Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-03-19
From the Presbyterian.
Brief Autobiography.
BY REV. ROBERT TATE.

BY REV. ROBERT
This venerable father, the Oldest minister in our Sy-
nod preparing series of historical sketches for pub
cation which cannot fail to be interesting to manv of our
readers. They will contain much valuable information
concerning the early history of Presbyeransm in the
Eastern part of the State. We will take pleasure in
publishing his "reminiscences of the men and times of
fifty years ago.
was licensed by the Orange Presbytery at the Haw
field church, April 1886 During the residue Of this
year was not confined to any definite place, but trav
eed hther and thther through several Of the adjoining
counties preaching sometimes to vacant churches
times in private houses and at other times attending
communion occasions particularly Emo and Little River
churches, of which the Rev. Jas. 81. Boman the
pastor for several years. who at length removed to the
State of Tennessee. and died few years ago.
These churches at this time appeared to be abundant
ly blessed. Many of those who professed religion
intelligent and pious people. Occasionally attended
New Hope church, where the Rev. William F. Thomp-
son mnistered years. but subsequently deposed
from the sacred ministry About the middle of January
1897, concluded to make tour through the
Lower Country. This was trying time to me-a time
shall never forget Against this enterprise my aged
parents demonstrated with tears and sighs telling it
was sickly place. and that visit there might be
attended with unfavorabe consequences; but when l
told them after had been down the country, it was
my intention to cast my lot with Gods blessing among
that people, it seemed if it would destroy their peace
altogether. However, after time and by reason
ing with them, they became more composed and recon-
ciled.
When l concluded to leave the Hawfelds, Orange
county, my native place. and go to New Hanover coun-
ty with the view of permanently settling there, and at
the time mentioned above it Monday. bid fare
well to father and mother to dear brothers and their
families, and to large circle of intimate friends Such
ordeal then passed through none know those
young men in the ministry who have experienced SINH
lar process This was done by the appreciation of Pres
bytery. | was then young and nexperienced-22 years
of age On the night of my second days travel snow
fell which detained me another night with very
spectacle family in Wake county, Nathaniel Jones' ESQ.,,
Cross Roads. On Saturday following I stopped in
Johnston county, near Baptist church. where preach
ed next day. with the appreciation of the gentleman with
whom was staying and several persons attended On
the Monday night following staid at a house about
eight miles north of Duplin Court House. The family
consisted OF only the wO husband and wife, whose
was Reardon. They were past middle age. By these l
was treated and cared for as a son. They were Bap-
! fists.
Here will give explanation of one circumstance
with others, that inclined to visit thelower country
There was youth from Onsow county, George Mitch
ell,*) student of the Rev. David Caldwell DID, will
whom also student. He was possessed of milo
and noble mind, and easy and friendly in his Manners
In our education, was considerably in advance. We
ere long became acquainted and acquaintance erm
mated in mutual and lasting friendship. In leisure
moments we conversed about homes and neighbor
hoods and several occasions he told me that such
seen or known In his county, (6l or 81 years ago.
his request was, if ever became Minister of the Cos
pei, that would 60 to Onslow and preach
On Tuesday morning went from Reardons to Du
plin Court House, (now Kenansville) 1t was cour
week. There | met with gentleman from New HanO
yer county, James Harper who persuaded me to visi
that county, to which consented, after begging Co
for direction, and sent by him three four appointment
at different places From Wilmington to Kenansvilt
and from OnSlOw to Black River found no church &c
fice, but one at Black River which was small hous
and was built before the Revolutionary war; 1t was
diapidated state when l first saw it. | was compee
to preach for the most part in private houses, whic
were rendered very freely Professors of religion
nearly houses of worship Among the fey
? was one, the Hon. Timothy Boodworth, who was il
communion with the Presbyterian church under the
of the Rev. Ashbe Green, DID,, Of Philadelphia Dun
ing his attendance on Congress he attended his minis
tratons. His wife and two daughters think partoo
OF the Lords Supper under the mnistratOn of Rev
VIM. Bingham, more than seventy years ago, in Wi
mngton, n. q. With the exception of those, do
recollect of any who made profession of religion
unless it were James Wright Thomas Murray and Dan
lei Henderson, The two latter were from Scotland an
they may have made profession before they t.
this country, All three excellent men, and wer
the first Elders ordained-a little than fifty
six years ago. Mr.. Bloodworth when at home, gene1
ally attended my appointments and followed my sermo
with an appropriate address. He fine speaker.
was ordained by the Presbytery of Orange, at Rock
fish Church. Duplin County, in May, 1899. The men
bers present the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Stanford
John Robinson, and John Anderson and John Jones
: ruling Elders The ensuing Fall, November Rockfs
Church was organized puplin, Jas Wright and TimC
thy Wilson having been ordained ruling Elders and
the following day the Sabbath five persons beside my
self partook of the Lords Supper for the first time
this place.
He relation of Mrs. Edward Hail. of Wilmington
e ITO be cOntlTued.)
u