The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-10-07
REV. NICHOLAS CHEVALIER.

A note from the Rev. John NJ. Cochran, Of
Texas, conveys the melancholy intelligence Of
the death of this esteemed and useful minister
of the gospel No particulars are given ex-
cept the fact of his decease at his home near
Gonzales, on the 9th of September.
This affective dispensation will be deeply
felt by his family and friends. 1t is a severe
loss to the Presbyterian Church in Texas,
where he was one of our most devoted min
listers.
Mr.. CheavaHer was, we believe, native of
Baltimore, and his family, as the name indi-
Gates, was of French origin. He was first en-
gagged in the profession of dentistry, which,
upon becoming Christian, he determined to
abandon for the work of the ministry. This
change was under deep conviction of duty,
and the step cost him much trial arising from
the determined opposition of some of his
nearest kindred, to whose will he would have
loved to yield obedience, had not the will of
God seemed otherwise. During his residence
as a student at Princeton College, and then at
the Theological Seminary, he betrayed most
of his expenses by the occasional practice Of
his profession. 1t was at this time we formed
his acquaintance, which was afterwards init
mate and long continued in Virginia.
Mr. Chevalier's first field of labor was in
Christiansburg Va where his ministry began
about January, 1889, and where it continued
about sixteen years. until his removal to Texas.
DIG was ono Of Uncommon usefulness When
he went to Christiansburg the membership Of
the church was small, when he left it the
number had increased so as to make it the
largest of our denomination in Southwest
Virginia. The church required for some years
a strong support from the treasury of the
Board of Missions. After little, however, it
became, by the blessing of God, not only self
supporting, but a strong, active, willing help
er of other churches around. The old church
soon gave place to a new, tasteful and much
larger one. Next came manSe; and these
were followed by male, and then a female
academy. Whatever in all these may be justly
aseribed to the activity and influence of a re-
markably intelligent and excellent eldership,
all will agree that the enterprise and zeal OF
the young pastor were among the foremost
causes of success He was indeed distinguished
for his enterprise. Neither brilliant genius
nor subtle, profound discrimination were
among his endOwments; but he had a sound
judgment, earnest piety, kind manner, great
perseverance, and an excellent way Of getting
others to cooperate with him. His energy
and zeal were felt in all that part Of the Pres
bytery, and contributed towards the start and
growth Of other churches.
The same qualities made him valuable
accession to the little band of our ministers in
Texas but of this part of his ministry we
have not sufficient personal knowledge to speak
particularly. When our Secretaries of SuSten-
tation and Publication visited the Synod OF
Texas last fall, brother Chevalier was among the
foremost to enter heartily into their plans. He
became an Evangelist for the Synod, and We
know was zealously engaged in that labOrious
work, in a field where the harvest is so great
but the laborers so few. To our view, there
fore, his stay was greatly needed. But the
wisdom of God saw it was best he should be
called hence to another world, where his
servants serve him"
Our Church in Texas has been sorely be-
reaved again and again, and has a pressing
need of reinforcements, which we hope will
soon be sent. Let not our dear brethren there
be unduly cast down, remembering that while
men die, the great Head of the Church still
lives, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and
to-day, and forever"
Mr. Chevaier was married while in Virgin
ia, to daughter Of the late Archibald Stuart,
of Patrick county, and a sister, therefore, of
our lamented General j. E. B. Stuart. The
prayers of many whose spiritual good has been
promoted by the faithful labOrs OF our de-
parted brother, viii arise to the Father of
mercies, that he may be the " God and hus
band of the widow, and =" the father of the
fatherless