Newspaper Page Text
162
SffutjKrn Christian
MACON, GEORGIA, OCTOBER 11. 1871.
RENEW!
Subscribers will pleaso look at the dates
alongside their names on the printed ad
dress of their paper, and renew promptly
if subscription is alxiut to expire. If any
error in date we will cheerfully correct on
being notified. It is time now to renew
subscriptions, marked NOVEMBER, IS7I.
John Mitchell Bonnell, I). 1).
The community of Macon was inexpressi
bly shocked, on Sunday morning, October
Ist, to learn that this eminent minister and
educator, had died suddenly near Saturday’s
midnight. Many remembered seeing him
on the streets, in the afternoon of the latter
day, in his usual health. To show how sud
den the shock—he had conducted Dr. Pierce,
w ,./ho arrived after nightfall at the Wesleyan
Female College, to his chamber, within little
more than an hour of his death, in unusu
ally exuberant spirits, for one ordinarily
so quint as Dr. Bonnell; and bis venerable
friend learned on awakening at dawn, that
the parting “ good night ” would find its cor
responding “good morning”greeting, only
fetter the rising on both of the eternal day.
Prom waiting on Dr. Pierce, ho retnrned
to a little company of friends, who were
gathering at the College to the opening of
the session ou the ensuing Monday, tarried
—Pri-trii awhile, and, leaving Mrs. Bon
nell behind, retired to his own room. Mrs.
B. following a few minutes later found him
ready for bed, yet sitting np and complain
ing of distressing nausea. It soon grew in
to intense pain, in tlie region of the heart,
and the physician was sent for, while his
devoted wife got him to bed and used such
simple remedies as were at hand, hoping to
allay the pain. The anguish soon became
great, and suddenly he seemed to sink. She
hurried to call Prof. Bass from his room,
but before he could dress himself and reach
his honored colleague, he was pulseless, A
few more gasps—a feeble fluttering on the
verge of life, and all of earth was over.
Thus died one of the best and most lovely
of men. The only premonition he had of
this sad issue, so far as we know, wuh a
slight paralysis of tlio tongue, which inter
fered with distinct articulation, and (which
hi3 friends observed was of late months so
increasing, as very greatly to embarrass him
in his public services. Ho took this as a
premonitory symptom of the disease, which
ended his father’s life, and thus Spoko of it
occasionally to his friends, though neither
he nor they anticipated so near and snd a
result.
Except for an absence of three or four
years, just beforo ho was called to the high
place he held at his death, Dr. Bonnell has
been at work in Georgia since early* man
hood, ns preacher of tlio gospel, and, prin
cipally, as an educator of its young ladies.
In the College where he died, as 00-laborer
with the writer, ho gave such satisfaction,
that when a vacancy in the presidency oc
curred eleven years ago, he was recalled from
Alabama to till it. Born 10th April, 1820,
in Sticks eo., Pa., reared principally in
Philadelphia, ho graduated at about eigh
teen years of age at Jefferson College,
Washington, Pa , and cams to Georgia be
fore he reached bis majority and began bis
life work. Though reared a strict Presby
terian, bo passed through a period of reli
gions doubt approximating to disbelief, but
he fell in here with the Methodists, and his
, doubts were dissipated less by reasoning,
than by an exhibition of tho power of re
ligion, wl deli soon led to a happy experience,
that transformed him into an earnest Chris
tian worker. This was at Greenville, Ga.,
in 1842. He soon began to preach, and
joined tlio Georgia Conference in 1845. But
his brethren early recognized his eminent
fitness for tho teacher’s vocation, and the
Methodist Institutions of Georgia became
tlio field of his labor. But wo are not at
temptmg a biography; and,wo must cease
this narrative.
It is to his character, wo turn, as to a
beautiful picture, that we love lingeringly
to gaze upon. He was one of the purest, tho
gentlest., tho best of men—one of the most
self-depreciating, yet one of the bravest
and most conscientious, in uttering his
convictions, 'and in performing his duty.
Highly gifted, of versatile talent, capable of
being an artist, a master* in music, of clear
intellect and broad culture, there was no
department of learning, science or literature,
in which he might not have been eminent,
had his self-assertion been equal to his abili
ties. But ho was as retiring from all public
observation as a woman; and the public,
therefore, never learned to know him, as his
intimate friends knew him. Pure in heart,
deeply affectionate, true as steel to princi
ple, with a broad charity for all, that would
not think, much less express, evil of any,
and as tender a conscience as Paul could
have had, in months and years of inter
course, we have never heard him speak but
in tho most self-disparaging way of his
own personal religion, and with constant
abhorrence of his innate sinfulness. His
sense of the enormity of sin—of every
man’s sin—was intense, not so much for the
bitter fruits that follow it, as because sin
despoils the soul of that exalted purity and
conformity to the divine image, which he
believed was tho birth-right of every cre
ated intelligence. Tho offence of sin to
him, was not in what man did, but in what
man is —and in the possibilities of evil he
feared might bo latent in himself, only lack
ing temptation or opportunity to bring it in
to being. With such a sense of fallen nature,
he dung with childlike simplicity and faith
to Christ and to His work, and found his
strength and support in believing. His life
flowed equably—he was rarely excited in
any way—his patience was never exhausted
—his temper, never ruffled'. So well propor
tioned a character, so well rounded a man,
so unblemished a Christian, is seldom found.
It is a pleasure to remember, that the last
conversation of any note wo had with him
was in reference to the resurrection, in
which he exhibited the strongest faith in
an immortal life for the body, despite all
tho difficulties of science—which were dis
cussed—and his was a mind, more than or
ninarily prone to question, where he could
•not understand. We are satisfied, that
many of the hardest battles of his inner
nature were upon the fields of rational scep
ticism; but practical and experimental god
liness came off victorious, in every conflict.
Os all men whom we have known, amid the
multiform trials of an active life, in which
the care of many other persons devolved on
him—a care naturally charged with many
trials of his character—of all such persons,
we know of none, who could as easily afford
to die, if we may say so, without an hour
to devoto to self-examination and prayer,
before “he gathered up his feet into the
bed, and yielded up the ghost to be gath
ered to his people,” than our departed
brother, John M. Bonnell.
It was a sad loss to ourself, that wo were
absent from the city, and therefore we could
not follow to tho grave with the mourners—
of whom our love for him would have made
us one of the chief—the mortal remains of
our dear friend. We got back on Monday
evening only in time to find the impress of
Sadness on the face of the recently returned
mourners; and to learn that perhaps never
never before lio« such a weeping congrega
tion como together in Macon. TJfcy fcusi- 1
nets houses wore closed, all the clergy of all
the churches were gathered aronnd his bier,
and a vast crowd, in tlie Mulberry street
Church, listened with tears and sobs, to the
tributes paid him by his friends, Doctors
Key and Pierce, and the liev. J. O. Branch,
pastor of tho Church. Then a largo pro
cession followed him to that silent bed,
where ho sleeps awaiting the dawn- of llie
resurrection day. May we all lie down
there, with as sure a hope of future bliss.
Recantation.
Wo took occasion recently to invite
friends from abroad to Macon, as visitors to
the coming “State Agricultural Fair,” pro
vided, they would heed our advice, and keep
away from the races, that we had learned
were to follow the Fair—or, if necessary to
avoid the temptation, to leave the place be
fore they came on. A kind friend from
abroad, respectfully demurs to this quasi
endorsement of,what he is led to believe is
to be source of untold evil to tho State.
He writes:
“The Advocate, published on the ground
and circulated among ‘the people called
Methodists ’ over this State and portions of
the adjacent State will, as it should, be re
garded as good authority on all questions of
moral and r Christian propriety that
arise in connection with the aforesaid Fair.
One of the most prominent and best men
of my Church placed in my hands to day a
‘Programme ’ of tho aforesaid Fair, calling
my attention to several items in it, mention
ing at the same time your endorsement.
We who have charges in cities, and the
best members of such charges,feel that there
is a pressure upon us these days, in tho di
rection of worldly amusements that we can
not well withstand. Wo need from all le
gitimate sources clear, strong, outspoken
testimony and much of it against all the
abominations of the times. If the Georgia
State Fair, with a Methodist at the head of
it, and Methodists among its managers, is
to be run in the sportsmen, gam
blers, and our Advocate is to lend it even a
quasi endorsement, then woe worth tlie day.
Now I do not believe that you endorse
this gambling spirit of the age more than I
do—but I must think that you had not seen
the programme.
My opinion is and long lias been, that tlie
pulpit and the press have a war on this sub
ject of worldly amusements into which we
must enter with sword unsheathed and seal)
bard thrown away. Please examine the
Programme which I semi you, and let the
Church and the world know yonr editorial
mind on it.”
He sends tlio Programme—a long “pos
ter ” which is said to be scattered and post
ed all over the country. We had thought
the Fair to be an Agricultural and Mechani
cal Fair. We do not find iu the “Pro
gramme ” one word in reference to Agricul
ture or Mechanics—dr a premium offered
for success or samples in either—or any
mention even, of premiums in these depart
ments. The first attraction seems to be the
“finest park and best race-track on the
American continent.” This leads off—then
we have scattered along with the account of
lionse-room, the “ grand stand” for 5,000
people—premiums for “fast horses,” the
grant “ regatta’ balloon aseenscion,”
“distinguished pedestrian,” oto., etc, —bqt
not a word, to indicate that this is any thing
other than a big hoi-3c race and general
frolic—for the pleasure-seekers of Georgia.
What we wrote before was written under
the impression, that four days were to bo
devoted to a legitimate Fair— and all thereat
had been tacked on and to come nflcmvcrrds
with no authority from tho managers. We
were told by tho President of the Society
himself, that all racing had been ruled ont of
tho Society’s programme, and wo are Rnro
it was so. But if wo are rightly informed,
the managers havo accepted the offer of a
certain snm of money to be given the So
ciety, as the results <of the Fair, and those
who promised to pay it, are running the
Fair at their own option. We are not cer
tain that tills is so—but, if so, it will ac
count for a great deal foisted in here, in tho
name of the State Agricultural Association,
that is discreditable to it, and ought to bo
ruled out from its patronage. This, for in
stance, will account for what we read in the
papers, that Agents of the Fair have been
sent ont to the far West, and havo it pub
lished that the premium lists for “ running
and trotting horses alone ” amount to §lO,-
000, and that “ tlieso races tviil he the feature
of the Fair” —a statement copied into our
city papers, and therefore, wo snpposo au
thoritative.
Wo do not, now, advise any body to como
to the State Fair. We advise every body
against it, until this demoralizing machin
ery for gathering a great crowd can be rulod
out, by an outraged moral public opinion.
For one, we hesitate to go to the “ Park”
even thus early, to see tho stato of prepara
tion, aud to look on its celebrated beauties.
Should we do it, it is not unlikely that wo
would find somebody trotting—“against
time”—around the “best racetrack in,”
etc. —and should we, in our ignorance of
horses and their speed, happen to pull out
our watch to see whether a “quarter” is
made in ten seconds or ten minutes, it is
not at all improbable that some impover
ished and hungry “item’’-hunter would be
nosing about to pick up somo “highly
moral ” items to sandwich in between the
drinks and tho lunches, by which he is paid
for advertising tho “ very best ” of every
thing to a credulous public. In such un
fortunate circumstance, wo should, per
haps, read in next morning’s paper, that all
the clergy of tho city were at the Park bet
ting on a preacher’s horse, and that we had
won some amazing sum—or if not this pre
cise fabrication, then something else as
preposterous. And all, only because we
were curious enough to visit the remarkable
place. No, wo hesitate much to expose
“the clergy” to so much damage, by an
inadvertent act of this nature. Avery lit
tle grain of fact gobbled down by one of
these topic era will come forth from his
windy maw gas enough to send up a very
huge balloon of defamation against “the
clergy and it is so magnanimous a re
venge for their opposition to those engross
ing and demoralizing worldly pleasures that
steep the soul in spiritual .lethargy; and so
necessary to give respectability to a fraud
upon a Christian public, in tho namo of—
well say, Agriculture—to try to identify
them with it, if possible; and so brilliantly
witty in itself, to exaggerate their most in
nocent inadvertencies, into a theme for a
sneering and misleading newspaper para
praph, that we would bo under apprehen
sion all the while, were we even to visit tho
grounds, to see their budding wonders—
and —especially, as the “programme” sots
forth, that there are “three newspapers to
be printed on the grounds.” Alas! alas!
for any poor preacher, especially, who may
appear there, if the voracious “Jenkinses”
shall set their eyes on him. His chance for
fame of a certain sort would be very good.
We really cannot advise anybody to run the
risk.
Western Virginia Conference. The
Western Virginia Conference held its ses
sion at Charleston, West Virginia, Sept.
20. —25. Bishop Pierce presided;*!!. E.
Walden, A. P. Strum, were admitted on
trial. L. Brammel was received as a local
deacon from the M. E. Church, North. L.
B. Madison was received from the Baltimore
Conference, and G. C. Kelly (on trial) from
the Kentucky. S. H. Mullan, located. J.
A. West, B. G. Hull, L. G. Chevront, su
perannuated. Thos. M. Williams, died.
Whiteaaeiilbers, lftjlfiQt colored, 3G; local
aWnlfc#* I.: teachers,
144; scholars, 5,498} .’ Amount necessary for
claimants and collected, WOO. Contributed
for Missions §661 05. The next session to
bo held at Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Tlie Wesleyan Female College. ■
The exercises of this College were to have
begun on Monday, 2d October. Many
young ladies came in on Saturday and Mon
day, in time to join in the general mourning
for President BonnelL On Tuesday, how
ever, college duties were resumed ; and al
ready nearly two hundred pupils have been
entered.
Tho sudden blow, coining, as it did,when,
but for instant action, the paralysis of doubt
and hesitancy might have extended to the
College and its friends, and change the cur
rent of success, rendered speedy decision es
sential. Fortnn atdy, the resident trustees
—an Executive Committee —and those who
were fortuitously in the city, made np nearly
a quorum of the Board of Trustees; and
they wore called together on Tnesday to pro
vide for the present exigency. The Executive
Committee is empowered to fill vacancies,
and they acted promptly in unanimously
calling to the vacant position,’ Bav. Dr. O.
Ti. Smith, of Columbus, who once ably filled
the place having voluntarily retired from
itr-loven years ago-a selection eminently
satisfactory to the present Faculty.
Dr. Smith accepts the position under this
exigent call, and ho will, beyond donbt, con
sent to remain permanently, when a full
Board makes the demand for his con
tinued service—which probably will be the
case. The ■following arc the resolutions
passed by the Executive Committee:
Resolved, By the Executive Committee of
tho Wesleyan Female College, that under
the power to fill vacancies conferred upon
us, by the statutes and regulations of the
College, wo fill the vacancy occasioned by
tho death of the late lamented President,
Dr. John M. Bonnell, by the election to the
Presidency and Professorship of Mental and
Moral Science and Rhetoric, of Dr. Osborn
L. Smith, of Columbus, Ga.
Resolved, That we congratulate the pat
rons, pupils and friends of our college, tlu*t
wo are able to secure tho services of an ex-
I’resident of the Institution, and one so
well fitted by experience, attainments and
character to fill the vacancy.
Tims happily the College is so provided
for, that there is to be no pause in its course
of usefulness. Os Dr. Smith, and his qual
ifications for the office, in which he has
been lolly tested, we need say nothing. Wo
only hope that when tho Providence of God
shall put his people into as great straits,
they may always as readily find tho means
of escape from peril. The friends of the
Institution need have fio donbt of its suc
cess. m
Tlie New Monthly Magazine.
On our first page, wo give the unpleas
ant intelligence that this Magazine is like
to fail for want of subscribers. It has boon
a hard year—money has boeu scarce, and
this may, in part, account for tho facts. We
cannot but think that onr brethren give up
too soon. For one, we did not suppose that
a venture of this sort would pay the first
year. But as the Ageut says there are no
old debts to bo paid by tho Publishing
House, the books are sold at profit, and the
Nashville A: I vacate is coining money, wo
think a little more courage, even if it hail
cost the absorption for a year or two of some
profits from other sources, would have made
tho Magazine a success. We hearil noth
ing in the General Conference, if we remem
ber aright, of making it exclusively a Ladies’
Magazine; and it might havo been put upon
a broader platform, sow another year. Wo
believe, that Dr. Harrison --as we believed,
when wo suggested him to several persons
as editor —could havo done this successful
ly -and that it would have been more to his
taste, than to have confined him to a speci
alty. It is by no means his fault that there
was not plenty of money to spend upon tho
Magazine llie first year; nor is it creditable
to tho Church generally that an enterprize
so earnestly demanded, by the General Con
ference, should go to the wall so early.
Wo trust this result may yet be averted.
The South-western Publishing House .at
St. Louis, proposed to tlie Conference to
take the Magazine. Cannot Dr. Bedford
yet make an arrangement with that House,
by which it may be kept alive? Our Church
ought to havo something more permanent
than the weekly papers; and if it lias capi
tal to invest in tho enterprize, which the
Publishing House has not, it can make it
succeed.
Personal.
The Nashville Christian Advocate gives us
the following items:
Bishop McTyetre has gone to Boggy
Depot, Indian Nation, to preside at tho In
dian Mission Conference, which met Oct. 4.
The Bishop's health has been somewhat im
paired; but he is now in good trim. Onr
readers may expect to hear from him while
episcopating in the Indian Nation and in
Arkansas. It is unnecessary to call atten
tion to the admirable numbers with which
he is now enriching the Advocate.
Tiie Secretary of tho Board of Missions
accompanies Bishop McTyeire to the Indian
Mission Conference. Ho will keep us ad
vised of his movements. How the Indians
will hail the visit of tho two white chiefs!
Tite Book Agent and Sunday-school Sec
retary attended the session of the Kentucky
Conference. Bishop Wightman was as
sisted by Bishops Kavanaugh and Pierce a
part of the session. Dr. Munsey was also
present. The Conference was well attended,
aud the session was very pleasant.
The St. horns Christian Advocate informs
us that tho Rev. P. M. Pinekard, died at
Nevada City, September 23. As he was
drawing near his end, he said, “I have set
my house in order;” sent a message to his
children—he leaves four—“ Tell them to put
their trust in God.”
The Rev. Thomas O. Summers, M. D.,
preached his last sermou ou Sunday night,
September 24, as pastor of North Edgefield
Station. Ho left the next day for Greens
boro’, Ala., to enter upon his duties as Pro
fessor of Chemistry, Geology, etc., iu the
Southern University. [We congratulate our
young friend, on this honorable position—
and wish for him many happy aud useful
years. Ed. S. C. Ad.]
A Sad Affair. —The Rev. Dr. Wadsworth
adds to a business letter, a note saying:
The murder of Gen. Jas. H. Clanton, by D.
M. Nelson in Knoxville, Tenn., plunged the
city of Montgomery into the profoundest
grief. The publio buildings, stores, shops,
and dwellings, were draped in black. His
body was taken to the Methodist Church,
for tho funeral service. The house was filled,
and many hundreds stood in the streets un
able toto get in the church. By this atrocious
act, one of the citizens of Alabama, whose
popularity was above that of every other cit
izen, and whose benevolence was proverbial,
is suddenly called to eternity. The whole
State feels this terrible blow and mourns the
loss of her son. But oh! the sorrow that
reigns in his desolate household!
Houston Ct., So. Ga., Conference. —
The Kev. James Jopes reports that at most
appointments on his circuit, there have
been good meotings and revivals. Some
eighteen or twenty persons have been added
to the Church.
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
The Rev. W. H. Meuburn —the “blind
pr#*cher, ” who about seven years since,
joined the Protestant Epiaoopal Church,
has come back to his first love—the Metho
dist Church. In his letter to his Bishop,
lie says : ’
“A connection of seven years with your
Church has satisfied me that I made a mis
take in entering it. When a mau finds that
he has taken a false step the only right
course left him is to retrace his way. I
therefore propose to return to the Commun
ion of my Fathers, in which I was born and
nurtured, and iu which I hope to end my
days. In taking farewell of yonr branch of
the Church I cannot forbear to express my
grateful sense of the numberless acts of
kindness which 1 have received from many
of her Bishops, Clergy, and Laity; nor can
I withhold the statement that within her
pale I have met many of the most sweet,
noble and godly men and women it has ever
lieeu my happiness to know
But as one advances in years, he finds it
bard to form new attachments, and the
heart turns with inexpressible longing to
the friends and associations of earlier days.
Nothing has obliterated, nothing cau oblit
erate, my deep and yearning love of Metho
dism, the Spiritual Mother who. under God,
bred, and made me what I am. ”
Mr. Milburu lias been recognized as a
“local elder,” by the Illinois Conference.
The Rev. Thos B. Russell. — This ac
complished educator, has taker, ttie Presi
dency of Minden (La.,) Female College, and
he will remove to that place directly. He
lias done good work in Georgia and Ala
bama; and many friends follow him with
their best wishes for bis success. The Trus
tees of the Academy at Fort Valley, where
he has been teaching first and last for some
twelve or fifteen years, part with him affec
tionately, and with the following tribute:
Resolved 1. That, we deem it our duty as
well as privilege to say, that, his scholar
ship, skill, and long experience as a teacher
of youth, together with his noble beariug as
a gentleman aud Cliristiau, eminently qualify
him for any position, in tho highest univer
sities of the country.
2. That, although the relation of Trus
tees and Teacher is broken, yet tho ties of
friendship and love between him aud us are
indissoluble; and, whilst we regret his loss
to our community, wo congratulate tho citi
zens of Minden upon their acquisition of
his services aud association.
Mercer University.— The Baptist breth
ren are busily preparing for the permanent
establishment of their Institution in Macon.
The Board of Trustees met here last week,
and made preparation to commence build
ing on Tattnall Square, and elected as
President the Bev. A. J. Battle, D.D., of
Alabama, who was born in Hancock co.,
Ga. He is now about forty years of age.
He has filled a Professorship in the Univer
sity of Alabama, and is at present President
of the Judson Female College at Marion, Ala.
He is said to be a ripe scholar and an accom
plished Christian gentleman.
Andrew Female Colleof.. —We are gtati
fied to learn that this Institution at Cuth
bert, lately placed under the care of tho
liev. J. B. McGebee, A. M., and thoroughly
reorganized with an ablo Faculty, lias opened
well —over one hundred pupils being pres
ent. With the amount of talent brought
into requisition at that point, the College
must succeed.
The Good Templars, that new and flour
ishing Temperance organization, which
promises so much good in the cause, held
tlieir highest court in Macon last week. We
were promised an abstract of proceedings,
but it did not come to hand in time for this
issue.
The Meetino at First Street Church;
Macon, is continued nightly, with growing
interest. About sixty now, we believe, have
been added to the Church, aud the number
of conversions is far in excess. Tho met
ing seems likely to continue through the
year.
The Grifein District No. Ga., Confer
ence has, as reported to us by Rev. J. Lewis,
P. E., been greatly blessed this year. There
has been a good work at almost every
Church, and at some churches wonderful
displays of divine power.
East Macon. —The Rev. J. W. Burke is
kohliug an interesting meeting iu his East
Macon charge. Thirteen have beou added
to tho Church, anil the interest in the meet
ing is such, as to warrant expectations of a
more extensive work.
Cue no. Boston : Lee & Shepard New Yoik Foj
sale by J. YV. Burke.* Cos. Price *1 50.
This volume, which we noticed when it
first appeared two or tliree years since, is
devoted to those inquiries which now agi
tate the thinking world. It is devoted
to the “Supernatural Book;’’ “Supernatu
ral Beings;” “Supernatural Life;” “Su
pernatural Destiuy ” —“ The Sceptic amoug
the Disciples.” The style anil sentiment
betray tlie New-Englander. There are some
true things in it, that are old —and some
new things that need investigation, before
they are received. The book is “smart,”
not profound—worth reading, bntnot much
worth remembering.
Correspondent*.
Marly JHctlioilisui in Georgia.
Mr. Editor : In my childhood “ Grant’s ”
was recognized as the first church in Geor
gia. lam now in my eighty-second year,
aud I doubt if there is any person now liv
ing who knows more about that church, its
locality and claims to be first than I do.
My father, Robert B. Washington, set
tled in Wilkes county in 1871, within about
two miles of old Mr. Grant’s family man
sion, in which the Conferences of 1789 and
1790 were held. It was a good house for
that day—painted red, as wore tho other
houses on the premises, and at my earliest
recollection had the appearance of being
very old. I think Mr. Grant mnst have been
amongst the first settlers and first Metho
dists in the State. Ho died about tho time
that my father moved there—perhaps be
fore— grave with others of his fami
ly were in the church yard. Other Metho
dist families settled in the same neighbor
hood, and moved from there to Greene coun
ty, carrying Methodism with them. Mr.
Grant left but one son—Thomas —who was
a middle aged man and occupied the old
homestead, when I was a child. There I
saw the largest and best library of Metho
dist aud other books that I ever saw in that
part of the country. They were probably
hauled from old Virginia.
Grant’s Church was a few hundred yards
from the dwelling house, and almost imme
diately on tho direct road, leading from
Washington to Powelton. It was sis or
seven miles from Washington. It was a
framed house, weather-boarded, but not
ceiled or painted, had a plain plank pulpit
and benches movable. The first preachers
preached there. In 1799,1 attended a school
which was kept in that church, the preach
ing being moved to Meriwether’s, six or
eight miles distant. That was a better and
more commodious house than Grant’s and
within three or four miles of Washington.
It was then called Coke’s or Cokesbury
Chapel. Near it was a mineral spring which
was, in summer, much frequented by the
low-conntry people. Near this church was
the residence of Gen. David Meriwether, a
man of wealth, influence and piety, a Meth
odist and a brother-in-law of Rev. Hope
Hnll, whose home and High School were
new; and there, too, * Bishop Andrew’s pa
rents onoe lived, and there the Bishop was
born. >
I remember going to Meriwether’s with
my futher and heaving Hope Hull preach
from the test, “Ephraim is joined to idojs;
let him alone.” The closing hymn was:
“Stay, thou insulted Spirit, stay.”
It was an awful sermon, and, with the
tremendous roar of Lis voice, made deep
impressions on many. I, though a little
girl, conld never forget it.
I suppose there continued to be preach
ing in that house till Mr. Hull left for
Athens; but the circuit preaching was re
moved to a spacious room, fitted np for the
purpose in the academy at Washington, and
it was there, in 180 G, that the writer of this
sketch became a member of the church.
Under the oaks which surrounded the
academy at Washington, iu ISOI, the first
campmeeting i.i Georgia was held, and a
glorious mtetiug it was the beginning of a
great work that has spread all over these
lands. With my parents 1 was there, and
have a vivid recollection of many joyful
sceues that I witnessed. Campmeetings
■ soon became common; they were held in all
llie adjacent counties; iu Greene, at Burke’s
meeting house; at Heath’s and Relioboth
in Warren. I attended the first Camp*
meeting held at Rehohoth, (T think in 1S02)
oply one day, but 1 remftnber witnessing
many conversions at that time, particularly
tbst of Mrs. Stitb, the wife of Judge Wil
liam Stitb. She had been down ill the
dqpt in her riclq silk dress, agonizing for
1 lours, hut at length she arose shouting and
clapping her hands testifying that her
burden ■A was taken away and calling
on all around to came taste aud see how
good the was. The feathers, flowers,
ruffles and rings were scattered amongst the
crowd, foriu those days, when people were
converted, they took off their superfluous
dressing.
Iu IBof}, a oampmeeting was held at Smyr
na, a Presbyterian Church a few miles be
low Washington. The Presbyterians and
Methodists united. It was a large eucamp
meut. Many ministers were there and a
great congregation, and great power at
tended the word spoken. It was not un
common to see men and women struck
down suddenly as by lightning, and remain
hours seemingly dead. The doctors were busy
going round, examining them, aud were
anxious to try their skill in restoring them
to life; but without their aid they always
rose alter a time, rejoicing iu the God of
their salvation. Many were converted and
rnauy joined the church, and dear old Hope
Hnll, whilereceiving them, looked as if his
joy wiEf-bin, aud he could have said with old
Sinrw#: “Now, lettest then thy servant
depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen
Tby salvation.” He was truly the founder
and fosterer of Methodism iu that section.
Revered be Lis name! Many of the old pio
neer Methodists from Virginia were at that
ineetiug aud seemed evidently strengthened
for the remnant of their journey. How
their bright, happy faces teem up before
me, as I write, and reflect gladness into my
soul! We were all brothers aud sisters in
that day. It does uie good now to remem
ber how much was expressed by tho coun
tenance and the pressure of the hand, while
the w&rd sister fell sweetly on my ear.
The work progressed. We had some
glorious campmeetings at Bonner’s. There
was old Captain Thomas Haynes, who ran
from Methodism in Virginia. I seem al
most see him now, near the camp lire, as
he IdKied far backward and forward, aud
langlred and shouted, and shouted aud
laughed ;> and his okj lady, with her caudle
in hsgd, going to the stand and to the dif
fi'roSsLTUn, singing aud talking to /the
mourners. .She was a stately woman, with
a bright, sweet face, and a line singer. They
reared a large family of children, nearly all
of whom. I believe, were members of tbc
church.
Iu 180(1, 1 utteuded a campmeeting iu
Hancock, at what was called the “Piuey
woods house,” seven miles from Sparta.
There was the largest encampment I ever
saw, and the congregation on Sabbath was
estimated at ten thousand. Peoplo wont
great distances to oampmeeting in those
days. I remember a brother Holmes, a Id
eal preacher, who came from South Caroli
na, Newberry I believe, with his family,
bedding aud provisions iu a wagon. Ho
preached us some excellent sermons. There
I first saw and heard the Dis. Pierce, Joseph
Tarpley, James Mallard and many other
veterans of tho cross who have long siuoe
laid their armor by aud gone to tlieir rest.
Preaching was had at two stands regularly;
great power attended the word anil there
was a wonderful outpouring of the Spirit
and scores of souls were converted. I recol
lect one evening in particular, while the
sweet songs of Zion were sounding from
hundreds of voices, while converts were
shouting all around, it seemed almost as if
heaven was coming down to earth. All ere
ation teemed to brighten, and even the tops
of tho tall pines to wave “glory to God!”
To one at least, it appeared so.
At the close of the year 1806, I attended
Conference at Sparta, in company with Mr.
Thomas Grant and his daughters. The
Conference was held iu brother John Lu
cas’s house. On Saturday, it was announced
that Bishop Asbury would preach the funeral
sermon of Bishop Whatcoat on Sabbath
morning, anil the congregation was request
ed to meet before brother Lucas’s door
(those who had black to wear it) and march
in procession to the church. The proces
sion was large. As they marched they sang:
“ And let this feeble body fail
And let it faint or die.”
Bishop Asbury looked pale and some
what feeble, but he preached with much of
the Divine unction. His text was: “ I have
fought a good fight.” Mnoh feeling was
manifested especially by the ministers. T 1)0
service closed with singing
“Rejoice for a brother deceased,
Onr loss is his infinite gain.”
There were George Daugherty, Matthew
Harris (Major’s colleague on, Bnrke circuit
in 1787) and others of the o!.l worthies, be
sides tho younger preachers. We had ex
cellent sermons at tho church aud some con
versions—among the number, one or two of
brother and sister Lucas’s daughters. Dear
old people! They have gone to their re
ward long ago; but I can never forget their
many warm-hearted kindnesses lavished on
me and mine, when wo were on that circuit
in 1825.
In 1808, James Rnsiel was appointed to
Little River circnit. Then began a great
revival again. Hundreds followed him from
place to place. It would bo vain to attempt
to give an adequate idea of bis preaching.
Language wonlJ fail; but a greater power
attended his efforts than those of any other
person I have ever known. It was not an
infrequent thing for from four to five hun
dred, and sometimes a thousand to attend
on a week day t appointment. It was custo
mary on the day after circuit preaching at
Washington to have preaching at our Acad
emy, called “ Rocky Creek,” a few hundred
yards from my father's door. It was a neat
two-story building erected for his use and
the benefit of the surrounding country, and
in it, ho taught for some years. It was now
a regular preaching place. Brother Russel
had three and four days meetings there, and
in the fall a camp-meeting. Henotified the
congregation on Saturday, that he wonld
hold a love-feast in that grove on Sabbath
morning and invited all who wished to see
or hear, to oonae. There was a vast con
course; but neither tlie old members nor
the young converts were in the least intimi
dated. They spoke oue after another in
quick succession aud much feeling was ex
lsibited at tlie close. Penitents and all who
were convinced of the truth of our religion,
were invited to come forward for prayer.
There was a rush; and it seemed as if the
whole crowd would come down; doctors,
lawyers, infidels, persecutors, rich and poor,
came with one accord, bowing themselves
to the earth. Many were converted and
many deeply awakened who afterwards ob
tained mercy and became members of ti e
elnircli.
I have often heard brother Russel preach
two aud three hours, and once at a camp
meeting iu Columbia comity, he preached
five hours aud fainted as ho closed. The
large audience remained till the conclusion,
entranced, spell-bound, almost breathless.
His congregations never seemed to tire. 1 h
1801), lie was sent to Broad River circuit.
The same power attended his preaching
there. I was much among friends ou Broad
River, and probably at the identical place
alluded to as Bibb’s Cross Roads. It was a
place of note a few miles up the river from
Petersburg; there was a store kept there,
and u church not far distant, aud Dr. Bibb
and liis family lived iu tho neighborhood;
but I never heard that or any other place
called Bibb’s Cross roads iu that day.
Now* a few words about “Old Church.”
In lSl!), my husband wasappointed to Louis
ville circuit which included that place. My
home and membership was iu Waynesboro’,
but I went out sometimes to “Old Church.”
It was then iu good repair; probablj|j as it
was a colonial church, the material was im
ported and the workmanship superior. I
had many dear friends there aud have oc
casionally corresponded with some of them,
aud I think if “Old Church” had been
taken down or anew oue erected I should
have heard it. I believe the same old house
is standing there still. They have camp
meeting there this season. lam glad to
hear of campmeetings again; and that the
old custom of cold provisions and calico or
suitable dresses, is about to tie revived.
It any or all of this is thrown under tho
table I shall he satisfied, for I have expe
rienced much pleasure while reviving old
times and happy scenes of other days, and
will now close signing myself a lover of old
fashioned Meth<.di.sin.
E. (1. B. Knead.
| No fear id' such a euin.mniication as this
going “under llie tilde." We hope our
venerable correspondent, whom we remem
ber with an iill'celiou like that we had l'or
her more venerable mother, wiU write again
of these old days. We are gratified to find
the conclusions we had reached, after con
siderable research, as to the origin of Meth
odism iu Georgia, confirmed. - Ed. K. C.
Advocate. 1
Itnintici’i; District Conference.
Mr. Editor : The Bamberg District Con
ference met at. Binnaker’s campground, Sept.
20 -24, Rev. F. M. Kennedy, Presiding El
der, in tiie chair. A pretty fair representa
tion from all the pastoral charges was re
ported on the first day of the session. The
Conference decided to appoint committees
to report ou the various interests of the
Church iu the District., of which committees
the following wire appointed chairmen :
Rev. D. J. Simmons on State of the Church,
Rev. T. Rnysor on Missions, Rev. J. 15. Camp
bell, Church Literature, Rev. J. W. Mcßoy,
Temperance, aud Rev. F. Aulil, Sunday
schools. These reports were read during
the session, and evinced to us all that the
subjects under consideration wefe of vast
importance to the Chnrch anil to the world.
The different pastoral charges were called
in regular order, and tlio pastors and lay
delegates from each gave a full aud extend
ed account of the spiritual aud financial op
erations it> their respective fields of labor.
From these reports we learn that the Church
over almost the entire District, lias been
visited with “seasons of refreshing from
the presence of tlie Lord.” At many points
God has most graciously poured out his
Spirit and large numbers have been added
to the Church, while the number of conver
sions have been counted by scores. At othor
points, apparently less favored, the silent
workings of tlio Spirit under tho ministry
of the word, have been manifested in a
gradual increase, both in numbers and in a
general improvement of the membership.
We, therefore, readily conclude that the
Church is iu a healthy condition through
out, the District.
The Church lias not been unmindful of
her ministers who labor amongst them in
“word and doctrine.” From present re
ports, it is evident, that while the preachers
in charge of tlio various fields within tho
bounds of tlio District, have not received a
surplus of money thus far, yet they have
been creditably sustained, and tlio highest
ambition of tho lay delegates seems to bo
to meet in full the entire claims against the
District. We believe that this department
of the Church lias gone up above the re
ports of preceding years since the war.
Tlio Sunday-school interest, though not
as prosperous as at many other points, yet
receives attention and Ijves amongst us.
Class-meetings have been generally neglect
ed, and asis supposed, for the simple reason
that they are no longer binding upon us as
members of the Church.
The periodical literature of the Church is
circulated to a moderate extent only on every
pastoral charge, and it is apparent, that but
a small proportion of onr people read o,nr
church papers. The embarrassed condition
of our oountry generally, and tho uncertain
postal facilities militate somewhat against a
more extended circulation of onr weekly re
ligious papers.
All the interests of tho Church within the
purview of a District Conference received
due attention, and it is hoped will receive a
fresh impetus during the remainder of the
year.
It was decided to devote tho 11 o’clock
service on Saturday to a special sermon or
speeches on the subject of missions, and a
collection to relieve any embarrassments on
the District. The Chairman who, by virtue
of his office, was intrusted with tho selec
tion of speakers was much relieved when in
formed that Dr. Lovick Pierce was on the
ground. Being ever ready to preach the
“ glorious gospel of the blessod God,” ho
readily consented to occupy tho pulpit on
Saturday at the appointed hour. I need
not say that he enteitained us all as Dr.
Pierce only can do. The wonder with ns
all was, not that he preached so well, but
that one so full of years should tie able to
stand up aud preaoh for one hour and fifty
five minntes, withont any appreciable fa
tigue. On Sunday at 11 o’clock he again
filled the pulpit in the presence of an im
mense throng, who had assembled from
miles around ; such congregations as you
only see at a campmeeting. This was an
occasion of feasting with the children of
the Lord. Our hearts did “ magnify the
Lord,” and “exalt His name together.”
This aged servant of God, preaching to
many for the first time and possibly to all
for tho last, standing before us under tho
weight of over four score years, and with
the experience of over sixty-six years of a
laborious and effective ministry, whose praise
is in all the churches, and preaching to us
under the influence of the Holy Ghost, we
could but. feel that the atmosphere of the
heavenly land was mingling with our own
and adding power and effectiveness to the
truth. For nearly two hours, ho presented
to us with increased physical strength, tho
“ Truth as it is in Jesus,” and our hearts
“did burn within us,” under the faithful
preaching of this aged servant of Jesus
Christ. It would be almost sacrilegious to
mar the heavenly grandeur of the occasion
by attempting anything like a fulsome eu
logy of one known amongst us all so long
as “ full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,”
and whose sermon was delivered as iu tin)
presence of God. The highest praise isj
that all our hearts were reached and man j
of our lives will reform from that day. )
Rev. William Martin, agent of the Coliina
bia Chnrch, was also with us aud preached
Sunday afternoon. We are glad to learij
from him personally, that his visit was not
4>y any means a failure in tho money lino,
aud wo have no doubt that he enjoyed thf
Sabbath feast iu common with us all. j
The business of the Conference having
been attended to with uncompromising
fidelity, we had often to regret that preach
ing was not as frequent as is usual at camp
meetings. Good, was however done. The
blessing of God attended His word and wit
follow it. Several accessions to the church,
and several conversions.
The following resolutions were passed by
the Conference immediately preceding its
adjournment.
Resolved 1. That while we deeply deplorfe
the absence of any special representative of
Wofford College, we hereby express our
sympathy aud interest in this Institution
and pledge ourselves to use our best efforts
to collect the assessment on our circuits and
stations for this important interest of the
Church.
2. That the Secretary is hereby requested
to prepare a report of this session of the
District Conference for publication in the
Southern Christian Advocate.
That the thanks of this bo.ly are due and
hereby tendered to the tent holders of this
campground for the liberal hospitality ex
tended to this Conference.
James B. Campbell,
Secretary.
Revivals in Atlanta, Georgia.
Wo have received from tho pastors, the fol
lowing gratifying account of tho work of
onr Church in Atlanta during the present
Conference year.
At First Church, a profitable ineetiug has
been held and seventy-four have been added
to the Church during tho year, by profession
of faith and certificate. A young men’s
prayer-meeting has been organized with
great benefit to our Church. The new
Church edifice advances toward completion,
and, iu a few days, the basement will be oc
cupied.
At Trinity, a gracious meeting has been
concluded, aud tho pastor lias received
eighty-seven by profession of faith aud cer
tificate. Tho Church is in lino condition in
all its departments. By Conference, the
pastor hopes to get into the basi mentof the
new Church.
At Evans’ Chnrch, a very gracious revival
has occurred, aud sixty have been added to
the Church, by certificate and conversion.
Tho Church is in a good working condition,
and a young men's prayer-meeting lias been
organized. A commodious parsonago has
been built, and is now occupied by the pastor.
At Payne’s Church, an interesting revival
has just closed, aud forty members have
been received by profession aud certificate
during the year. The spiritual condition of
tho Church is good. Anew parsonago has
been built and i* now occupied by the pastor.
Edgowood and St. Paul have been wonder
fully blessed. A great work is still going on
at the lfttcri church. Over one hundred
members Jiuvi| been added,; eighty three by
conversion. The new Church edifice, in
course of erection ou Hunter Street, bears
the name of St. Paul. It will bo completed
in two or three weeks. The pastor rejoices
in the healthy condition ol' his charge.
Iu summing np the res'.)lts of the years’
work 11ms far, wo are gratified to know that
Methodism in Atlanta still moves forward
with glorious success, uudajoyfully numbers
three hundred and sixty ohq added to her
militant host.
better from Albimv.
There lias been for a long tirno past a field
lying contiguous to Albany unoccupied by
our Church. During tho year I have been
preaching iu this neighborhood twice each
month ou Sunday afternoons, collecting tho
scattered Methodists, and trying to prepare
the way for a permanent occupancy.
Recently we held a brush-arbor basket
meeting of four days continuance, near the
residence of Dr. Jones. Nine were converted
anil joined the Church, sevoral of them
heads of families aud others still will follow.
Our members were brought into more inti
mate association and more closely identified
with tho interests of our Church, and
through this means permanent good was ef
fected.
Bro. Cl uke, our presiding elder, amlßro.
Speight were with us several days, laboring
efficiently in tlio pulpit aud in the social
circle.
Our Chnrch building in Albany is being
remodeled and extended. Tho citizens gen
erally, liavo aided us very liberally, While
the repairs are in progress, our congregation
has been consolidated with that of the Pres
byterian Church. Tlio pastor, Rev. Geo. T.
Goetcliius, together with the official mem
bers, tendered the privilege of using their
church con jointly—Bro. G. and I alternating
in conducting religious services.
Such a spirit of fraternal lovo and Chris
tian courtesy is worthy of emulation. The
reflex influence is beneficial to tho entire
community. “ Epharim docs not vex Judah
nor Judah envy Epharim.”
R. J. Corley.
--
Asian-? Clnucli—Augusta, Georgia.
After four weeks continuance, wo closed
our protracted meeting on tho 29th nit. It
was a time of deep interest throughout.
Many of the members have been groatly re
vived, aud have entered into “active ser
vice.” Fifty-seven united with tho Church
by profession of faith, and eight by letter.
Thero are others wlio will unito with tho
Church. A majority of tho converts were
young inmi and women verging to maturity.
Tho Sabbath-school bhared largely in the
revival. The pastor was groatly assisted by
tho zealous labors of Rev. Dr. Irvine of the
Presbyterian, Rev. Dr. Dixon, and Rev. H.
Williams of the Baptist, Rev. Mr. Lamar, of
the Christian, and Dr. Mann, Rev. n. 11.
Parks, and Rev. H. W. Ililliaid of the
Methodist Church. It was refreshing (o
witness too unanimity ufld heartiness with
which these ministers of various commun
ions preached “ Christ crucified ” to crowds
of lost siuueis ; and how sigually the Hoiy
Ghost gave pwetr to “the Word.” God
grant that their “bows may abide in
strength.” L. J. Davies.
Acknowledgment.
Permit mo to acknowledge tho receipt of
the following moneys from South Carolina
and Alabama, since my last appeal to the
ladies:
“Unknown,” Charleston, S. C., $1.00;
Miss Fannie Ledbetter, Gleuville, Ala., 50c.
These names and amounts aro registered,
and God will reward these friends in answer
to tho thousand prayers that go up to the
orphan’s God.
VOL. XXXIV. NO. 41.
Wo have been visited with a glorious re
vival of religion among the students in the
College. Seventeen have been converted,
and thirteen joined tho Methodist E.
Church, South. Both sexes have shared
largely in the divine visitation. We shall
bo able, after a while, under God’s blessing,
to give several promising young men to the
itinerancy. Yours truly,
R. L. Abeunetiiv.
Midway, At,a.— Tho Rev. W. H. Wild
writes : We are ip tho midst of a glorious
revival in Midway charge. There have been
about fifty conversions, anil forty-six acces
sions to the Clnirch. Such a revival has never
been known iu this community. It began
with the District Conference, which was a
complete success.
Laying Hu* Cornel-Slone of the
Washington Street Methodist
Episcopal Church, South.
The corner stone of the new and magnifi
cent structure about being erected on the
Northeast corner of Washington and Marion
streets, for tlie use of the Washington Street
congregation, was laid, ou 21st September,
with appropriate ceremonies. Tho weather
was far from pleasant, but the chapel was
filled to overflowing with a highly interested
audience. The altar was occupied by Revs.
Lovick Pierce, N. Talley, Sidi 11. Browne,
William Martin, Manning Brown, W. W.
Mood, W. P. Monzou, David Derrick,
George ilowo, W. S. Plainer and P. J.
Sham!. After an anthem by the choir, Rev.
Nicholas Talley announced the 782 hymn,
of the Methodist Hymn Book, which lieing
sung, he offered a lerveut prayer. Rev. Wm.
Martin read the following brief history of
the Church : .
Ou 15th December, 1803, a small number
of Methodists in Columbia, under tho aus
pices of the Utrv. John Harper, determined
•to build a church iu Columbia, S C. Iu
1804, tlio house was completed, being the
first Christian house of worship iu Columbia.
Tho cry went up, “The place is too strait
for ns ! give place to us that we may dwell.”
The first church being found too small for
the congregation statedly there assembling,
twouty or thirty feet were added to the north
end, which made it a very unshapely build
ing, long, narrow aud incommodious; and
also too small for the-rapidly growing con
gregation. .*■
The citizens at length, iu counectiou with
the Church, saw the necessity for an enlarged
building suited to tlie accommodation of
the worshippers. A substantial, large brick
church, under the auspices of ltev. Wm.
Capers, D. D , thou stationed in Columbia,
was begun—theeoiiht slouelaidon tho 14th
June, 1831, and the house completed the
following year, and on lhe‘22d of July, 1832,
was solemnly consecrated to the worship
ami service of Almighty God by Bishop An
drew. On tho 17th of Fuliruary, 1805, war
being iu progress between the Southern or
Confederate States and the Northern or
United Slates of North America, Columbia,
tho capital of South Carolina, was surren
dered by the mayor of the city to the United
States troops, Gen. W. T. Sherman com
manding. On tho night of the 17th, the
city was sacked, pillaged and burnt. During
the progress of the conflagration, tho Wash
ington Street Methodist Episcopal Church
was fired by soldiers of tho United States
army, both from within and without, and
burned to the ground. In the same manner
the Lcctnre Room, Station and District Par
sonages were destroyed, and the communion
silver stoleu. Ruined aud desolate, the largo
congregation of this church was dispersed,
and many of them sought homes in other
less afflicted places. A remnant however re
mained in Columbia and strove to re-erect
their cast down altars. First they mot to
worship in tho chapel of the Columbia Fe
male College, one of the few buildings which
remained, and which was tho property of
the Church. This house being rented by
tlio trustees for a hotel, these afflicted peo
ple Wore again without a place in which to
worship the God of their fathers. In their
distress they applied to their Baptist broth
reu whoso house At worship hud fortunately
escaped the tiycli of tlio incendiary, and the
use of that church was kindly allowed them
in the afternoon, and Rev. Wm, T. Capers
appointed their pastor. Iu the meantime
they resolved to build a temporary place of
worship, uud accordingly on tho site of tho
old,lecture room they ivised a small chapel
which was dedicated onfthe 12lh of August,
lfititi, in. the name of tho Father, tip* Son,
and the Holy Ghost,, by Rev. Win. Martin,
after an appropriate sermon by Rev. Wm.
T. Capers. Tho following year Revs. TANARUS). J.
Simmons and Wm. Martin were appointed
co-pastors of this and tho Marion Street
Church -two charges being united. In 1868,
Rev. Wm. Martin was appointed pastor of
the Washington Street Church, and request
ed to solicit contributions to re build the
burnt church. This work was continued by
him for three years ; at the end of which his
pastorate having expired lie was appointed
agent for rebuilding the Church. God has
greatly blessed liis efforts so that tlie congre
gation felt encouraged to begin the work,
and on tlio 17tli of August, 1871, in the jwes
ohco of the Building Committee the build
er, aud one or two others, after solemn
Qer, the first earth was broken for the
ling by Rev. Wm. Martin, and on the
‘2lst September, 1871, tho corner stone isto ,
be laid by liev. Lovick Fierce, D. D., (who
was pastor of this church in 1808.) May her
walls be salvation and her gates praise.
Rev. Lovick Fierce, D. D, then said that
he deeply appreciated the honor whioh had
been conferred upon him, iu having been
selected to lay tlio corner stone obribe Sec
ond Washington Street Methodist Church,
of the city of Colnmbia Some persons
might think it proper that upon such an
occasion ho should have a writti n discourse,
especially prepared for the time; but that he
was compelled to say, either to his shame or
his honor, that lie seldom had made use of
manuscript, and that while lie might, per
haps, prepare his sentences with mere care
and round liis periods morn smoothly if
he should write them, still lie preferred a
plain extemporaneous talk, while lie looked
at tho people.
In the year 1808, he was sent by the bishop
to be the pastor of the Methodist Cs.mch in
Columbiu. Ho found about thirty names
upon the register of the church, three only
of whom were men. The Almighty was
pleased to bless his lalxn-s and pour oat His
Spirit upon the peopled' tho place, and when
the year was ended there was about 10<1
names upon the register, among which were
many of the mast influential men of the
community. The interest continued after I
he left and during the ministry of his broth
er, who succeeded him. The Church they
then occupied was situated upon the same—
lot as tho present, but was considered out iufl
the woods, away from the centre of the towijM
He remembered that, when visitiug this - !
town again, some thirty years after, he was J
unable to find tho place where the churclJß
stood, it being then in the very heart of tin™
rapidly growing city. Ho said that if ho
were to rolato somo of the rceues anil inci
dent) that were enacted here during bis
ministry aud that of his brother, aud the
treatment they received from somo persons
and the opposition manifested to the spread
of Methodism, he would bo charged With
romancing or falsehood. Great amFmurvel
lous changes hail taken placo since then.
The little old church had given place, to the
large and commodious church building, as
the tabernacle which Moses had erected,
hail been suporeeded by tho magnificent
temple of King Solomon. These had keen
destroyed, anil the soeouil temple hail been,
erected on tho site of tho first one, just a« |
this peoplo now propose to erect a second
church upon tho site of their first church.
Solomon’s Temple was erected without
the sound of an axe, hammer, or any other
instrument of iron. Tho stones were all
squared and prepared for their proper posi
tion iu the quarries, and then carried to the
temple and placed iu the spot where they
belonged, and into which they fittod with
accuracy nicety. So should the Church of
Christ be a ternplo made of living, spiritual
stones each one filling his position exactly
aud properly. Each church member wa, a
spiritual stouo of the church of which Christ
was the great corner stone. Not only mußt
the ministers lie spiritual stones, bnt the
people also ; for you may have the most spir
itual and earnest minister possible, and
without spiritual life in the meml>ership, the
church will be cold and dead. Every man
and woman, and especially tho head of every
family, is a spiritual s ton is and they must
not wait for the minister to come and offer
up daily praise aud prayer for them, hut
they must do it themselves. You may build
the most beautiful house in Columbia, biA
God will not bless it unless each member
a living stone. You should adopt the prin
ciple, in accordance with the rules of the
Methodist Church, as adopted in 1866, that
no persons should be admitted into this tem
ple until they are properly fitted for tjiejr