Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-01-05

DIED. At Fall River r. L.. Dec. 23d Rev. Eli
Thurston, ID, D., III the 62d year of his age
The former relation of DIR. Thurston to this
community as pastor for ten years of the South
Congregational Church and the affectionate
interest with which he is remembered, render
appropriate some further notice than simple
announcement of his death. We condense
from articles in the Fall River News the fol-
lowing account of the deceased.
Eli Thurston was born at Brighton, June
14th, 1903. He commenced life for himself
when I6 years old in machine shop but after
three years his attention was called to the
great questions of character and destiny and
he entered upon a religious life with hearty
earncstness. He now felt himself called to
the ministry. and although dependent upon
his own exertions, began resolutely to prepare
for college. He entered Amherst College in
the same class with Henry Ward Beecher,
and was graduated in 1884. His theological
in part under private direction. At this early
stage of his career he was regarded as stu
dent of unusual promise. He preached for a
year or more at East Midway and at Wren
ham, Mass, in both places meeting with
marked success. He was ordained Jan. Sd,
1888, and soon after became pastor of the
South Church in this city, holding the posi-
ton for a period of ten years. The church
prospered under his ministry. His sermons
were characterized by pure and intense ear
nestness which caused deep impressions
while the deep and warm sympathies mani
tested in his pastoral intercourse with his
people won their deep affection. He took an
active part in the philanthropic movements
of the times and was especially prominent as
an earnest opponent of slavery,
He resigned his position here in 1s47 and
not long after was called by the Church at
Fall River where he continued to labor to the
close of his life, period of nearly % years.
This long pastorate was one of eminent sue
cess. More than 400 persons were added to
the church. A large congregation was held
under his forcible preaching. OF his influence
says: "Probably no man could have been
taken from among us whose influence was
wider or mighter He made himself felt in
the citys whole life. He was terror to evil
doors of every species, who respected him
while they feared him and who feel his death
to be great loss to the whole community.
The disease which terminated DIR. Thurs
tons useful life was congestion of the lungs,
the result of severe cold contracted on a
visit to a son sick at Boston. His condition
was not at first considered critical and he
himself expected to recover almost to the
last. On Sunday the 10th his life hung by a
thread and at midnight he began to sink rapid
ly. In clear strong voice he exclaimed,
''Thy will be done, on this rest" Those
were his last words and soon after he quietly
expired The funeral services were conduc-
ted amid general expressions of profound
sorrow. Addresses were delivered be Rev.
Mr.. Haughwort and DIR. Sweetser of Wor-
cester.
Servant of God, well done
Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought the victory won,
Enter thy Masters JOY.
The voice ut midnight came,
lie started up TO hear
mortal arrow pierced his frame
lie fell but felt fear
The pains of death past;
Labor and sorrow cease;
And hfe's long warfare closed at last;
Ills soul Is found in peace"