william patterson's journal

1

WILLIAM GILLIESS PATTERSON

Journal

Vinita Indian Territory

June 21, 1899 A.D. W. G. Pattersons journal does not include pages 1-26.

PAGE 27

I have had in my mind for a long time to put in writing a sketch of my life and work. My name is William

Gilliess Patterson. I was born on the 9th

Day of December 1842 A.D. in Merigomish, Nova Scotia. My fathers name was Nicholas Purdue Patterson and his fathers name was George Patterson and that is as far as I can trace the Patterson family tree except their Ancestors were of Scotch origin and moved from the Colony of Virginia to Nova

Scotia settling there in the town of Pictou. My mothers name before marriage was Catherine Nelson Copeland. My grandmother Copeland had an English ancestry mixed with Norman French. Her fathers name was Nicholas Purdue Olding and he was for a long time an officer of high standing in the English Army. He married one

Catherine Collard of West Chester, Morrison County, NY. The Oldings were linked into a Gilliess and Pictou family

in England. These families each held Coats of Arms that gave them no mean rank in English aristocracy. I have in

my possession at this date a copy of the (nothing more on this page)

PAGE 28: Newspaper clipping The Watchman, DEATHS In Memory of My Brother

Hand Written: James R. Pattersonb. 24 Mar. 1859, Pugwash, Pictou Co., N. S.; d. 30 Nov. 1897, Jerusalem, Palestine. (38 yrs. old) (continued on pages 30)

CHAPTER 1

PAGE 29

I have also in my possession a copy of a family registry reading a way back to about 1603 A.D. But it is

not my decision to trace up these things but would say in conclusion that my Great Grand Father Olding died at the

age of 95 when I was two years old and I am sure that I can remember seeing him when he was on his last illness.

The most of my early days were spent at Grand Father Copelands where I attended the old Merigomish Grammar School and worked on the farm in there were many little incidents in those days that come to my memory yet, like friend from a far country farm as you see at this date in my 57 years and can easily remember things that happened

fifty years ago. Those days were primitive times the iron horse was not seen then as how puffing and snorting, running along valleys and the hill sides and even climbing over mountain heights. I was a man and of age before I

ever saw any of these wonders.

At the age of 14, I went with an uncle named Alexander Mitchell Copeland to learn a trade. It was a sort of

general carpenter business in a shop where a little of everything suitable to the surrounding country was

PAGE 30: newspaper clipping. (Bottom of page) Neglect no gift! Be seen by noble deeds! And follow where the

standard-bearer leads! Arthur Elwell Jenks

PAGE 31: Continued from pg. 29

made: Ploughs, harrows, sleighs, windows sashes, tables, wheelbarrows and a whole host of things. Sometimes I

learned to do pretty well, but it is quite evident to my mind that I was not made for that line of work. I had not been

but very little in school during those years, but when I was about 20 or 21 I started in once more with the

determination to educate myself for a Presbyterian preacher--something that never came to pass. My last school

days, therefore, in Merigomish were during that memorable time while the war was in progress in the states between

North and the South. (Civil War)

My earliest recollection of school days was at the age of 8 when I was sent to the district grammar school.

A Mr. James Murray was the teacher. That school house was not the White House but a log cabin. Everything about it was primitive and rustic. Boys and girls desks and seats--my first great strike in that school was one day in

spelling the word Nebuchadnezzar marching up to the head of a class of about 30 big boys. I doubt less that had

much to do in my excelling in that branch in after years. That poor old house where the school master reigned like

lords in a Feudal Castle

PAGE 33: caught fire by some mishap one night and all that could be found the next morning of its former greatness was a

heap of ashes. But to return my last school days in the old home school which was a better and more modern

2

building were spend under the tutor of Miss Matilda Faulkner of Truro, Nova Scotia. She was a most excellent

teacherquality--and not quantity was her motto lessons once learned must not be forgotten - - - Scholars were thought to reason out the Why and wherefores and to do their own thinking. In 1864 I took a school to teach 4 miles from home. That was 35 years ago. I was then in my 22nd year. It

was a great thrill for me for up to this time I had never been anywhere from home . . . I succeeded with the school

beyond my expectations. The next spring I attended Pictou College and made good progress while I remained but

could not continue as long as I had planned on account of poor health.

Later I spent one summer on a farm at a place called Wallace River. In the autumn of that year I was engaged to teach at the Wallace River School The school registered 87 and the average was about 60 to 70. There I made a very satisfactory record . . . as a teacher and

PAGE 34

A copy of Marriage Certificate

This is to Certify: That W. G. Patterson of Pictou in the Province of Nova Scotia, Dominion of Canada and

Rachel C. Howard of St. Martins County St. John in the Province of New Brunswick Dominion of Canada were

united by me in marriage at St. John New Brunswick Dominion of Canada, May 9, 1869 A.D. Wm. Donald D.D.

Pastor of St. Andrews Church St. John N.B. D. C., Witnesses: John B. Kerr, Maggie Dunlavy


from that date on my services were in great demand. After my first year at Wallace River, I had the offer of 7

different schools but decided to take the one at Wallace Bay two miles from Wallace River. It was a new school and

I was the first teacher and had a good opportunity to build from the foundation which I did for many reasons I look back to those days spent at Wallace Bay with fond and most pleasing recollections.

It was on the 1st day of Nov. 1866 that I took charge of the school and from that day to this Wallace Bay has

been to me one of the most verdant and sunny spots in memorys field. I look back now through the violet glass and have those scenes over and over again. While teaching at Wallace Bay I boarded near the school house with a Mr.

Wm Oxley who was married to a Miss Fannie Howard a daughter of the Mr. John Howard of St. Martins, N.B.

Shortly after beginning my school Mrs. Oxley's sister Rachel, came from New Brunswick to spend the

winter with her. I was enraptured at first-sight. Cupids darts so deep into my heart that neither father time nor anything else has been able to remove them. On my last anniversary May 9, 1899 in Tyrone, PA I expressed myself

as follows.

Back side of page 35: Page 36 Crossed out but says: Copy, of family record Born Died

William Gilliess Patterson Dec. 9, 1842 April 10, 1920

at Merigomish, Nova Scotia Millville, N.J.

PAGE 37

Anniversary Poem for wife:

These nearly three and thirty years

Oh that was a thrilling hour

I see her still through mists of years

I'm spell bound with loves power,

Passing years have made it stronger

Tis time sweet Rachel Howard

My love for you can never die

Through fleeting years still onward.

We've sailed upon the stormy main

Mounting wave and stemming tide

All these struggles were not in vain

Surely not, my darling bride

First the cross and then the crossing

It will come on some bright day

Beyond the gloaming bye and bye.

3

The summer of 1867 I spent in the study of medicine with the intention of taking a complete course taken

in the University of Pennsylvania. That was another thing that never came to pass, in all probability it was for the

best that this course was pushed no farther. I continued the work of teaching up to the spring of 1869. When I

concluded to take to a trip to some part of the United States and seek my fortune. I met Miss Howard in St. John

N.B. on my way to the states on the afternoon of May 6th

. The old cemetery was in the heart of the city. In the early

twilight we took a stroll through it and finding a flat tomb stone near one of the foot paths we sat down upon this

stone. We never thought of the stranger sleeping beneath it, or how long we had been there. We were too absorbed

(nothing else on this page)

PAGE 38: newspaper clipping:

A Canadian Patriarch by W. S. Harwood on Senator David Wark of Fredericton. N. B.

WGPs handwriting: The Senator lives where Mrs. Patterson--some of her school days at the Fredericton Normal School in preparation for teaching.

PAGE 39

In another matter of grand importance. Whatever it was they leave doubters kept the secret of that hour

invisible to this day. The grave is a place not far removed from the line where human destinies are eternally fixed

and so this tombstone provides to be a destiny line with us. A sort of remarkable milestone in own life journey. Just

how long we sat there I cannot tell now but when we resumed our walk again it was to enter upon a new era. On 9th

day of May 1869 about 3 p.m. we were married and so you see I was in one state already and had my treasure. By

the way, if I should never have a monument to mark my last resting place I have at least had a very practical and

profitable stone in that one in the old St. Johns cemetery . . . Whether that stone did the person sleeping beneath any good or not I can testify that it did me lots of good for there the only girl I ever loved promised in less than 3 days to

become part and parcel of my very life and existence . . . it is over 30 years ago tonight and here let me thank the

great giver of all good for giving me a wife whose price of worth is far above rubies.

The next week I went on to Pictou but soon returned again not being able to find employment at that time.

PAGE 40

A family Record: Born Died

William Gilliess Patterson Dec. 9, 1842 April 10, 1920

at Merigomish Pictou Co. N. B. D. C.

(Grandfather)

Rachel Campbell Kerr Howard Oct. 18, 1836

at Fairfield N.B. D. C.

(Grandmother)

Kate Maude Patterson April 21, 1870 Oct. 2, 1871

Amherst, N. S.

Carlotte(?) Kate Maude Sept. 27, 1871 April 4, 1904

Amherst, N. S.

Harry Howard Aug. 26, 1872

Amherst, N. S.

Barrett McKenzie April 13, 1874 (killed with a cotton bailer)

Amherst, N. S.

Stephen Howard June 12, 1875 Aug. 10, 1875

Oxford, N. S.

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

Gracie McDonald June 26, 1876

Antigomish, N. S.

Willie Mortimor May 20, 1878

Hartford, Conn.

Russell Jennings March 3, 1881

Hartford, Conn.

Three are in Heaven

May God through his Holy Spirit love and power and through his precious blood bless those who remain

with the saving grace of his trust and countenance.

4

PAGE 41

I found some employment, however, in St. John during part of the summer, but nothing satisfactory and so

in a few months returned to Nova Scotia and to teaching after which I continued to do with some interruptions to the

autumn of 1877. At that time I was principal of the Protestant High School in Antigomish, but on account of Roman

Catholic influence I lost my position although the Protestants had voted an additional $100 to retain my services for

another year.

We had four children living at the time and two in the Better-Land. We sold out our personal effects and

came into Hartford, Ct., and have been in the United States ever since. 22 years in Dec. of this year.

Our first experience in Hartford was somewhat varied . . . during those years there was great financial

depression throughout the whole country, wages were low, but by the grace of God we were enabled to succeed. It

is not necessary here to go over again the struggle of those years.

We were being educated in the school of experience and prepared for future emergencies. I will close this

chapter here and in the next go back and take up some of my religious experiences.

PAGE 42: blank

CHAPTER II

PAGE 43

As already noted my early days were spent in Merigomish, Pictou Co. N. S. My people were Presbyterians

but father did not have any of his children Christened and so we were left to choose for ourselves. There were 7 boys of us and two girls of which 5 out of the 9 now remain. I am the oldest. At a very early

age I had convictions of right and wrong and at intervals up to my 25th

year I would be in awful distress about my

soul. Once I expressed it in this way losing those nights of sorrow I have passed in sighs and groans and pain which

no one can tell.

Since he was from my earliest recollection the Presbyterian pastor at home was Rev. A.P. Miller a

Scotchman said at that time to be a very learned man and able preacher. His sons were my school matesHe stayed a long time and then resigned, then came a young man Kenneth J. Grant who was ordained in the Merigomish

Church and became a Baptist. I joined the church during his pastorate, but even then I had some misgivings about

sprinkling being Bible baptism. It was about enough, however, for an unconverted man for such, indeed it was I said

good enough. Nay nay it was rather a possible injury.

PAGE 44: blank

PAGE 45

Because for the time being it sent my conscience to sleep and if the blessed Master had not moved I would

have slept on as thousands and thousands--in many redo Baptist Churches are doing until the second death overtakes

them--sprinkling an infant. Christening I have been most pernicious in their results since first introduced by Papal. In or about the year 1867. I undertook to have an argument on baptism with one Ed Howard a deacon of the Baptist

Church at the River. His first quotation, Mark 1:5 gave me a view that shook my Presbyterian theories on that

subject to their very foundations. I did not begin the argument, but betook myself to searching the scriptures and

before that year had passed away I was not only convinced that the Word of God taught emersion as baptism and

that only, but I also found out that what it was to know Christ in the pardon of all past sin. What it was to know Him

in the regeneration work of the Holy Spirit, and also in obedience to his Will in the act of baptism. I was baptized in

the Amherst Baptist Church in Sept. 1867 by the pastor Rev. Geo. F. Miles--32 years next Sept. Let me say the

longer I live the better I'm satisfied with the

PAGE 46: torn out

PAGE 47: Continued from pg. 45:

results of searching God's word for the truth. I rejoice tonight that God condescended to illuminate my mind and

heart in the glorious doctrines of the cross, I am a Baptist. I have been all these years because the Word of God and

the Holy Spirit made me such.

My bro Rev. J.R. Patterson formally pastor at Nantucket at Mass. became one and the same in the same

way and after 10 or 11 years of faithful service in the ministry went on a trip to the Orient and Jerusalem where he

died and is sleeping on Mt. Zion among patriarchs, prophets, priests and kings. The next year after my baptism 1868

the Amherst Baptist Church opted to grant me a license to preach the Gospel.

5

I did nothing more at that time but fill a few appointments and later to take to hold some cottage meetings

in Amherst which resulted in a revival and the salvation of souls. I have always since my conversion been in the

habit of doing a great deal of personal work and not a few souls professed to find Christ through my efforts.

In 1875 I succeeded with the help of Rev. David Freeman in having a Baptist Church organized in the town

of New Glasgow, N. S. with 21 constituent members. A few accompanied this work will be found on that church

book. That church also gave me a license to preach. Only with God's help could anything be done.

PAGE 48: blank

PAGE 49

When I was quite young I had a desire to preach but did not know until long after that that desire would

ever come to fruit. After coming to Hartford I became acquainted with friendly Christian workers who in the

summer time went to Capital Park on Sunday afternoons at 4:00. Their names were Frank Thayer, a Mr. CowlesHale--Rin--a sister called Mother Ault and some others whose names I cannot remember. There people sang, prayed

and talked and asked me to preach to the crowd which was usually from 100 to 200. I was working in a clothing

store at that time and continued to do this preaching for two summersjust the result of these meetings eternity alone will reveal. The experiences of those years have since been very helpful to me in the ministry.

The first winter after the Capital Park work I got on the street every Lord's Day morning and went out from

Hartford four miles to Weatherfield where there was a Baptist Church. In the morning we had a prayer and a social

service and then Sunday schoolin the afternoon preaching and at night a prayer and social service again. That was about my first experience in church workpartaking somewhat of the pastoral nature. I sincerely hope

Skips to every other PAGE


that some good was accomplished. The next winter I organized a gospel temperance meeting in the Good Samaritan

Hall on the Main St. in Hartford. That mission did good and we trust that it has been instrumental in winning souls

to Christ. Last spring, 1898, I visited Hartford and found that although nearly 20 years have rolled away, I organized

that branch of work that was still living and prospering and operating in different parts of the city. Some of the old

workers were present and recognized me as I stepped into the hall last spring one year ago. They were growing gray

in the service, others had passed over the riverI felt thankful that I had been a co-laborer with them. The other lines of religious work that I did in Hartford in those days--Sheldon St., Frankford St., Front St. and Morgan St. on

the steamboat and at the Railroad Depot, and sometimes at West Hartford and Bloomfield.

In the fall of 1880 while Rev. T.A.T. Hama was Secretary of the Connecticut Baptist State Convention, I

was sent out by the Board to a place called Brookfield Iron Works. It was a hard field, but I made the best of it and

some souls professed conversion. I was not ordained at this time. I labored on that field nearly 6 months and

organized 8 miles north of that in New Milford, Ct.

PAGE 53

in Mrs. Stones School a Baptist Mission. There is now a Baptist Church there. Bro. Hanna baptized two persons at

New Milford. One of them from Brookfield as I was not ordained at that time and so did not baptize anyone until I

was. The state convention treasury ran short so I was compelled to close my work at those points. I was $50.00 out-

of-pocket and needed the money to meet my obligationsprovidentially I got an opportunity to preach at Plantsville out from Hartford two Lords days for which I received $32.00. That relieved immediate pressure and then I found employment until next fall that enabled me to square up my accounts and get already to preach again as soon as a

door opened.

But I will conclude this chapter with some statistics of my Brookfield and New Milford work miles of travel about 800I suppose that included train travel but at this date I cannot rememberreligious visits 200. Sermons and addresses 150. There were some who professed conversion who did not unite with the church. I think

one great hindrance cause at Brookfield was one of the deacons whose Baptist backbone could not have been located

with the aid of a strong machine. His wife . . . Writing not legible bottom of page

CHAPTER III

PAGE 55

Nov. 1, 1881, I went out again or was sent out again by the Baptist State Convention to a place in the state

called Newtown. There was a church in that field named the Old Zour Church with over 50 members. They had been without a pastor for 3 years. The church was not in a very spiritual condition. The seed apparently had fallen

6

to a considerable thorny ground. Yet there were a few names left even in Zour who sighed and prayed for the old

time power to be manifested in the sanctuary once more. Before I actually began the work, one of the deacons

began at once to discourage any effort to open the church or to strength that which was ready to die. He and his wife

it seemed to me were inhospitable grasping and of course selfish. After I became pastor I went to his home after

service one beautiful Lords Day and found him with newspapers thrown all around. His wife had pillowed her big

frizzy head on his lap and slept while he read the New York Ledger. I invited myself to dinner that day with the

deacon and his wife, and then I invited him to hear me preach at a neighbors house. My lecture was Isa. 1:3. The ox knoweth his owner and the ass his Masters Crib, but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider--that

deacon did do better for a while after that but eventually

PAGE 56: newspaper clipping. Christian SecretaryHartford, Wednesday, June 7, 1882--Ordination at Newtown of Bro. W. G. Patterson. Newspaper clipping. The WatchmanBoston, Mass., June 15, 1882Ordination. Newspaper clipping. Christian SecretaryHartford, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 1890Rev. W.G.P. of Fernandina, FL securing aid to remove debt of church.

PAGE 57 Continued from pg. 55

relapsed again into his former independence. Deacons can be a great blessing to the cause or they can be like the

stone at the door of our Lords sepulcher. It will take divine power to roll such away. Away down in my heart I feel

to this hour that brother and sister were great obstructions to the Lords cause in that place.

His brother who was an unbeliever and a spiritualist and not so well fixed in worldly goods, did 75 percent

more financially for the support of the gospel than he. What a name and what dead heads such people are in the

church.

On the 18th

day of December 1881, I was called to the pastorate of the Zour Church. This was in fact my

first pastorate. It was rather a unique call as the whole congregation took a hand in it and I believe insiders and outsiders voted unanimously on the question. The financial outlook from the business stand point was not sufficient to support a family of eight, but the Lord did provide for us in unforeseen ways so that we went through

the year very comfortably indeed.

On the first day of June 1882, at the call of the church, a council met to advise in the matter of my

ordination. A full account of the proceedings of that counsel was published in the Christian Secretary of the

Hartford Baptist Paper for the State of Connecticut, June 7, 1882.

PAGE 59

A copy of that paper now in my possession that the following churches were represented by full delegations

viz: First Baptist Church Bridgeport, Baptist Church Norwalk, South Baptist Hartford, Baptist Church Stepney, Do-

Mill Plain, Brookfield, New Milford and Newtown. In addition to this representation of churches the following the

following persons were present. Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, Secretary of the Baptist State Convention, Rev. H. G. Smith of

Bantam, as Rev. E. B. Dickenson of Ansonia. Since that time the two latter names have finished their life work and

gone up higher.

The moderator of the council was Rev. W. Sherwood and the Rev. M. H. Pogson pastor, 1st church

Bridgeport. The examination was satisfactory to the church and council and so I was set apart to the work of the

ministry by the following order of services. Viz: Singing by the choir & congregation hymn Draw Me Heaven. Scripture Reading, Rev. E. Beardsley; Opening Prayer, Rev. John Naylor; Ordination Sermon, Rev. M. H.

Pogson. Text 1 Cor. 1:14

Hand of Fellowship, Rev. H. G. Smith; Charge to the Candidate, Rev. T. A. T. Hanna; Prayer of Ordination,

with lying on of hands, Rev. F. B. Dickinson; Charge to the Church, Rev. W. E. Wright.

Benediction by myself the services of this interesting and momentous day concluded with a prayer meeting at my house in the evening led by Bro Hanna.

I will note here some highlights of the day itself. In the forenoon of the day there was a heavy rain storm.

PAGE 61

During which time I was enduring the funeral services of old Mr. Beardsley about noon the storm cleared

away the balance of the day was as fine as a June day could be. It seems to me and when I look back that the Lord

was smiling on me and giving me his approval and sanction to the work of the council and church in my ordination.

In speaking of my call to the ministry before the council . . . I said that my desire to preach dated from years ago . . .

the council, if that is the case, how is it that you are beginning now . . . why have you put it off so long. It is true

that I have been doing Christian work and preaching some for quite a while, but after all I was not in the ministry

and, therefore, in fact only doing as any other lay workers should have done. The question was embarrassing, and I

7

did not answer it. The fact of the matter was my wife was rather doubtful of the call and said that she did not

believe in a two penny preacher anyway. Bless her precious little tiny nails have got to go when she strikes them on the head. Well, the time came when she was anxious to have me preach the gospel as I was to preach it and from

that day the way was open. She had just taken her seat in the church and heard the question of the council and felt

constrained to answer that question in my stead. She made the

PAGE 63

matter so plain and so touching that many in the audience were moved to tears. It was evident to all that if time had

been lostthat now the hand of the Lord was moving and directing. Another item of interest was Bro. Dickensons prayer in the church while the ordination order of services was being prepared. He sent up earnest petitions for me in the work of the gospel and for, as he said, my large and interesting family and incidentally adding Thou knoweth O-Lord that it is not fashionable in these days to raise large families. There was an awful truth couched under those few words that indeed not a few skeletons in closets in many an aristocratic home in puritanical New England, yes, yes, in other homes too. In his prayer he referred to

times when the supplies might be scanty in the pantry and the flour barrel emptysurely that prayer was heard and answered with many others that have been offered sincewhen I look back over those years truly we have had many wonderful providences of which I will speak again. Even that very year the Lord provided for us in a

wonderful manner Hitherto the Lord hath helped us. Jehovah Jireh

PAGE 65

I will add here statistics of the work in New Town. The first two received there for baptism that was before

my ordination a Miss Bertha Curtiss a Methodist. She became convinced in the truth of emersion as Bible Baptist

by a prayerful study of the Word. She made one of the best workers in the New Town church and not only the best,

but she actually did more practical work than all the rest put together with perhaps a few noble exceptions. The

other one was an Episcopalian and Mrs. John Fleezer, her husband was a Roman Catholic. She was a most devoted

Christian. For weeks after her baptism her husband persecuted her making all kinds of threats on her life and his

own until she told him that she would be compelled to ask the authorities to send him to a lunatic asylum. When all

at once the demon in him quieted down and she had rest after that and no difficulty in worshiping God according to

the dictates of her own conscience. Their home was 24 miles from the church and so my church gave her a letter to

unit with a Baptist Church near home.

I invited the Rev. John Naylor lately from England to administer the ordinance of baptism. The next

candidate received was baptized by myself the second Lords day after my ordination. Another Episcopalian, a Mrs.

Coon.

PAGE 67

That was my first baptism, Mrs. Coon knew nothing about Baptist or what they taught, but during that year

she had read the Bible through in her own home and so doing so learned two things, viz the way of life and salvation

and Gods way of baptism. Having learned these things like the Bereans of old, she at once obeyed the gospel. I

accepted this fruit as a seal to my ministry and as an evident token of Gods approval to my being sent about to

preach the everlasting gospel. The next case or candidate was a Mrs. Ephraim Briscoe; I think that she was brought

up Episcopacy too. She and a Miss Julia Hook the daughter of an infidel were baptized together. Later I baptized a

Miss Fongue6 in all baptized into that church during my pastorate, and 1 received by letter. I humbly trust that others were regenerated and born of the spirit although they did not obey Christ at that time in his ordinance.

During that one year pastorate I delivered about 350 sermons and addresses and travelled nearly 1000 miles on foot

in the performance of my pastoral work. I also made 426 religious visits.

I also attended and preached funeral sermons for the following persons.

Mrs. Peal 72 years of age. Religious preference was christened at Berkshire, Nov. 7, 1881;

Mrs. L. Aldrich aged 35 Episcopal tendencies. Jan. 1882.

PAGE 69 Continued from pg. 67

Abijah Bradley, aged 92. A Quaker Interned at Berkshire the summer of 1882;

Beach Beardsley, age 72, no preference June 1, 1882;

Nellie Curtiss, age 2, Aug. 30, 1882;

Easter Lake, aged 87, Oct. 6, 1882;

Emily Fongue, age 39, Oct. 14, 1882, she was a Baptist;

Mrs. Fred Coffman, outside of the parish, she was 74 a Baptist, interned at Bridgewater the summer of 1882;

8

8 names in all during the first year of my pastoral work.

At the close of the year I received a call to Cornwall Hollow Baptist Church which I accepted. To take up

time and space here in explaining why the change was made is not necessary at this date. However, I believe that

God directed in the matter and it was all right. My next chapter will begin there with Cornwall Hollow.

CHAPTER IV

The Baptist Church at Cornwall Hollow, Connecticut. I became pastor of this church December 19, 1882

and labored in that field until April 27, 1884, when I preached my farewell sermon from Neh. 10:25. Surely our

sojourn on this field we had some interesting experiences. Part of the time I taught at school on the border of my

pastorate in order to benefit the community and help out a weak support. We lived two miles from the church


and generally walked that distance twice on the Lords Day which made 8 miles. I was generally very tired on

Monday when I entered the school room again. My work as a teacher in that place was wonderfully blessed and

worked quite a reformation in the morals of the young people. Especially was this the case with a large problem in

that school which previous to that time and had been very rough and boisterous [sic].

During the summer of 1883, one night while we were all sleeping soundly and a light burning in the hall,

our house was burglarized by a man and his wife who had been in the business for some two years. We lost quite a

lot of our household goods, such as clothing and plated ware and other things . . . a month later the robbers were

caught, but none of the stolen goods ever came back except my coat . . . an looked for however. The people far and

near helped us much more than four fold our loss, so that it did seem to us that the blessed Lord so overruled this

event as to carry us through a very severe winter. The criminals who had committed many other degradations were

sent to prison.

PAGE 73

The man I think, for 5 years, and just what penalty was put on the woman I do not know. One of them I

saw and pointed out to her the sinfulness and folly of such a life and pointed her as well as I could to Christ and then

I prayed for her. Tears of penitence seemed to roll down her cheek.

My work at Cornwall Hollow resulted in some additions to the church. My congregations were always

good. The Sunday school was well attended. In fact, as well as all the other meetings of the church.

The Baptisms were as follows:

Albert Lane, Feb. 4, 1883;

Fred Miller, June 3, 1883;

Walter Chipman, June 3, 1883;

Barry M. Patterson, June 3, 1883--my son;

Gracie M. Patterson, June 3, 1883--my daughter age 7.

Five in all and others on statement that makes the total of additions to that church. Much seed was sown and several

thousand gospel tracks were distributed. So that we earnestly hope and pray that the bread cast upon the waters may

be found in Gods good time.

PAGE 75

The funerals attended at Cornwall Hollow were as follows:

Eddie Casey, age 10 months, Nov. 30, 1882. Interned Cornwall Hollow. Mother a BaptistFather no preference; Mrs. Mamy Dixon, age 23, Jan. 7, 1883, a daughter of Jonathan Bate. Funeral conducted by Rev. Mr. More (Cong)

assisted by myself;

John Doughty age 84, April 11, 1883. The deceased a member of Cornwall Hollow Baptist Church and first there

for burial from Mateaman, New York;

G.W. Lamplive, age 80, May 15, 1883, not a church member;

N. Harrisonsom, age 72, June 30, 1883. Funeral conducted by Rev. W. Spaulding and myself.

Total number 5

On the Cornwall Hollow pastorate the miles of travel by or on foot were about 730; Religious visits about

200 sermons and addresses about the same (200). Between the school church and other services my salary during

the last year on this field netted in cash and other things in the neighborhood of $900. My prospect when I began on

that field was about $120 promised from the church and $100 from the Board so it will be clearly seen how

wonderfully the Lord did provide.

Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Amen to this chapter.

9

CHAPTER V

PAGE 77

Ps. 102:13 Thou shalt rise and have mercy upon Zion for the time to favor her yea, the set time, is come. East Wallingford, Vermont: On the 24

th of Feb. 1884, the Baptist Church of that town extended me a

unanimous call to become their pastor which after due consideration I accepted. On the 30th

of April, with my wife

and 6 children we took the 6 a.m. train for Vermont--15 years ago. We have never been back to that field since, but

we felt that we were leaving many warm friends. Cornwall Hollow has written us many changes since those days

and so have we. Death has been busy. One by one we are passing over into the great hereafter. Just before stepping

on board to the train Rev. Mr. Moore of Falls Village handed me an envelope containing $40. It came from Mrs. J.B.

Boyt of Stamford, Ct. in response to an appeal made by a Miss Hullant, a sister-in-law of Mrs. Moore in my behalf.

It was a very unexpected gift. I was really needing about that amount of money at that time, and in fact, had been

asking the Lord to help us to make this move to Vermont with what comfort that was. You might say an absolutely

necessary. Many the prayers were answered.

PAGE 79

I reckoned I always believed in taking everything to the Lord in prayer. Well, we went on our way

rejoicing with the prayer that the Lords presence might go with us to the new field of labor. We began our work in the East Wallingford Church on the Lords Day May 4, 1884. My morning subject was the burning bush. I had about 80 of an audience. We observed the Lords Supper at the close of the morning service and reorganized the Sunday school which had not been in operation for some time. At 2:30 I married a couple the first in my ministry.

A Mr. Henry J. Pratt and a Miss Clara P. Westcott. At 4:30 we held our evening service in the church, subject:

Naaman, and thus was spent the first day on that pastorate. We had some wonderful experiences on that field at

which as far as it might be for the glory of God, I will try to relate as I preserve with this record.

East Wallingford is a pleasant little town on the N. Central R.R. nestling among the hills. No place could

be any more beautiful in the summer, but in winter it is rather desolate. It is 13 miles south of Rutland. 20 years

before I went there the old church was 3 miles out in the country at Sugar Hill. A few stones marked the spot of the

old foundations and


a few members got up on the miff tree when the site was changed to the village and remained there some 21 years.

Like locust buzzing hither and yon on tree tops. Some of them were like bewildered catshard to get them down, but I succeeded in dislodging a few of them.

During the summer of 1884 I had many meetings outside of the village on week nights. At Sweetland

District, some 2 miles from the church at Sugar Hill, 3 miles out at Centerville about 1 1/2 miles from the church

and also at 2 other points from 1 to 2 miles out.

These meetings were blessed in the salvation of souls. My wife assisted me very much in these extra

services and doubtless won not a few stars for her crown.

At no place was the work so much blessed as in the Sweetland district. From the very first the saving

power of God was manifested.

I cannot recall now all of the interesting times that happened, but some of those things were indelibly fixed

on memories walls. Among the first that manifested a desire to be saved was a Mr. Schuyler Gates. He had been a

very profane and wicked man. While those meetings continued and took part

PAGE 83: not feeling as bright in his mind as he desired to and that was doubtless due to his long being steeped in sin for he

had passed the three score mark and he began to seek the Lord. His case however seemed to be one of the 11th

hour

order and a miracle of sovereign grace. We all thought that he was a truly saved man and think so still. When death

came some months later he met the last enemy like the hero of the 23rd

Psalm. Indeed he seemed to me leaning on

the everlasting arms and prayed as if catching gleams of light from the land beyond the shadows. He never united

with any church, he was very much older than his years and doubtless that had much to do with his getting out to the

village church. His wife manifested much interest during those meetings whether she was truly converted or not is

hard for me to say. During her husbands last illness she was taken sick too and I attended her funeral two days later. The Sabbath evening before her death I drove out to see her. I said, Shall we have a word of prayer. She said, Oh yes. While I sat by her bedside, I heard her murmuring to herself several times too late too late. Just what all that implied eternity alone will reveal.

10

PAGE 85

She was too sick to talk. I had thought that Mrs. Gates had met with a change of heartoften when talking to her about her soul I saw the tears rolling down her cheeks. But she never took any decided stand on the Lords

side anymore than to rise for prayers in the special meetings, and there we will have to let the screen drop hoping

that it was well with her soul.

It is a poor place to seek salvation or make a public profession of religion on a death bedMrs. Jacob Gates a sister in-law of Mrs. S. Gates died a few months previous to this. I saw her a few days before her death.

They also made a move in our meetings. When I went to see her she said she was not afraid to die, said she loved

the Savior and she was trusting in the precious blood of the atonement alone. I cannot at this time remember her

exact words, but I was deeply impressed at the time and the impression of that last conversation with that dying wife

and mother cling to me yet. I felt satisfied that the sister was safely resting in the arms of Jesus. She was so sick

and her husband thought it best for my prayer conversation be made very short. She said Oh let him talk to me. He was a Universalist, but he regretted afterward not acceding to her request.

PAGE 87

There were other cases that I might mention before passing on from this work at Sweetland, and one

evening in the latter part of September old Mr. Calvin White in his 74 or 75 years who had been a backslider for

many years came forward with tears rolling down his cheeks and made a very humble confession of his sins

earnestly desiring that the Lord for the Saviors sake would pardon and blot them out and once more restore unto him

the joys of his salvation. That was the last opportunity it was well that he took advantage of it. He was taken sick

very shortly after and on the 2nd

day of October I preached his funeral sermon. Old man Starky was another case of

conversion at the age of 70 or 75.

There were many other interesting items in the Sweetland meetings that I cannot recall now.

East Wallingford during the time of my sojourn there was not the most righteous place in the world.

Certainly had its full quota of unregenerate people. The blind tiger had his lair near the church and evidently got in his share of work in Satins synagogue. The hotel in question was within 40 or 50 feet of the church and attached to the rear was a large hall


which during the summer was used as a skating rink. It was rather discouraging to find but 10 or 15 at my prayer

meetings and to look out of the church window and see that hall full of young people. It often seemed to me as if

the whole town were rolling down to perdition on roller skates. My wife and I made earnest prayer that the Lord

would close it up and also evacuate the liquor traffic from the place.

The hall, as a skating rink, never as far as I have known opened again after that summer.

The blind tiger continued to be opened for quite a while after I left and went to Florida. My brother, the J.

R. Patterson was my successor at East Wallingford. We continued to pray for the removal of the liquor business

from that place. On a certain evening in Vermont he had a prayer meeting and I had another on the same evening in

Fla. The burden of both prayer services was that the Lord would clean out the whole business hotel and all.

Apparently, the answer was not long in coming, for one Sunday morning at 2 a.m. the thing caught fire and burned

up. The house of another man it is said went with it and this man was rather an abettor in the business so it was

thought. Well to return on Sabbath Nov. 23 at my morning service in church I preached on Acts 16th

chapter taking

the story of the improvement of Paul and Silas in the jail at Philippi.

PAGE 91: I have no recollection now of what the thread of that discourse was, but I remember well the concluding

prayer. It was this: Even so come Lord Jesus shake this place from center to circumference. Shake the enemy out

and all that belongs to him and bring many precious souls into the kingdom. It seems to me that that prayer was

wonderfully answered.

The spiritual earthquake began that night. When Brady Aldrich fell out of the hotel window (doubtless

under the influence of strong drink) a distance of 40 feet. He was found there the next morning in the embrace of

death. He was about 48 years of age, but had made no preparation whatever to meet his Godquite a number of unregenerate men thus gathered that morning at the rear of the hotel where the man had fallen. For once if never

before, some of them were impressedit was not long until another was taken away. Sister Betty Allen a Saintaged 62. A few days later John Pelsone aged 78. He was not a member of any church. Whether prepared or not, I cannot

say. Sometimes about the middle of January 1885 I began special services in the church which I

11


continued until the last of March. These services were blessed on the salvation of souls. Perhaps from 75 to 100. It

often seems to me since that my ministry in Vermont was one of judgment and merely running side by side as it

were. In the little parish of 250 or 300 inhabitants, in about one year and a half, I followed 29 to their last resting

place, so that the people dubbed me the funeral minister. Carrie Johnson was a young lady who was interested or who never made a profession. I am glad that she

expressed a hope on her death bed and trust that her peace was made with God. Carl McKnight was a young man

about 20. He scoffed at holy things and was one of those who went before earthly enjoyment. He took a drink of

alcohol one morning supposing to be whisky and the next morning his mother found him dead in bed.

Flow Priest was the daughter of a spiritualist in that town. He took her out of our Sunday school I suppose

for fear she might learn Gods truth and put it in practice. The girls in the day school said to Flow one Friday

afternoon Flow what is that spot on your cheek? She said I guess nothing of any importance, but it soon developed into black erry? syphilis and Monday night she died. It is hoped that it was well with her soul.

PAGE 95

Her father sent for a man to preach the funeral service who I reckon was in the habit of preaching the dead

into heaven, anyway, no matter how they have lived. Rather send me one of Jobs comforters to preach my funeral sermon. Whatever else they did they would not flatter and that was quite a redeeming trait.

Jane Goodly was another person who put off her preparation for eternity until the last enemy knocked at

door. About one year previous I had talked to her about the salvation of her soul. At that time she was resting in her

morality. But down in the swelling of Jordan. She said the boat was not broad enough to carry her. She was taken

down with cancer and lived about 15 days after she took to her bed. From the first of the illness became very

anxious about her soul. And one Sabbath evening when I called to see her she was rejoicing in the Saviors love and

confirmed to all human appearance to do so until the last. One good evidence of a change of her heart was the

anxiety she manifested about her sister who was sailing also in that old leaky boat of morality.

PAGE 97

My dear wife is to her credit here with many a faithful talk. Not only to Jane Goody, but to many and many

a soul in East Wallingford. In all my ministerial labors she was truly a helpmate indeed. No man every lived that

liked to have his wife with him in the church services anymore than I did and do. I often felt her prayers were a very

great help indeed. Well, I could fill a whole volume about East Wallingford but in order to look in upon other fields

will have to draw this chapter to a close.

November 15, I tended my resignation to take effect some 15 to 20 days later. Nov. 29 after a.m. service I

baptized Miss D. Chase and experience I generally have before leaving the field. Dec. 6, 1885, I preached my

farewell sermon and attended the funeral of one Thomas Cotton.

Dec. 13, I heard my brother Rev. J. R. Patterson preach his first sermons. They were the only sermons I

ever heard him preach. In the evening I gave him the hand of fellowship with another person into the church and

presented him with a license to preach. He labored there three years and gathered many souls.

PAGE 99

The Word one sows and other reaps. Paul may plant apollo water but God must give the increase. My

brother was ordained the next spring. I am glad now that the Lord used me to lead him into the ministry. He put in

3 years in that field and about 8 in 2 other fields. A very faithful service and then he went up to Jerusalem not

knowing that he was going to his last resting place.

On the 15th

day of December I left East Wallingford taking two of the children with me, Harry and Lottie to

go to Florida. My wife attending to come later, which she did, with the other 4 children. On December 18th

we

started from Boston at night by rail to Fall River and thence by steamboat to New York. At 6 p.m. the next day we

sailed from New York for our voyage to Florida. For a time we were quite sea sick, but the last part of the trip was

pleasant. About noon December 23rd

we sailed into Port Royal, S.C. And before landing our steamer the State of Texas Mallory Line crashed into a bank and did quite a bit of damage. We enjoyed being on the land for an hour or two. None of us every saw as many old plantation Negros.

PAGE 101

Writing not legible. We steamed out again about 6 in the evening and arrived in Fernandina about 7 or 8

next a.m. Taking the cars to Jacksonville and then later to a place called Campville and a stage for 5 miles from

there to Windsor our destination.

I will close this chapter with some statistic of the East Wallingford field and work.

12

Baptisms:

Pit Congdon, age 30;

Jon Pinker, age 55;

Mrs. Elisha Allen, age 48;

Mrs. Simion Cole, age 60;

Emma D. Cummings, age 29;

Erwin W. Cummings, age 21;

Addie White, age 35;

Mrs. Doctor Chance, age 23.

8 names in all. Received by letter and experience 7 others.

It was by brothers privilege to gather the rest of the fruit that I thought to have come in under my ministry. There were however various militating causes that I will not mention here.

Marriages celebrated -12, funerals 29, sermons 300, visits to home about 1150, miles of travel perhaps 700 to 800. In looking over my East Wallingford work after the lapse of 14 or 15 years I can see my ministry was

largely one of seed sowing and rejoice to know that it was fruit under my brothers ministry.

PAGE 103 Some of those taken away without knowing they were standing on the brink of eternity were sad to think of,

but they had had sufficient time to make ready. They had heard call upon call and it was of no avail doubtless that

their years had been lengthened out they would have if possible become more and more confirmed in sin. As

hindering causes to the cause of righteousness they were taken out of the way.

The most striking instance a man deliberately crossing the dead line was the case of one ThompsonI had visited him frequently on his last illness. Had exhorted him to accept Christ before he was taken sick for a while,

after he was taken sick he manifested some interest and asked me to read and pray with him, but the last Sabbath

that I called before his death he turned his back and said I dont care anything about it. I instantly felt that he was given over to hardness of heart and all desire to pray for him forsook me. He had made his decision and there was

nothing more to be done and I cannot close this chapter without stopping to thank


God for all the blessings and mercies ______ saved on that field for the souls in heaven through the instrumentality

of the church. My wife, myself and later my brother for the souls yet living who may have been living who may

have been plucked as brands from the eternal burning and for all who shall come to Christ through their influence.

I would also ask God for Christ sake to forgive and blot out all that he saw in me or my ministries that

savored of the flesh or the enemy, and let his name have all the praise and all the glory both now and forever. Amen.

CHAPTER VI

Florida, Georgia and Alabama -- Jer. 10:23. O Lord I know that the way of men is not in himself, it is not in men that walketh to direct his steps. In the last chapter I traced briefly my trip from Vermont to Florida. We arrived at Windsor after night Dec. 23, 1885. It was a new experience to hear the winds singing and everything

giving you the impression of a fine June night in the north. It was not many days after, however, when there was an

extreme frost which did much damage to the orange trees and crops.

PAGE 107: The Floridians said they had not had the like in 30 years. My first sermon was preached on the 27

th not to a church

for none had been organized.

Mr. G. B. Griffin formerly of Chicago was a Baptist and took quite an active part in Sunday school work.

He had a very good hall fixed up for Sunday school work and preaching. It was largely through his influence that I

went to Florida that is speaking after the manner of men. I continued to preach to the community until March 6,,

1886 when a church was constituted with 17 members and I was chosen to be their pastor.

The frost did much to destroy the prospect to the new and booming town and so it became a great struggle

with both the pastor and the church for an existence and deeply sorry that my precious wife and children had to be in

such straitened circumstances during those days, but so far as I was concerned personally, I needed all the scourging

that I went through then and since, and I doubt not, but what I deserved heaps and more of it for the destruction of

the flesh that I may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. It is of the

13


Lords mercies that we were not consumed. Tonight I am ready to kiss the hand that was laid on the rod all the times since I became His when He saw that I needed it. I am so sorry that I have grieved the blessed spirit so often. May

the balance of my days in some measure be atonement for the follies and the sins of my past life especially since I

began my ministerial career.

Nearer O Lamb of God nearer to thee. Help me my cross to bear and following close to thy bleeding side,

nearer my prayer shall be. Close to the bleeding side nearer to thee.

The new church observed the Lords Supper for the first time April 4th of that year. On the next Sabbath I baptized one candidate by the name of Morgan, May 2

nd 3 more were baptized, and on June 6

th yet 3 others baptized

and two received by letter and experience. Feb. 13, 1887, one more by letter. Total Baptisms at Windsor 7 3 by letter, total 10. Making the membership to that date 27 in all.

At Windsor I attended and took part in 4 funeral services. There was some preaching done in Campville 5

miles from Windsor that I will speak of here because it naturally belongs to this chapter. And before -- later let me

say that


on Feb. 16, 1886, we moved into Rev. Dr. Kemptons new house where we remained until the close of our pastorate. Dr. Kempton was Baptist and a very fine old Christian gentleman. He did us much good in more ways than one. I

think that he was about 76 years of age and why boarding with us had a stroke of paralysis later he was very much troubled with his heart. My wife, children and myself watched, nursed and cared for him just as we would for a

fatherfor we all felt that way toward him. Some nights he was so short of breath that we thought he would die before morning. Getting a little better he decided to return home to York State where he got much better and lived

alone for two years. While I was in Windsor I preached twice at Orange Heights several times at Grove Park and Rochelle and one in Palatka. During the last months at Windsor I preached once a month at Campville 5 miles from

Windsor on the F.C.T.P R.R. The Baptist had no church house of their own at that time, but has since erected five

substantial under.

PAGE 113: My call to the Campville was May 7, 1887. Sept. 4

th of the same year I preached my farewell sermon at Windsor

from the text Speak to my people that they go forward as nearly as I can remember now. I closed my labors at Campville on the following Lords Day on Sept. 11th. No, I have now discovered that it was Oct. 9th and up to that date I received 4 by baptism. I do not know exactly how many sermons I preached at both places but probably in

the neighborhood of 250.

Before leaving Florida I visited both of these places several times and held extra meeting with no additions

except at Campville which I will speak of in another place. I think that my labors at Campville had much to do with

the prosperity of the cause at a later date. I kept agitating the building of a good house which as noted was

eventually built. I did much to rescue our people from a sickly sentimentalism about union Sunday school work and

union church work which meant the Baptist going have footed and someone close wearing the shoes. Both Windsor

and Campville were disturbed with David Cooks S.S. helps . . . excuses, excuses, and it will please ______. I

advocated then and always that S.S. literature, no compromise.

PAGE 115

Well, I trust that some lasting good was accomplished at these points. Many incidents have faded from my

memory and so will say amen to these notes. My first pastorate in Florida and proceed next to speak of the Starke

pastorate.

Starke is the County seat of Bradford County. By invitation I preached there on Aug. 28, 1887, and

continued the services until Thursday night. When a meeting of the church was held the former Pastor Rev. H.

Falbird DD moderator. At this meeting the church gave me a unanimous call to become their pastor which I accepted and began my regular work. Sept. 15 at which time we moved into a house owned by a Miss Storm of

Poughkeepsie, New York. Some months later we moved into a better house owned by an old Mr. Mudge from

Indiana. He was not a church member but he would not accept any rent, and so we stayed there in that home at least

one year. I will always remember old Mr. Mudge with kindly feelings.

I resigned this pastorate July 9,, 1888 for the same reason that many of others in the ministry to former

pastors had

14

PAGE 117

not named the church in the grace of giving. The church got in the arrears in the salary in spite of all that I could do.

And although that was over 10 years ago one of $50 still remains unpaid. The whole trouble with one of the

deacons that was no more fit for the office spiritually or otherwise than something blusterous man of the world. I

very much doubt that he was fit to be in the church at all. His own son told me some years afterward that he was

afraid his father was not a saved man. We had many friends in Starke and have to this day. I made no fight over the

arrearage but in due season the Lord more than made it up.

I probably preached about 100 sermons on this field; Baptized 19 candidates and received 10 by letter and

experience. This field was indeed a very promising field but I was defeated in accomplishing as much as might have

been done because the spirit of the flesh largely controlled just a little clique who ought to have been my most

earnest helpers. However, the God had something else for me to do and with out any planning of my own from

myself. All at once engages in a large and busy field. A field of comparatively new and interesting experiences.

Viz-

PAGE 119 (1888)

The Evangelistic. I had labored before somewhat in that line but not exclusively. Having resigned at

Starke I had another meeting at Hampton 9 miles south of Starke on F.L.P.R.R. next day July 10th

I am impressed

that 9 were received for baptism at this meeting who were baptized by the Pastor of that church, which was 1

miles from Hampton at that time. There is a good substantial building in the village now which was built there

before I left Florida. The fruit of an agitation began in the line by myself at the time of this meeting. I preached 6

sermons there at that time. Then went on to Orange Heights preached 6 moresome professed conversion. Then I preached once out at Hope Church and one sermon in the Starke M.E. Church. July 25 preached 6

sermons at Highland. Cannot remember the results, but we had a good meeting. There was no Baptist Church there

but there were souls that needed salvation. August 1st preached 3 times at Lakeside a good interest.

PAGE 121

From that I went to Campville where I preached 9 sermons. I remember that there was a good interest but

what further results have passed away from my memory. Before returning home I preached twice at Fort Harley,

where the biggest orange tree in Florida once grew, and organized a Sunday school there. I have never heard from

that point since. On my way home from Starke I learned that the yellow fever was raging in Jacksonville, and if I

had not met Dr. Powell from Starke at Waldo I would have had to stay there on account of the rigid quarantine

which had just been put into operation.

On the 24th

of Aug. having done the best I could to leave my family comfortable, I took $5.00 in my pocket,

and started out on an evangelistic campaign. My 1st point was Highland again where I stopped and preached 5

sermons and added $13.59 to my pocket money. From that I went on to Live Oak in Suwannee County, I think. I

began extra meetings Aug. 29th

preached 24 sermons. Much interest was manifested there and hopes that there were

some souls saved. The M.E. minister showed much kindness. Just now I forget his name.

PAGE 123

Yether Barnett, he was an earnest Christian and manifested much of the spirit of the Master. Really seemed

to be as much interested in the prosperity of the Baptist Church as he was in his own. He was beloved by everybody.

I received at the close of this service about $28 in cash which enabled me to help the dear ones at home and push

forward with the work.

At other points I look back with much pleasure to that season at Live Oak and the kind friends made.

Sometime after I left the yellow fever broke out in the place and the whole town moved out into the piney woods

until the danger had gone by. In that way only a very few were taken down. I think but one or two died.

My next point was Madison where I preached 9 sermons closing Sept. 16th

. Then I went on to Monticello

where I spent one night with Rev. Chevis. Next morning I started for Thomasville, Georgia and spent the night of

the 18th

in Boston and then came next day to Thomasville. I forget the Baptist pastors name but I stopped with him

and preached 5 sermons. At the first meeting here a stranger came up shook hands with me leaving a dollar in my

palm. Next day I bought a Bible with it and made it my constant companion for 5 years.

PAGE 125

Thomasville is a great winter resort for northern people and has many fine hotels. Temperance houses I

think. Sept 26th

I left that pleasant town for Milledgeville stopping off at Albany for dinner and making a brief call

upon Rev. Dr. Carroll the Baptist pastor. I got into Macon about midnight and arrived in Milledgeville about 9 or 10

a.m. next day.

15

There were parties living in Milledgeville that I had met in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Fair, Mrs. Wojden and a

Miss King--her brother was the M.E. Pastor. A man who had a big body and a big soul and did me much good. I

preached twice in his church.

My first evangelistic work done in this part was 2 miles out at Mosleyville near the state insane asylum. I

preached there for two weeks, 16 sermons. Two were received for baptism in the Milledgeville Baptist Church as

one result of this meeting and we trust that other souls were saved. There was no Baptist Church there. The

building belonged to the Methodists and the majority of the people were of that element. There were two sisters

who helped us much with the music. Miss Mamie Mosely of that place and Mrs. Ella Bacon of Albany, GA. Miss

Bacon was an attendant in the female convalescent.


A very devoted Christian indeed. One of the sweetest singers every heard and a first class performer on the Piano. I

also spent a week west of the asylum at Midway preaching 5 sermons.

Oct. 15th

I preached to about 400 people in the opera house in Milledgeville and was invited to preach in

the Baptist Church while I remained in the city. I preached 9 sermons in all and had a very pleasant time and made

many friends.

In the time of the work Milledgeville was the capital of GA. Since removed to Atlanta. The old state house

has been turned into a school building where Georgia boys and girls have now the opportunity to secure a first class

education. From the dome you can get a fine view of the surrounding country. At the time of my visit the

population was 5,000. 2 miles out as I said is the insane asylum with 1400 patients and 200 attendants. The colored

department had 500 insane.

While I lived in Windsor, Mrs. General Doles and her daughter Minnie were living in a little cottage across

the street from our house. Minnie was in the last stages of insidious disease consumption. I soon found that they

were in rather


reduced circumstances and I did what I could to help the widow and the fatherless. Before I left Windsor Miss Doles went to Milledgeville or Atlanta or somewhere. Minnie did not live long after that nor Mrs. Doles either.

They had relatives in Milledgeville and they had heard of my kindness to Mrs. Doles and her daughter and

showed great appreciation of what to me was only what neighbors ought to do any way. Well, I was thankful and it

pays to be kind and neighborly. Such things will return to you again like Noahs dove with the olive leaf. During my stay in the old capital I was entertained at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Fair. Mrs. Wooley and Captain Ennis.

My next point was Augusta, GA where I began a meeting with the Berean Baptist Church. Oct. 21st and

preached 29 sermons. At the first service 15 sought an interest in prayer, and some nights as many as 50 would

come forward showing a desire to be saved. It seemed impossible to bring those people to a decision. Like many

they were looking for too much of an experience forgiving or not trying to prove that salvation was in taking God at

his word and acting upon it; not over 2 or 3 received for baptism while I was there.

PAGE 131

Others might have been later. Many acted as if they were anxious to become Christians, but it is hard to tell

whether they ever did or not. So many like a man seeing himself in a mirror and when his back is turned he forgets

what he looked like.

From Augusta came out to Thompson and began extra readings Nov. 15th

. Preaching about 10 sermons,

and if I remember rightly 10 or 12 professed conversions. I had an interesting and pleasant time in that town and left

many kind friends behind whose kindness I shall ever remember.

I stopped one night at a place called Warrenton and Sabbath eve lead a meeting of some kind. The pastor

there may have been a converted man but I did not think that he was very much of a gentleman, and at that I will

dismiss all thought of him as I have for so many years. I went back to Milledgeville. The work at Georgia

conference of the M.E. Church South was in session there. I went in several times to see what they did. Bishop

Keener was the presiding officer. Well, I saw what appeared to me to be a good deal of wire pulling it was exceedingly doubtful in my mind and even yet it is whether many


of those appointments were clean cut and impartially made. There is no chance for wire pulling when gospel ministers take their instructions from the great head of the church. The Lord Jesus Christ and only ruling bishophe makes no mistakes when he sends men to preach they will be rightly sent. I also went out to Scotch? and

16

preached there 7 times beginning Oct. 28. We had a good time and next I delivered a temperance lecture at

Mosleyville. By the way, on my former visit there I forgot to say that I married Miss Mannie Mosely and a Mr.

Mason Johnson.

I went out on the R.R. from this to a place named Jewells Dec. 11th

where I preached twice and was taken

quite sick. Then I decided to return home to Starke, Florida. I left Jewells Thursday morning and was in

Thomasville next morning feeling slightly improved in health. Friday night I stopped in Monticello, Fla. Sat. night

at Live Oak preaching there next a.m. and getting home to Starke that night about 9 oclock. Dec. 16th I tell you I was mighty glad to see the dear ones at home again.

Thus ended my 1st evangelistic campaign. As nearly as I can tell from the time I began at Hampton to this

day - 160 days preached sermons in all. December went to Hampton and preached the year out.

PAGE 132: newspaper clippingWilson Inauguration address- A Plea for Unity/President Wilson Asks Whole Nation to Stand Behind Him in Crisis/America Cant Turn Back

PAGE 134: CONTINUED --newspaper clippingA Plea for Unity

PAGE 135

The total then would be 165 days of service and 166 sermons. May the Lord forgive and blot out that was

wrong during that time and greatly bless what was good and right. May the bread cast upon the waters be found in

his good time for his name sake amen.

I did not make heaps of money on this trip but it is very evident that the Lord cared for us. He who

numbers the hairs of our head also numbers all our lawful needs and provides for them. He openeth his hand and

provideth the wants of every living thing.

1889

PAGE 135

Jan. 1st up to April 15

th I preached at the following places making Starke my headquarters as before. Hope

Church twice (2) Highland once (1) Hawthorne 2 services Melrose 8, Highland 2, Hampton 1, Campville 2,

Highland 2, Windsor 5, Campville 4, Highland 2, Baldwin 1, Cluster 4 (an old battle field) and then this brings me

to Tallahassee where I landed March 31, 6 a.m. Sabbath morningwhere I remained until April 14th preaching 14 sermons and receiving 7 by letter and two by baptism. One object of going to the capital at this time was to run for

the chaplain of the


State Senate which I did being put on nomination by Rev. Mr. Rogers and seconded by Dr. Stapleton.

The Baptist Church had been closed for 3 years. This position was worth $50 a month for two months. At

first I thought if I got it that it would enable me to help the church, but I asked the Lord if that was not his mind to

defeat me in getting the place. I missed it in the senate caucus by 3 votes. Amen. I said it is all right and it was.

The meetings in the Tallahassee church were blessed and a larger field of operation was opened up in west

Florida as will be seen later. I believe that this meeting resulted largely in saving that church from destruction. I

went west 20 miles south of the capital to Orangeville where I must have preached about 10 sermons. The results I

do not now remember.

I then went home to Starke and preached at Highland May 5th

a.m. and at night. Five days later I began

evangelistic services in West Florida which continued up to the 1st of July. Uncle Hale the childrens missionary

rendered me valuable assistance in the musical department. Our first service was held at Morrisanna the County

held in seat of Jackson.

PAGE 139

There was a little Baptist Church there of 7 members but just no church house. The Presbyterian kindly

gave us the use of their house. We remained there 8 or 10 days. The Lord was manifested in our midst. Eleven

were received by letter and 13 by Baptism. The presiding elder of that district made quite an efforta clandestine way to injure my reputation and then God came of more than conquer through him who said blessed are ye when

men shall revile you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my names sake.

Some two years later it was my great pleasure to assist in dedicating a very nice church edifice at this place

and also to make an appeal and secure the last $500 on the church debt which was raised in 10 or 15 minutes.

17

My next point was Greenwood where I spend a few days and baptized 5, and from there to Friendship

where I spent 5 or 6 days receiving 3 members by letter and 12 by Baptism. This place was 16 miles north of the L

& N. R.R.

I then returned to Morrisanna and preached there on Monday night and baptized one or two next a.m.

My next opportunity was at Chipley 16 miles west of Morrisannahere we spent about two weeks and at very fine service. The place seemed to be ripe for an ingathering of souls.

PAGE 141

29 persons were baptized and 10 were received by letter and 3 more some weeks later making 42 added as

a result of that meeting.

I next went 16 miles north of R.R. to Campville. And there baptized 7 and received 2 by letter. After that I

went home to Starke. Then to Campville stopped a few days and baptized 4. Thence to Cedar on way to Key, at

that time the seat of the Eagle Pencil Mill or factory. 4 baptized at that place and 5 received by letter. One mile out

in the Gulf of Mexico is Atsence Otie Island where the Faber Pencil Mill operates. There was a Baptist Church

there but in a badly broken up condition. The Lord blessed from the beginning of the meeting. 13 were restored,

and 17 were baptized, making 39 in all on both islands.

A Presbyterian lady who viewed the baptism with a glass a mile away from her balcony on Way Key has

since been baptized. I look back now with much pleasure to my brief sojourn at the Keys as well as in all the other

places. Not a few have laid their armor by since those days and left the church militant for a higher seat on high.

Fernandina was my next point. 5 received there, 3 of them by baptism. The church there was

PAGE 143: Continued from pg.141

pastorless and burdened with a $2000 debt of which I will speak later. Next point Pleasant Hill: 2 by letter and 2 by

baptism.

Wemahitekka: 1 restored, 2 baptized. Thomas Creek: 3 baptized. Holmes Valley: 4 baptized.

The work at the last 4 named places is to be credited to my singer Uncle Hall. About this time the Florida

State Board of Missions hearing of my work in west Florida voted to show their appreciation by making me a

donation of $100.00. I was thankful as the money came in time to do us much good.

I forgot to say that we spent a few days before going to Fernandina with a Baptist Church near Dyall

Station on F.L. & P. R.R. I remember nothing about the result there except the settling of a church difficulty before

we left. The trouble was between the church and a ministerial member as is usually. The case there was faults on

both sides. The church was not finished insidethe climax came when I looked up and saw a serpent above overhead on one of the beams looking down upon the proceedings. I got up and pointed to the serpent and I said,

Brethren you had better forgive one another and settle this thing and let the serpent go. They were impressed. There was soon weeping, headshaking and reconciliation all round, we looked up and the serpent was gone.

PAGE 144: newspaper clippingKarthaus, PA 1893

PAGE 145 The next point after leaving Fernandina was McCounpy: 1 by letter and 2 by baptism.

From there I went out to Apalachicola, Uncle Hall went ahead and got the meeting started. 8 were received,

7 of them by baptism.

Oct 1, 1899 made my 2nd

trip to Chipley. Statistics before noted. From there I went up the Chotohatchie

River 25 miles to Geneva and spend about 8 days and baptized 9 candidates.

Oct 24 at Campellton again: 1 restoration, 3 baptisms. While at Campellton I headed the West Florida

Baptist Association and preached the doctrinal sermon before the Church of God.

While I was in West Florida I saw in the Florida Baptist Witness that the Fernandina Baptist Church had

extended me a call to become their pastor. After due consideration I decided to acceptalthough the salary was but $600. We felt that with the economy we could manage and that it might be the Lords will to use me in lifting that

$2000 debit before going away with my wife to the Santa Fe River Association which

PAGE 147 1889 A.D. at Melrose a beautiful little town on the Santa Fe Lake.

Nov. 1st found me in charge of the Baptist Church at Fernandina. A very pleasant town on the sea coast 37

miles north of Jacksonville. My home was still at Starke and I did not move my family to Fernandina until nearly

the middle of March 1890. Lottie had had a long siege of typhoid fever and was scarcely equal to the journey when

18

we did move. Our new home in Fernandina was at old town in a home owned at that time by one Mr. Jacques of

Boston, Mass.

Sabbath Nov. 30: Preached my 1st sermon on my pastorate in Fernandina. The texts were Rom. 8:31 and

Amos 4:12 about 40 were present in the forenoon and 60 at night.

Dec. 30th

I went to Gainesville to assist the pastor in revival meetings and continued there until Jan. 13,

1890. The Gainesville church was revived and 18 were added chiefly by baptismthere might have been 2 by letter. Also went to Lake City to hold a revival meeting in the Baptist Church. Results the same as at Gainesville

18 added by baptism. Rev. J.N. H. Wharton pastor.

In 1891, I went over from Fernandina to Mannana to preach their dedication sermon for that church from

Acts: 9: 20-21 and an appeal raised $500 balance for their debt.

PAGE 148

Two members previously, $150 each of that amount. During my pastorate in Fernandina I preached, I

reckon, over 75 sermons closing the pastorate Jan. 4,, 1891, with a sermon on text Math. 21:28. When I came to

Fernandina the Baptist church was but 21 members as many more were added during my pastorate. 14 by letter, 1--I

do not recollect more than 2 baptisms out of that number.

Sometime in Dec. 1890 near the last of the month I attended the Florida State Convention which convened

at Monticello and received an appropriation of $300 toward ______ the church debt which was about $2000. Later I

took another trip and raised enough money to reduce the debt about $1200. I was gone 4 months and had a very

interesting trip which I will not take time to speak of.

While at Fernandina I attended 4 funerals 2 of them in Fernandina, one of them at Starke and the other

while north in Hartford, Ct.

This much will close the record of Fernandina for the present.

Feb. 1st 1890

Note: It appears that when I was pastorate at Fernandina that I went out to Callahan and organized a missionpreached over 10 sermons and baptized 3 candidates. At this writing there is a good spiritual church there. Rev. D.

O. Andres pastor 7/17/1902 12 years ago.

PAGE 149

After resigning at Fernandina, I left Jan. 6, 1891 for Cedar Keys and went as far as Gainesville where I

remained one night and arriving at Way Key next night, and began a service. At Atsence Otie, Sunday Jan. 11th

.

Preaching about 10 sermons. No additions but a good meeting. I returned to Way and preached about 9 or 10

sermons there. On the 22nd

I conducted the funeral services of Doreen Corrigen aged 10 at Atsence Otie Island,

assisted by the Ken Ley M.E. Pastor.

Receipts of these two points $32.50. My next points were Callihan and Starke, Hampton, Callahan again

and Thomas Creek.

At this last place preached about 8 sermons. Receipts $14.50, Feb. 3rd

and 4th

2 sermons at Callahan,

receipts $3.91. Live Oak Church near Callahan, 98 sermons, receipts $7.67. Closing Feb. 8th

91. Funeral of a Mrs. Lawson at Callahan in the afternoon. She was a member of an M.E. Church.

That night attended prayer meeting in Fernandina. Left for Thomas Creek again. Feb. 14th

to marry a Mr.

Johnson and a Miss Ogden which I did next day Feb. 15, 1891.

PAGE 150:

Preached out at Callahan at night, went to Hampton next day and back to Starke on the 17th

and out to

McClary on the 18th

where I preached about 12 sermons, organized a ladies aid society, and baptized 4 candidates,

receipts $20.71.

And then I came on to east Jacksonville where I preached from March 1, 1891, to March 22. About 25

sermons. One was baptized on Sabbath afternoon a Mrs. West. I cannot exactly tell what the receipts were but they

seem to have been $18, $9.45 and $15.82. Amounting in all to $43.27. As there is no special benefit in keeping a

record of these items I will discontinue it at this point. Our meeting at Jacksonville was blessed. Although only one

was added to that church. My son Barry sailed for the first time on March 13th for Ponce, Puerto Rico.

My next evangelistic sermon was help at Lake City. 2 were added by baptism. Preached about 10 sermons

when Rev. G. K. Carsewell D.D. took charge. Dr. George W. McCall was pastor. April 9, 1891 A.D. at Tallahassee

again after a lapse of two years. Preached 6 sermons when a telegram or a postal summoned me to Arcadia, south

Florida.

19

PAGE 151

When I arrived April 15th

it is evident to me now that the Lord blessed my efforts at Tallahassee in the

rescue of the cause and property from destruction. After the lapse of 13 years I can look back and see how

wonderfully my prayers have been accomplished. The house has been beautified and the membership greatly

increased and the prospects for the future are now quite promising.

Arcadia, south Florida, April 19, 1891. The church extended me a unanimous call to become their pastor at

a salary of $800 payable monthly. Bro. Portor of Ocala was engaged in revival services when I arrived which I took

up and carried forward for a little time and then went forward in my pastoral work. My first text was Rev. 3-20.

The church at Arcadia had a membership of between 90 and 100.

PAGE 152

I am not able to say positively at this writing how many were added to the church at Arcadia during my

pastorate that I am impressed that the number was 37. There were 16 of that number baptized. The church had been

organized July 12, 1890.

During my pastorate there was quite a phosphate boom and a brief season on minimal prosperity.

When I arrived in the field the foundation of a new church house was being laid. This house was built at a

cost of $2500, and all paid for that year or at least all provided for in gilt edge subscriptions. It was a pretty little

white meeting house with old time steeple, bell, and gothic windows. The ladies aid society raised about $500 that

paid in part of the money toward the ceiling and lighting.

The former cost about $400 the latter $100. The young men of the town raised about $60 toward furnishing

the pulpit. While the church was in process of construction, I preached in the courthouse and always had large

audiences anywhere from 500 to 700.

PAGE 153

Have just discovered that the additions were 37.

During the course of the year I held meetings down at the river near the phosphate plant in a street car there

and preached 7 or 8 sermons. Also preached there once in a while on Sunday. I fixed the place up with rough seats

and had a barrel for a pulpit.

During my sojourn in South Florida I must have preached about 115 or 120 sermons and had about 10 or 12

funerals.

As I said, the town was in a boom, but it rather collapsed before the year was out. The ______? failing for

about $20. The crash made it impossible for the church to raise the amount of salary necessary for another year and

so tendered the church my resignation to take effect when the year was up.

We feel that we left many dear friends behind us in South Florida which in all probably will not meet again

until we meet on the other side. I have not attempted to speak of the S.S. convention attended nor of the union

meetings


or associations, nor of the meetings held at Ogden Barham and Plant City nor of the plan to establish with other

ministers down there a Chautauqua at Sea Side. Much more might be said let the foregoing suffice for the present.

We preached our farewell sermons May 1, 1892 from the texts: Luke: 15-2 in the morning and from 1st

Thess.: 4-16 at night. One man down at Arcadiaa kind of a bachelor, and I a

william patterson's journal

Documents