresh, far-off spring that starts the mighty Mississippi
than the incoming streams where the river can do without them.
I hope to see these buildings and they crowded with Texas young men and
maidens, who will be polished by competent professors for any position in the
gift of any people.
W. M. HAYES.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 22, 1893, p. 7, c. 2
COOK—MCDOUGAL—At the residence of the bride's parents, Tyler, Texas,
on June 7, 1893, Mr. Henry S. Cook and Miss Minnie L. McDougal, Rev. T. P. Smith
officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 29, 1893, p. 7, c. 3
MUGFORD.—Mary Elizabeth Mugford, infant daughter of W. H. Mugford and
wife (Willie Mugford) died June 1, 1893, aged two months and nine days. Her mother died April 16, 1893, and preceded her to the
better clime one month and twenty-four days.
The little bud was clipped from earth and transplanted in heaven with
mother to grow and mature, where death never enters and is not known.
W. N. BONNER.
TYLER, TEXAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 6, 1893, p. 1, c. 5
Lindale.
W. L. Pate: Our second
protracted meeting at Lindale closed yesterday evening at 6 o'clock.
We had, in many respects, the most remarkable meeting that I ever
attended. There were about
seventy-five bright conversions. Penitents,
when they were converted, went to work at once for the conversion of their
friends. So far we have received
twenty-one into our Church. The
most of the converts will join the Baptist Church.
We have organized a young men's and young ladies' prayer-meeting.
I have never known a more zealous body of young men and young women than
we now have in Lindale. Bro. J. W.
Johnson, of Rusk, was with me a few days and did efficient work.
Bro. C. W. Young, from the Northwest Texas Conference, and Dr. J. W.
Lowery, from Chatfield, Texas, did most of the preaching.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 13, 1893, p. 8, c. 5
Obituaries—Texas.
Thos. Albertson, at Tyler.
Judge S. D. Wood, at Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 13, 1893, p. 8, c. 4
The East Texas Horticultural Fair will commence July 12, at Tyler, and
continue and include July 15.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 20, 1893, p. 1, c. 7
Troupe.
C. H. Smith, July 14: I send the results of two meetings on Troupe and Overton Circuits, East Texas Conference: The first one at this place (Troupe), with a general revival in the Church; thirteen professed conversion and only six joined our Church. Bros. S. N. Allen and Little did most of the preaching. Bro. Hayes, of Tyler, preached us one good sermon and A. A. Kidd one. We protracted from the District Conference a few days. This was at Omen and had a gracious good meeting. Some eight or nine gave their hand as being converted; only four joined our Church. Bros. Calhoun and Kidd stayed over and helped me at Omen. There were no hold-up hand conversions, but they came to the mourner's bench and knelt down in old style. The Church was much revived. Had a splendid District Conference.
TYLER DISTRICT CONFERENCE
The tenth session of the Tyler District
Conference, East Texas Annual Conference, met at Omen, in Smith County,
on Thursday, July 6, and closed Saturday afternoon, July 8, 1893.
We were met at the nearest railroad station by some of the great
big-hearted people of Omen with conveyances, and we certainly enjoyed our trip
through the country. The people of Omen are none of your hang-back kind, and we
(the preachers and delegates) were all made to realize that it was a good
"Omen," indeed, that sent us among such kind hearts.
Bro. C. H. Smith, preacher in charge, who reminds us of one of the grand
old prophets in his faith and fidelity to God, made very one of us so welcome
and so much at home that it caused us, if possible, to love him more than ever.
The wife of our beloved Presiding Elder, T. P. Smith, was so sick that it
was impossible for him to be with us. This
was a sad disappointment to the entire conference, and in almost every prayer
during the conference God was invoked for the comforting of brother and the
restoration to health of Sister Smith.
J. C. Calhoun, preacher in charge of Athens and Malakoff Station, was
elected President of the Conference, and the dignity and perfectness with which
he presided was remarkable "for a boy."
(Bro. Calhoun, please excuse the latter expression.
It is purely original and comes through my pride of you.
You are our pastor, you know.)
The roll was called and forty-seven answered to their names, and a few
others answered later. Out of
fourteen pastors four were absent, but every charge was represented and reports
made from each of them. The absent
ones were providentially kept away.
Among our visitors we note John R. Allen, D. D., President of the Ladies'
Annex of Southwestern University, who delivered us a telling address on the
subject of Christian education after which he explained some of the facilities
of and system used in the Southwestern University.
I Alexander, D. D., was also a visitor, and he and Dr. Allen preached us
a sermon each that did our souls good. May
God bless such grand men and give us more like them.
Special prominence was given to divine worship, and we had lots of good
preaching, and God just poured out his blessings on us in great showers, and we
constantly felt, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity." It
seemed to be the unanimous verdict that it was the very best and most spiritual
District Conference that any of us had ever attended.
Committees were appointed on Divine Worship, Quarterly Conference
Records, Education, Missions, the Epworth League, and the American Bible Society
Work. All other business was
discussed and transacted in the conference direct, which rendered every session
lively and full of interest.
The spiritual state of the Church as shown by the reports from the
fourteen charges in the district was good in the main.
Some protracted meetings have been held with gracious results and more
are to follow. The Sunday-schools
all over the district were reported as growing rapidly in numbers and in
interest.
Prayer-meetings reported as generally full of spirituality.
The Epworth League was shown to be growing in popularity and numbers.
All assessments on the greater number of the charges are well paid up to
date. We believe that it was the
universal opinion that the assessment plan is the most effectual of all plans.
The number of TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATES taken all over the district is a
decided proof of appreciation and love for our grand organ of Methodism.
Our Epworth League Committee in their report commended "The Epworth
Methodist," published at Fort Worth, to the patronage of all our people.
Our next District Conference will be held at Lindale.
L. R. Parks, Dr. J. W. Shuford, B. E. Moore and P. O. Tunnell were
elected delegates to the Annual Conference; with B. C. Ansley and E. J. Lake as
alternates.
Bro. J. B. Patterson was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death
of Bro. J. B. Douglass in the District
Parsonage Board of Trustees.
Among other resolutions in the last session of the conference the
following were adopted:
Sympathy with Bro. and Sister T. P. Smith in their affliction.
Thanks to Bro. J. C. Calhoun for the efficient manner in which he
presided over our District Conference.
Our hearty thanks to Bro. C. H. Smith and the good people for their
untiring and continued efforts in making our stay at Omen all that heart could
wish.
Thus ended the most spiritual District Conference we ever attended.
May God give us many more such. We
left a protracted meeting in progress.
L. R. PARKS,
Secretary.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 20, 1893, p. 5, c. 3
Our new stone Church at Georgetown is a thing of beauty, and, as it is
well-built upon a good foundation, it is likely to be a "joy" for a
long time, if not "forever." There
is but one other Church in Texas that can hold it a light—the Tyler Church.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 20, 1893, p. 8, c. 4
The Tyler Horticultural Fair is reported to be a success. The exhibition of horses, mules and cattle is very fine.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 27, 1893, p. 1, c. 6
White House Circuit.
Jos. P. Dabbs, July 8: Our
Third Quarterly Conference for White House Circuit was held at Chandler, July 1
and 2. Our Presiding Elder, Bro. T.
P. Smith, was on hand as usual, and preached with great power. Bro. Smith is a true man and defends the cause of Christ with
much force and ability. Bro. T. P.
Booth was on hand, too, and read a most encouraging report from all parts of our
circuit. We are coming up pretty
well with our finances this year. We
are going to make a strong pull to provide a comfortable home for our preacher
another year. Our parsonage
committee has bought a beautiful little cottage in the thriving little town of
Bullard. Bullard is situated on the
Gulf Short Line Railroad, and will be a pleasant as well as a convenient place
for our preacher to live. In
speaking of our quarterly meeting being held at Chandler, allow us room to say
that never in life has it been our province to meet with a more kind and
hospitable people. And let me say,
too, that they have the best Church house on the White House Circuit, and in
addition to that they have just expended $75 to have it seated.
Since Bro. Booth has been our preacher there have been three creditable
Churches reared up on this circuit at a cost of about $2500. At Noonday our Methodists have a splendid Church.
With such a small membership we do not know how they raised the money to
build such a splendid house.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 27, 1893, p. 8, c. 4
The Tyler Horticultural Fair awarded a large list of premiums. The Fair was a success.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 10, 1893, p. 1, c. 1
Troupe.
C. H. Smith, Aug. 4: The
result of two more meetings on Troupe and Overton Circuit, East Texas
Conference: At London we held a
week; the Church much revived; sixteen gave their hands as being converted, nine
joined the Church. The ministers
that assisted me mainly were Bros. Bridges, of Henderson Circuit, and Hays, a
Cumberland Presbyterian. These are
noble young men and good preachers. My
other meeting was held at Overton a week; Church greatly revived, thirty-five
professions, twelve accessions to our Church, and others to follow.
Bros. Pledger, Boone, Cummins and Pope did me good service here and
worked like Trojans. God bless
them. I am now holding at Bethel
this week; forty-two conversions; ten Thursday night.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 7, 1893, p. 1, c. 3
Troupe.
C. H. Smith, Aug. 29: The
result of my last meeting on Troupe and Overton Circuit at Fountain Head; 27
professions and 12 accessions to our Church.
Bros. Booth, Pope Cummuns gave efficient aid.
My Bethel meeting resulted in 47 professions, 20 joined our Church.
I have completed my round of protracted meetings.
Total number of professions, 140; accessions to date, 70; the Church
greatly revived.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 5, 1893, p. 1, c. 6
Tyler.
W. M. Hayes: Have had a good year at Tyler, Texas. The church building is very large, commodious and beautiful; congregations large and inspiring; the social culture as refined as in Tennessee or Georgia. We have nearly 700 members. There is much genuine piety and holy living in the Church. Our prayer-meetings will average up with the largest in the connection. The class-meeting on Sunday afternoon large and spiritual. The best Epworth League I have ever known.
Starrville.
D. W. Towns, Sept. 28: We
have held one camp-meeting (Pleasant Retreat) and eight protracted meetings on
Tyler Circuit. Visible results:
112 conversions and 54 additions to our Church, and the membership
greatly revived. The last meeting,
at Bascom, was the best they have had in fifteen years.
I was assisted by Bros. T. P. Smith, presiding elder, W. M. Hayes,
Phillips and Stallings, in camp-meeting. Bro.
C. H. Smith was with me four days at Bascom.
My local brethren, Bros. P. O. Tunnell, T. J. Stephenson and B. C. Ansley,
of New York, did good work. I think
of holding two more meetings—Starrville and Center.
We are on the homestretch. I
shall not leave a stone unturned to bring up the collections ordered by
conference. I am trusting my
faithful Board of Stewards for my salary, and think they will do their best.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 5, 1893, p. 7, c. 1
WILLIAMS—PRUDOM.—Mr. J. E. Williams and Miss Ellen Prudom, Smith
County, Texas, September 7, 1893, Rev. P. O. Tunnell officiating.
BRYANT—CURRIE.—Mr. John A. Bryant and Miss Mollie Currie, Smith
County, Texas, September 19, 1893, Rev. P. O. Tunnell officiating.
CROW—SWINNEY.—Mr. J. E. Crow and Miss L. A. Swinney, Smith County,
Texas, September 20, 1893, Rev. P. O. Tunnell officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 5, 1893, p. 8, c. 4
Nute Yates, thirteen years old, at Garden Valley, Smith County, was
popping a piece of cotton bagging at a revolving shaft when the bagging stuck to
the shaft, pulled the boy up to it, wrapped him round it and crushed out his
life.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 19, 1893, p. 8, c. 2
Fires also occurred at Italy, Crockett, Nacogdoches, Sherman, Austin,
Grand Saline, Waxahachie, and Tyler, in this State.
Losses small.
TEXS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 26, 1893, p. 4, c. 4
Lindale Circuit.
W. L. Pate: Our fourth
Quarterly Conference was held last Saturday.
We had an interesting and profitable meeting.
Our much esteemed presiding elder, T. P. Smith, delighted our people with
his sound, logical and deeply-spiritual sermons, and with his impressive address
to the Sabbath-school Sunday morning. Our
Sunday-school at Lindale is a model one. The
devoted Superintendent, Prof. D. C. Lake, with his earnest teachers, is doing a
grand work for the Lord. Sunday
morning the Sunday-school made an offering of $7.50 to the Lord to be
appropriated to foreign missions. Our
parsonage has been nicely painted, and now Lindale Circuit has about as good a
parsonage as any circuit in our conference.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 26, 1893, p. 8, c. 3
Mr. J. F. Haden received notice of his appointment as postmaster at
Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 9, 1893, p. 7, c. 2
BRYANT—POPE.—At the residence of the bride's parents, near
Starrville, October 18, 1893, Prof. C. M. Nix, of Garden Valley, Texas, and Miss
Lelia Atkinson, Rev. D. W. Towns officiating.
[sic?]
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 9, 1893, p. 7, c. 3
CAIN.—Mrs. S. A. Cain (nee Butler) was born in Wetumpka, Ala., January
29, 1842, and died October 2, 1893. How
brief these years! how rich the
blessings they have brought to this sorrowing and yet redeemed earth! Among the million of blessings which our Father has given in
this time, we mention with gratitude the life and character of our departed
sister. Of large natural
endowments, she was elegantly reared in a home of material abundance and
Christian influence.
She was happily married August 5, 1858, to Mr. W. G. Cain. "Her husband doth praise her in the gates."
It is hardly possible to conceive of truer devotion than was found in
both. While living there was a
thoughtfulness for each other's welfare and happiness that could only rise out
of purest love. Now that she has
gone up on high the husband's grief is seemingly inconsolable.
We commend him to God's Word. Her
influence and hold on her children was as great as on her husband.
They are making a strong effort to find consolation in the grace of God
which so long guided and sustained the mother.
In the social walks of life her judgment was eagerly sought and gladly
followed. She was a diligent worker
in the Church. She was a member and
a great promoter of the Woman's Missionary Society; also a member and the first
President of the Ladies' Aid Society. In
both she had the confidence and love of her fellow-workers, as attested by the
appropriate and tender memorial service which was held by them in her memory.
How we all shall miss the delicate touch of her hand in the arrangement
of flowers on the pulpit every Sunday morning!
Her pew is vacant. Her
presence was a stimulus and a benediction to the pastor.
During the past summer she became greatly interested in the doctrine of
sanctification. She read her Bible
much on the subject. She prayed and
sought earnestly the witness to her perfection in love. We mourn, but not without hope.
PASTOR.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 16, 1893, p. 8, c. 1
J. F. Hadin, the newly appointed postmaster for Tyler, has retired as
agent for the International and Great Northern, and has been succeeded by C. V.
Wood, late of San Antonio.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 16, 1893, p. 8, c. 2
Deaths—W. W. Roberts, Tyler
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 16, 1893, p. 8, c. 2
The first number of the Daily Telegraph appeared at Tyler. Robertson & Bruce are the publishers.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 23, 1893, p. 8, c. 2
Fires.—Tyler, small house owned by Mrs. H. D. Halsey.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 7, 1893, p. 7, c. 2
BARRON—DEAN.—At the bride's residence, Smith County, Texas, November
23, 1893, Mr. D. O. Barron to Miss Etta Dean, Rev. P. O. Tunnell officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 14, 1893, p. 1, c. 3
Tyler District.
T. P. Smith, P. E.
Tyler Station—W. M. Hayes.
Tyler, Cedar Street—T. T. Booth.
Tyler Circuit—C. H. Smith.
Mineola Station—L. A. Webb.
Lawndale—A. A. Kidd.
Canton—D. W. Towns.
Grand Saline—E. R. Large.
Edom—S. N. Allen.
Athens and Malakoff—J. C. Calhoun.
Lindale—W. L. Pate.
White House—Wm. Sprould.
Troupe and Overton—W. P. Pledger.
New York—T. B. Vinson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 14, 1893, p. 7, c. 2
HENDRICK—SEABERRY.—In the M. E. Church, South, at Liberty Hill, near
Tyler, Texas, December 3, 1893, Mr. Wm. D. Hendrick and Miss Florence Seaberry,
Rev. T. T. Booth officiating.
DUNAGAN—WEAVER.—At Rev. P. O. Tunnell's, Smith County Texas, November
26, 1893, Mr. C. B. Dunagan, of Parker County, Texas, and Miss Ida V. Weaver, of
Smith County, Texas, Rev. P. O. Tunnell officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 14, 1893, p. 8, c. 5
Fires—at Tyler two residences.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 21, 1893, p. 7, c. 2
HILL—HILL.—At the bride's residence in Tyler Smith County, Texas,
December 14, 1893, Mr. W. P. Hill and Miss Lela Hill, of Tyler, Rev. P. O.
Tunnell officiating.