TYLER AND SMITH
COUNTY ARTICLES
IN TEXAS CHRISTIAN
ADVOCATE,
1897-1900
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 7, 1897, p. 5, c. 2-3
TROUPE AND OVERTON.
S. N. Allen, Jan. 2: The Bishop saw fit to send me back to my old work. I enter upon my third year with this people. There is not a more kind-hearted, hospitable people in East Texas than the good people of Troupe and Overton Circuit. God bless them; they crowded the parsonage last night—New Year's night—men, women and children, and made the hearts of the preacher and his family glad. They called it a pounding, but it didn't stop at a pounding, for the amount brought was more than an ordinary pounding. Oh, at the good things to eat! Sugar, flour, coffee, meats, canned goods, and everything good to eat, and besides this nice dress and other goods for the preacher's wife and babes. Oh, how our hearts burned within us while we tried to talk and pray with our welcome guests. I am determined, by the help of the good Lord, to do a better year's work.
TYLER.
Viola Stallings, Jan. 5: In
order to express our heartfelt thanks for our much beloved pastor's, Rev. T. B.
Vinson, return we wish to pen a few lines to the dear old Advocate. We re indeed and in truth glad that he is to labor for and
with us another year. It is our
earnest prayer that the richest blessing of heaven be upon him and grand success
crown his labors. If the Lord is
with us much good will be accomplished, and well do we know that his promises
are yea and amen; and he has promised to be with us alway, even unto the end, if
we but trust in him. As a young
people we have resolved that if we have failed thus far, while it is yet day we
will take the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit and fight bravely for
Christ until victory is inscribed on each and all of our banners. Pray for us that this may be a grand and glorious year.
I am all for Christ.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 7, 1897, p. 7, c. 1
Ginn—Neill.—At the residence of the bride's father, at 10 o'clock
a.m., December 27, 1896, Mr. John W. Ginn and Miss Louisa B. Neill, Rev. T. B.
Vinson officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 4, 1897, p. 5, c. 3
WHITE HOUSE CIRCUIT.
Arthur Downs, Feb. 1: I have
completed my first round, preaching at all points except Noonday. Was frozen out there yesterday.
My people have received me kindly. We
have rented out the parsonage and hope to bring it out of debt by the end of the
year. I am comfortably and
pleasantly situated in the home of my Recording Steward, Bro. Joe Dabbs.
There are eight Churches on this circuit, with a membership of nearly
four hundred. Most of them in fair
condition, and despite the general depression occasioned by short crops and
business failures, we hope to make steady advancement along all lines of Church
work. Would be glad if more of the
Southwestern University boys would write to the Advocate.
My postoffice is Flint, Smith County, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 4, 1897, p. 7, c. 4
HEARN.—Mrs. Easter Lee Hearn was born in Wilson County, Tenn., January
6, 1827; joined the M. E. church at Walnut Grove, Tenn., at the age of fifteen;
moved from there to Texas in 1853, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Shano, in Tyler, Texas, December 20, 1896.
Her happiest days were spent attending Church and preparing to entertain
preachers. Whilst visiting her a
few days previous to her death, among the first words she said, "I am ready
and anxious to go and be with those who have gone before."
Few can feel the loss of this fallen relative more keenly than the
writer. The ties of sisterhood and
friendship that have been growing stronger and more sacred for nearly a quarter
of a century have been severed.
MRS. J. M. HEARN.
Pirtle, Texas.
HOLLY.—Mrs. Idonia Holly was born in Van Zandt County, Texas, and died
at her home in Tyler, Texas, January 17, 1897.
She was married to George Holly in October, 1895; was converted and
joined the M. E. Church, South, in girlhood, in which she lived a useful
Christian life; so she was ready to die. She
was perfectly rational until the last and talked freely about her prospects
beyond the grave; said all was well. She
said to the writer, "I have fought a good fight and kept the faith."
She begged her weeping husband not to grieve for her, but to try to meet
her in heaven. When we kneeled
around her bed she prayed audibly for an easy passport from this to the other
shore. Cedar Street Church has lost
a good member, the husband a good wife, the children a good mother, but we feel
sure that heaven has gained a jewel in Sister Holly.
Her pastor,
W. W. McANNALLY.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 11, 1897, p. 5, c. 3-4
TYLER.
B. H. Greathouse: As you
know, I am in Texas again—this time at Marvin Church, Tyler, Texas. What a history this Church has had. It has been a struggle with debts ever since its erection.
How much longer the struggle will continue no one can tell.
At this time the great pipe-organ is not paid for, the pews are not paid
for, the great cathedral windows that were wrecked in a storm are unrepaired,
and besides all these things a debt amounting to at least $13,000 hangs over the
Church, and more than one party could force a sale if the indebtedness they hold
against the Church is not settled upon their demand. Within the last few months two banks and perhaps twenty other
business houses have failed; but under all these discouraging circumstances
there is a noble band of Christian men and women who are struggling to keep the
old ship afloat, and I believe God will honor their faith, answer their prayers,
and in some way lift this terrible incubus of debt from us.
It is not possible for us to see how at this time, but in his own way the
Lord will provide. Under the circumstances they have made a liberal assessment
for my support and are paying in full as the months go by $125 per month.
Bros. Newsom and Jackson have been here arranging a programme for the
Epworth League Conference that is to meet here in April.
We are glad the Leaguers are coming and will do our best to entertain all
delegates and preachers at the least possible cost to them, as free
entertainment is not asked for. Tyler
will do her best, and we anticipate a delightful and profitable time.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 11, 1897, p. 4, c. 6
WHITE HOUSE CIRCUIT.
F. A. Downs, March 8. Our
first Quarterly Conference convened at Flint, March 8, Dr. John Adams,
presiding. Reports showed five
Sunday schools, no Epworth League, spirituality at low ebb, but with some
encouraging signs; $36.10 for presiding elder and pastor in charge, and $30.50
for parsonage. Assessment for
presiding elder, $65; conference claims, $155; preacher in charge, $400. We are indebted to Bro. Adams for three powerful,
heart-searching sermons, and we trust they will be fruitful for much spiritual
good. Two infants were baptized and
two were received into the church.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 24, 1897, p. 7, c. 1
Campbell—Spivy.—At the home of the bride, near Flint, Texas, Mr.
Elijah F. Campbell and Miss Florence Spivy, on March 21, 1897, by Rev. F. A.
Downs.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 1, 1897, p. 5, c. 2
LINDALE.
G. W. Riley, March 25: Our
first Quarterly was held last Saturday and Sunday, with a good attendance and
with good results. Dr. Adams,
presiding elder, did some extra preaching.
The financial results were good for the condition of the country and in
the face of the hardest times these people have ever had.
The Board of Stewards fixed the preacher's salary at the same figure as
before. We are now well into our
third year on this charge and with encouraging prospects for the best year of
the three. We have had many
substantial tokens of appreciation from the good people of Lindale charge since
conference.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 1, 1897, p. 16, c. 1
--Tyler, which has just gone through unprecedented business depression,
is to have a new bank. At present
the city has only one bank and it is impossible for it to do the business.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 8, 1897, p. 3, c. 3-4
A GOLDEN WEDDING.
At 8 p.m., March 23, Dr. F. T. Mitchell and his noble wife celebrated
their golden wedding in Tyler. The
great auditorium of Marvin Church had been beautifully decorated by the ladies
for the occasion. Promptly at the
time appointed the venerable couple marched down the long aisle, preceded by the
beautiful little granddaughter, carrying a basket of flowers.
They stepped to the music of one of Mendelssohn's wedding marches, and
Prof. Albert Schuh and the great organ seemed to do their very best to honor the
occasion.
At the altar they were met by Dr. DuBose, of Jackson, Miss., who, in his
own inimitable way, addressed them and had them reaffirm the vows they had taken
just fifty years before when the now sainted Bishop Kavanaugh was the
administrator. After Dr. DuBose's
felicitous remarks, Dr. John Adams led in a delicately-worded, fervent prayer.
Then came a speech by the pastor, who read a very pathetic
letter—written for the occasion—by Dr. C. C. Woods, of Springfield, Mo., who
said, among many other good things: "There
has never been a moment in my life since I knew you that I did not hold you in
one of the highest places of my soul. In
my boyhood I held you in high regard, and as I grew older and marked your manly
presence in the camp, and amid the shocks of battle through which the Lost
Cause, so sacred to the memory of every true son of the South, fought its way to
death, you grew upon me until I saw in you a sublime manhood; but on the rostrum
and in the pulpit you have been more nearly my ideal than in any other
relation."
Mrs. L. L. Jester then sang a beautiful, appropriate solo, after which
the venerable groom delighted the great audience with a speech characteristic of
the man and up to the mark of his reputation as an orator.
The benediction was then pronounced by Dr. Finley, whose friends hope he
may celebrate his ruby wedding in August. After
congratulations were extended the guests repaired to the basement, where
refreshments were served and an elegant reception was held.
At a late hour the audience dispersed with the best of wishes for the
seventy-six-year-old groom and the sixty-eight-year-old bride.
The presents amounted to $176.50 in gold, and other things valued at $50.
Letters of congratulation and friendship, which were appreciated as
highly as anything, came from almost every State in the Union.
B. H. GREATHOUSE.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 8, 1897, p. 8, c. 3-4
REV. W. N. BONNER.
Rev. W. N. Bonner was born in Hancock County, Georgia, October 1, 1806.
He was converted at a camp-meeting in Baldwin County, Georgia, October
20, 1820. He joined the M. E.
Church, South, at Bonner's Chapel, Cedar Creek Circuit, November 1, 1820.
He was licensed to exhort in November, 1855, by Rev. Jeff Shook, and was
licensed to preach October 5, 1856, by Rev. N. W. Burk.
He was admitted on trial in the East Texas Conference at Rusk, Texas, in
November, 1857, Bishop H. H. Kavanaugh presiding. He was ordained deacon in Jefferson, Texas, October 24, 1860,
by Bishop J. O. Andrew and was ordained elder in Henderson, Texas, October 28,
1869, by Bishop W. M. Wightman. His
ministerial life was spent in the bounds of the East Texas Conference.
He was appointed to the Randolph Mission in 1857.
At the next conference in Tyler, in 1858, on account of severe sickness,
he was discontinued. During the
period of the Civil War he was not in condition to serve the Church in the
itinerancy. But at the session of
1869, in Henderson, he connected himself again with the conference and was
appointed to the Douglass Circuit. The
following year he was not present at the conference at Carthage "on account
of special business for one of his sons," and was discontinued again. He joined again at Crockett, in 1871, and was sent to the
Neches Circuit. The next year he
was returned to the Neches Circuit and was changed before the year and was out
to the Crockett Circuit. The next
year he was sent to the Tyler circuit. At
the next conference, which met in Marshall, he was made supernumerary.
Several years after he took the superannuated relation, which he held at
the time of his death, in Tyler, Texas, March 28, 1897.
Thus closes the earthly career of a devout man and a useful preacher of
the gospel of Christ. He gave his
life and influence to the cause of God and died loved and honored by all who
knew him. He built up a fine
character, enjoyed the life and power of religion, served his own generation by
the will of God and passed to his everlasting rest in heaven.
He married Miss Martha Ellen Wade, by whom he had nine children, and at
the time of his decease left about one hundred lineal descendants. His children grew up, making useful members of society and
the Church. Three of his sons
became distinguished in their chosen professions and shed luster upon the family
name.
He was licensed to preach when considerably advanced in life.
What is quite phenomenal, was admitted into the traveling connection when
quite a venerable man. Several things conspired to break the continuity of his
itinerant life. Yet for a quarter
of a century he was a member of the East Texas Conference and labored both
diligently and efficiently to build up the interests of Methodism.
The closing years of his life were spent in Tyler, and during this period
he contributed much to the enlargement and prosperity of the Churches therein.
He died on Sunday morning, March 28, 1897, being ninety-one years of age.
He was buried from Marvin Church the following day, Rev. B. H. Greathouse,
the pastor, preaching the funeral sermon. He
was buried in Tyler, so long his home, and peacefully awaits the resurrection of
the just. He has gone to join the
loved ones who have passed on before and to reap the reward of the faithful and
the good.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 22, 1897, p. 5, c. 1
TYLER.
J. M. McCarter, April 17: St.
Paul's Church, this city, is in the midst of a revival meeting. Results to date: church
revived and sinners awakened. Rev.
S. N. Allen, of Troupe and Overton Circuit, has assisted us during most of the
time and will be with us through the following week. We have the honor to serve a kind and noble people.
Our reception among them has been as royal as could be asked.
This is their second year as an independent pastoral charge.
They are harmoniously and zealously working and are sanguine as to their
future career. Much honor is due to
the excellent and faithful band of ladies which constitute our Ladies' Aid
Society. They have been organized
but a few weeks, but have already carpeted the aisle and rostrum, had an elegant
chancel built, and will ere long add other improvements to our new and beautiful
church. Our Sunday-school is a gem.
Other interests doing well.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 29, 1897, p. 5, c. 3
TROUPE AND OVERTON.
S. N. Allen, April 23: We
are moving upward nicely, we think, on this work.
The Sunday-school at Troupe has determined to have a new organ for the
Church, and like all progressive Methodists they went at it. Our most worthy superintendent and his noble wife gave an ice
cream supper the night of the 22d instant, from which they realized $8.00 in
cash the first attempt. We have a
progressive people—God bless these good people. We begin a revival meeting at Troupe the 1st of
May, and we must have a revival. To
your knees, dear brethren, for it must come that way. Our Sunday-schools are looming up all over the work, and this
is good signs of spiritual life. A
Methodist band can do anything they
want to.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 13, 1897, p. 14, c. 4
GILBERT.—Bro. Franklin Rush Gilbert was born August 6, 1830; was
baptized in infancy; professed religion in 1852, and fell on sleep April 6,
1897. Bro. Gilbert lost his left
arm in the late war. He was a
faithful soldier, true to his country, true to his Church and a faithful man in
every department of life. He had
been a great sufferer for a long time. About
twelve months ago he lost his voice and could not talk, but he would write on a
slate, and his conversation was always about Jesus.
The last time his pastor visited him he wrote on his slate:
"I suffer out my three score years until my Deliverer comes and
wipes away his servant's tears, and takes his exile home."
There can't be too much said about Bro. Gilbert.
He was always in his place in the church.
Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in
Israel? For he was a good man, full
of the Holy Ghost and of faith.
S. N. ALLEN, Pastor.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 27, 1897, p. 4, c. 1
TROUPE AND OVERTON CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, May 21: We
closed a two weeks' meeting at this place the 14th inst.; had a good
meeting—the best we have had since we have been with this good people. The good Lord came down in answer to prayer and blessed the
Church and converted the sinners. The
results are as follows: Thirteen
conversions, four reclamations and nine accessions to our Church.
So far the Church is greatly revived.
To God be all the praise. Bros.
D. L. Cain and T. B. Vinson were with us and did some of their best preaching.
The good Lord ever be with these brethren. They are both as true as steel; fighting sin with both hands.
We serve as good people as there are in the world.
We are greatly encouraged. Bless
the Lord. Six more meetings to
hold. Pray for us that the good
work may go on.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 3, 1897, p. 13, c. 4
Clark—Baird.—At the residence of the bride's brother, Mr. Thomas
Baird, four miles west of Tyler, Smith County, Texas, at 3 p.m., May 22, 1897,
Mr. K. W. Clark, of Chandler, and Miss Ellen Baird, of Pleasant Retreat
community, T. B. Vinson, officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 10, 1897, p. 14, c. 1
FLYNT.—Melvina Flynt was born June, 1839; professed religion and joined
the C. P. Church at eleven years of age; was married to R. P. Flynt in 1855; was
the mother of four children—one of whom preceded her to the glory world. When she came to Texas, some fifteen years ago, she united
with the M. E. Church, South, at old Union Springs, now in the bounds of the
White House Circuit, where she lived and labored for God and humanity until May
24, 1896. Then she was not, for God
took her to himself. It was the
privilege of the writer to be her pastor for six years, and it was never my
privilege to know a truer or more faithful and devoted Christian woman.
But the whole Church and community feel their great loss; but our loss is
her gain; for to her to live was Christ, and to her to die was gain.
Let all meet her. Farewell,
Sister Flynt.
T. T. BOOTH.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 1, 1897, p. 4, c. 4
LINDALE.
G. W. Riley, June 29: We
closed a nine days' meeting last night at this place.
We were assisted by Bros. S. N. Allen, T. B. Vinson and Presiding Elder
John Adams. The preaching was
strong, forcible and spiritual. The
Church was greatly blessed and strengthened.
Fourteen new members were received by ritual and ten by letter.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 1, 1897, p. 12, c. 4
Stallings—Knight.—At the residence of the bride's mother, in Tyler,
Texas, on June 20, 1897, at 2:30 p.m., Mr. John N. Stalling and Miss Lutitia
Knight; all of Tyler; Rev. W. C. Stallings officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 8, 1897, p. 5, c. 3-4
TROUPE.
S. N. Allen, July 1: Troupe
and Overton Circuit is still in the ring and doing work for our Lord.
Our second Quarterly Conference is a thing of the past.
Only one day's service, but we had a good meeting.
Our elder did some of his good preaching, to the delight of us all.
Finances behind, but we think everything will come up all right in the
end. The good women of the Woman's
Missionary Society met with our Church here the 16th of June and left
an influence that we believe will do great good.
They organized a society at this place that we think will be a great
means of grace to us. God bless the
good women! If it weren't for the
good women I don't know what would become of our Church.
No town will lose anything by having the Woman's Board meet with them.
They did all good who attended. We
have six meetings yet to hold, and hope to have a glorious revival all over the
work.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 15, 1897, p. 15, c. 1-2
SHUFORD.—Dr. J. W. Shuford was born in Catawba County, N. C., June 8,
1847, and departed this life June 11, 1897, at his home two miles south of
Tyler, Smith County, Texas. He
graduated in medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1868, and came to Smith County,
Texas. He was married to Miss M. J.
Smith on June 15, 1869. He
professed religion in North Carolina and united with the M. E. Church, South.
He united with the same Church by letter, soon after coming to Texas,
under the ministry of Rev. J. S. Mathis. It
may be truthfully said that in all the relations of life, Dr. Shuford was true,
noble and generous. He ranked among
the very best citizens of his community and county.
He was a man of honor and integrity, and enjoyed the esteem and
confidence of a large circle of friends. I
have known him intimately for twenty-eight years and never knew him to
condescend to an ungentlemanly or to an un-Christian act.
He was the very embodiment of honor and veracity under all existing
conditions. Dr. Shuford was a
provident man and always provided well for his family.
He loved them with a perfect devotion and endeavored to provide for all
of their necessities. He leaves a
devoted wife, six children and a large number of relatives and friends to mourn
his departure. He said during his
last illness, which continued for over two months, that his peace was made with
God and that he believed the Lord would take care of his family. He suffered a great deal during his sickness and yet endured
it all without a murmur. He had
filled continuously the offices of steward and recording steward for more than
eighteen years with great efficiency and acceptability.
He was held in high esteem by his brethren and was repeatedly elected a
delegate to our Annual Conference. He
was a man of earnest piety and thorough consecration, without ostentatious
parade and self-pronounced encomiums. His
life was a constant declaration of his devotion and love to God.
He loved the Lord, he loved and honored the Church.
He was the friend of his pastor—always advocated liberal provision for
his support and was willing to pay his part.
A noble Christian man has fallen and passed into the beyond to meet two
of his little boys and other loved ones who preceded him to heaven.
He heard the call of the Master and we believe was ready to go; his house
was in order. His wife and children will sadly miss him.
The Church and Quarterly Conference of which he was a member for years
will miss him, but we feel that our loss is his gain, and while we are made
poorer, heaven is richer. May the Lord bless his sorrowing wife and children, sustain
them by his grace and bring them all into that state of reunion with husband and
father in heaven. Farewell,
husband, father, friend and brother, but not forever.
We hope to meet thee again.|
T. P. SMITH.
Pittsburg, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 15, 1897, p. 14, c. 3
ELLIOTT.—N. F. Elliott was born February 23, 1863; departed this life
July 4, 1897. Bro. Elliott was
converted and joined the M. E. Church, South, in July, 1881, and a great part of
that time he served the Church as Church Secretary.
He was a good man—faithful to his Church.
He had been a great sufferer for a long time.
That awful disease called consumption was what preyed upon his vitals.
We miss him, but our loss is his gain.
We will meet him again, thank God. Bro.
Elliott leaves a broken-hearted wife, with three little boys, and an aged father
and one brother and sister and a host of friends to mourn for him. Look up, dear wife and loved ones; we will soon see Bro.
Forest on the bright shores of eternal glory, where death never can come.
S. N. ALLEN.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 22, 1897, p. 4, c. 3-4
TYLER DISTRICT.
This conference convened in its fourteenth annual session at Grand
Saline, Texas, July 8, 1897, at 9 o'clock a.m.
John Adams, presiding elder, opened the conference with religious
service. The lesson, the talk, the
prayer, were an inspiration.
. . . The brethren were all in good heart and made encouraging reports of
their work. Only a few of them have
held their protracted meetings; the others will hold them during the summer and
fall. The reports of the pastors
show that the district is enjoying a good degree of spiritual life. The brethren seem to be working, praying for and expecting a
revival. Bro. Adams has done much
to encourage and help them in this direction.
He talks to us and prays for us and inspires us to expect great things of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Along the lines of finance, through behind, we are somewhat in advance of
last year. We insert the following
from the report of the committee on financial systems:
"We find that those charges where they have adopted the assessment
plan and pay monthly that 41 2/3 per cent of the preachers' salaries have been
paid; where the assessment plan has been carried out, though collected only
quarterly, 31 per cent has been paid; but where there has been no assessment
plan of any kind, only 11 per cent has been paid."
These figures are worthy of careful study.
They certainly show, by actual experiment, that the disciplinary plan for
raising the Church's money is the best.
The following brethren were licensed to preach:
Henry B. Urquhart, of Marvin Church, Tyler; Charles T. Pledger, of Athens
Station; Alfonza Nolan, of Tyler Circuit; E. H. Lovejoy, of Troupe and Overton
Circuit, and Francis H. Galusha, of Emory Mission.
. . . The preaching was spiritual and good.
Our new Tyler man, B. H. Greathouse, is a great fellow. He is a regular preaching machine. His sermon on Sunday morning was one of the finest we ever
heard. Everybody fell in love with
Greathouse. East Texas Conference
may well count herself happy that she has such a man.
. . .
W. P. PLEDGER
Athens, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 29, 1897, p. 10, c. 2
Tyler District Epworth League.
The second session of the Tyler District Epworth League Conference was
held at the M. E. Church, South, Grand Saline, Texas, July 6 and 7, Knox
Henderson, President in the chair. . . . The reports showed a decrease in the
number of Leagues, there being only three Leagues in the district. . . . We
elected officers as follows: President,
B. F. Yancy, Wills Point; First Vice-President, D. L. Cain, Ben Wheeler; Second
Vice-President, Miss Annie Broyles, Tyler; Third Vice-President, Miss Josie
Cage, Mineola; Secretary, Miss Mattie Smith, Mineola; Treasurer, Mr. Knox
Henderson, Athens.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 19, 1897, p. 3, c. 2-3
TEXAS COLLEGE.
No doubt the readers of the Advocate are aware of the struggle Texas
Conferences of the C. M. E. Church in Texas are now undergoing to erect an
institution of learning within the reach of our membership in Texas.
Paine is too far away to do us any good. It will cost the girl or boy one year's schooling to get to
the school. Thus the necessity of
erecting a school at home (in Texas). The
membership in Texas are paying into the treasuries of other denominations from
$5000 to $40,000 annually. Some of
our girls and boys, too, are in the Catholic school at Houston.
We must educate them somewhere. We
can not exist well without a school in Texas.
We have moved in that direction; secured 101½ acres of land adjacent to
the city of Tyler, Texas, valued at $8000 or $10,000, with few small buildings
upon it. All the indebtedness, except $1200 yet due, payable in from
one to two years and due January, 1898, and May 14, 1899. We have just closed the third term, the best in the history
of the school. We can not
accommodate our membership with the room we have.
We desire to erect a girls' dormitory, 96x36x28 feet, with chapel 36x50;
dining-hall, 22x28; two recitation rooms, 14x18, upstairs for the girls'
dormitory. We need financial aid
and ripe experience; therefore we have decided to have an advisory board of some
of the leading members of the M. E. Church, South, to assist us both in building
and planning for the permanent organization or planting Texas College at Tyler,
Texas. Several of the brethren have
consented to act as above outlined. Several
of the District Conferences have taken up the matter, discussed and resoluted,
or will memorialize the ensuing Annual Conferences upon this subject.
We pray and trust God that the leaders in Texas Methodism of the M. E.
Church will move in this direction. Brethren,
we need your advice and financial aid. Who
will take up the subject and help us carry it to victory's gate?
I am yours in the cause of Christ, the race and Texas College, C. M. E.
Church in America,
C. F. MOORE,
Sec. Educational Board, Commissioner Texas College, Texas
Conferences, C. M. Church in America.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 19, 1897, p. 4, c. 3
LINDALE.
G. W. Riley, Aug. 14: We have held three meetings in the last three weeks on this circuit. At Mt. Sylvan we had a great revival; twenty-five of thirty conversions, twenty accessions and the Church greatly blessed. Rev. S. N. Allen assisted me in the meetings. Forty-six accessions to date since the 1st of June.
TROUPE AND OVERTON.
S. N. Allen, Aug. 13: We
closed a good meeting at Bethel last night.
Results: sixteen conversions
and reclamations, with ten accessions to our Church and the Church greatly
revived. Bro. J. M. McCarter, of
South Tyler, and Bro. W. N. Brown did us some of their best work.
Bro. Brown is a worthy local preacher of our work.
God bless these good men. We
have four other meetings to hold. Pray
for us. We serve a good people.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 19, 1897, p. 4, c. 4
WHITE HOUSE NOTES.
F. A. Downs, Aug. 14: My
first meeting began at White House July 10.
I reached it from the District Conference July 12.
We continued until Friday night. The
Lord blessed us. That part of the
Church which attended our meeting was revived and five were added to our flock.
The community was put to thinking. We
opened up at Flint the following Saturday night and ran on until Thursday night.
Two professions, no accessions. The
Church somewhat revived. The next
week we were at Liberty Hill. A
good work was done in the Church. Some
old Feuds were buried and good will and peace prevail.
There were some accessions and professions, but I do not know the number.
From there I hurried on to Walnut Grove, to my third Quarterly
Conference. Attendance very good
and session enjoyable. Times are hard and finances behind; but we trust "it is
better further on." The
meeting was protracted. Our
presiding elder remained with us and preached five times.
We had one conversion Monday evening.
Tuesday evening, at the close of the service, one young man lingered in
the altar, asking us to stay with him. We
stayed. He was soon converted, and
soon three others were earnestly seeking; but they didn't seek long.
Jesus came in power and there was rejoicing in the little band that had
remained to sing and pray. Surrounded
by a few faithful ones, I baptized two and received four into the Church just
twenty minutes before midnight. We
were reminded of Paul and the jailer. As
the meeting continued others were saved and the Church wonderfully revived. There were seventeen accessions in all. Closing there Friday night, I hurried across the country to
Chandler, twenty miles away, to begin Saturday night. Here the fight was hard.
Webbism, Campbellism, devilism and sensualism have so infested the place
that our work was greatly hindered. There
were no professions and the door of the Church was not opened.
Our band at Chandler is small and beset with peculiar difficulties; yet a
few are faithful, and the future is not without promise.
I go to Bullard to-morrow, the next Sunday to Noonday, and then to Love's
Chapel—three more weeks, and the campaign will be over.
The Lord has blessed and preserved my strength, and I am happy in the
work. The experience of a young
pastor during his first revival season is varied.
Joy is mingled with grief—now he is on mountains of ecstasy because his
people are being blessed and their children saved; now he is in valleys of
despondency because it appears that the devil is on the winning side.
He remembers that the people once refused to hear even Christ himself,
and he endeavors to get very close to his Savior's side, where he can weep with
him over a ruined world. We can offer men salvation, but we cannot force them to
accept it. To all my young brethren
in Texas, especially those whom I know personally, I send fond greeting.
Let us study to show ourselves approved, workmen that need not to be
ashamed, enduring hardness as good soldiers.
Methodism has a mission in our State.
Let us carry her banners in to the very heart of the struggle.
I have had no regular help in my meetings.
Several brethren have assisted me as they had opportunity. To all these I am profoundly grateful.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 26, 1897, p. 9, c. 2-3
TROUPE AND OVERTON CIRCUIT
S. N. Allen, Aug. 21: The
good Lord is doing great things for us, whereof we are glad.
Closed a meeting at Fountain Head yesterday at 4 o'clock.
We closed with the sacrament. The
Lord was there in great power. Had
thirty-five conversions and reclamations. Twenty-five
joined our Church, and more to come. We
were assisted by Bros. T. B. Vinson, of the Tyler Circuit, and W. N. Brown,
local, of this work. Those worthy
men did us good work. God bless
them. The Lord is with them.
We go to Jarvis to-night. We
must have victory there in the name of the Lord.
We take courage and go on. Pray
for us.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 2, 1897, p. 5, c. 4
TROUPE AND OVERTON.
S. N. Allen, August 30: Our
third Quarterly Conference met with Jarvies Church the 28th inst.;
had a good meeting. Our presiding
elder, John Adams, was on hand in the Spirit and preached us three fine sermons,
to the delight of us all. Finances
a little behind, but the brethren talked very encouragingly, so we take courage
and go on. We have had a good year
so far. We serve as good people as
ever lived. There are only a few
things in the way that keep this from being one of the best works in the
conference. This is our third year,
and if the Bishop sees fit we won't move yet.
The man who follows us will find a good people.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 9, 1897, p. 15, c. 2
WHITESIDE.—On a beautiful Sabbath day, the 25th of July, our
loving Savior looked into the home of J. N. and Hester Whiteside and saw their
eight-year-old son suffering with fever; and we can imagine seeing him throw
open the gates of the New Jerusalem and gather about him little Isaac's angel
brothers and sister to welcome him where there shall be no more scorching fever,
but where all is bright and glorious. Just
before leaving mamma and papa he raised his little hand and said:
"There is a pigeon," and asked his little brother Johnnie to
catch it. Perhaps it was the
flutter of an angel's wings come to bear his spirit home. He then told them he
was sleepy, and sure enough, but it was the sweetest sleep he had ever slept.
God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform.
The writer has never seen a brighter child. When his name was called at Sunday-school he would always
rise and recite his verse nicely, and up to his death never had an absent mark.
Papa and mamma, live for God and you will meet again.
VIOLA STALLINGS.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 23, 1897, p. 4, c. 2
TYLER.
M. B. A., Sept. 11: For the
year 1897, so far, we have much to praise God for.
While the year commenced with gloomy forebodings, and has continued so,
almost paralyzing our every effort for good in the Church, yet we feel that God
overruleth all for good, and will bring us safely over the rough and stony way.
Bishop Hendrix was with us in the Spring, and, as all good bishops do,
told us not to become discouraged on account of the condition of things.
That he once heard a little story like this:
Two frongs fell in a jar of milk, and they began to paddle for life, but
after a while one became discouraged and sank to the bottom to be no more, while
the other, with brave heart and courage, battled on, and every stroke he made
bridged the awful chasm lying across his pathway to conquest, and soon he found
himself sitting on a great big golden cake of butter. So now, fight on, and become not discouraged, and I doubt not
God will open up some way for victory. And
we feel that he will, with such a pastor as we have at the helm.
Truly he is a great man and preacher, as well as a Greathouse.
How beautifully he teaches us that living well to-day is the best any one
can do, and all that is required of us. How
he admonishes us not to live in the future, but always in the present, and if we
live wisely, there need not be any anxious concern for the morrow. Like Bishop Hendrix, who tried to impress upon us that the
value of the future depends entirely upon the value attached to to-day; that
there is no magic in the years to come that is not felt by the power of God
to-day in the hearts and lives of the men and women who are true and faithful to
God and the Church. For nothing can
bloom in the great beyond that is not sown on earth; and that the great aim of
Christianity is not to teach men of the glory to be revealed in heaven, but to
teach them the sacredness of living the life that now is, and, by doing the
little deeds of every-day life, attain unto greater things of the future, for
there is no future outside of ourselves; it lies within us, and we make it what
we will. For whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap. We
hope, through some kind providence, to save our beautiful Church, which is to be
sold next month. To this end we are
hoping and praying. Bro. Greathouse
commences next Sunday night a series of lectures on Roman Catholicism, which
will last throughout the week. We
doubt not that they will be very beneficial in our town, and will result in
great good to the public, as he is thoroughly posted on the subject, having
given it great care and study. Quite
a number of our young teachers will be in attendance.
We hope to wind up well for the conference year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 30, 1897, p. 7, c. 1
LINDALE CIRCUIT.
G. W. Riley, Sept. 20: We
have just passed our third Quarterly Conference for our third Quarterly
Conference for our third year's pastorate of Lindale charge.
Some comparative figures may suffice to show our status at this point.
We began the work in January, 1895, with two hundred and seventy-four
members in charge. We received that
year forty-one, and the next year twenty-four, making sixty-five in two years.
We removed by letter and otherwise in the same two years fifty members,
leaving a net increase of fifteen. We
have received the present year up to date sixty-two members, nearly as many as
in the two years before. Further
comparison shows that in the two years we baptized thirteen infants and twelve
adults, while this year we have, to date, baptized fourteen infants and
twenty-one adults. The wisdom of
prolonging the pastoral term to a third year may be seen in the results.
Our finances so far this year are badly behind, with little hope of much
improvement. There is unusual
dearth of money with our people, and consequent unusual discouragement to
stewards, and a general relaxation of effort is to be feared.
The financial result of this, the great revival quarter, has broken the
minimum record. However, we are to
have a rally of the stewards of the charge five weeks later, on the fourth
Saturday in October, by order of the Quarterly Conference, and we hope to make
improvement in the outcome for the fourth quarter.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 14, 1897, p. 14, c. 1
RICHARDSON.—Joel F., infant son of W. M. and Susan Richardson, was born
February 20, 1896, and died of cholera infantum in Tyler, Texas, September 7,
1897. After intense suffering,
after anxious watching and waiting, after all had been done that could be done,
the dark-winged messenger came; but, thank God, the bright-winged angels came,
too, and we are persuaded took the little one to their eternal home, where Jesus
is. "I take these little
lambs," he said, "and lay them in my breast.
Protection they shall find in me; in me be ever blessed."
W. W. McANALLY.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 14, 1897, p. 16, c. 3
Tipps—Yarbrough.—Near Whitehouse, Sunday, Oct. 3, 1897, Mr. J. E.
Tipps and Miss Maggie Yarbrough, all of Smith county, J. W. Griffin officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 4, 1897, p. 16, c. 1
ALDERSON AND TANT DEBATE.
Our E. W. Alderson, of North Texas Conference, and Elder J. D. Tant, of
the Campbellite Church, held a four-day's debate here at Troupe, commencing Oct.
4. The following propositions were
discussed:
1. Infant baptism authorized
by the word of God. Alderson
affirmed.
2. Baptism in water to the
penitent believer is for, or in order to, the remission of all past sins. Tant affirmed.
3. Effusion, to a proper
subject, by a proper administrator, is Christian baptism.
Alderson affirmed.
This debate was a great victory for Methodism.
Our Church is vindicated before the people.
They know why we believe. Our
Church is built of such timber that every piece will stand a close examination.
When she has such a man as Alderson behind her doctrines, she gains
credence from the world. There is
no comparison between Alderson and Tant. Alderson
is a dignified, refined Christian gentleman.
As a scholar he stands in the front ranks.
As an orator he has a strong voice and commanding person.
These, together with his other gifts, make him a most charming speaker.
Elder Tant, we can assure you, is a man versed in all the tricks of the
floor. He knows how to dodge a question, and, in dodging, try to
gull the gullible by making them believe that in dodging he has answered a
strong, masterly argument. The
Campbellites should always have their funeral requiem prepared ready for singing
before they have one of their men to meet Alderson, for after one of them has
stood before him for a few hours there is nothing left but the "wreck"
of an ecclesiastical corpse. When
any of the brethren are troubled with the "debating folks," if they
can be so fortunate as to secure the services of E. W. Alderson, they may
afterward rest in peace for a season.
S. N. ALLEN.
Troupe, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 18, 1897, p. 4, c. 2
TROUPE AND OVERTON CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Nov. 8: The
fourth quarterly meeting convened at Troupe on the 6th. The elder (Bro. Adams) was on hand in the Spirit and did some
good preaching. We were all
delighted with his sermons; finances a little behind, but we are hopeful yet, as
we have one more month to run on. As
to the collections, we have not failed for years to pay out on this circuit, and
we think we will pay out yet. We
serve a good people. We have one
more year, if the Bishop don't get after us.
The man who succeeds us on this work will be delighted to find so many
good folks.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 18, 1897, p. 14, c. 2
ROBERTSON.—Mrs. Evaline Robertson was born in Bedford County,
Tennessee, January 14, 1822. She
came to Texas in 1850, and in 1851-2 she was married to George McRight, who
lived but a short time. In 1853 she
married William Robertson, who died in 1857.
Two children were born to her, a son who died in 1879, and a daughter who
still lives. The greater part of
her life was spent within the bounds of old Larissa Circuit.
She did not know the date of her conversion, nor how long she had been a
member of the Church. The closing
years of her life were attended with much affliction. Her last sickness began in March, but she lingered till the
15th of May. Loving
hands ministered unto her, and would have retained her, but she was anxious to
go. She loved her Church and
pastors, and the Advocate especially. Hers
was a long and blameless life.
F. A. DOWNS.
Flint, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 24, 1897, p. 14, c. 3
STITH.—Willie C. Stith was born in Henderson County, June 29, 1860; was
raised in Tyler; joined the Methodist church about eleven years ago. He was a skilled mechanic and engineer, and met death by
accident with a train in Tyler, Texas, Sept. 27, 1897.
He was a kind husband and father, and a good neighbor.
He leaves a wife and little boy, and an aged mother, to mourn his
untimely death. May they trust the
God of all grace for consolation.
G. W. RILEY.
Lindale, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 2, 1897, p. 14, c. 2
GINN.—Pinkney Vinson Ginn, infant son of J. J. and Sallie E. Ginn, was
born July, 1896, and died September 9, 1897.
Little Pinkney was a bright little child, and while his stay on earth was
short, in heaven it will be eternal.
T. B. VINSON.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 2, 1897, p. 14, c. 1
BROYLES.—Miss Delia Broyles, daughter of Dr. I. M. Broyles and J. A.
Broyles, was born February 14, 1846, in Alabama; lived in Tennessee and North
Carolina; and departed this life in Tyler, Texas, September 12, 1897.
A good part of her life she was a great sufferer.
At eight years of age she fell on the ice, and received a hurt that made
her a cripple all her life. After
she was grown she was in a railroad wreck, which increased her suffering for the
remainder of her days. Much of her
time she was confined to her bed; the writer never saw her anywhere else.
At an early age she was converted and joined the Methodist Church.
Her religion was a great stay to her during her seasons of suffering, and
many Christians learned lessons of patience and trust at her bedside.
Quietly and peacefully she went to sleep in Jesus.
B. H. GREATHOUSE.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 2, 1897, p. 16, c. 3
LINDALE.
G. W. Riley, Nov. 25: To-day
was a pleasant and memorable occasion in Lindale.
The Thanksgiving service was held in the Methodist church, under the
management of the faculty of the Lindale High School.
An appropriate programme was rendered by the scholars, under the
direction of the President, Pro. D. C. Lake, whose address to that congregation
was timely, well chosen and entertaining, as is characteristic of that noble
Methodist layman. The sermon of the
occasion, delivered by Prof. Duncan, of the faculty, a Baptist minister of
marked ability, was unique, short, well considered, up to date, full of profound
thought and devotional spirit, and was eloquently delivered.
This pastor and family were the recipients of many tokens of respect and
appreciation in the way of thank-offerings—dress patterns, goodies for the
children, and a cash present of five dollars from a devoted young lady and
mother. We are thankful.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 9, 1897, p. 9, c. 3
Love—Tate.—At the residence of H. L. Tate, M. D., in Lindale, Texas,
at 6:30 p.m., November 28, Mr. D. B. Love and Miss Rasha Tate, all of Lindale;
Rev. G. W. Riley officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 16, 1897, p. 8. c. 1
TROUPE.
S. N. Allen, Dec. 4: Troupe
and Overton Circuit is still moving on grandly; a little behind with the
finances, but we are still receiving quarterage.
Our people dislike to come out behind.
The preacher who is sent to this work will find as good people as he ever
served. Our Women's Missionary
Society in Troupe observed the Week of Prayer as the programme directed, from
which they received $4.45. This
scribe had the pleasure of attending their services, from which we received a
blessing. The night of Thanksgiving
we preached for them; had a good service. Our
good women went to work to raise money to get a new organ for our church at
Troupe. Some thought they would
fail, but to-day the day came to the church, led by some of Troupe's good women,
with as nice an organ as I have seen for the money.
God will bless the good women. I
close my third year with these people. I
might have done more, but the good Lord has greatly blessed us together.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 23, 1897, p. 7, c. 2-3
WHITE HOUSE CIRCUIT.
F. A. Downs, Dec. 13: My
first year's work in the ministry has ended.
I leave for conference this evening.
About three-fourths of the preacher's allowance has been paid, and
two-thirds of conference assessments. Times
are very close, and the "circulating medium" very much contracted.
Many have done nobly, some more than could have been reasonably expected
of them. Members received,
sixty-two; dismissed, sixty-one. Nineteen
adults and sixteen infants have been baptized. These are visible results.
Of the work of the deeper spiritual forces we can take no account.
Only the judgment day will reveal it.
I have been treated with great kindness, and many words of encouragement
have cheered my heart; for all of which I am grateful.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 23, 1897, p. 10, c. 2
(East Texas Conference)
Rev. C. F. Moore, of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America,
addressed the conference in the interest of Texas College, located in Tyler,
Texas. The Bishop followed him in a
brief exhortation, wherein he indorsed the institution and urged the brethren to
assist it. Rev. D. F. C. Timmons
superintended the collection which followed.
We are gratified to know that our Texas people are taking a deep interest
in the educational and spiritual interests of the colored people.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 23, 1897, p. 10, c. 4
Rev. J. M. McCarter brought his bride to the conference, and received the
congratulations of the brethren. The Advocate wishes them a long and useful
life.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 23, 1897, p. 11, c. 1
TYLER DISTRICT.
John Adams, P. E.
Tyler—Marvin—B. H. Greathouse.
Cedar Street—W. W.
McAnally.
City Mission—F.
A. Downs.
Tyler Circuit—G. W. Riley.
Lindale Circuit—J. W. Bridges.
Mineola—C. B. Cross.
Emory Circuit—To be supplied by G. M. Fletcher and J.
Willis.
Grand Saline Circuit—To be supplied by B. C. Ansley.
Wills Point—Albert Little.
Wills Point Mission—E. R. Large.
Canton Circuit—C. H. Smith.
Edom Circuit—T. B. Vinson.
Malakoff Circuit—A. A. Kidd.
Athens—W. P. Pledger.
New York Circuit—P. R. White.
Troupe and Overton—S. N. Allen.
White House—M. I. Brown.
Student at Southwestern University—R. J. Birdwell.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 23, 1897, p. 11, c. 2
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS
Tyler District—
Cedar Street..................................$150 00
City Mission..................................
125 00
Wills Point.....................................
50 00
$375
00
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 23, 1897, p. 16, no. 1
LINDSEY.—Little Vi. Lindsey, daughter of Mrs. Ella Lindsey, was born
March 17, 1894, and died in Tyler October 16, 1897, at the home of Bro. Louis
Richardson. She was a bright child,
full of life, and made the home happier by her presence, being the only little
one in the home. But hurriedly she
was taken away by membranous croup. The
home is darker now, but we think another star is added to the glory world, which
we shall behold after awhile.
W. W. M'ANALLY.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 30, 1897, p. 4, c. 3
TROUPE.
S. N. Allen, Dec. 24: The
Bishop saw fit to read me out of Troupe and Overton Circuit again. This is my fourth year.
I intend to make it the best year of my life if the good Lord will help
me. The Lord has greatly blessed me
on this work, but I know he waits to give us a greater blessing.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 30, 1897, p. 15, c. 1
SPRUCE.—Little Jessie Ellen Spruce was born July 29, 1895, and died
October 15, 1897. This sweet babe
was the pet of the home. None is so
sweet as the baby. The whole family
must kiss her good night and at the first bright awakening smile in the morning.
A home without a baby is not so happy.
This little darling was the light and joy of the home of J. D. and Lula
Spruce. Oh!
how we miss her. Her parents
dedicated her to God in holy baptism at eight days old.
We kissed her good-bye and laid her to rest, and look forward to that
sweet day when we will look into her bright face on that shore where we will
never say good-bye. Look up, fond
parents and little brothers, sweet little sister only waits for you on the other
shore, where the smiles of the Lord is the feast of the soul.
S. N. ALLEN, P. C.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 6, 1898, p. 5, c. 2
TROUPE.
S. N. Allen, Jan. 1: Happy
New Year! This beautiful, bright
morning of the new year we received three boxes and a sackful of good things.
They come from Overton. It
was a pounding, I believe it is called. The
good people of Overton sent us so many good things it made us feel happy and
praise God. Then we felt
sad—first, because we had done so little for them as a pastor; second, because
we will have to leave such good people at the end of this year.
May the good Lord help us to do more this year in his name than ever.
God bless the good people of Overton.
We are in a meeting at Troupe with our Cumberland brethren.
They are holding in our church, and we have got hold with both hands,
saying, amen! and doing all we can to et some one saved.
May the Lord give us a good meeting and many souls.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 6, 1898, p. 15, c. 3
HORTON.—Lessie Ona, infant daughter of Bro. and Sister John Horton,
after eight weeks' lingering illness passed away Dec. 10, 1897.
She was one year and eleven months old.
Lessie was a little sufferer the greater part of her short life, but now
her pain is over. This is the third
flower that has been transplanted from this home to the fields elysian.
One more little lamb has Jesus folded to his bosom, to be shielded
forever from the biting cold and wintry blasts of our old world of sin.
may the bereaved parents, brothers and sister one day be as securely
sheltered in the Master's peaceful fold.
F. A. DOWNS.
Flint, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 13, 1898, p. 14, c. 2
BARTON.—Died, November 4, 1897, at Tyler, Texas, Edric Evans, the
infant son of Bro. and Sister P. Z. Barton.
Little Evans, as we were wont to call him, was a child of premature
devotion; and while we were allowed to see his innocent face and hear his voice
only for the short space of sixteen months, he was a favorite with both old and
young, and was almost idolized by his fond parents.
God alone can heal the wound inflicted by this stroke of his providence.
The grief-stricken parents may remember that "the Lord is good, and
he knoweth them that fear him." Although
their darling has been snatched from their embrace, they may still see the
little hands beckoning them to a better world, where they shall soon meet their
little one, who is safe in the arms of Him who said, "Suffer little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of
heaven."
A FRIEND.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 20, 1898, p. 13, c. 3
Perkins—Harris.—At the home of the bride's daughter, near Lindale,
smith County, Texas, at 11:30 a.m., January 9, 1898, Mr. J. Perkins and Mrs.
Sallie Harris; Rev. W. F. Mayne officiating.
Harvill—tucker.—At the residence of the bride's father, near Lindale,
Smith County, Texas, at 8:30 p.m., January 9, 1898, Mr. N. A. Harvill and Miss
Winnie Tucker; Rev. W. F. Mayne officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 17, 1898, p. 3, c. 4
TYLER CIRCUIT.
G. W. Riley, Jan. 7: We
spent the Christmas holidays pleasantly at Lindale.
Were remembered substantially by some of the country members with whom we
had spent three years, and now must part. On
the last day of the old year we moved to Tyler, into a rented house for
parsonage for Tyler Circuit. We are
comfortably housed, and supplies are rolling in from the circuit. Sunday was a cold day, but good congregations greeted the new
preacher at Starrville and Antioch. We
are entering upon our twentieth itinerant year; may it be a year of great grace
and good results. Our past year was
fruitful in the largest net increase in membership since coming to East Texas.
May the present surpass it.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 17, 1898, p. 3, c. 2
WHITE HOUSE
M. I. Brown, Feb. 2: We have
made one round on our new charge. The
weather has been favorable, and we have met a creditable congregation at every
appointment. We rejoice that a good
feeling has been manifested in our services.
Our people seem to be warm-hearted and appreciative.
They know how to make a boy preacher feel free and happy.
We feel the responsibility of feeding and leading this large flock of
God. May the Spirit of our God help
us to realize the importance of being wise and harmless.
We have set to work reorganizing Sunday-schools, and are pulling up some
on that line. We pray that this may be a revival year, of light, and peace,
and salvation, throughout our entire borders.
A revival at every appointment should be the battle cry of the pastors,
and consequently of the Church at large, this year, or, rather, the burden of
earnest, daily prayer.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 17, 1898, p. 2, c. 3
At the Methodist Church, in Omen, Texas, February 13, 1898, at 8:30 p.m.,
Mr. J. A. Bullock and Miss Lelia Hamilton, Rev. S. N. Allen officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 17, 1898, p. 14, c. 1
HAM.—Maggie Urey, infant daughter of James and Minnie Ham, was born
November 10, 1896, and died December 10, 1897, in Hutchins, Texas, where she had
been carried for her health. May
heaven bless and comfort the bereaved ones.
May they realize that she is not dead, but lives in another and a better
world with Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and
forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
DRUE DUNCAN.
Bullard, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 17, 1898, p. 20, c. 2
WILEY.—Charles T. Wiley was born in Alabama, December 4, 1837; removed
to Smith County, Texas, in 1849, and died at his home, ten miles north from
Tyler, February 16, 1898. Bro.
Wiley was converted and joined the Southern Methodist Church early in life, and
was one of the best and noblest stewards in the Church until death.
He was a safe counselor and leader in all the public interests of the
community in which he lived. Truly
a good man has gone from among us to the spirit world.
G. W. RILEY.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 17, 1898, p. 20, c. 4
FINLEY.—The subject of this sketch, Mary Hawkins (Cole) Finley,
daughter of Richard and Sarah Cole, and wife of Rev. R. S. Finley, was born in
Lafayette County, Alabama, October 13, 1817, and departed this life in Tyler,
Texas, March 5, 1898, being eighty years, four months and sixteen days old.
At the age of fifteen she professed religion and joined the Methodist
church, in which she lived till the last. She
was greatly devoted to her Church, one of her last requests being that her dues
to the missionary society and her subscription to the missionary papers should
be kept up. At the age of twenty
she married Rev. R. S. Finley, who is now eighty-two years old, and a
superannuated member of the East Texas Conference.
During the days of her husband's active ministry she was a great help to
him. Having graduated at a good
school in North Carolina before she was married, she was competent to teach,
which she did when her husband's salary was meager.
In one town in Alabama Bro. Finley got just enough for his preaching to
pay their house rent, but at the end of the year she had money enough to buy a
negro. By industry and economy they
accumulated a little fortune, but it consisted largely in negroes and was swept
away by the war. Of this she did
not complain, but in the struggle for support stood bravely by her husband, who
for a time took up the practice of medicine.
Some time after the war he went again into the itinerant ministry.
When age required him to superannuate he was in comparatively easy
circumstances, for he had again accumulated a competency; but in an evil hour he
invested his money in bank stock and lost it all.
Through this severe trial in their old age Sister Finley passed with her
usual heroism. She stood by her
husband, who seemed physically weaker than she, like a ministering angel.
When she was taken with her last illness she seemed more concerned about
her husband than herself. perhaps
the last intelligent act she performed was to put a bed spread over him. She came as near filling Solomon's description of a model
woman (Prov. 31) as any the writer ever saw.
She was the mother of eleven children, nine of whom she raised to be
grown, eight are living still. She
was justly proud of her large family, and their children arise up and call her
blessed. On the 21st of
last August the citizens of Tyler gave her and her husband a reception at Marvin
Church, that being the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage.
The affair was a credit to them and showed how highly they are
appreciated where they have lived so long.
A noble specimen of the noble old type of Southern ladies has been taken
from us. Her end was peaceful.
She went to heaven while her friends were singing, "How Firm a
Foundation." In the language
of Dr. McFerrin, she sent a message to my wife that is equally appropriate for
us all—"you know where to find me."
B. H. GREATHOUSE.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 24, 1898, p. 8, c. 4
Dr. R. S. Finley, of the East Texas Conference, is visiting his son,
Judge Finley, in Dallas, at the present time.
The Doctor is quite feeble, and much pained on account of the loss of his
estimable wife. He is a noble
veteran, whom all Texas delights to honor.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 21, 1898, p. 5, c. 3
TROUPE AND OVERTON CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, April 18: The
second Quarterly Conference for this circuit is a thing of the past. It met the 16th at Omen, with our presiding elder
in the chair. Finances short, but
we are hopeful. Every appointment
represented but one. Our presiding
elder, Bro. Adams, did us good with his sermons.
God bless Bro. Adams. We
serve a good people and when we think of the fact that we will have to leave
them we are sad. We have learned to
love these people so much. We are
trying to do all the good we can. We
want to hold a meeting at Troupe next month.
Would ask all the readers of our grand old Advocate to pray for our
success.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 21, 1898, p. 5, c. 2
LINDALE.
A Member, April 12: The last
session of our conference, which met at Palestine, saw fit to send us for our
pastor Bro. J. W. Bridges. He and
wife arrived soon after conference, and went direct to the parsonage, and was
soon ready for his work. He went to
work in earnest, preaching and visiting the members of his Church. the result of his labors to date is already seen in the large
increase of his congregations at every service. He is both a good preacher and a good pastor.
Every service is a spiritual feast to all who attend.
Our first Quarterly Conference has past.
The stewards made a liberal assessment for our pastor, and paid about
one-fourth of his salary. We are
pressing onward and upward, and expect our pastor to be able to make a full
report on all lines at the end of our conference year.
Our church was beautifully decorated for Easter services by the good
ladies of our Church, and the sermon delivered by our pastor at 11 o'clock was
indeed an eloquent and soul-stirring sermon.
We are praying for and expecting a great revival at Lindale this year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 5, 1898, p. 5, c. 3
Tyler
population 10,000
Baptist societies 2, Baptist members 640; Methodist
societies 2, Methodist members
802; plurality 192.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 5, 1898, p. 7, c. 1
Negro College—This is an enterprise started in the city of Tyler,
Texas, under the auspices of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in Texas.
Rev. C. F. Moore is its Commissioner and Secretary.
All the late conferences of the M. E. church, south, in the State, were
visited by colored representatives of this institution.
Calls for money were made, eliciting noble responses.
Pivoted on the success of this college depends much of the hope for
ennobling the colored race in Texas. It
deserves our sympathy. Its
promoters ought to, and must have, the hearty co-operation of the M. E. Church,
South, in Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 5, 1898, p. 7, c. 1
East Texas—The best charge is the Central Church in Tyler—pays $2000;
Tyler District, best—pays $1405. Tyler
Mission, least—pays $100; Beaumont District, least. pays $779.40.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 19, 1898, p. 14, c. 3
SWINNEY.—Sister Dora Swinney was born March 5, 1858, in McNairy County,
Tennessee, and came with her parents to Texas the same year and settled near old
Bascom Chapel, seven miles southeast of Tyler, Smith County, Texas. She was the daughter of Uncle Caleb and Aunt Elizabeth Smith,
who are well known and faithful members of the East Texas Conference.
Sister Swinney was converted under the ministry of Bro. John S. Mathis
when she was twelve years old and joined the M. E. Church, South, at old Bascom,
where she held her membership until she was called to the Church triumphant.
She departed this life March 17, 1898.
Sister Swinney loved her Church and took great pains in training her
children in Sabbath-school work and to love the Church and her ministry.
Her house was a home indeed for any and all of the preachers.
Sister Swinney was truly a servant of the Master, of the Church and its
ministry until the Lord said: "It
is enough; come up higher." She
now rests from her labors and her works are now following her.
T. B. VINSON.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 26, 1898, p. 6, c. 2-4
REV. ROBERT SMITH FINLEY, D. D.
Robert Smith Finley, son of James and Keziah Finley, was born in
Jefferson Finley, was born in Jefferson County, Alabama, February 28, 1816, but
was principally reared in Green County. He
was the sixth son of a family of six sons and four daughters. In a brief autobiography that I have before me he says of his
father that "he was a man of fine sense and mature judgment;" and of
his mother that "she was a true wife and faithful mother."
His early educational and religious advantages were quite meager, but he
became a man of broad information and extensive reading.
His wife, who enjoyed superior educational advantages for her day and
sex, was quite helpful to her husband in his literary achievements.
From his own pen we learn that his father was well advanced in years
before the introduction of religion into the family. The diary recites that an older brother of the subject of
this sketch, Hugh Montgomery Finley, was converted at a camp-meeting and became
a missionary to the family, leading all to Christ and into the Church.
This brother soon after became a most promising preacher, but died early.
Dr. Finley was converted in
the fifteenth year of his age. In
his twentieth year was licensed to preach, and the same year, 1836, entered the
Alabama Conference of the M. E. Church, South—with which he became identified
from its inception. Before me lie his license to preach and credentials for
deacon's and elder's orders, all well preserved, but somewhat faded from the
lapse of three score years. The
license to preach, under date of June 10, 1836, bears to the writer the familiar
signature of Asbury H. Shanks, an eminent minister and lawyer, as he knew him on
his first pastoral charge at Rusk. The
deacon's orders are signed by Bishop Thomas A. Morris, January 6, 1839; the
elder's orders bear the familiar signature of Bishop James O. Andrew, whose name
is affixed to the ordination papers of the writer, and among the last ever
issued from his hand, as he retired from the active duties of the episcopacy the
following spring, April, 1866. Dr.
Finley was a man of fine physique, nearly six feet in height, of symmetrical
build, weighing about 170 pounds, with a clarion voice, and passionately fond of
singing and preaching. He was a man
of easy, dignified manner and flowing speech, rising to the sublime and reveling
in a flame of gospel light and power. His
preaching was topical rather than exegetical.
A man of ardent temperament, warm, personal friendships, but not
universal in his attachments. For
eighteen years he served in the Alabama Conference, filling prominent positions.
In that conference he was associated with H. N. McTyeire and J. C.
Keener, afterwards Bishops; also T. O. Summers and P. P. Neely.
In 1854 he was transferred to the East Texas Conference, and in this
conference he served to the time of his death, excepting three years in the
Trinity—now North Texas—Conference, and a few years during and immediately
after the war, when he had no pastoral charge, and one year was local.
In his conference he was ever a conspicuous figure, guiding in its
deliberations and filling the most important charges as presiding elder of
Palestine, Rusk, Marshall and Tyler Districts, and pastor of Palestine,
Marshall, Jefferson and Tyler Stations. His
diary shows that he took charge of the Marshall Station in 1869 . . . Three
times he represented his Church and conference in the General Conference; was
President of the Joint Board of Publication of the Texas Christian Advocate, an
associate editor and able contributor to its columns; was President of the Board
of Curators of the Southwestern University, and from this institution received
the well-deserved degree of Doctor of Divinity.
Rich and ripe in years, in honors, in grace, and in usefulness, he
followed in quick succession to the glory world his companion and counterpart,
the helpmeet and stay of his life, who, under God, was largely the secret of his
success and usefulness. Of her let
him speak for himself, in his just estimate of her worth: "I have never
doubted that God, in answer to prayer, gave me Mary Hawkins Cole to be my wife.
If my career of forty-four years in the ministry (at the time of that
writing, but over sixty at the time of their deaths occurring just fifty-one
days apart) has been successful, much of the credit is due her.
Her fine, cultivated mind, financial skill, untiring industry, profound
piety, and never-failing devotion to her husband and his ministerial work, made
home a paradise and labor recreation."
He further adds: "Our
religion has been an undergirding arm of power, on which we have leaned and
found comfort and safety." On
the 21st of August last they celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of
their marriage—their "ruby wedding."
United in life, they were not long separated in death.
On the 5th of last March she entered into rest, and with
impressive services and loving hands was laid away in the Tyler Cemetery.
The stricken husband was brought by his son, Judge N. W. Finley, to his
home in Dallas, where he received every kindly attention that love could bestow.
To the writer and his wife it was a privilege and benediction to visit
their venerated friend in his closing days.
Bowed under his recent sorrow, when told that the separation would not be
long, he said, with much emotion: "And
I don't care how short it shall be." The
most precious season was in having prayer with him, when, not as aforetime, but
with faint voice, flushed cheek and streaming eyes, he once more gave vent to
his old-time familiar note of triumph, "Hallelujah!" which had so
often rung out in his extatic [sic] moods, and with electric effect upon his
congregations. In a few days he
entered the sleep of death, terminating his eventful life on the 25th
of April, 1898, and was carried by his children to Tyler for interment, and with
imposing and impressive services, in which the pastor, B. H. Greathouse, Bros.
Mitchell, Timmons, Fowler and Irving (of the C. P. Church) participated, he was
affectionately laid to rest beside his loving, faithful wife.
And well may we say,
"Servant of God, well done,
Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy master's joy."
In his last illness he was attended by many ministerial brethren, Bros.
Rankin, Hughes, Thompson, Cummins, the writer and other friends and members of
his immediate family. He leaves
eight children and about seventy-five grand and great-grandchildren, with a
legacy, not of gold, but, what is far better, a good name, well-spent life and
bright hope of heaven. It was his
joy to see his children all settled in life—some filling conspicuous positions
and all striving for heaven. May
the ascended patriarch draw Godward and heavenward his numerous family and
friends.
JOHN H. M'LEAN.
Dallas, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 26, 1898, p. 14, c. 3
WARD.—D. E. S. Ward (nee Holcomb.)
Sister Ward was born in St. Clair County, Illinois, August 20, 1820. Her parents moved to Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, in 1821.
She was married to C. P. Ward in 1838.
She united with the Church when young.
She has a husband and two children who preceded her to the better land.
She leaves one son, J. F. Ward, six grandchildren and one
great-grandchild to mourn their loss. Her
house was the home of weary itinerant preachers as well as others.
Mother Ward was a good woman; served her generation according to the will
of God. Lord, she was thine and not
my own. Thou hast not done me
wrong. I thank thee for my mother
thou has blessed me with so long. We
will meet over the river by and by. Mother
Ward died May 10, 1898.
S. N. ALLEN, P. C.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 9, 1898, p. 4, c. 1
TROUPE AND OVERTON CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, June 1: We are still in the ring on Troupe and Overton Circuit. We began a meeting the first Sabbath in May; ran three weeks; results, ten converted, four joined our Church. The Church was greatly revived. Bros. C. W. Cross, of Mineola, and J. G. Pollard, of Henderson Circuit, were with me the first week and did us good with their able preaching. The second week we had Rev. R. H. H. Burnett, of Oak Cliff, who did us good work. The third week we had Rev. J. C. Carr, of Kilgore, who did us some of his very best preaching, and did us good. Many thanks to all of these brethren for their able work. Rev. M. I. Brown, of Whitehouse Circuit, came over and did us good by helping in the singing and praying. We are moving on very well on this work. Our good women of the Home Mission and Parsonage Society showed their appreciation for the meeting by giving us a good pounding during the meeting, which was greatly appreciated. Some preacher will get a good people as his pastorate next year, as the law won't let this scribe stay any longer with them. May they get a better preacher than the one they have now. We hope to have a good year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 14, 1898, p. 16, c. 2
TYLER.
W. W. McAnally, July 8: During
our stay among the Cedar Street people we have been kindly remembered by them in
the way of poundings more than once, besides many helpful little donations from
time to time; and on the night of the 6th inst. the climax was
reached. soon after dark we heard
the rumbling of little wagons, and saw a large crowd of men, women and children
advancing, and to our satisfaction we learned from the laughter that no harm was
meant. They appeared to need no
reception, but marched right in, took possession of the dining-room, unloaded
and returned into the front rooms and porch, where we all enjoyed a social hour.
We then assembled again, read God's Word, and bowed together in humble
prayer. When all were gone, we
found the supply almost if not quite complete, from a cake of soap to a sack of
flour and large ham, and still it comes in.
For all these things we are thankful indeed, and hope to be able to more
successfully minister to them in holy things.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 21, 1898, p. 2, c. 4
UNCLE DICK AT ATHENS AND TYLER.
The Tyler District Conference was very interesting.
We did not approve all that was done nor the manner of doing.
One man was licensed to preach who had been expelled from the Church for
gross immorality not two years before. There
was no question as to his guilt. This
he admits, and everybody knows. Now
to relicense such a man is undoing all that the Annual Conference did.
The District conference becomes a court of appeals—a court higher than
the Annual Conference—and reverses what the Annual Conference did.
This can not be right. Really
it is questionable whether a preacher should ever be restored to ministerial
position who has deliberately practiced immorality and at the same time kept up
his ministerial work. Will not some
of our preachers write on this subject? Why
not Dr. Pierce? The man spoken of
was elected by a very small majority.
Bro. Adams, presiding elder, and Bro. Pledger, preacher in charge, gave
the Orphanage the right of way, and the people gave us a patient hearing, and
the preachers listened to us as though they never heard our song before.
The collection was not large but creditable.
Bro. Greathouse allowed us to go to Tyler and occupy his pulpit on
Sunday. the congregation was not as
large as common, they say, and the Sunday-school was only moderate in size.
They have a splendid church building, but, alas!
it is about to pass into other hands, and it is likely to be a total loss
to our people. Why not mend past
blunders by buying this house again?
We asked the people to help the orphan children, but they are so
discouraged about home affairs or something else that the collection was very
small. It may be that I failed to
present the matter in a proper light.
We were glad to see the cheerful face of Dr. Mitchell and wife in the
congregation. May God permit them
to live long and bless the Church. Dr.
Shuford, Bro. Cherry and his good wife gave us a hearty welcome to their happy
home. These are friends of thirty
years' standing. They are true and
tried. Many old friends greeted us
and gave us words of cheer. Home
again. Thank God for a home!
R. W. THOMPSON.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 18, 1898, p. 5, c. 1
TROUPE AND OVERTON CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, August 13: We are moving on very nicely on this work; have
held four meetings, with considerable success; have had about thirty to profess
conversion; twenty-six have joined our Church up to date.
Our third Quarterly Conference just passed; had a good time in the Lord.
Our presiding elder was on hand as usual, preaching with power.
It seems to me that dear Bro. John Adams preaches with as much power as
ever. He will do for the place he
now fills for several years yet unless he fails very rapidly.
Finances a little low, but the good brethren say they will come up all
right. The good Lord has greatly
blessed us this year with a good crop. This
is our last year on Troupe and Overton Circuit.
Some preacher will get as good people as he ever served.
May the good Lord and the cabinet send them the right man in the right
place. There are some things to
contend with, but that right man can meet them easy enough if he will have the
grit.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 18, 1898, p. 14, c. 1
BUTLER.—Dr. S. L. Butler was born in Harrougate, Ala., April 13, 1851.
He came to Texas with his father at the age of ten years.
He graduated at Tulane University in 1874, and began the practice of
medicine in White House in the fall of 1874; was married to Miss Lucy Lee,
December 10, 1874; moved to Bullard in 1889, and practiced there one year, after
which he moved to Omen, where he lived until he moved to Troupe in 1892, and
died July 18, 1898. He leaves a
wife and six children, one brother and one sister and a host of friends to mourn
his departure. A good man is gone.
He gave God his heart in 1874. He
stood by his preacher and Church. He
often expressed himself during his illness in language like this:
"My soul is growing fat in the Lord."
The Church has lost a good member, the community a good man and physician
and citizen, the family a kind father and husband, but we will look up.
He is not gone forever. We
will see him again. He awaits us
over the river.
S. N. ALLEN, P. C.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 18, 1898, p. 14, c. 1
KILLION.—Died May 24, 1898, P. T. Killion at the home of his youngest
son, Milton, aged seventy-six. He
was born in Blount County, Ala.; came to Texas at nine years of age; lived in
Anderson County, where his father was killed by the Indians.
He leaves six children and several grandchildren to mourn their loss.
All his children are members of the Methodist Church, the Church he loved
so well, having been a consistent member fifty-six years.
He died as he lived, in love with all men and his Redeemer.
His last conscious words were to the audience at a prayer-meeting just a
short time before his death, and as he approached the chilly waters of death his
face lit up with a heavenly smile, and he requested all who would meet him in
heaven to give him their hand. Saint
and sinner responded. I never saw a
more impressive scene. He was
interred at Liberty Hill Cemetery. His
grave was left covered by flowers brought by the little children.
Oh! how sad to part with him
for a short time, but we will meet all after awhile.
By one who loved him and nursed him.
C. D. SMITH.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 8, 1898, p. 4, c. 2
LINDALE CIRCUIT.
J. W. Bridges, September 3: Our
protracted meeting season has passed, and while the results were not what we
desired, yet we feel that much good has been done in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Church is in a better condition than it was before the meetings were
held. We were assisted in our
meetings by Revs. W. W. McAnally, b. H. Greathouse, B. C. Ansley, C. H. Smith,
W. F. Mayne and A. G. Scruggs. All of the brethren did faithful work, and we now extend to
them our thanks and gratitude. During
the year nineteen have professed conversion and fifteen have joined our Church
by letter and profession of faith. We
are very pleasantly situated at Lindale. The work is a pleasant one to serve and
if the Bishop says so, we will return here another year. We expect to go to conference with everything paid in full.
WHITE HOUSE CIRCUIT.
M. I. Brown, September 5: I
have just closed my round of protracted meetings.
The revival season has been an occasion of joy and profit to us.
We have had some very successful meetings.
About one hundred persons have been converted and reclaimed, with
sixty-two accessions to the Church. we
think others will join the Church soon. A
considerable per cent of the membership has been greatly revived and is in a
better working condition than ever before.
We think permanent advancement has been made on most lines.
So we predict better days for White House charge in the future.
A great many good people live in the bounds of this charge.
By their kindness to us they have won our affections.
Several of the preachers of this district have been very kind to us in
assisting us in our meetings. They
have our sincere thanks. We shall
never forget them.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 8, 1898, p. 4, c. 1
G. W. Riley, September 3: Last
night I closed my last of seven meetings for the seven Churches of Tyler Circuit
in seven consecutive weeks; had the efficient help of A. Little five days, B. H.
Greathouse two days and W. W. McAnally two days, besides the presiding elder and
local preachers have been helpful to the work. Results: A good
revival in every Church except Starrville, and there to some extent, with about
thirty-five conversions in all, and good progress made on the collections.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 22, 1898, p. 14, c. 2-3
DOROUGH.—Robert Toombs Dorough was born in Oglethorpe County, State of
Georgia, march 18, 1839, and died in Tyler, Texas, July, 1898.
From date of his birth to date of his death, what stirring scenes, what
mighty events occurred! The
tremendous issues involved were both national and religious. The results growing out of these issues entered into
individual and home life, wrecking or building up each according as the grace of
God was used or not used. Looking
back over the past, we recall some who went down in the awful struggle that
tried men's souls. We recall also
many whom nothing could slake from their steadfast purpose.
They illustrate the possibilities of a human soul when the question is
settled to do right. The subject of
this obituary belongs to the latter class.
Bro. Dorough was a noble layman and served his day and generation with a
manly and earnest devotion. General
Robert Toombs, of Georgia, saw in him the strong-minded and splendid manhood,
though yet a youth, and sent him to college.
He remained in school with credit to himself, and would have completed
his collegiate course, but serious and continued sickness in his father's home
caused him to give up the fair prospect before him and return to care for the
family. To read of the devotion to
those dependent upon him is an inspiration.
The death of his father placed in his care four single sisters to be
educated. This he did by giving up
his own opportunity to complete his education, both in a military and literary
school. When the Civil War broke
out he was among the first to enlist; was elected Captain of his company, sent
to Virginia, and as one of Stonewall Jackson's men fought on from beginning
until Lee sheathed his sword at Appomattox.
At nineteen years of age he professed religion.
The devotion he had for home and country, he laid it upon the altar of
God and the Church. Here he never
flinched. When the war closed he
returned to his native State to find her cities burned, her fields laid waste,
and her sad and weary people well-nigh in hopeless despair.
Nothing deterred him. He
began at once to serve God and to build up his impoverished land.
In Carnesville, Ga., he commenced his work as an official in the Church.
In 1870 he moved to Tyler, Texas. The
first Sabbath after his arrival he united with the Church and was given an
official relation. For more than
twenty-seven years he was steward. Whatever
work the Church assigned him he did with his might.
It is worthy of note that his home was ever the home of the orphan,
relative and stranger alike. An
excellent lady, now married, says: "I lived in his home as an orphan for
eleven years, and ruing all that time he never spoke an unkind word to me."
A short time since while stepping from a moving train he received an
injury that resulted in his death. He
said to his oldest a son a few days before he died:
"I am hurt much worse than you all think; I shall never get well.
I am prepared to go." Thus
this noble Christian layman lived, and "he died well."
I was once his pastor. For
four years I served him and was quite intimate with him.
During that period, or since, I have never heard a word that would in any
way reflect on him as a member of the Church or a man of business.
He was a man of fine disposition—happy with his family and friends,
affable, placable and courteous in his manner.
He always appeared to me as a man who was right before God, and he knew
it. He was neither patronizing nor
apologetic, but transparent, modest and courageous. A stranger on meeting him would not possibly know his creed,
but would recognize him as a religious gentleman, courteous, punctual, generous.
If it be true that every man we met in some way mingles with our being
and modifies it, I see no reason why any man should regret having met Bro. R. T.
Dorough. But his work is done.
He has fallen on sleep. He
has ascended upon high. He is at
home at last. He leaves a wife and
several children to mourn their loss, but he has left them the heritage of a
good name. If they but follow
Christ as he followed him, "some sweet day" they will meet to part no
more.
D. F. C. TIMMONS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 22, 1898, p. 16, c. 1
AN APPEAL.
Dearly Beloved—At the last session of the East Texas Conference Rev. B.
H. Greathouse, pastor of Marvin M. E. Church, South, Tyler, Texas, requested the
conference to appoint a committee to visit Tyler for the purpose of looking into
the financial condition of said Church, and when, in their judgment, the
membership of Marvin Church had done their duty in trying to pay off the
indebtedness on the church, to make an appeal to the Methodists of Texas to help
save the building.
The building cost $60,000; something over $40,000 has been paid by the
people of Tyler. Immediately after
its erection three wealthy members died, and many others were completely wrecked
in the financial panic that soon followed, in which three banks and about forty
other businesses failed. When the
committee was appointed in December last the debt on the church amounted to
$21,435.94. In January it was sold
under execution and brought $9000. the
purchaser generously proposed to sell it back to us for what it cost her, which
was the amount she had held against the church, secured by first mortgage; but
we found that the Church could not buy the building back and hold it, for there
were other judgments hanging over it to the amount of $12,416.49, and this
amount it was impossible for the congregation to pay; so it seemed that this
great house was lost to Methodism. But
at this juncture our creditors, who held the judgments for $12,416.49, came to
our relief. Knowing the great
reverses that had overtaken the Church, they agreed to take 10 per cent for
their claim. Thus encouraged the
congregation made an effort to settle all the old debts and buy the church back.
They have succeeded in paying off the $12,416.49 old debts and have
bought the church and paid $1300 as first payment, leaving a balance of $7700
due. They are taking subscriptions
now and doing their best, but are unable to reach the end.
Your committee, after carefully looking into all the facts earnestly,
appeal to our friends for help, and sincerely hope that the members of our
united Methodism will not allow this great building to pass out of our hands
after our Tyler people have made such a heroic effort to save it.
D. F. C. TIMMONS,
O. P. THOMAS,
V. A. GODBEY.
Marshall, Texas, September 1, 1898.
Let the money be sent to Rev. Thos. R. Pierce, D. D., Dallas, Texas; or
Rev. B. H. Greathouse, Tyler,
Texas, and the amounts will be acknowledged in the Texas Christian Advocate.
COMMITTEE.
We take great pleasure in endorsing this appeal.
We believe that this is one of the times when a congregation in perilous
circumstances is justified in appealing for help to the Church at large.
But for unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances this extraordinary step
would not have been necessary. The
devotion and self-sacrifice of the Tyler Methodists deserve to be recognized.
The Methodists of Texas could render this assistance without even feeling
it, and we sincerely trust that they will do so.—Editor.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 22, 1898, p. 16, c. 1
TEXAS COLLEGE.
The illness of Mrs. Moore prevented me from giving a synopsis of our
Texas College project. Our building
is completed and ready to be furnished. Bro.
Mulkey has sent in $35.00, or so, to furnish a room.
Are there not others among the readers of the Advocate who will assist me
in furnishing fifteen of the rooms in Texas College?
Twenty-five dollars will furnish a room.
Those who furnish a room will have their names printed over the transom
of the door. Will not some minister
secure a sufficient amount from his congregation to furnish a room? If any one wishes to contribute to this furnishing fund, you
may send it to Dr. T. R. Pierce, Dallas, Texas.
We visited a few of the District Conferences of the great M. E. Church,
in Texas.
We met a warm reception at the Sulphur Springs District Conference.
Bro. Johnson introduced us to that great and good man, Dr. Fladger, the
gifted and efficient presiding elder. The
brethren and sisters donated $12.30.
Pittsburg was our next place. Bro.
Smith and his brethren secured for us and Texas College $6.25.
On to Athens we went. The
venerable and fatherly Dr. John Adams, presided in this the Tyler District
Conference. Drs. Greathouse, Mitchell and Bro. Adams made speeches in the
interest of Texas College. Bro.
Adams urged and urged again his people to take care of Texas College. Bro. Adams subscribed $5, to be paid October 1, 1898, on
furnishing rooms and dining-hall. His
people gave us $10.90.
The Paris District gave us, through Dr. Jamison, $17.
We have ordered the furniture to furnish the girls' dormitory.
We will need some assistance from the readers of the Advocate.
Our school will open on the 5th of October; boarding hall on
the 3d. We raised this summer about
$800.
C. F. MOORE,
Financial Agent Texas College, Texas Conference.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 13, 1898, p. 14, c. 3
SCOTT.—The subject of this sketch, Sister Parrilee Scott, whose maiden
name was McKinney, was born in Mississippi, October 24, 1867.
She was converted and joined the M. E. Church, South, at the age of
sixteen years; was married to R. A. Scott, of Saline County, Arkansas, February
19, 1888, and moved with her husband to Texas in 1892.
The writer knew her only a few weeks.
She was in the last stage of that fatal disease, consumption, when we
first met, but we learn she has lived a consistent Christian since she untied
with the Church; has been faithful to her Church vows, consequently to God and
man. The writer visited her
frequently during the short time she was with us.
She often requested us to sing and pray with her. I have never seen one
so perfectly submissive to the will of God.
A few days before she left us we were singing one of her favorite songs.
She could not speak above a whisper, but she tried to join us in singing,
and she desired strength to shout the praises of God.
W. C. STALLINGS.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 20, 1898, p. 13, c. 2
RICE.—The subject of this obituary notice, Mollie Rice, was born
September 28, 1858; passed into the great beyond July 29, 1898.
She was the wife of Ernest H. Rice, who resides near Chandler, in
Henderson County. She was married
to him on November 7, 1893. She was
the daughter of G. P. and M. A. Rowland, who live at Troupe, Texas.
Her death, no doubt, was a great relief to her, as she had been a
sufferer for quite a while from consumption.
She was a member of the Methodist church at Chandler, and was a devout
Christian. I visited her not long
before her departure, and found her confidently trusting God, and patiently
awaiting his will. During the
prayer service she became so happy that, notwithstanding her extreme weakness,
she could not refrain from rejoicing. Her
patience and happiness in severe affliction bears testimony to the sustaining
grace of Christ. She leaves behind
a weeping husband and a bright little girl, Adda.
Among her last words were: "Good
bye; meet me in heaven, and take good care of my babe."
M. I. BROWN, p. c.
Flint, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 27, 1898, p. 13, c. 4
GOUGH.—The subject of this sketch, George Gough, was born in England,
October 30, 1836, came to America in 1852.
He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Hobson, of Salem, Iowa, July 9,
1879. He was converted in early
manhood and joined the Baptist Church. After
his marriage he attended the Quaker Church with wife for some years.
He moved to Tyler in the latter part of 1897, and became a faithful
attendant upon the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Liberty
Hill, two miles east of Tyler. He
seemed to enjoy the services of the Church very much.
Some of his children were converted and joined the Church at our revival
meeting at Liberty Hill last summer, which seemed to afford him great joy. He seemed to be conscious that his end was drawing near some
weeks before it came, and asked his family not to be troubled about him.
A few days before his departure, which occurred September 26, 1898, in
family prayer he earnestly committed his wife and seven children to the care of
a kind providence.
M. I. BROWN.
Flint, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 3, 1898, p. 13, c. 3
Butler—Henry.—At the home of the groom's mother, October 19, 1898,
Mr. Thad Butler and Miss Mattie Henry, both of Troupe, Rev. S. N. Allen
officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 17, 1898, p. 5, c. 2
TROUPE AND OVERTON CIRCUIT
S. N. Allen, P. C., Nov. 8: Our
fourth quarterly meeting for Troupe and Overton Circuit for our fourth year is a
thing of the past. Our presiding
elder was on hand, in the Spirit, and did us good with his great sermons.
We had a good Quarterly Conference.
The charge is [sic] We are
happy to believe that we will pay out by conference.
Our collections nearly all in sight, we think.
We are happy to believe that we will report out, or nearly so, at least.
We are sad when we think of leaving this people, we have learned to love
them so much. God bless this good
people. Dome preacher will get as
good people to serve as the Lord's sun ever shone on.
I will meet many of them in heaven.
When we serve a good people four years and learn to love them, and have
to leave them, it makes us more determined to get to heaven, so we can meet them
where partings will never come. It
matters not where they send us, our prayers will remain with this people, while
we go determined to love another people. I
feel very happy to-day, because I feel that I am in the hands of the Lord.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 17, 1898, p. 14, c. 1
SCOTT.—Little Fred Scott, son of S. B. and Mary Scott, died at his home
at Tyler, Texas. He came and
brightened the home for four years and then went away.
He was always delighted to attend Church and Sunday-school.
He was of an inquiring disposition, loved to talk about God and heaven.
This he did as he neared death. He
asked his mamma many questions about being good and going to heaven. He was baptized at the age of ten months by his now sainted
grandfather, Rev. Patrick Scott. Sam
and Mary, don't weep for Freddie. He
is waiting at heaven's gate for you. Former
pastor,
W. M. LANE.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1898, p. 2, c. 1
Dr. John Adams is the venerable sub-Bishop of Tyler.
Though advanced in years he is a well-preserved man and wears a face of
freshness and intelligence. He has
evidently rendered the Church long and valuable service, and he is good for
years to come. He is possessed of a
fine mind, and affable spirit and a temperament of remarkable buoyancy.
He is one of the leading men of the conference—and to know him is to
love him. There is about him a
benignity of expression and a modesty of deportment that command the respect and
love of all the brethren.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1898, p. 3, c. 2
B. H. Greathouse has shown fine ability in his management of the Church
at Tyler. He is not a handsome man;
in fact, he is otherwise, but back of that rugged face there is a bright,
penetrating mind replete with resources. He
is one of the very best preachers in the conference and the brethren love him.
W. W. McAnally is rather a small man, with dark hair and complexion, and
with a mouth reminding one of the late Dr. D. R. McAnally, the great preacher
and journalist, of whom this brother is a distant relative.
He is a good man, full of faith and good works.
V. A. Godbey comes of a brainy family, and he has inherited much of that
gray matter from ancestry. Physically,
he is well built, strong and muscular. He
has a large and a well-poised head, fronted with a face of rare excellence and
gentility. His voice is deep-toned
and musical. He is said to be a
preacher of more than ordinary gifts and grace, and if he continues studious and
humble, he has before him a future of rich promise.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1898, p. 3, c. 1
D. F. C. Timmons was late getting to conference on account of sickness in
his family. He is a man rather low
of stature, heavy build, with a kindly face and a genial manner.
He is an edifying preacher and one of the most painstaking pastors in the
conference. He is a popular member
of the body.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1898, p. 4, c. 3
TYLER DISTRICT.
John Adams, P. E.
Tyler Marvin—B. H. Greathouse.
Cedar Street and St. Paul's—C. H. Smith.
Tyler Circuit—S. N. Allen.
Lindale—J. W. Bridges.
Mineola Station—C. B. Cross.
Emory—W. A. Manley.
Golden Mission—W. M. Foster, supply.
Grand Saline—W. F. Hardy.
Wills Point Station—Albert Little.
Wills Point Mission—Jesse Willis.
Canton—F. A. Downs.
Edom—T. B. Vinson.
Malakoff—A. A. Kidd, and one to be supplied by D. F.
Pulley.
Athens Station—L. A. Webb.
New York Circuit—P. R. White.
Troupe and Overton—W. J. Owens.
White House—B. C Ansley, supply.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1898, p. 5, c. 1-2
Report of the
Committee on Spiritual State of the Church to the
Bishop and Members
of the East Texas Conference
. . .
8. In that intense
spirituality so necessary to convert men from sin to a life of holiness, it is
very generally thought that we have suffered a decline.
It is to be feared this opinion is in a measure correct.
This would seem to be true from the small increase in numbers for the
last few years.
1. This decline in spiritual
power is thought by some to be due to an inordinate desire for numbers, leading
pastors to admit into the Church scores of unconverted persons.
It is to be feared there is some truth in this position.
2. It is charged by some to
evangelism. This is hardly true,
for it is this that called for the evangelist.
He came, but found himself unequal to the task of restoring spirituality
to the Church. He rather increased
the evil.
3. It is thought by some to
be due to the discussion of holiness. This
is hardly true, because this decline existed prior to such discussion, and
likely helped to bring on such discussion.
4. It is thought by some to
be due to the want of discipline. this
is hardly true, because it is the very cause of such want of discipline and
renders discipline impossible.
5. It is thought by some to
be due to rings and parties, especially among ministers.
This cannot be true, because all rings and parties in Church circles are
bred by this very low state of spirituality.
The truly spiritual man neither forms rings nor joins such when formed.
6. It is thought by some to
be due to the want of faithfully preaching the cardinal doctrines of the Bible.
But, in the judgment of your committee these were never more faithfully
preached than now.
7. We are inclined to the
opinion that the one cause at the base of this decline is the strong tendency to
confound religion and morality and make them one and the same.
This leads to discount a clear-cut and well-defined conversion, and
leaves the doctrine of the new birth without meaning.
Without this doctrine Methodism has no power, no life, no right to live.
In addition to this, or grow in out of this, is that superficial theology
that relatively magnifies the love of God and dwarfs his justice.
A God who loves so much that he cannot be just will never control men. To this again add the widely circulated belief in a future
probation. If men believe they can
become holy in another life they are almost sure not to be holy in this life.
What is called higher criticism, whether true or untrue, has for the
present no good influence on spiritual life.
These views are widely circulated and much read.
I. ALEXANDER.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 22, 1898, p. 11, c. 1-2
TYLER—CEDAR STREET SUNDAY-SCHOOL
Inclosed [sic] you will find list of the little children of Cedar Street
Sunday-school, who so cheerfully gave for the Orphanage last Sunday, the amount
being $2.69, which I turned over to the preacher in charge.
After a short talk on the duty of giving, I requested each of the little
children to give me 10 cents, or any amount they could give, for the Orphanage,
promising them that I would take each one's name and amount and send it to the
Christian Advocate for publication. When
I told them that I would have it published, they were so well pleased over it
that we could hardly take names and amounts down fast enough.
If you will be kind enough to publish the names and amount on the list I
send you, I think it will encourage them a great deal.
Class No. 6—Minnie Long, $1; Tom High, 10c; Hellen High, 10c; Herbert
Johnson, 10c; Pearl Riley, 10c;
Jennie Bain, 10c; Nettie Wellons, 1c; Mabel Wellons, 1c; Walker Richardson, 10c;
Clay Richardson, 10c; Lonnie Rivers, 10c; Oral Rivers, 10c; Graddie Thomson, 5c;
Baldwin Campbell, 5c; Leta Moore, 10c; Irene Moore, 10c; Bertie McMuray, 5c;
Merton Braddy, 2c. Total, $2.29.
Class No. 3—Mattie Johnson, 10c; Minnie Bartholomew, 10c; Nannie Jones,
10c; Winnie Moore, 10c. Total, 40c.
S. S. SUPERINTENDENT.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 5, 1899, p. 12, c. 3
TROUPE AND OVERTON.
W. J. Owens, Dec. 28: After
a pleasant and profitable stay of three years with the good people of New Boston
we were sent to the Troupe and Overton work, where Rev. S. N. Allen has been
pastor for four years and is still in the hearts of this people. Wife and I
reached here the 23d instant, and as our household goods had preceded us we
moved at once into the parsonage. Yesterday
evening, after a very kind and pressing invitation, we took supper with Rev. H.
B. Urquhart, one of our local preachers, and his family.
After supper, which was sufficient for a king, Bro. Urquhart remarked
that he had an appointment which required his attention, and very politely
excused himself, stating, however, that as he was going in the direction of the
parsonage we could go together. when
we got in sight of the parsonage we saw that it was all lighted up, rooms full
of people, who were singing praises to the Lord.
We were ushered in, introduced, taken to the dining room, where the table
was loaded with many good things in the way of eatables too numerous to mention
here. Bro. Urquhart, with well
chosen words and in his princely way of doing things, made a speech of welcome.
We then engaged in prayer. The
affair was very social, pleasant and profitable.
These are noble people. Surely
our lines have fallen in pleasant places. Our
reception has been hearty and cordial. May
the Lord bless our labors this conference year.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 12, 1899, p. 13, c. 2
WHITE HOUSE CIRCUIT.
B. C. Ansley, Jan. 4: After
a trip of forty miles by wagon we arrived just at 12 o'clock and were kindly
received; found a good, warm dinner awaiting just across the street from the
parsonage, and while unloading and straightening out things after dinner were
invited by another good sister to take supper, and on the evening of the next
day it began to rain, and such a shower we had not seen for a long time.
It rained sugar, coffee, beans, soda, pickles, potatoes, milk, sausage,
flour and other things, so that this preacher and family are now living on the
fat of the land. I hear nothing but
good of our predecessors, which makes us hope to have a pleasant and profitable
year. These people will stand by
their pastor. I am just home from
my first appointment in the work, which was at Chandler and Noonday.
Had very good congregations at both places, notwithstanding the weather
was very cold. Came home with $5 in
my pocket, which was needed and appreciated.
We like our new home. There
are a great many on the Grand Saline work we have learned to love and hope to
see again. We hope if any of them
look upon these lines they will not forget to pray the good Lord's blessings on
me and my work. I intend to do all
I can for the Advocate, and I find it to be the best help one can get where
properly distributed among the people. Would
it were in every Methodist home in Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 12, 1899, p. 14, c. 2
OGLESBY.—Octie Velu, daughter of Bro. and Sister S. C. Oglesby, was
born January 6, 1888, and died at their home in Flint, Texas, November 12, 1898.
She was a sweet-spirited, intelligent child, insomuch that to know her
was to love her. Strange God would
take such tenderness and innocency away from us! Yet the Lord doeth all things
well. He who can patiently wait and
say, "Thy will be done," will meet loved ones in the sinless summer
land. Little Lula, as she was
called, was the idol of her father's home.
She was greatly loved by her little schoolmates, as was shown by the way
her teacher and schoolmates attended her and carried her flowers during her
sickness. We would say to father,
mother, brothers and sisters, be faithful and one day you will meet little Lula
around the great white throne above.
A FRIEND.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 19, 1899, p. 5, c. 4
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Jan. 10: At the
last Annual Conference Bishop Galloway read me out for this circuit, as I could
not go back to Troupe and Overton Circuit any more; so I am in the parsonage at
Tyler; haven't got round yet, but have met a great many of the brethren at our
first quarterly meeting which met last Saturday, the 7th instant.
Had a good quarterly meeting. They
put the new preacher's claim at $505. Every
Church was represented except one. We
are learning to love these people already.
They shake hands like they loved their preacher, and nothing makes a
preacher feel more thankful to the good Lord than to feel like his new people
are pleased with him. The Lord has
been very good to us always—bless his name.
We are expecting a good year and we know the Lord will give it to us if
we will do our duty. Oh, my
brethren, to your knees and let's have a revival at every appointment.
Our presiding elder, dear Bro. Adams, was on hand in the Spirit, and
preached Saturday, but said he thought the new preacher ought to preach Sunday
and give himself a send-off. This
was funny to the new preacher, but did the best we could under the
circumstances, and then Bro. Adams administered the sacrament, and we had a
good, religious time. May the good
Lord bless Tyler Circuit this year, is our constant prayer.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 2, 1899, p. 5, c. 3
LINDALE CIRCUIT.
J. W. Bridges, Jan. 24: We have been returned to this pleasant charge for the present conference year. When Bishop Galloway read us out for Lindale Circuit at the close of the conference at Beaumont, we felt like saying, "thank you, Bishop." The good people have received us back kindly. We have been pounded, for which we are truly thankful. The stewards met and made a liberal assessment for the pastor. The prospects for a successful year are good. We are praying for a revival at every appointment. The Tyler District Conference meets with the Church at Lindale this year. Come down, Mr. Editor, and you shall have a pleasant time. You are giving us a splendid paper. May God bless you in your work.
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen. Jan. 28:
This scribe and family were made glad by an approaching hack loaded with
good things from one of our Churches. The
brethren call it a pounding. Call
it what you please. It consisted of
ham, eggs, sausage and fruit (both dried and canned), potatoes and berry jam and
other good things. Such evidence of
love makes a preacher feel good. God
bless the good people of Tyler Circuit. By
the help of God we will do our best for this people.
We must have a revival at every appointment.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 2, 1899, p. 14, c. 3-4
FLYNT.—A. P. Flynt was born in Arkansas, December 7, 1855; moved with
his father to Texas in 1875, and settled in Smith County.
On June 7, 1883, he was married to Miss Mattie Campbell, with whom he
lived a happy life. He was
converted in a camp-meeting at Cove Springs, near Jacksonville, in 1884, and
soon after was baptized and received into the Church by Dr. Finley. Bro. Flynt was a truly noble man, loved and honored by the
people of his community and county. He
was successful in his business undertakings.
At the time of his death he had a lucrative mercantile business; was also
postmaster and railroad ticket agent at Flint.
He was an honest, trustworthy citizen, in whom the people placed much
confidence. He was an honorable
member of the Methodist Church at Flint, loved his Church and was true to its
vows. In him the pastor had a warm
supporter, the needy a ready helper. Oh!
how he will be missed! I was
his pastor last year. I noticed he
had a certain place in Church to sit. As
I preached he listened attentively; occasionally his countenance would glow and
tears would trickle down his cheeks. I'm
sure he wasn't aware how much he was helping me preach.
He was my friend. I loved
him. He was attending to his
business when I left for conference, but when I returned his mortal remains had
been laid to rest. Congestion had
stolen him away. His family is left
with a nice home and good support financially, but oh! so lonely. A good husband and loving father is gone.
Two little children had preceded him to the spirit land.
A wife and two children are left behind; an equally divided
family—three in heaven and three on earth.
That will be a blessed reunion one day, if Sister Flynt and Lizzie and
Lola live true to Jesus. Among the
sorrowing ones left are a father, brother and sister.
His pious mother had gone before. Grief-stricken
ones, take consolation in the fact that there will be a resurrection and
restitution of all things. "We
look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
Hold yourselves in readiness for the change.
M. I. BROWN.
Burkville, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 23, 1899, p. 4, c. 2
A jail delivery occurred last Tuesday night at Tyler, and as a result,
two or three noted criminals who were awaiting trial are at liberty.
They managed to get hold of some sort of an instrument which they
converted into a saw, and then proceeded to saw two or three of the iron bars in
two. The country is being searched
for them.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 23, 1899, p. 14, c. 1
FONTAINE.—Rev. J. T. Fontaine was born March 13, 1819, and died at his
home, near Starrville, Smith county, Texas, December 26, 1898.
He was married to Elizabeth A. Ralls, January 2, 1845.
After her death he was married the second time, to Mrs. Annie Walters,
October 17, 1878, with whom he lived happily until her death, which occurred a
little over one year ago. Dr. Fontaine, as he was usually called, studied medicine in
early life, was a very successful doctor, and continued to practice until near
the close of life. He was converted
when 18 years of age, while living in Kentucky.
He joined the M. E. Church, and after moving to Louisiana he was called
to preach and joined the Louisiana Conference of the M. E. Church, South, and
traveled in that conference for several years.
Just before or during the war, he located and after the war began moved
his negroes to Smith County, Texas, where he lived the most of the time until
his death. Bro. Fontaine came into
the experience of "holiness" under the preaching of Rev. R. L. Averill
some twelve years ago, and was ever a faithful, fearless witness and advocate of
this glorious Bible doctrine until his death. He joined the Texas Conference of the Free Methodist Church
in 1888 and raveled in that conference there years, where his labors were highly
appreciated. His third year was at
San Antonio. He located on account
of his great age, but remained a local preacher in that Church until his death.
He leaves several children and grandchildren to mourn their loss.
A married daughter lives in Smith County, his oldest son in Milam County,
who is a practicing physician and a local preacher in the M. E. Church, South,
and his youngest son, O. C. Fontaine, is quite a prominent minister in the North
Texas Conference of the M. E. Church, South, and present pastor of the Floyd
Street Church, Dallas, Texas. The
writer was not privileged to be with him during his last sickness, but being
closely associated with him in the ministry, and knowing his life for the past
ten years so well, we know that his end was peace, and his life and his
influence will long be felt in the neighborhoods where he has lived and labored
so faithfully for the salvation of lost souls.
GEORGE M'CULLOCH.
Lawrence, Texas.
BAKER.—Died, February 1, 1899, God called for Sister Baker.
She was born May 6, 1858. She
joined the Church in 1874 or 1875 and lived a consistent Christian the remainder
of her life. Sister Baker was a
good Christian woman, a kind mother and wife and neighbor.
We will mourn her loss, but not as those who have no hope.
We will meet her again where sickness cannot come.
She leaves a husband and some five or six children, a brother and a host
of friends to mourn their loss. God
bless the precious little ones. No
one can take the place of mother. We
are so glad that it is not all of life to live.
Look up, kind friends, and keep your eye on heaven.
The beckoning hands call for you. We
will meet her on the sunlit hills of glory.
S. N. ALLEN.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 2, 1899, p. 15, c. 1
BUTLER.—Saturday night, at 1:30 o'clock the pure spirit of sister S. L.
Butler left the tenement of clay to be forever with the Lord.
Sister Butler was born February 12, 1857; was converted when a child and
joined the Church. She was the
light of the home. She loved her church, and was at her post as often as she
could. We miss her. She leaves eight children, an aged mother, one sister and
brothers to mourn for her. On the
sad, cold, dark evening of February 5, 1899, we laid her remains to rest in the
family graveyard to wait the resurrection morn. Weep not, dear loved ones, we will meet her again.
S. N. ALLEN.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 23, 1899, p. 5, c. 2-3
TROUPE.
W. J. Owens, March 15: We
are working to have a successful year on the Troupe and Overton work. We believe the outlook is promising. The Ladies' Aid Society has given the parsonage and premises
a general overhauling. New garden
and yard fences built, two coats of paint put on the house, two front rooms
painted and papered, two new rocking chairs, furniture revarnished, etc.,
amounting in all to about $100 paid out since the first of the year.
Truly, these ladies deserve great credit for their indefatigable efforts
to make the preacher and his family comfortable.
The people who take the Advocate speak very complimentary of the paper
and its editor. Many of our people
ought to take it who do not.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 30, 1899, p. 13, c. 2
At the home of Rev. W. C. Stallings, five and a half miles west from
Tyler, Texas, February 28, 1899, Mr. J. C. Coleman and Miss Nannie Voils, of
Henderson county, Rev. W. C. Stallings officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 30, 1899, p. 14, c. 3
GILL.—Sister Rhoda R. Gill (nee Ponder) was born in North Alabama,
March 20, 1828; moved to Mississippi in the winter of 1847, and was married to
Bro. J. J. Gill July, 1854. They
came to Smith County, Texas, December, 1886.
Sister Gill was converted and joined the Methodist Church in early life,
and on coming to Texas brought her Church letter with her and joined the Church
at Starrville, in Smith County, Texas, and afterwards transferred to old Center
Church, eight miles north of Tyler, where all the Christian graces adorned her
modest life until death called her from labor to reward, which was caused by
heart failure amid the sufferings of la grippe, February 15, 1899. Truly, Sister Gill was a model Christian.
While we were her pastor for three years it was our privilege often to
visit Bro. and Sister Gill and Miss Sallie Ponder, her sister, who lived with
them, and truly it was a blessing to hear her talk of the triumphs of a living
faith in Christ and her hopes of eternal life beyond the grave.
So blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
T. B. VINSON.
Ben Wheeler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 20, 1899, p. 5, c. 3
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, April 10: Tyler
circuit is still in the land of the living.
Our second Quarterly Conference is over.
We had a very profitable time, we trust.
Our beloved elder was on hand, in the Spirit of his master, and made our
hearts glad with the blessed Gospel of our Savior.
Our finances are behind, but we are still hopeful.
We want to have a revival at every appointment.
We need much help—I mean from God; hence we ask the prayers of our
brethren and the hearty co-operation of our Church.
We have some as good people on Tyler Circuit as there are anywhere, but
they are a little disheartened, I am afraid.
Brethren, look up; the good Lord is ready to help you.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 20, 1899, p. 14, c. 1
BEARD.—W. R. Beard was born in Caddo Parish, La., December 21, 1859;
was married December 22, 1887, and died January 31, 1899; was converted and
joined the M. E. Church, South, about fourteen years ago in Titus County, about
July or August. This scribe visited
the brother in his last illness and talked with him and prayed with him. We will ever remember the amens and sobs and tears of this
brother while we prayed with him. The
brother, father and husband is gone, but not forever. Not lost, but gone before.
Thank God for the religion of our blessed Lord; it gives us a home where
we can all meet to part no more. Bro.
Beard leaves a wife and four or five little sweet children and a host of friends
to mourn their loss. Look up, dear
wife and babies; papa waits for you at the beautiful gate.
He beckons you come.
S. N. ALLEN, P. C.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 11, 1899, p. 5, c. 2
TYLER—CEDAR STREET
C. H. Smith, May 8: Our
meeting at Cedar Street Church closed last night, after fifteen days'
continuance. The Church was greatly
revived and several backsliders reclaimed.
Thirty or more professed religion; twenty-six joined the Methodist Church
and others will join soon. I think
some few will join other churches. We
baptized eight children during the meeting and organized an Epwoth League
yesterday of thirty-five members. We
invited penitents to the altar in the old style, and prayed with and for them,
and we emphasized genuine, old-fashion religion—the knowledge of being
pardoned and the witness of the Spirit. Bros.
S. N. Allen, Greathouse, Adams, Booth, Ansley, White and lackey (Cumberland
Presbyterian) all assisted in preaching and some of the Church worked nobly.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 18, 1899, p. 5, c. 2
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, May 12: Hurrah
for the good women of Starrville. The
Quarterly Conference of the Tyler Circuit ask this scribe to appoint a committee
of ladies at each Church to raise funds to meet the parsonage debt, so we
appointed them, and the committee at Starrville went to work and gave a
strawberry supper, from which they realized $51.60. Reserved $10 to repair their church; paid $20 on parsonage
debt, and paid on preacher's salary $21.60.
May the good Lord bless these good women.
We expect a gracious revival at that place. Our good women can do anything when they set their heads.
All things are possible to them that believeth.
Sister Nina Hall and Sister Lucy McCormick are our committee at that
place. Of course the other good women at that place joined in.
Those good women don't know how much they encourage their preacher.
We feel like saying, "Help these women that are my helpers in the
gospel." We are looking up on
all lines, we think. To your knees,
my brethren.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 25, 1899, p. 5, c. 3
WHITEHOUSE CIRCUIT.
B. C. Ansley, May 18: The
first Sunday in this month was a red-letter day with us at Chandler. We had Children's Day service.
We used the published program with some additions.
The young people and children all did well; had an immense congregation,
and dinner at the church, enough to feed them all and more.
The fact is the Chandler people do nothing of this sort by halves.
Collection $3. The weather
was rainy, but still we had a splendid time up to the dinner hour, at which time
we had to leave for our evening appointment at Noonday. Here we had a good congregation and a good service.
we are getting on reasonably well with our work.
The people are kind and responsive.
Have taken up conference collections just half round the circuit, and
have about half the assessments promised on subscriptions.
Our people have no money this time of the year.
Think from present indications will be able to report all up next winter
at Timpson. We need and expect a
revival all round the work.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 15, 1899, p. 4, c. 1
Mr. John Goodman, of Tyler, a prominent young business man, committed
suicide the 7th inst. by shooting himself through the head.
He stood high in the community, and no cause has been assigned for the
deplorable deed.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 15, 1899, p. 8, c. 2
SENATOR HORACE CHILTON.
This distinguished gentleman made the Advocate a pleasant visit since our
last issue, and we were pleased to form his acquaintance. This is the first time that we have had the pleasure of
meeting him, and we found him to be a most pleasant man socially and otherwise.
He has the simple tastes of the self-made man, and there is nothing
pretentious about his manner. He is
genial and delightful in conversation and well informed upon the topics of the
day. That he is a man of mental
breadth and large mold, is very easy to see.
He is intensely practical in his views of matters, and an eminently safe
man in the position he now occupies. Senator
Chilton has made a good record in the United States Senate, and he has served
his constituents well and efficiently.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 22, 1899, p. 14, c. 2
CALHOUN.—Little Lena B. Calhoun, the daughter of Rev. J. C. and Bessie
Calhoun, was buried at Starrville, Smith County, Texas, June 8, 1899.
Little Lena was born in Canton, Van Zandt County, Texas, September 24,
1889, and died in Houston, Texas, June 7, 1899, aged nine years, eight months
and thirteen days. Lena joined the
M. E. church, South, in Pittsburg, Texas, in January, 1896.
Before she was seven years of age she always enjoyed the sacrament of our
Lord's Supper and the reading of her little Bible.
She never forgot her evening prayers.
We thank the good Lord for a religion that adapts itself to our children,
and that they can give God their little hearts in childhood.
Look up, dear heartbroken father and mother; the little hand of your
sweet little Lena is beckoning "Come this way, papa and mamma."
Thank God for the Christian's hope.
S. N. ALLEN.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 6, 1899, p. 4, c. 1
Tyler Cotton Oil Company has been chartered at Austin at $50,000.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 13, 1899, p. 3, c. 2
TYLER DISTRICT.
The Tyler District Conference met at Lindale, Texas, June 29, 1899.
Rev. John Adams, our presiding elder, presided with much grace and
dignity. Most of the preachers were
present, and the lay brethren were well represented.
The business of the conference was dispatched rapidly, but not hastily.
All the interests of the Church received attention.
The session was harmonious and pleasant.
The spirit of brotherly love prevailed.
Bros. Taylor, Mills and Brewer were recommended to the Annual Conference
for admission into the traveling connection.
Bros. Reynolds and Mills were licensed to preach.
The preaching during the session was clear and strong.
Several visitors were present. Rev.
V. A. Godbey represented the educational interest; Rev. T. P. Smith presented
the claims of the missionary cause. Bro.
Williams, representing the Alexander Collegiate Institute, made a very favorable
report of its work. Revs.
C. F. Smith, of Jacksonville; Mills, of Beckville, and Hall, of Kilgore,
were with us. These servants of the
Lord delighted us with their presence and preaching.
Bros. Hornbeck, Duke, Davidson and White were elected delegates to the
Annual Conference.
The good people of Lindale gave us a very cordial reception, and
entertained us royally. They are a
kind folk; we shall not forget them.
W. A. MANLY.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 13, 1899, p. 14, c. 3
HORTON.—Little Roy Horton, infant son of J. C. and S. W. Horton, was
born December 21, 1898, and was called home May 19, 1899.
He was the pet of the home and was a bright, promising, sweet child; but
he is gone from us now. His little
voice is hushed in death; his little toys lie about the room untouched.
Oh, how sad we are! But
stop, papa and mamma, listen! By
faith, don't you hear little Roy's sweet voice with that heavenly choir?
He is singing still; he is happy. What
shall we do? We will go and meet
him. Brother and sister, he loves
you, too. Will you go? Yes, thank God, we can all meet him in heaven.
Look up, then, and thank the good Lord for a home where we can all meet
again.
S. N. ALLEN, P. C.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 10, 1899, p. 5, c. 5
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, July 31: Three
meetings held on this work with good results.
At Antioch the Church was greatly revived; had old-time shouting.
Only two conversions; one accession to the Church.
At Pleasant Grove the Church was greatly revived, also.
Eleven conversions, eight accessions.
The Lord was with us in great power.
At Red Springs the Church was not revived so much, but we had sixteen
conversions, fourteen accessions. In
the main the work is moving up, and the good Lord is greatly blessing us.
One of our faithful local preachers was with us at Antioch, and did us
good work—Rev. A. J. Zorn. C. H. Smith, of St. Paul and Cedar Street charge, was with us
at Pleasant Grove, and did some of
his good old-time work with great acceptability.
Uncle Caleb (C. H. Smith), as we all call him, was also with us at Red
Springs, and did some more of his good preaching. Bro. Stallings, another one of our local preachers, was with
us in the beginning of our Red Springs meeting, and preached us two sermons to
the delight of all. God bless our
faithful local preachers. Bro.
Nolen came up and did some good work also.
We have four more meetings to hold.
We are doing the best we can. Pray
for us.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 24, 1899, p. 14, c. 3
SNEED.—John Rogers Sneed was born in Richland District, S. C., December
22, 1842, and died at his home near Starrville, Smith County, Texas, July 13,
1899. He moved from Graniteville,
S. C., to Texas in 1875. In his
eighteenth year he enlisted with the 16th South Carolina Regiment,
and remained in active service until the battle of Atlanta, July 22, where he
lost a leg and was compelled to cease fighting.
Early in 1862 he enlisted in the army of Christ, and faithfully performed
his duty as a soldier of the Cross till the Great Captain said: "It is
enough; come up higher!" For
thirty-two years he followed the profession of teaching public school. How often have we heard him ask the Heavenly Father for
divine guidance in leading his own and other precious children entrusted to his
care aright. In his death we have
lost a devoted husband, a kind and loving father, a safe counsellor and guide.
We shall indeed miss him; yet, we thank God, that while our hearts are
bowed down in sorrow, we know where to find him.
He taught us how to live; he showed us how to die.
We'll meet again.
HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 7, 1899, p. 4, c. 5
TROUPE.
W. J. Owens, Aug. 30: We
have held protracted meetings at all our appointments, except London. We have been assisted at different times and places by Revs.
A. S. Whitehurst, B. C. Ansley, W. A. Manly, S. N. Allen, Albert Little, and W.
N. Brown. These brethren did
efficient work. Their preaching was
of a high order and in the spirit of true Christianity.
We had about thirty conversions and twenty-two accessions to the
Church—fifteen by ritual. Our
third Quarterly Conference was held at London the 19th of this month.
Our presiding elder, Dr. Adams, seemed at his best.
His sermon on "Spiritual Light" was profound, logical and
convincing, lifting his hearers into a higher degree of spiritual light and
warmth. All must have been made
better by having heard it. Bro.
Adams preached two sermons for us at Fountain Head, at the beginning of our
revival, which were fine sermons and listened to with rapt attention.
Our finances are ahead of what they were at this time last year, so said
our presiding elder. We have all
our Conference collections in cash and good subscriptions, and, notwithstanding
the drouth, we think we will bring everything up in full. We intend to do our best on the Twentieth Century Fund.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 14, 1899, p. 4, c. 1
Mrs. Annie L. Woodall, a highly respected widow, living near Tyler,
committed suicide under very mysterious circumstances last week.
She leaves six children, the oldest only fifteen years of age.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 21, 1899, p. 14, c. 4
ROBBINS.—Wilmer W. Robbins was born in Smith County, Texas, Nov. 21,
1880; departed this life Sept. 5, 1899. He
was converted and joined the Church at 12 years of age. But, like a great many
others neglected duty and soon found himself away from God.
About a month before his death he was reclaimed and started out to live a
new life. The change in his life
was so clear that all who came in close touch with him could tell that he had
been with Christ and learned of him. May
the young take warning and learn that in the midst of life we are exposed to
death, and use every effort to prepare for that hour that must come to all.
May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep the hearts
and minds of loved ones left behind.
P. R. WHITE.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 28, 1899, p. 14, c. 2|
TALLEY.—Mrs. Jane Talley was born in North Carolina Aug. 13, 1821;
departed this life Sept. 8, 1899, aged 78 years and 25 days.
Sister Talley was converted when about 17 years of age and united with
the M. E. church. She was a member
of the Church for about sixty-one years. She
was the second of twelve children and the last to depart this life.
For the last two years of her life she was much afflicted, being
partially paralyzed and blind, but she bore her sufferings patiently.
She said she was willing and ready to die and only asked to die an easy
death, which she did. Her husband,
John F. Talley, preceded her to the spirit world just one month. She leaves four children, two sons and two daughters, to
mourn their loss, but to her it was doubtless all gain. "To die is gain."
She lived well and died well.
W. J. OWENS.
Troupe, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 28, 1899, p. 14, c. 4
MOCK.—Mrs. Sophie Elizabeth Mock, after a lingering illness and patient
suffering, "fell on sleep," and went to her eternal home September 3,
1899. She was born May 31, 1867,
being thirty-two years, three months and three days old.
She was converted during a protracted meeting conducted by Rev. Albert
Little, in Troupe, Texas, about sixteen years ago, and united with the M. E.
Church, South, in 1889. She was
married to Mr. J. J. Mock, who is a prominent member of the Church, October 9,
18l87, and leaves three sweet little girls—Mary, Edna and Lela, aged eleven,
nine and seven respectively. Sister
Mock was a loving wife and mother, a holy woman of God—a well-rounded
Christian character, whose life was full of good works.
Possessed of an even, smooth temper, she spake evil of none, but always
had a kind word for all and was loved by all who knew her.
Concerning her death the Troupe Banner said, in part:
"It is with the deepest regret the Banner chronicles the news of the
death of Mrs. J. J. Mock, which sad event occurred last Sunday night at 11:45
o'clock, after a lingering illness of twenty-four days with slow fever.
There has never been a death in Troupe that was more regretted.
All that skilled physicians, husband, loving friends and relatives could
do for her was done, but to no avail."
Sister Mock loved her Church and was a faithful member, of whom it can be
said in scriptural language: "She hath done what she could."
A member of the Ladies' Aid Society and a teacher in the
Sunday-school—teaching a class of little girls and boys.
Among her last words were: "Dress
the children and send them to Sunday-school."
Comparatively young when death came, yet she had lived long enough to
make the world better around her, and she leaves a sweet religious sphere
behind, which will speak long after these words have been read.
She was carried to the Church where her membership had always been since
she united with the visible Church, where a large congregation met, and the
writer preached a funeral discourse from 2 Cor 5:1.
Farewell, dear sister, until we meet you "over there," where
there is no sickness, pain, sorrow nor death, where the Lord shall wipe all
tears from our eyes and there shall be no separations.
Be patient, husband, children, relatives and friends love and serve the
Lord she loved and served and meet her in heaven in the "sweet by and
by."
W. J. OWENS.
Troupe, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 5, 1899, p. 14, c. 1
SPEAR.—Robert H., son of R. W. and Nannie Spear, was born May 8, 1896,
and departed this life September 16, 1899, aged three years, four months and
eight days. Little Robert was a
bright child, the joy and pride of his parents, who did all in their power to
save their boy, but to no purpose—the Lord took him to heaven.
Father and mother can now think of little Robert as an angel of God, who
will await them in heaven with "beautiful beckoning hands," signaling
them to follow on and join him in the "sweet by-and-by."
Bro. and Sister Spear gave Robert up with sad hearts and many regrets,
but they were resigned to the Lord's will, and doubtless feel that while they
cannot bring him back, they can go to him.
Robert will suffer no more; he is beyond trouble, pain and sickness.
Blessed hope—"to die is gain."
W. J. OWENS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 5, 1899, p. 16, p. 1
Tyler, Tex., Sept. 25, 1899.
Dear Sir: Enclosed find
draft for $25 to furnish "Infants' Ward in new Orphanage building.
A friend to the little ones,
FRED D. HALSEY.
Tyler, Tex., September 25, 1899.
Dear Bro. Mulkey:
Find enclosed $2, the assessment you put on me as one of the presiding
elders for furnishing the Guests' Chamber in the new Orphanage building.
Your brother,
JNO. ADAMS,
Tyler District.
Tyler, Tex., Sept. 29, 1899.
Dear Bro. Mulkey:
Please accept my subscription for $28.65, the amount necessary to furnish
an apartment in the Orphanage at Waco. I
feel that I am blessed in giving to so worthy a cause.
With a prayer for your success, I am
Fraternally yours
MRS. KATE L. DOUGLAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 12, 1899, p. 5, c. 1
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Oct. 9: I have done the hardest year's work of my life. The Tyler Circuit is one of the has-been good works. Away back yonder it was the banner circuit of Tyler District, but like a great many others it started down hill, and was hard to check. This is my first year on this work. I have done the best I could under the circumstances. The good Lord has been with me. We have had about one hundred conversions. Have received sixty-nine into the Church. As to the finances, they are greatly behind. Have received sixty-nine into the Church. As to the finances, they are greatly behind. We are stirring the natives on the collections. We can't say that we will get everything in full, but if we don't we are determined that it shall not be our fault. My brethren, to pay out is all that will save the work. We have some as good people on Tyler Circuit as ever lived. I have great hopes for the work. If the Bishop says for us to come back we will do the best we can. God bless Tyler Circuit.
TROUPE.
W. J. Owens, Oct. 5: Rev. V.
A. Godbey, Conference Secretary of Education of East Texas Conference, preached
two sermons for us on education—one at Troupe and the other at Overton.
These sermons were listened to with a degree of eagerness that showed
plainly that the preacher had enlisted and interested his congregations on the
subject of education and molded in the minds of many a lasting sentiment in
favor of Christian education. Bro. Godbey is greatly enthused in the educational move; his
heart and soul seem imbued with the subject.
He has preached all over his district, at most of our District
Conferences, and for several of our ministers on the theme of education and the
Twentieth Century thank-offering movement of our Church.
He is an indefatigable worker and his labors should meet the hearty
support and co-operation of every minister and layman of the East Texas
Conference. If we succeed in
educating our people on Christian education, and thereby mold a lasting
sentiment in their minds in favor of our schools, we will have accomplished a
great work.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 12, 1899, p. 15, c. 2
LAIRD.—Lawrence O. Laird was born in Smith County, Texas, April 12,
1873. He was converted when a child
and joined the Methodist church. Through
the influence of evil associates he was led astray and lost connection with the
Church for awhile, but was reclaimed last year, and on the 3rd day of
August reunited with the Church and lived a consistent Christian until the day
of his death, which occurred at his home in Smith County, Texas, August 13,
1899. He was a victim of that
relentless disease, consumption. Just
twelve days before his death I asked him how it was with his soul. His reply was "Oh, I feel all right.
I feel sometimes like I was already in my new home.
I am ready to go." Then
he said: "I pray all the time."
God has taken him now to the "new home," where prayer is turned
to praise, and where disease and suffering are unknown.
He leaves a mother, one sister and two brothers, besides a host of
relatives and friends to mourn his departure.
J. C. CARR, P. C.
Kilgore, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 12, 1899, p. 16, c. 1
Tyler, Texas, Oct. 2, 1899.
Bro. Mulkey—I will furnish the Manager's Office in memory of my little
deceased son, Stanley. Draw on me
for the $36.00. I pray God's
blessing upon the Orphanage.
MRS. L. L. JESTER.
Tyler, Texas, Oct. 1, 1899.
Dear Bro. Mulkey—We will furnish Youth's Apartment ($28.65) and keep it
furnished. May God bless the Home
forever. Yours respectfully,
MRS. ALEX WOLDERT,
MRS. J. R. ADAMS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 19, 1899, p. 5, c. 1
WHITEHOUSE CIRCUIT.
B. C. Ansley, Oct. 11: We
have held eight meetings on the work, beginning with the Church at Bullard the
15th of June. We had a
good meeting here, resulting in some fifteen or twenty conversions and
reclamations. We had help from Dr.
Withers, of Arkansas; Bros. Kidd and Allen, of our own conference; also Bro. T.
T. Booth, a former pastor here. The
meeting lasted ten days. Next we
went to Chandler first Sunday in July. There
we held a few days; had the help of Bros. White and Kidd, who did some good
preaching for us. Some good done.
We went to Flynt third Sunday in July.
There the meeting was almost a failure, the community being divided over
other matters. Here we had the help
of Bro. Lowe, one of our local brethren. He
did us good work. Then to Liberty
Hill with L. A. Burk and M. I. Brown to help us.
Here we had immense congregations and a fine meeting.
These brethren did us some fine preaching. Then we went to Whitehouse on the fifth Sunday in July and
had the help of Bro. Owens, of Troupe and Overton; had a very good meeting.
Bro. Owens did us good. Then
we held forth at Noonday third Sunday in August with Bros. C. H. Smith and
Walter Mills. There we had a good meeting.
Uncle Caleb was at his best, and Bro. Mills (being just licensed at our
District Conference in July) was a surprise to us all—preaching like a
veteran. From here we went to
Lane's Chapel. Bros. Kidd, C. H.
Smith and Dr. Hall, local elder from Henderson County, rendered us good service;
had a good meeting in the church. Next
we held at Walnut Grove. This was
the occasion of our third Quarterly Conference.
Bro. Adams, our presiding elder, was on hand; preached us all happy and
left. So we continued the meeting
with the help of Bros. Lowe and Griffin, local brethren.
We had a good time in the Church, but not much outside influence as we
could see. This closed our meetings
on Whitehouse Circuit. We have
received thirty-three into the Church this year, baptized five infants, have had
some forty or more conversions and possibly as many reclamations, and now we are
doing our best to get ready for conference.
Have the promise of all our conference collections, and hope to come out
on that line. We are not half out
on salary yet, but of course hope to come out in full. The parsonage is here at Bullard. The church here has about paid out. The people are very kind to us.
May the Lord abundantly bless them and theirs.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 19, 1899, p. 16, p. 1
Tyler, Texas, September 7, 1899.
Dear Bro. Mulkey—Just four months ago t-day the death
angel came and broke up our happy little home circle, and snatched from our
embrace our little daughter, Lena, the joy of our hearts and the sunshine of our
home. All our plans and hopes for
happiness in this life were centered in her.
She, too, had her life-work mapped out, and often expressed a desire to
be useful in the world, and to be like her Savior. "Going about doing good." After Lena was gone, in looking through her books, we found a
little note addressed to "Dear Papa," asking him to have one little
room built for her, "to be her own property."
This morning as we sat in our lonely home, wrestling with our growing
grief, and wondering how we could possibly drag through the long, dreary days of
the coming years, without our precious darling, our little boy Galloway came in
and handed us the new Advocate, in which we read your appeal in behalf of the
Orphanage. The thought came to us, this is our opportunity, if not to
build at least to furnish a "room" for her in the new Orphanage, and
to have her precious name engraved upon its consecrated walls.
Though her spirit dwells now in that mansion prepared for her by her
Savior, and her body sweetly rests in the cemetery, awaiting the resurrection
morning, yet her memory will ever be a living, moving, influence in the lives of
her parents and brother, and whatever good we may be able to do in the world
will be accomplished through the inspiration of her precious life.
Enclosed we send money order for $28.65, to furnish one apartment in the
new Orphanage, to be occupied by little girls about ten years of age, with
golden hair and blue eyes—perfect blondes, if possible, like our little
darling. If the little girls would
like to have Lena's picture, we will have one made in pastelle and send to hang
over her name, Lena B. Calhoun. We
think her sweet face would cheer and brighten the room, and even the lives of
the little orphans. We do this for
Jesus' sake and in his name, to bless the little orphans and to perpetuate the
name of our beautiful darling. We
want to pay this one last true tribute from our broken hearts to our own sweet,
lovable child, gone from our longing arms and yearning hearts. May the Lord abundantly bless your labors, is our prayer.
Yours in Christian love.
REV. AND MRS. J. C. CALHOUN.
P. W. I have the designs of
several pretty quilts, which I intended to make for Lena if she had lived. If you will write me the size of bed, whether single or
double, I will make two quilts for Lena's room.
MRS. J. C. CALHOUN.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 26, 1899, p. 4, c. 2
The daughter of M. Bannon, a Cotton Belt engineer, at Tyler, shot and
killed herself last Monday. She was
to have been married the Wednesday following.
It is supposed that a pistol which was lying upon the bed was
accidentally dropped to the floor and discharged with the above result. She
was a popular young lady, and her death is greatly deplored.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 26, 1899, p. 15, c. 1
HADEN.—Richard Finley Haden, son of John F. and Ophelia Haden, was born
June 26, 1875, and peacefully passed away October 8, 1899, at the home of his
parents in Tyler, Texas. He was
baptized by his grandfather, Rev. R. S. Finley, D. D., when an infant, and
joined the Methodist Church when eleven years of age.
At the age of fourteen he began an apprenticeship in the mechanist trade.
He served his apprenticeship faithfully, and became a skillful machinist,
holding important and remunerative positions in different railroad shops.
He led an active, busy, useful life from boyhood, and a bright future
seems to have been cut off by his departure.
He had a fine physical organization and development, well poised and
bright mental faculties, and was gentle, cheerful, true and affectionate in
spirit. He lived a clean,
consistent, religious life, and when his noble spirit passed away, no shadow of
doubt as to the future embittered the grief of his dear ones.
He was a noble, manly fellow, and left nothing in his life for his
relatives and friends to look back upon with regret. His remains rest in the Tyler Cemetery, by the side of those
of his sainted grandfather and grandmother Finley. Peace to his ashes. He
was my nephew, and I loved him and honored him, and bet to pay this little
tribute to his character.
N. W. FINLEY.
Dallas Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 7, 1899, p. 36, p. 4
November 30, 1899, at the residence of the bride's father, Hon. T. J.
Wilson, near Douglassville, Texas, Mr. J. C. Dickey, of Tyler, Texas, and Miss
Mary Gray Wilson, Rev. J. M. Greene officiating.
On November 30, 1899, at my home, five and a half miles west from Tyler,
Texas, Mr. R. G. Dorough, of Terrell, Texas, and Mrs. Sue Anderson, of Tyler,
Texas, Rev. W. C. Stallings officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 7, 1899, p. 38, c. 2
GIBSON.—Little Mary E. Gibson, infant daughter of Bro. D. A. and Sister
N. E. Gibson, was born November 8, 1898, and departed this life October 28,
1899. The little sufferer lay sick
four weeks, when the good Lord came for her and took her to himself.
When our little ones die oh how consoling are the words of our good Lord:
"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not,
for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Dear Bro. and Sister Gibson, look up.
The little beckoning hands are calling you homeward.
Oh, that sweet, bright day, when mamma and papa and sweet little Mary
meet on the sunlit hills to part no more! We
will not wee- as those that have no hope. We
will love for God.
S. N. ALLEN, P. C.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 7, 1899, p. 38, c. 4
HIX.—Waldo Hix, son of J. P. Hix and wife, Dora Hix, departed this life
November 18, 1899, in Tyler, Smith County, Texas, aged three years, two months
and thirteen days. Waldo, like most
baby boys, was the idol of this home, and when baby is gone, nearly all is gone.
But Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and
forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Then, dear Bro. and Sister Hix, Waldo can not come back to you, but you
can go to him. And you have one
more strong cord to bind you to heaven. May
God, who is so good, give you his grace and strength for your day and trial.
C. H. SMITH.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 21, 1899, p. 1, c. 4
Rev. John Adams, of the Tyler District, stated that his preachers had had
about 1000 conversions, 492 accessions, and thirteen of his charges were paid up
in full. The Church at Tyler has
paid $4000 on its old debt, and there remains but $3000 of the debt. This is so arranged that it can be handled with ease.
Everything in this district seems to be flourishing.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 21, 1899, p. 9, c. 2
TYLER DISTRICT.
J. T. Smith, P. E.
Tyler, Marvin—B. H. Greathouse.
Cedar Street and St. Paul's—C. H. Smith.
Tyler Circuit—S. N. Allen.
Lindale—W. W. Graham.
Mineola Station—W. J. Owens.
Emory—G. M. Fletcher, supply.
Golden Mission—F. M. Foster, supply.
Grand Saline—A. Methvin.
Wills Point—C. B. Cross.
Wills Point Circuit—Jesse Willis.
Canton—F. A. Downs.
Edom—J. W. Bridges.
Malakoff—G. V. Ridley.
Athens Station—L. A. Webb.
New York Circuit—P. R. White.
Troupe and Overton—J. W. Johnson.
Whitehouse—B. C. Ansley, supply.
Meredith, D. F. Pulley, supply.
Conference Secretary of Missions—J. T. Smith.
District Secretary of Education—B. H. Greathouse.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 4, 1900, p. 13, c. 2-3
TROUPE AND OVERTON
H. B. Urquhart, Jan. 2: The
writer has experienced days in the course of an eventful life when, though in
the midst of human multitudes, he felt he could not reach forth his hand and
laying hold on one, say this is my friend.
Life then was like a desert waste. But
the clouded day makes more radiant the unclouded.
And so pours forth a flood of sacred light and illumines with cheer on
this new year occasion the hearts of this local preacher and his family.
Footfalls and subdued tones borne from out the darkness admonish us of
the approach of a throng upon some mission bent.
A rap; the key turns, and in the open panel in bold relief against the
dark background, as a picture set in frame, a soft light unveils a face glowing
with the beams of friendship; while to the rear, here and there, are other faces
mirroring forth from bright eyes and countenances the love that sets them
shining. In they come. Around
the room they range. Methodists,
Baptists, Presbyterians, under the leadership of the new pastor pressed into a
willing service. He speaks:
"Like myself, you occupy only a humble position in the Church; that
that deserves praise is not the position one occupies, but his fidelity to duty.
These your friends, prompted by their appreciation for your faithfulness,
have desired to express their regard by this i8mpromptu call; and whatever else
may be left in their wake, above all, let there remain the aroma of live to tell
the story of their friendship." They came from out the darkness; to the darkness they return.
But the roentgen rays of love penetrate the interposing folds and our
home is bathed in light. The
inventory reveals the deposit of many things, chiefest of which is the
consciousness of their love and friendship.
We are not worthy of this visitation; much less this departure from
precedent in thus remembering a local preacher.
It calls forth his deepest gratitude.
May the God of all peace and love be with Bro. J. W. Johnson, our new
pastor, and those good people who companied with him, both now and forever.
Amen.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 11, 1900, p. 16, c. 4
Tyler, Texas Jan. 3, 1900.
Dear Bro. Mulkey: I have
just sent Bro. Vaughan my $28.65 I subscribed for apartment in new building. God bless you all in the noble work.
MRS. KATE DOUGLAS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 25, 1900, p. 5, c. 3
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Jan. 18: Here
we have in the land of the living. The
Bishop said for us to come back to this work, so we are here to make this the
best year of our lives, by the help of the good Lord.
We paid our last year, and we will do better this year. We don't want the brethren to think of us as not doing our
duty. So, brethren, when you think
of Tyler Circuit, we want you to think of it as one of the best works in Tyler
District. We are determined to come
up with our work, says the good people of Tyler Circuit. We have some as good people as ever lived.
This is our second year, and if the Bishop says for us to stay here our
four years, all right. We are willing. We
had an eight days' debate with our Campbellite friends at Starrville.
A. A. Kidd did the work for us. He
is a dandy. He ran Elder L. M. Owen out of the Bible and then got up on
it, as it were, and flopped his wings and crowed for Methodism.
God bless our dear old Advocate. It
gets better all the time.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 1, 1900, p. 5, c. 3
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Jan. 29: We
received a note to be at the little village of Starrville the 25th
inst., so we went. And when we got
there we stopped at Mr. Livy Butler's, as requested.
Presently we heard the church bell ring, and a good sister said we were
wanted at the church. Of course we
went, and when we got there we found a number of Starrville's best people at the
church. They had a good fire in the stove.
We sat down to await further orders.
The people kept coming in. After
while they began to bring bundles forward from the back of the church, and said
they were pounding us. We have
never seen so many good things at church before.
Flour and coffee, and fruit, and ham, and dry goods, and popcorn, and
candy—oh, so many good things we won't try to name them all.
And we got up and tried to talk, but our feelings overcame us, and we
tried to pray. Our hearts are full
till yet. Such tokens of kindness
made a better pastor. We love the people of Tyler Circuit. Our first Quarterly Conference for Tyler Circuit is a thing
of the past. We met the 27th.
Though a bad day, we had a good crowd and a real good time.
Our new presiding elder, Rev. J. T. Smith, was on hand and preached two
good sermons. He is what we Texas
boys used to call a "rattler"—that is, he preached to the delight of
all. God bless our new elder; we
are learning to love him already. They
assessed for the preacher in charge $550, $45 above what it was last year.
We are determined to have a good year, by the help of God.
Pray for us.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 8, 1900, p. 8, c. 3
LINDALE.
W. W. Graham, Feb. 6: As was
expected, this preacher reached his new field of labor on schedule time, and up
to date has made nearly two full rounds, and has been taking in the situation
generally. We found a comfortable
parsonage, well furnished, a first-class wash-pot and fifteen orthodox chickens
thrown in for good measure. Many
thanks to our predecessors. They
certainly did well, but have fortunately left plenty for me to do.
Our reception was all that could be desired, tokens of kindness and
appreciation coming in very frequently. Congregations
are the best we have had in years, and the prospect for a successful year's work
is really promising. The
Sunday-school work is in splendid shape, but by odds the most vigorous
organization we have is the W. P. and H. M. Society.
The Advocate is in high favor and will be more so if the high-water mark
has not already been reached. We
are not big like Fort Worth, but will certainly be glad to see you.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 14, 1900, p. 12, c. 4
Caswell-Hullum.—At the bride's father's, three miles east of Tyler,
Texas, at 4:30 p.m., January 31, 1900, Mr. M. C. Caswell and Miss Della Hullum,
Rev. S. N. Allen officiating.
Crawford—Garrett.—At Troupe, Texas, January 22, 1900, Mr. C. D.
Crawford and Miss Nannie Garrett, Rev. J. W. Johnson officiating.
Mock-Atkin.—At Troupe, Texas, February 4, 1900, Mr. J. J. Mock and Miss
Rebecca C. Atkin, Rev. J. W. Johnson officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 1, 1900, p. 5, c. 1-2
LINDALE.
W. W. Graham, Feb. 26: Our
first Quarterly Conference closed last night at 10 o'clock with very happy
results. Our surroundings were not
the best, because of sickness and death—two funerals on Saturday and one on
Sunday, with a reported case of scarlet fever.
The visit of Bro. J. T. Smith, our new presiding elder, was anticipated
with much pleasure, and nobody was disappointed.
The work of the Quarterly Conference was satisfactory in every respect,
and Sunday was a high day indeed. The
communion was satisfactory in every respect, and Sunday was a high day indeed.
The communion service at the close of the 11 o'clock sermon was all that
could have been desired, and the collection for our connectional interest that
followed was splendid indeed, resulting in $107.20 cash and good subscription. At 7:30 p.m. we had our Educational Rally, with Bro. B. H.
Greathouse, of Tyler, as chief speaker. It
was certainly a masterly effort in the interest of one of the noblest causes
that can possibly occupy our time and attention.
At the close of the address Bro. Smith, in his own inimitable style,
[rest of article missing].
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 1, 1900, p. 14, c. 4
KNIGHT.—Miss May M. Knight was born February 17, 1832, and died at her
home near Mt. Sylvan, Texas, February 12, 1900, being sixty-seven years, eleven
months and twenty-five days old. Of
all these years we are delighted to be able to state that she spent at least
fifty-five of them as a faithful worker as a member of the M. E. Church, South.
She certainly had that "good name that is rather to be chosen than
great riches," and we are assured that her record on high is all that could
be desired. No doubt the Master
greeted her, saying: "May, you have done what you could for me and my
cause." she has left a great
many friends and relatives that shall miss her on earth, but they all know where
to find her in the sweet by and by. May
they all follow her as she followed Christ, is the prayer of her pastor.
W. W. GRAHAM.
Lindale, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 1, 1900, p. 16, c. 1-3.
TYLER DISTRICT.
Well, here we are on Tyler District; have been here two months, and it's
time to write to the Advocate. We
moved into the district parsonage at 627 West Ferguson Street, December 27, and
felt at home from the first hour. No
presiding elder in the East Texas Conference received a warmer or more generous
welcome from both preachers and laity than this scribe, and no man is more
determined to do his dead level best for those he is to serve.
If we fail it will be only for want of sense and strength.
The district stewards met and in the spirit of perfect fairness
apportioned the assessments ordered by the Annual Conference, and then with
perfect agreement made a liberal assessment for the presiding elder.
We succeed Rev. John Adams, D. D. No
purer or wiser man ever traveled the district.
He is held in very high esteem all over the district. . . .
Tyler Circuit was next on the round, to be held January 27 and 28 at
Pleasant Grove. Here Bro. S. N.
Allen is beginning his second year. He4's
a lightning striker, Allen is. The
word failure never had a place in his vocabulary.
Tyler Circuit moved away up under his management last year.
It will go higher this year. He
called for us Saturday morning with his blue team, which no one but he can
handle or drive, and we struck a blue streak through a blue norther for the
Quarterly Conference. It was a cold day, but the people came and filled the house.
We had a good meeting, a good dinner, then a good—real good—Quarterly
Conference. A finer body of
official members than these will be hard to find on any circuit.
They love their preacher. They
bragged on him so much they made us fear lest we should not be able to come half
way up to him. They raised the
salary $45 over last year and made a good payment, and will (D.V.) pay every
cent in the end. The weather cut up
all sorts of capers Sunday. It
rained, it blew, it snowed, but the people didn't mind it and came right on, and
we had a good meeting. Tyler, Cedar
Street and St. Paul came February 3 and 4.
Uncle Caleb Smith is the pastor for the second year.
He and I were admitted into the conference at the same time. He is away along in years now.
His voice quavers when he sings, but he is active, full of energy and as
zealous as in his palmy days. He is
one of the best, practical and most successful preachers in the conference.
The meeting was good and the Church officers hopeful of a good year. . .
.
February 17 and 18 we were at home—Tyler—with Marvin Church. This is a Church with a history.
For years it has numbered in its membership many of the most cultured and
wealthy people of Tyler—leading physicians, noted lawyers, business men of all
classes. A few years ago, while
this church was in the height of wealth and prosperity, they built one of the
finest houses of worship to be found in the State, and just as it was completed
a succession of disasters came, and for several years it looked like we would
lose it. But, under the wise
management of Bro. Greathouse, the present pastor, whose term closes this year,
order has been brought out of chaos, and the large debt is nearly all paid and
the $3000 yet remaining is provided for. This
is a fine charge, and Bro. G. has things well in hand. He is popular, and deserves to be. Many of our people are devoted and religious, and the present
outlook for Marvin Church is better than for years. Let no one say, "Bro. Smith must think he has the only
district and all the preachers there are in the conference."
Oh, no; we left just such a set when we left San Augustine District, and
we often think of them in our prayers and say, "God bless them."
Fact is, East Texas is full of them.
But Tyler District is our field now, and if we should stick close to it,
see all its good, labor for and love it more than any place on earth, we only do
our duty. We are planning and
praying for a great revival. If we
can have it, raise all our assessments and the dollar per member for the
Twentieth Century Fund, and push and double the Advocate's subscription (which,
by the way, was never better or more popular than now), we will be ready to go
to conference or to heaven, whichever our Father wills.
We will finish this letter when we finish our round of Quarterly
Conferences.
J. T. SMITH.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Marcy 22, 1900, p. 13, c. 5
POUNDING THE PREACHER
W. W. Graham, Lindale, March 16: On
last Friday night the good people of Lindale utilized the moonlight by giving us
a genuine pounding after the most approved pattern. As it happened the preacher was not at home, but was filling
his first appointment at Swan. As
the farmers say, taking in some new ground, as this place had been left off the
plan. Suffice it to say the people
in a large number came full handed, stayed till 10 p.m., at which time Bro. A.
C. Huggins read a thanksgiving chapter and all joined in prayer and praise to
Him from whom all blessings flow; and they left supplies for our comfort and
happiness to last for weeks to come. As
for the honors of the occasion the brethren report that the preacher's wife and
little girl were quite equal to the emergency.
In fact, Dora Belle says she would like to marry a preacher, provided the
poundings would come often enough. We
were happy before—even more so now.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 19, 1900, p. 14, c. 4
URBAN.—Dixie Leola, little daughter of w. B. and Mrs. Dixie Urban, was
born July 27, 1898, and died April 5, 1900.
Little Dixie was here only a short time, but she had her share of
suffering. We nursed her through
fifty-two days of suffering last spring, thinking for two weeks each day would
be her last. She was spared through
spring, but was left a cripple. Then
she suffered three weeks this spring. When
the doctor announced he could do no more, we knew Dixie was dead.
She had just learned to talk, and was so much company in the home.
She will be missed by us all so much.
Everybody loved her. That
voice is hushed there. Courage,
parents, brothers and sisters; Dixie will be watching and waiting for you. May you be as ready as was she when the summons came.
JULIA ANSLEY.
Bullard, Texas.
[note: April
19, 1900—reunion of W. P. Lane Rangers at Marshall]
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 3, 1900, p. 5, c. 1
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, April 27: Our
second Quarterly Conference has come and gone.
It was held on Thursday, the 26th.
Notwithstanding the busy time, we had a real good time. Our presiding
elder, J. T. Smith, fed us with a real good sermon, and we rejoiced together in
the Lord. Tom is a first-class
elder. My folks are delighted with
him. Then, when the elder had fed
our souls, the good women of Center spread a good dinner—don't you forget it!
Oh, how we did enjoy the occasion together, and all resolved to be a
better people. The finances were a
little short, but we think we will come out all right in the end of the year.
We have a good people as ever lived.
Oh, how bad we want to save their children.
We are determined to have a revival all around the work, by the help of
the Lord.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 10, 1900, p. 5, c. 3-4
LINDALE.
W. W. Graham, May 2: Last
Sunday, April 29, was a high day with us all at Sabine Church.
By honest, persistent, hard work, and the timely assistance of the Board
of Church expansion these good people had built a splendid house for the Master
and Methodism, and on that day Bro. J. W. Bridges, former pastor, to the delight
of all, preached the dedicatory sermon at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m. preached a very
profitable sermon to the children and assisted in organizing the Sunday-school,
this being the fifth Sunday-school on the Lindale Circuit.
During the stormy days of reconstruction Jule Bridges, the father of
James W., and I were class-mates in the Montgomery conference over in Alabama.
Having been soldiers together, surrendering with Gen. Lee, we came home
to make the best of the situation we could.
With Dr. A. T. Bledsoe we could sing,
"Oh who can estimate the cost
When unity was saved and liberty lost."
But saddest of all we found our Northern cousins there
wearing store clothes and with plenty of money to be used in the business of
absorption and disintegration of the Southern Church. Bridges was one of the men that did not sell out, but looking
the man in the face said: "If
you have come down from Ohio to help us preach the gospel and save sinners we
bid you a hearty welcome; but if you have come on a proselyting scheme to take
advantage of our supposed distress, you can go back as you came, for your
$75,000 can't buy Jule Bridges." I
am delighted to be associated with this young brother so full of promise, for he
is a worthy son of a noble sire.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 10, 1900, p. 14, c. 1
J. L. NEEL.
A good man has gone to his reward. Bro.
J. L. Neel was born in Franklin County, Tenn., December 1, 1827, and died at his
home in Dallas, Texas, March 7, 1900, respected by all who knew him and dearly
loved by a large circle of friends. In
early life he enlisted in the army and was a soldier in the Mexican War.
Before he returned home, his family moved to Texas and settled in Smith
County, where he joined them again. In
1854 he was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at
Starrville, Smith County, Texas, in which communion he lived a happy and useful
member, until the master called him from labor to refreshment.
On February 8, 1855, he was happily married to Miss Eudora Curl, who
survives him and treasures the memory of as kind a husband as any woman was ever
blessed with. Three children came
to brighten their home and cement the bonds of affection which bound them
together. Two of these children,
Mrs. J. G. Kearby, of Wills Point, and W. H. Neel, of Dallas, are living, an
honor to their sainted father. A
little daughter died in 1865, born in 1861, at four years of age.
Bro. Neel led an active Christian life from the beginning, filling
acceptably the offices of steward and superintendent of Sunday-schools for
several years. It was my privilege
to sustain the relation of pastor to him and family, first at Dallas and later
at Cleburne, and it was always an inspiration to me in preaching to hear the
hearty "amens" and see the glistening tears of joy that stole down his
cheek as he drank in the glorious gospel. As
he grew older he grew more tender and mellow, having a kind word for every one.
He kept young by keeping in touch with young life in the Epworth League,
the Sunday-school and the cottage prayer-meetings.
His home was in Tyler during the war, but he moved to Dallas in 1874, and
with the exception of three years, Dallas was his home.
His death was sudden, resulting from heart failure, giving no time for
farewell words or preparation; but he needed none.
He was ready, and when the Master called he answered joyfully the
summons. Farewell, dear brother; we
shall meet again, and say good morning upon the sunlit hills of immortality.
H. A. BOURLAND.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 17, 1900, p. 3, c, 1-2.
TYLER DISTRICT.
I promised to finish the report from Tyler District when the first round
was completed.
Lindale came February 24 and 25, at Lindale.
W. W. Graham is the new pastor, and no man in the district seems to be
prouder of his charge, and he has, beyond any question, a fine people, who seem
as proud of him as he of them. Already
he has his collections secure, and his per capita free-will offering to the
Twentieth Century Fund. Lindale
charge is in safe hands for the year 1900.
Reports were splendid. . . .
Troupe and Overton Quarterly Conference came march 24 and 25. Bro. J. W. Johnson, pastor.
He is a wise man and good preacher.
He has been a "beloved" himself, and knows how to have
everything ready for a quarterly meeting. He
is serving a good charge, and is sure of a good year.
Stewards' report full and over. . . .
April 28 and 29 we closed our first round at Flint, on White House
Circuit. B. C. Ansley, the
"funny preacher" of the district, has charge.
If he is the funny preacher, he is religious with it, full of energy, and
has an eye on all the interests of the Church.
At this meeting he never rested till every member of the Quarterly
Conference and visitor had been looked after.
We had a real good time. Large
crowds attended. This circuit ought
to be one of the best in the district, and I believe will be better in the near
future than it now is.
I wish to call attention to one other matter ere this report is closed,
namely: Our Woman's Home Mission
Work. Mrs. Dr. Sanders, of Edom, is
our District Secretary. She is very
anxious to put the work in better shape in the district, and it needs to be.
Every aid society should at once be changed into a W. H. M. Society, and
other new societies should be organized. I
trust that our preachers will lend Sister Sanders every needed help by
correspondence and otherwise. We
ought to have five times as many societies as we now have.
Now, one closing word of exhortation:
Let all concerned, presiding elder and pastors, local preachers and
exhorters, Sunday-school superintendents and teachers, do our level best to make
the second quarter more spiritual than the first, the stewards and all the
people to make its finances better. Let
us continue our faith and prayers for a great revival and full financial
reports.
J. T. SMITH.
Tyler, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, June 14, 1900, p. 12, c. 2
Wilson—Kennedy.—Near Pleasant Retreat Church, Smith County, Texas,
May 27, 1900, Mr. Fayette Wilson and Miss Barbara Kennedy, Rev. W. C. Stallings
officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 16, 1900, p. 16, c. 3-4.
FROM AN OLD-TIME METHODIST.
I take the Advocate annually, and read every word that it contains each
week, and I thank God that there are a few of the old-time, old-fashioned
Methodists of fifty years ago left to advocate the old Wesleyan doctrine, who
are brave enough to call the attention of modern Methodism to the old-time
landmarks of fifty years ago. Methodists
in those days were known by their godly walk and conversation; also by their
dress. A sister wasn't allowed a
dozen frills, and lace and ribbon galore put on their dress, but their dress was
plain and modest, as becomes a Christian. To
wear, likewise, their bonnets was not allowed a hamper basket full of ribbons,
laces, artificials, etc., to be piled upon it.
Then people were religious as they should and ought to be.
How is it now? You may attend church, and you can't tell who is a Christian
nowadays. The Church used to have
old-time love-feasts behind closed doors. Now
that is all done away with, and our domestic religion, and in fact all other
sorts of religion, is at a very low ebb. We used to see the preacher and his flock sing together from
old-fashioned hymn books—no organ or instruments of any sort, and choirs, to
do our singing for us in those days (fifty years ago). Oh, for a closer walk with God, and a return to old-time
Methodist rules and religion. What
is the cause of so much worldliness in the Church today. Our old-time pioneer preachers, who wore their homespun
clothes and walked hundreds of miles to preach, with their saddle-bags thrown
over their shoulders, with a change of clothes in one end and Bible and hymn
book in the other, often swimming swollen streams to get to their appointments,
were equal to the occasion, to keep the Church pure all manner of worldliness
out of the Church, and now our Churches are so corrupt, so filled with all
manner of worldliness til the Church really is not a Church, but a society.
The songs they use these days for Church worship are not fit for anything
except Leagues or social gatherings. We
ought to return to old-time Methodist rules and ways, and do our own singing,
from our old-time hymn books, as we used to do, and not allow the organ, or some
other sort of instrument, with a choir of the vilest sinners of the country, do
it for us. This is why our Church
is in its present condition and our religion is at so low an ebb. God will never bless us as we wish till we (the Church)
undergo a great change and simply get back to the old-time landmarks.
I don't believe God will ever bless the Methodist Church as he used to do
till we make our way back. Our
preachers, I am inclined to believe, are in a great measure the cause of the
present worldliness of our Church. Let
our present preachers say to the members: you
can not wear such gay apparel and remain in the Church, as did our old-time
preachers fifty years ago, and you would see fine rigging flying in every
direction. God grant the day soon.
MRS. JOSIE BARRETT
Axtell, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 6, 1900, p. 9, c. 1
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Aug. 31: We
have held six of our meetings. Have
one more to hold. We have had a
good time. The good Lord has been
very good to us on the Tyler Circuit. We
have had sixty-three conversions and reclamations up to date. Forty-five have joined our Church. The finances behind, but we believe we can safely say that
the assessments made by the conference will all come up. We are hopeful on all lines.
We serve a good people. Three
of our quarterly meetings have passed. Our
P. E. is all O. K. God bless him:
he makes a fellow love him. Tyler
Circuit is coming to the front, even if somebody has to get out of the way to
make room for us. We won't stay
behind. Lookout!
some preacher will want my place the first thing I know.
We hope to have good results at our next meeting.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 13, 1900, p. 5, c. 2
LINDALE.
W. W. Graham, Sept. 11: Our
meetings on the Lindale Circuit have been held with very happy results.
At Sabine we held one week and added 8 members.
At Mt. Sylvan one week and added 3 members.
At Harris Chapel ten days and added 5 members.
At Lindale two weeks and added 44 members, making even 60 members from
all sources added to the Church during the meetings, and others, no doubt, will
join other Churches the first opportunity.
The mourners' bench was much in evidence, and how the medicine did work
just as soon as we could get the people to take it.
It gives me great pleasure to make this statement, for some of our
leaders are saying that other denominations have fought us on this question and
whipped the fight. No so.
For a woman to marry a man with the word obey left out is bad indeed, but
for a sinner to hope for salvation full and free without repentance towards God
is the worst of all delusions and a destructive snare.
Mine helpers from first to last were:
J. T. Smith, W. H. Crawford, W. J. Owens, and Wesley Mayne, local deacon.
We confidently expect to make a full report financially at the Annual
Conference.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 13, 1900, p. 16, c. 1
BREEZY NOTES FROM REV. J. T. SMITH.
We are in receipt of an interesting letter from Rev. J. T. Smith, of the
Tyler District, and while it is mostly private, yet we give below some of its
interesting items:
I am rejoiced to say that for a month the revival fires have been
burning, to the joy of all our hearts (I mean in Tyler District). I left Lindale in a flame Wednesday. About twenty-five conversions in two days.
Ten joined the Church Tuesday night.
Bro. W. H. Crawford of Rice, came in to take my place with Bro. Graham.
Old Graham is on shouting ground, and using it.
Saw Bro. Allen a few minutes ago. He
is just in from one of his appointments. Reports
a great meeting; thirty conversions, twenty-two additions.
These are only examples of what is going on in the district.
Our dear Bro. Greathouse, one of the best and most genial of men, has
been compelled to stop for a few weeks of rest.
He is away at Fayetteville, Ark. A
letter from him to-day says: "I
am in the home of a lifetime friend. My
old family physician says I am full of malaria and suffering from nervous
prostration, and that I will have to stay indoors for a week or so."
God bless him, is my prayer. . . .
J. T. SMITH.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 4, 1900, p. 5, c. 2
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Sept. 28: At my late fourth Quarterly Conference meeting, under the head of Miscellaneous, this scribe was greatly surprised. Our young people of Pleasant Retreat had bought their preacher a fine suit of clothes. It was presented by Rev. W. C. Stallings, one of our local elders. When we found out what he was going to do we had to almost shed tears. Oh! how we did appreciate the spirit that it was presented in. These Tyler Circuit people can make their preacher feel so happy by showing their love for him. We serve a good people. I do hope they will get a better pastor when the conference sends us away.
TYLER CIRCUIT.
S. N. Allen, Sept. 25: Our
fourth Quarterly Conference is a thing of the past.
We had a real good conference. Our
presiding elder on hand full of power, and did some of his biggest preaching,
and we were all well pleased and rejoiced as he fed us.
God bless J. T. Smith. He
makes a fine presiding elder. The
charge was behind $197.75, I believe, but the stewards said they would pay out.
Our fourth Quarterly Conference was very early for the country people,
anyway. The elder gave us a fine
talk on the Twentieth Century, and raised in cash and subscription $20.50.
We are coming through all right. Pray
for us.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 11, 1900, p. 9, c. 2
Tyler, Texas, Oct. 8, 1900.—Dear Bro. Blaylock—I held a quarterly
meeting at Marvin Church, Tyler, and took collection for Churches in Houston
District, and send you check in favor of O. T. Hotchkiss for $22.48. This Church had given hundreds of dollars already.
J. T. SMITH.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 25, 1900, p. 9, c. 4
White—Jones.—At the residence of the bride's mother, September 26,
1900, Rev. P. R. White and Miss Rener Jones, Rev. s. N. Allen, of Tyler,
Circuit, officiating.
Phillips—Hullums.—On the 10th of October, at the bride's
father's, Mr. Frank Hullums, three miles east of Tyler, Mr. J. W. Phillips, of
Greenville, Hunt County, and Miss Maggie Hullums, of Smith County, Rev. C. H.
Smith officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 25, 1900, p. 14, c. 3
PRICKETT.—Mrs. A. F. Prickett (nee Starr) was born June 27, 1834; was
converted and joined the M. E. Church, South, at the tender age of twelve or
thirteen; was married to W. J. Prickett October 30, 1856, and went to heaven
October 6, 1900. I speak
positively, for she lived a consistent christian life.
Her home was the home of the traveling preacher.
Oh, how she was delighted to have them stay with her. When the good old camp-meeting times were, she went to the
camp-ground and camped, and did her part and got her part of the blessings.
The good Lord never passed her by. She
had been a great sufferer for more than two years; had been confined to her bed
for nearly twelve months. She often
expressed a desire to go and be at rest with the blessed Savior.
Among the last words that she said was, "I love Jesus."
While the home is lonely and her husband and dear son and daughter-in-law
and two grandchildren mourn for her, yet she rejoices with her Savior and loved
ones in the glory land. We will not
mourn as those that have no hope. Look
up, dear friends; we will soon go to meet dear wife and mother.
She awaits us on the other side.
S. N. ALLEN, P. C.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 6, 1900, p. 3, c. 2
TYLER DISTRICT.
J. T. Smith, P. E.
Tyler, Marvin—V. A. Godbey.
Cedar Street and St. Paul's—A. G. Scruggs.
Tyler Circuit—S. N. Allen.
Lindale—F. A. Downs.
Mineola—G. V. Ridley.
Emory—W. M. Foster, supply.
Golden—G. M. Fletcher, supply.
Grand Saline—A. Methvin.
Wills Point—C. B. Cross.
Wills Point Circuit—Jesse Willis.
Canton—H. B. Urquhart.
Edom—J. W. Bridges.
Malakoff—W. W. Graham; Jesse Lee, junior preacher.
Meredith—D. F. Pulley, supply.
Athens—L. M. Fowler.
New York—P. R. White.
Troup and Overton—T. J. Milam.
White House—C. H. Smith.
Conference Secretary of Missions—J. T. Smith.
Conference Secretary of Education—V. A. Godbey.
Student in Alexander Institute—Leon Henderson.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 13, 1990, p. 14, c. 1
WHITE.—On the 30th day of July, 1898, a sweet boy baby was
born in Tyler, Texas, to H. C. and Itasca Joiner White.
For twenty-two months he was the light of their home, and then went up to
live with God. Never did a child of
his age entrench himself more perfectly in the hearts of his parents.
Everything about him gave great promise, and his parents watched his
development with great delight, and when he went away they felt that great
earthly hopes had perished, but their heavenly hopes survived.
B. H. GREATHOUSE.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 27, 1900, p. 7, c. 2
MULLER.—Mrs. Susan C. Miller (nee Rogers) was born October 24, 1873, in
Cherokee County, Ga.; moved to Texas with her parents in 1878; professed
religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1885; was married
to L. H. Muller May 3, 1893. She
died November 25, 1900. Mrs. Muller
was the daughter of Bro. E. P. Rogers and Sister Samantha Rogers.
Sister Muller was one of the best women I ever knew; was faithful and
true to the last. May God bless her
dear relatives and help them to meet her in heaven.
C. H. SMITH.
Bullard, Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 3, 1901, p. 9, c. 3
A SILVER WEDDING.
Rev. John Adams, D. D., and his excellent little wife celebrated their
"silver wedding" last night in their splendid home on West Ferguson
Street, Tyler.
While everything outside and inside the house had been arranged with the
utmost good taste, yet there was an utter absence of anything like ostentation
or show.
At the appointed hour the guests began to arrive, and for two hours there
was the constant clatter of feet and ringing of door bells. Dr. and Sister Adams and their son Langston received in the
most easy and informal manner their guests.
Soon the sitting-room and parlors were filled with the culture and piety
of Tyler. There were preachers,
lawyers, doctors, editors, bankers, merchants, tradesmen and their wives and
daughters and manly young men present.
Besides, multitudes who could not be there had written letters and sent
kind remembrances. While the
notices sent out stated "No presents were expected," yet from the
great number found on the table we were let to suppose that no one came who did
not bring or send in advance a substantial and beautiful gift in pure sterling
silver.
The value must have run into hundreds of dollars.
Among many costly things was a beautiful case from State Line Church,
containing a very handsome toilet set.
I never witnessed a more beautiful social affair.
Dr. and Sister Adams have lived in Tyler almost all of their married
life, and to see the loving and tender regard shown them by these people, who
have known them all of these long years, was touchingly beautiful and inspiring.
Dr. Adams has been a member of the East Texas Conference all of his
preacher life. He has led a life of
spotless purity and has unselfishly devoted his great talent to the good of the
church. There is not a man who has
grown up in the conference whose life he has not helped to shape. He has been presiding elder for the last thrity-odd years,
sixteen of them spent on Tyler District, and nowhere on earth is he better loved
than here. For twenty-five years
Sister Adams had been by his side, helping and inspiring him to success.
Their son Langston, a young man of fine character and business ability,
was in from San Antonio to be with them.
They will not likely celebrate their "golden wedding" on earth,
but no one doubts but that they will have settled by then in a country that is
'fairer than day" and a city whose streets are of gold. The memory of this happy event will linger with them and
their guests through life. Blessings
on them for the rest of life is the prayer of the writer.
J. T. SMITH.
Tyler, Texas, Dec. 29, 1900.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 3, 1901, p. 11, c. 2-3
Shelton-Stallings—Five miles west of Tyler, Smith county, at the
beautiful little home of the bride's father, Rev. C. W. Stallings, Mr. H. M.
Shelton and Miss Ethel Stallings, December 23, 1900, Rev. S. N. Allen
officiating.
Ingram-Currie.—December 16, 1900, at 10:00 a.m., seven miles southeast
of Tyler, Smith County, Texas, at the quiet little home of the bride's
brother-in-law, Mr. J. F. Ingram and Miss Ellen Currie, Rev. S. N. Allen
officiating.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 3, 1901, p. 12, c. 2
W. H. M. SOCIETY, LINDALE, TEX.
Whereas, Mrs. Dora Groome Graham has been called to another field of
labor; therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Woman's Home Mission Society of Lindale, Texas, that we
have lost, by her removal to another home, one of our best and most enthusiastic
members, and that her loss will be keenly felt by the members of this society.
We commend her to the good people in her new field of labor, and may
God's richest blessings be showered upon her wherever she may go.
God grant that she may be as useful in her new field of labor as she has
been in this.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the Woman's
Department of the Texas Christian Advocate for publication.
MRS. J. F. WILLIAMS, Pres.
MRS. JULIA OGBURN, Sec.
Lindale, Texas.