The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1843-07-18
Communication.
july llh 1913
\ BRIEF MEDICATION OF THE CHA
RACTER OF THE LATE REV. SAM.
UEL c. CALDWELL.

Il
UEL c. CALDWELL.
small volume, entitled the "memoir OF J
jenkins" was recently put into our hands. Tie
author has submitted TO his readers an account
OF Tie trst introduction Of Methodism into the
town OF Charlotte, \. G. The individuals most
prominently set before the public in this remark
able history are the late Rev Samuel &. Cald
well our lamented father, aud Dr. David II. Dun.
lap hIs first cousin, who has long been an hon
ored member of the Methodist Church, and who
- the acknowledged author Of this history which
we VIII now attempt TO review. II is our pur
pose TO exhibit the ncorrectness of the state
inents 1t contains, and thus vindicate the cbarac
Ter oil our venerated father, from the foul Sian
dets Of his reckless cousin. If the Doctor had
confined himself to a strictly correct account Of
the origin of Mclhodisn in this community we
would have been spared this unpleasant duty
liz eeoiisai would not have offended us, or claim
ed our anInadyersion, if it had not been connec
( ied with studied attempt to tarnsh the reputa-
ton OF tho nau, concerning whom it is said, in
tho life Of the Rev. David Caldwell d. D., that
be twas beloved every where and by all who
knew him." Mr. jenkins reposed undue conf
dence m his medical chronicer of the churches
else he would not have introduced into his me-
nor so incorrect an account Of the first nnuen
ces which ultimately resulted. in the organiza
ton OF tho two churches, which have received
Tho Doctors special notice. Ne have been in
formed by two Of the oldest, best known and most
respectable Methodists within twelve miles of
Charlotte. that a certain Amos Garrison and
not DIR. ID. X. Dunlap gave Mrs NJ and others
their FIRST lesson IN Methodism. That 10 a Ger.
tain accommodated Seceder, and not 10 the
Black River Camp Meeting, belongs the glory,
Of establishing tho bethesda Church. But as
MIR Jenkins can investigate this matter at his
eisure we will proceed TO the main object of this
communications
On p 2l9 of the !" Memoir of J. Jenkins il
is stated that DR.. ID. n, Dunlap, when our father
urged HIM 10 settle in Charlotte alleged the i'm.
pfoprety OF placing himself in the midst of Pres
byierlan community, for. having become Metho.
dist, he would exert what influence he might have
N procuring Methodist preaching in the placer
10 Which II is said, our father replied " If he did
he would oppose him" In the employment ofthis
language the DIR Inanlfestly designed 10 impress
The minds OF his readers with the conviction, that
he was cordial Methodist, ardeutly alta hcd TO
the institutions and forms Of worship observed Ia
has church, and that he was fully determi : I'd TO
labor for her prosperity, though he should be set
lied IN the midst Of Presbyterian congrec CATION.
Bl, what are the facts in the case When the
Doctor first made profession OF religion, he be- /
came Presbyterian. He was suspended from
NV oi inul C0urCu LOT incest, de.
fined by its standards, and subsequently Joined
tho Mcthodists. Unfortunately for him. he ha.
too often and too publicly told bis experience
While giving history of his religious impress I
sons al Bethesda and elsewhere, he has distinct
~ stated that he joined the Methodist church, /
not from preference hut necessity. A short time /
after his settlement in Charlotte, he said he was
a Methodist in form, but PRESBYTERIAN in feel.
ng and principle. Yea, more, he actually man
Tested strong desire and made an unsuccessful
,tfori 10 be admitted as a member of the church
IF which OUT father was then pastor. Read the
GLOWING certificates
June 90 lst3. De it known unto all whom
I may concern, that | heard Dr. d. r. Dunlap,
shortly after his settlement in Charlotte saw, al.
hough he was connected with the Methods,
,hurch, he was, at that time, Presbyterian in
eeling and sentiment.
AMOS ALEXANDER.
July 3, 1913 I lived with the Rev Samuel
:. Caldwell in 1914. have perfect recollection
# hearing frequent conversations between linn
nd nr. d. X. Dunlap, From their tenor, Though
heard no direct reCuest,l understood Doctor
dunlap 10 ask privileges in the Presbyterian
hurch; and do know that Mr. Caldwell deep.
= regretted the cause which forever shu, out the
DOCTOR from the Presbyterian church
~ b
july ), ls43. hereby certify, that saw DR.. =
}. r. Dunlap, a short tins after he settled in h
harlotte, in conversation with two of the Ell. d
ers OF Sugar Creek Congregation, at the meet /
lg house, and shat | was told by both of those O
lders that the subject of conversation was the h
omission of DR., Dunlap 10 church membership Il
JOHN CAMPBELL. y
Tho only gentleman living who was an acting {.
lder at that time, and who now resides IN this \
'unty, but who was not present on the occasion ~
which MIR. c. refers, gives il as his opinion o.
at tho Doctor did make application for church u
embership and the same opinion prevails a. a
ong the old members of the congregation. In OIL
ew of these certificates. we hope the Doctor IT
IL excuse us for believing that in 1914, he was o.
4 true hearted Methodist that he could not IN
tn any scmblance of sincerity have objected to y
Eating in Presbyterian community, since his w
ethodsm was pure formalhy, and that our pr
her, having no reason to believe he would be. pl
me proseiyting Methodist, did not give him M
tico of his purpose to oppose him. pr
On p 900 and 223, the Doctor states that SOW -, 10
i members of one of our fathers churches '"'
re excommurcated for communIng with the
v. w. c. Davis, that thoy were required to of
ke a public acknowledgment Of their crime bo
ore they could be restored, that they refused Co
DO so, and that after they had been organized for
o a Methodist church, our father " advised lie
m to return to mother church and profossed rea
lingnoss TO receive them without acknowledg. DR.
nts" by these statements the Doctor mani. mo
ly designed to make the impression, that such Ca
our fathers opposition 10 the Methodists wa