The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-05-18
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
JOHN NEWTON GORDON.
In Memoriam.

adopted 6y the PreS6yteTy OF EaSt Ho"-
0ver, April 2Sth, 1871
The announcement was made in Presbyte-
ry, at it's last meeting of the decease of
John Newton Gordon, and a committee was
appointed to prepare some suitable memo
rial of his character.
In the Christian character and life OF Mr..
Gordon, there was such blending of gen
tleness and humility with frmness and deci-
sion, and such calm and consistent habit
of piety, that its general sympathy and har-
mOny rendered any particular traits and
actions the less conspicuous.
He was born at Gordonsville, Orange G
Virginia, on the 18th of February, 1892 /;
and in the 18th year of his age he made a
profession of religion, in Goochland, under
the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Logan-a
profession which was characterized with a
depth of conviction and an earnest spirit Of
conservation that never wavered through o
long and useful life.
In 1918 he took up his residence in Rich
mond, engaging in mercantile business for
time; but feeling controlling desire to
preach the Gospel, he commenced prepara-
tory studies at Hampden Sidney. In con-
sequence of the failure of his health, and
especially of his eyes, ne was compelled to
abandon his cherished purpose, and return
ing to Richmond he soon became established
in merchandise in which he continued until
the close of the war in 1865. He was mar
ried in 1928 to lady of congenial sentiments
and tastes, who still survives him. He had
the care of a large family, and most faith
fully did he discharge his trusts as an afec-
tiOnate and exemplary husband, parent and
master. He was an early riser, and through
life was in the habit of spending part of
each morning in private devotional exercises.
He was never satisfied that any member of
his family, white or black, should be absent
from family worship without good excuse.
1t was a favorite maxim with him, that
"Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth
doing well y and this he sought to impress
upon all who were in his employment and
under his influence. Mr.. Gordon was elected
to the Office of ruling elder in the First Pres
byterian church, Richmond, during the min
istry of Rev. DR.. John Rice; and served
faithfully in the same Office in the church
afterward organised under the title of the
United Presbyterian church, on ShockOe
Hill,-with which church he continued his
connection until his removal to his farm in
New Kent county, in 1865.
With feeble physical frame, he was an
example of prudent zeal and tireless dill
gence in the cause of his Saviour. Advanc-
ing age, with its infrmities, did not diminish
his pious ardor or check his resOlute efforts
either in planning or working systematically
for Christ and for souls. He was aSsiduous
in visiting destitute districts, laboring inde-
fatigably to gather neglected children into
Sabbath Schools; distributing evangelical
books and tracts; and striving to bring the
ignorant and vicious under the influence of
truth. He loved his Saviour; he loved mis-
Church, and loved to work for it;-render-
ing judicious and energetic services in every
department of its interests. He was largely
instrumental in the erection of the two neat,
commodious and substantial church edifces
in New Kent and Charles City countless
the first known as the Olivet church, and the
second as the Bethany church. Upon the
latter of these he expended the last, warm
and earnest labors of his useful life, secur-
ing the donation of the land, soliciting funds
for the construction and furnishing of the
ediGce, sharing wisely and perseveringly in
every detail of the plan and execution; and
rejoicing in the dedication Of it to the ser.
vice of God, under auspicious tokens of the
Divine favor.
| Mr.. Gordon abounded in unostentatiou;
labors; in earnest prayers; in pecuniary
aid, habitual aud generous according to the
measure of his ability; and in the graces o
the Spirit, and the fruits of righteousness tt
the praise of God.
His death,-which occurred October 2
| 1870. in the 18th wear of his ace. at thu