USA > Virginia > City of Staunton > City of Staunton > The First Presbyterian Church, Staunton, Virginia > Part 4
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"AT REST"
DEATH OF
REV. JOHN P. STRIDER, D. D.
No lovelier manifestation of mutual esteem and affection between pastor and people-between hearts bound in Christian attachment and sympathy-was ever exhibited in a community in a higher degree than was in this during the few but eventful months which have passed since Dr. Strider assumed the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church in this city. His frequent visits since entering, last Fall, upon
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REV. JOHN P. STRIDER, D. D.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
his duties at Washington and Lee University, added to the fervor of the friendship previously existing, and not only his former congrega- gation, but many in the community likewise, could not but regret the separation. A few weeks since intelligence was received here that his health had again failed, and that he had called a sister to his bedside at Lexington, who at once obeyed the solemn summons. About three weeks since, in feeble and rapidly failing health, he was brought to the home of his attached friend, Mr. G. G. Gooch, in this city. Day by day and night after night since, an anxious enquiry for his welfare moved every heart. Able and sympathetic physicians, prayerful hearts and tender hands did all that human skill could devise for his relief. With him have been his sister and his father and friends with- out number. On Saturday, the 23d instant, at six and a-half p. m., he breathed his last. During the Sabbath, and until the obsequies, the body, reposing in the casket at the residence of Mr. Gooch, was visited by large numbers of persons. The plate upon the casket had but a short line engraved upon it, but it was full of significance. In Ger- man text were the expressive words-"At Rest"-reminding all of the impressiveness and the beauty of his prayers on like occasions, when he would lay "At Rest" the forms of those who had kept the - faith and had departed in peace.
HIS YOUTHFUL LIFE
John Philip Strider was one of several children, sons and daugh- ters of John H. Strider, of Jefferson county, now West Virginia. He was born in July, 1848. In 1853, his father removed to Washington city, and as soon as he was old enough, this son entered a primary school there. He was studious above his years, unfolding a character for resolution, courage, and elevated bearing in the development of those traits which are not usually so conspicuous in one of his age. When he was only ten years of age his father was called to the far west upon the borders of the settlements and the son accompanied him, and, to gratify his expressed desire, was allowed to prolong his stay, and he travelled alone over four hundred miles through the settlements, often walking long distances before he rejoined his father, who had local business engagements requiring his constant time in Missouri.
The events which culminated in war between the States caused his father to return with his family to the Valley of Virginia. This son was placed under the tuition of Major Jed Hotchkiss, then con- ducting the "Loch Willow" school in Augusta county. He had not been there long, before that school, like hundreds of others, was dis- -continued. Washington College continued an academic course during most of the war, and to that institution he made his way, and was re-
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
ceived into the family of the Rev. Dr. McElwee, then residing near Lexington. Here he pursued his studies with occasional interrup- tions, when called out in the reserve forces of military defense, of which youths under eighteen years formed a part. He volunteered, and was in the battle of Piedmont, receiving a severe wound. He was cared for at the kind home of Mrs. Thos. McCue, where he re- mained three months till able to return to his home.
A GRADUATE-CHURCH COMMISSION
After 1865, and when Gen. Robert E. Lee became president of the college, he was still a student, and attracted the special attention of that great man, who would not consent to a contemplated withdrawal of him on his father's part. Continuing, he graduated in 1868, and immediately thereafter, in association with two other young gentle- men, was sent to Kentucky upon an important church mission. He had previously, in 1863, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Wm. S. White, D. D., then at Lexington, connected himself with the church, and had determined to prepare himself for the ministry. His com- mission to Kentucky, occupying three years, was well performed, and during the time all his energies which could be applied to the conse- crated work he had in view were so exerted, with characteristic de- votion to his Master's work.
TRAVELS AND STUDIES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Returning from Kentucky in 1871, he, in company with two young associates, made a tour in Europe, and in parts of Asia and Africa. Two winters were occupied respectively at the universities in Berlin and Leipsic. The summer months were spent in traveling. He visited the countries of Western Europe, and was on the Russian borders. He was in Egypt and Palestine, and observed, for several months, a corps of scientists exploring at Jerusalem for the founda- tions of the ancient city. In Egypt he contracted malarial fever, which was seriously felt in after-life in an impaired constitution. To Edinburg he then made his way and studied in the Theological Semi- nary there, and, with other students, devoted himself with much earnestness to Sabbath school work in and around the city. He also taught a class at the Seminary.
During his stay in Europe he was appointed by the Governor of West Virginia as commissioner to the World's Exposition at Vienna.
AT UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN VIRGINIA
Whilst in Europe and on his travels he had been a constant pedes- trian. Nature and her works had charms for him next to his sacred
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
calling, and upon her beauties and her glories he always delighted to feast his eyes and mind. It will not be out of place here to mention that he read of the great waterfall in our mountains, on the border of Nelson county, and had arranged for a visit there in the early Spring.
On his return from Europe, his father observed the great draft which had been made upon his physical strength, and desired that he should rest a year, at least, before commencing his studies again. This he declined to do, and at once proceeded to the Union Theological Seminary, where, in two years, he was graduated.
ORDINATION AND MINISTRY
Immediately after completing the course at the Seminary he was ordained by the Winchester Presbytery and called by the churches at Rapidan and Mitchell's Station, and afterwards to Culpeper C. H., where he remained about five years, physical disability often inter- fering with his labors as he desired in constancy to perform them. He made occasional winter visits to the South, and became a great fav- orite in Florida and Georgia. The intercourse ripened into affection for him, and the church at Savannah called him to become its pastor. Though reluctant to assume the great responsibilities of the charge without the physical strength sufficient for a full performance of its duties, he, however, served the church for a year or more, and then returned to Virginia.
In the summer of 1884, the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church in this city being vacant,Dr. Strider was called to it. He accept- ed and entered upon its duties, and the early fruits of his ministry here, which were so signally enriched by the aid of Dr. Dinwiddie when the pastor was too feeble to continue the protracted service he had com- menced, will long be remembered in connection with religious revivals in Staunton.
Being still in delicate health, in the Spring of 1885, his charge in- sisted that he should take rest, and, accordingly, he visited Thomas- ville, Georgia, and returned after two months' absence with the hope, which soon proved delusive, that he could renew his pulpit labors with safety to his health.
PROFESSOR AT WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
Rev. J. L. Kirkpatrick, D. D., who filled the Chair of Moral Phil- osophy and Belles-Lettres in Washington and Lee University, died in the early part of 1885. The attention of the trustees was directed to many eminent scholars from which to select to supply the vacancy. Dr. Strider was chosen, and, after due consideration, and with the hope
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
that the change of labor would be beneficial to his health, he accepted the appointment, and in September entered upon his new duties.
In the meantime, the Church here not having as yet chosen his successor, his frequent visits here to preach and to administer the ordinances of marriage, to bury the dead and to offer consolation to the sick and distressed, increased the sincere affection which bound his former charge to him.
THE OBSEQUIES
At three p. m., Monday afternoon, the funeral cortege proceeded from the residence of Mr. Gooch to the First Presbyterian Church. The ministers in attendance were Reverends Henry S. White, of Win- chester; A. R. Cocke, of Waynesboro; H. H. Hawes, D. D., of the Second Presbyterian Church; James Nelson, D. D., of the Baptist, and W. Q. Hullihen, of the Episcopal.
The Elders and Deacons of the Church had been designated as pall-bearers, and all, not absent or too much indisposed to be out, were in attendance, as follows :
W. J. Nelson, Chas. Grattan, Henry D. Peck, D. A. Kayser, J.N. McFarland, Thomas A. Bledsoe, W. H. Weller, W. A. Burke, J. H. Blackley, H. F. Lyle, and Arista Hoge, Esqs., and Dr. N. Wayt, Dr. Geo. S. Walker, and Prof. John Murray. As pall-bearers, also, were Professors A. L. Nelson and C. J. Harris, of Washington and Lee University, and Col. J. W. Lyell and Maj. F. H. Smith, Jr., of the Virginia Military Institute.
At the Church Dr. Hawes and Revs. White and Cocke conducted the ceremonies-the two latter delivering tributes to the deceased, in which his lovely life, his genius and cultivation, and his services in the pulpit and lecture room were mentioned in feeling and appropriate terms. Mr. Hullihen delivered a deeply impressive prayer at the grave.
The floral offerings were beautiful beyond description. Some of them came from the Augusta Female Seminary. A pillow of white hyacinths and chrysanthemums, with the word "Rest" in raised letters of double violets; a crescent and star of japonica, white hyacinths, and white pinks on an easel wrought of straw-fibre, were observed among the floral tributes.
Three sisters and a brother of the deceased, with the father, were present .- From Staunton Spectator, January 27, 1886.
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CHAPTER VI
REV. D. K. MCFARLAND, D. D.
T HE Rev. Dr. D. K. McFarland, of Oxford, Miss- issippi, visited the church by invitation in Decem- ber, 1885, and was immediately thereafter elected pastor. Accepting the office, he was installed March 21, 1886. The installation committee were the Rev. Drs. James Murray and H. H. Hawes.
REV. DR. D. K. MCFARLAND ENTERS UPON HIS DUTIES AS PASTOR OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ยท Rev. Dr. D. K. McFarland entered upon his duties as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of this city last Sabbath under the most auspicious circumstances. The skies were bright with sunshine, and the weather, though in midwinter, was as mild as in May, and the spacious church was filled with a deeply interested congregation who could not have failed to be pleased with both the matter and manner of his discourse. His voice is good, his manner easy and graceful, his delivery fluent, his matter sound and solid, his arguments logical, and his style earnest, clear, plain and simple.
The sermon in the morning was based on the text: Acts V: 42- "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." He contrasted the manner of preach- ing in the days of the Apostles with that of the present age. The apostolic era was the heroic age of Christianity, when it was bold and aggressive-now it is timid and apologetic. The preachers at that time had but one mission and one theme, and that was Jesus Christ, the Prince and Saviour, and so it should be now; and he announced upon the threshold of his ministry here that it was his purpose to preach the simple gospel in a simple way. The pulpit was not the place to please the people by well-written essays, and fine literary compositions, and eloquent discourses upon subjects affecting society or state, but for teaching and preaching Jesus Christ in the most
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REV. D. K. MCFARLAND, D. D.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
earnest, direct, and simple manner for the salvation of souls. Persons should never leave the church and say that they had enjoyed a "liter- ary treat."
The sermon in the evening was founded on the text : St. John IV: 10-"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water."
This sermon, like that in the morning, was marked by clearness of presentation and earnestness of manner .- From Staunton Spectator, February 17, 1886.
After a ministry of about four years, Dr. McFarland's health began to fail because of a pulmonary trouble, con- tracted, it is thought, in the course of the loving pastoral ministrations for which he was so distinguished. His de- cline began at once and continued almost unbroken to the end, notwithstanding the most skillful medical attention at home and elsewhere and all that love could do in the home and by a devoted congregation. It was pathetic in the extreme to witness the gradual wasting away of that life so full and rich in all that goes to make a model min- ister of the gospel.
Fully a year before the final dissolution of his pastoral relation, he insisted that his resignation should be accept- ed, but his loving people firmly refused to consent to it. At length it became a necessity and he was released from his office March 15, 1892. He lived for nearly a year after this. The greater part of that last year was spent away from Staunton in quest of relief. Throughout the time, the congregation with its affections and sympathies pro- foundly stirred, had almost daily tidings from him.
He died in South Carolina, February 28, 1893, and, in accordance with the earnest wish of the congregation, his remains were brought to Staunton for interment.
DEATH OF REV. D. K. MCFARLAND, D. D.
It is with inexpressible sorrow that we announce the death, after a protracted illness of pulmonary consumption, complicated with heart
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
disease, of Rev. D. K. McFarland, D. D., from March, 1886, to March, 1892, the able and dearly beloved pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of this city, which occurred at Maysville, S. C., on Tuesday night of last week, Feb. 28th. He was a model minister, pastor, and Christian gentleman. His intellect was strong, his language pure, his manner earnest, and his disposition amiable, tender, and kind. He won the hearts of all who listened to his discourses or were brought into association with him in any way-those outside of the church or his denomination as well as those within-and his death is deeply and universally lamented.
He was born in Oxford, Miss., in 1849, and was in the maturity of his faculties, enabling him to render good and valuable service if his health and life could have been preserved. His mother was a Miss Mor- rison, of North Carolina, a cousin of Mrs. "Stonewall" Jackson, and his wife was a Miss Witherspoon of South Carolina, who, with his two daughters-Nannie and Abbie-survive to mourn their irreparable loss. His daughters are pupils of the Augusta Female Seminary. He was educated at the University of Mississippi, and afterwards at the Columbia (S. C.) Theological Seminary. His first pastorate was at Savannah, Ga., and then at Oxford, Miss., from which he was called to the First Presbyterian Church of this city, to fill the vacancy caused by the lamented death of Rev. Dr. J. P. Strider.
In compliance with his expressed wishes, his remains were brought to this city for interment. They arrived here on Friday morning, and the funeral services took place at 11 o'clock at the First Presbyterian Church, which was filled with his sorrowing admirers and friends. After lying in state in the vestibule for half an hour, the remains, at 11 o'clock, were borne into the church by the active pall-bearers, W. A. Burke, H. F. Lyle, H. A. Walker, J. A. Templeton, Jas. H. Blackley, J. W. Alby, W. H. Weller, Arista Hoge and Dr. S. H. Henkel, and placed in front of the pulpit.
The following were the honorary pall-bearers (both the active and honorary being officers of the church) J. N. McFarland, Professor John Murray, Judge Charles Grattan, D. A. Kayser, Dr. N. Wayt, Dr. George S. Walker, Hon. J. A. Waddell and H. L. Hoover.
As the remains were borne in, the hymn, "Come unto me when the shadows darkly gather," etc. was sweetly sung by Messrs. Ed. Timberlake and C. R. Caldwell, and Misses Fannie and Ella Paris.
Then "Rock of Ages" was sung by the same with the addition of Mrs. Mary Crawford Darrow, of the Augusta Female Seminary.
Then an appropriate prayer was offered by Rev. G. W. Finley, D. D., pastor of Tinkling Spring Church. Rev. J. E. Booker, pastor of Hebron Church, then read the scripture lessons, after which brief,
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
but eloquent and touching, tributes to the memory of the deceased were delivered by Rev. Dr. Finley and Rev. J. S. Gardner, D. D., Pre- siding Elder of this District of the Baltimore Conference of the M. E. Church South.
Mrs. Darrow then sang "Come ye Disconsolate," etc.
Then Dr. McCoy,* of South Carolina, a physician, who attended Dr. McFarland during his last illness, in compliance with the wishes of the family of the deceased, and on their part expressed their great appreciation of the affection and kindness of the congregation. He spoke also of the last moments of the deceased and the sublime Chris- tian resignation he manifested.
The closing prayer was offered by Rev. W. Q. Hullihen, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, when the services at the church were con- cluded by the singing of the hymn, "How Firm a Foundation," etc.
The remains were then taken to Thornrose cemetery and buried beside those of Rev. J. P. Strider, D. D. - From Staunton Spectator, March 8, 1893.
At a meeting of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Staunton, on March 5, 1893, the following memorial of their late pastor was adopted and ordered to be recorded and published :
Mr. McFarland was borne March 10, 1848, near Oxford, Mississippi, and educated at the University of that State and the Theological Seminary at Columbia, South Carolina. His first ministerial work was as pastor of Hopewell Church, in which he was baptized and reared, and to which he was invited before he left the Seminary in May, 1873. Having served this church for eighteen months, he ac- cepted a call to become pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Georgia. During his residence there of about seven years, the city was devastated by yellow fever, and remaining at his post, he fell a victim to the disease and suffered a protracted illness, from which, however, he entirely recovered. In January, 1877, he was married to Miss Annie R. Witherspoon, of South Carolina. Receiving a call to Oxford, Mississippi, he ministered to that people from about 1882 till 1886. On the 21st of March, 1886, he was installed by Lex- ington Presbytery pastor of this church. His health failing, the rela- tion was dissolved March 15, 1892. He died near Maysville, S. C., at
*NOTE-The gentleman here referred to is the Rev. W. J. McKay, D, D., an eminent minister of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, and a brother-in-law of Dr. McFarland. The name is pronounced "McCoy," hence the mistake above.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
the former home of his wife, at 11 o'clock Tuesday night, February 28, 1893, leaving a widow and two young daughters.
For the rest, despairing of finding words of our own to express our appreciation of our late pastor, and our grief on account of his early death, we gladly adopt the following tribute prepared by the Rev. D. W. Shanks, D. D., in every sentiment of which we heartily concur:
"We are often, in obituaries, under the stress of friendship and sympathy, tempted beyond the point of resistance, to indulge in ex- cessive praise of the dead. But in this instance there is little danger of transgressing the bounds of propriety and truth and offending pub- lic sentiment by unmerited eulogy. The difficulty here is to do, in a brief sketch, complete justice to an uncommon life and an exalted character.
"Dr. McFarland was an extraordinary man .That he was so re- garded in this community there is abundant evidence. Very few men in so short a time have ever made such an abiding impression for good upon a community; won such universal and unstinted admiration, and entrenched themselves so strongly in the esteem, sympathy and love of all classes as he did. Tongues which lashed all others have either spoken his praise or been dumb under the spell of him who
Thro' all this tract of years,
Wore the white flower of a blameless life.
"He was one of the few who never uttered an imprudent word, or did an unwise thing. In his singularly acute sense of propriety and his intuitive and almost infallible appreciation of the fitness of things, his people safely trusted. They were never disquieted by the fear that through either forgetfulness or wilful disregard of the counsels of Christian prudence, he would, in what he said or did, offend the taste or wound the feelings of any, or fail to receive the approbation of all. He was a Christian gentleman in the best sense of these words, and always manifested in word and manner a sincere regard for the feelings of others. He possessed, in an unusual degree, the gift of a wise reticence, the happy talent of saying in perfect consistency with loyalty to truth and righteousness, just enough to satisfy the obliga- tion of the occasion without unnecessarily disclosing his whole mind and provoking a personal antagonism and resentment which would en- danger his influence for good in respect to other matters and occa- sions. But this reserve never embarrassed his social intercourse or restrained him from a hearty participation, within the limits of Chris- tian ethics, in the "feast of reason and flow of soul." To those who knew him well, his fellowship was enticing and enjoyable, and his
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STAUNTON, VA.
manners engaging, and affable to the edge of a becoming intimacy and companionship. He was dignified, but easily accessible ; serious, but not sad ; sober, but not gloomy; religious, but not morose-in touch with every rational enjoyment, and a patron of everything that is helpful and tends to bring to us, in this life, all that is possible of heaven this side of the actual vision and possession of that eternal and proffered asylum for all sinners and all sufferers.
"His pulpit manners were peculiarly solemn. His reading of the Scriptures could hardly have been more reverential if he had been standing before the great white throne and under the eye of Him who. sits thereon. His prayers were humble, reverential, thankful, im- portunate, particular and comprehensive, disclosing a deep and throb- bing sympathy with his people in their temptation, infirmities, needs and sorrows, and animated by that faith which "leans hard" upon our Elder Brother, and sees
'Neath winter's field and snow The silent harvest of the future good.
"His sermons, simple, logical and definite in structure, were never marred by the decorations of a garish rhetoric or the confusing corus- cations of genius which "blind with excessive light." The usual ex- position of the context, which was singularly clear and instructive, prepared his hearers for the oncoming discussion, the distinguishing features of which were transparency and force. The matter of his sermons was practical and varied, and adapted to the spiritual needs of a large and diversified congregation. While there was nothing offensive in his exposures of the nature, deadly influence, and certain end of sin, unless forgiven, there was also no uncertain sound-no timid, apologetic criminal cry of peace ! peace ! when there was no peace. He often preached as one who had a dread of having the blood of souls upon him. But he loved to discuss the great underlying principles of the Gospel in their manifold relations, and to reach and move men through the truth savingly applied by the Holy Ghost. Some- times he broke forth in impassioned remonstrance and appeals, and in his visions of the heavenly state with its eternal fruition, he exhibited the precious promises and hopes of the Gospel, all ablaze with the coming glory. In a word, from beginning to end, from the first syl- lable of invocation to the last word of benediction, his pulpit perform- ances were marked by reverence and profound conviction of a living and personal God, and singleness of purpose-the one end of all being to save men and exalt God, and whatever other impression was made, this one every reflecting hearer certainly carried away with him- "there is one man who believes what he preaches."
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