Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1871-01-05
PHILADELPHIA CORRESPONDENCE.
Death of Rev. Albert Barnes.

PHILADELPHIA, "a, Dec. 20, ~.
MEssRs. EDITORS On last Satur-
day, a gloom fell upon our City at
the announcement of the sudden
death of the Rev. Albert Barnes.
In his departure the country suffers
the loss of one of its most distin
guished men, and the Presbyterian
Church, one of its ablest divines.
Philadelphia in particular will
mourn his loss, for although he had
retired from the active duties of the
ministry, yet he preached on almost
every Sabbath, and his long resi-
dence here, lasting nearly half
century, had won him many warm
friends.
Mr.. Barnes was born in Rome,
New York, December l, 1898, and
he was at the time Of his death as
full of honors as he was of years.
After following the occupation of
his father a tanner) for some years,
he entered Hamilton College New
York, where he graduated in 1920,
at the age of %. In November of
the same year he entered Princeton
Theological Seminary, where he
passed through thorough training.
In April, 1924, he was licensed to
preach, and was ordained and in
stalled pastor of the Presbyterian
Church at Morristown, n. j., in
February, 1925. In 1880 he was
called to the pastorate of the First
Presbyterian Church, of this City,
where he continued in the active
discharge of his ministry. until about
two years ago, when through age
and bodily infrmities, he asked his
people to accept his resignation.
This release was only permitted with
the stipulation, that he would re-
main the pastor emeritus, and that
he would occasionally address his
old folks from the familiar pulpit.
By his numerous writings, and
"Bible Commentaries" in particular,
Mr.. Barnes had earned a world wide
reputation. These were often writ
ten in the midst of the most arduous
duties, and nearly deprived him of
his eyesight, the result of labor
while others were asleep. He wrote
the greater number of his books,
between the hours of four and nine
O'Clock in, the morning. The cir
culation of his ''Notes on the New
Testament" is said to have reached
a million of volumes. They were
extensively translated and have been
adopted by many biblical students
of the Old World. Two other of
his works, "a Life of st. PAUL. and
Evidences Of Christianity" had a
wide circulation. He also published
able works on Episconaey, on the
4HScripturai Views of SSi4rery,' and
other subjects, besides numerous con-
tributions to periodicals and occa-
sional essays and discourses.
AS pulpit orator, he ranked de-
servedly high. Calm, clear, and
impressive in delivery, and with an
easy natural style, he belonged to
the front rank of American preach
ers. At the division of his denom-
ination, Mr.. Barnes sided with the
New School portion.
The last sermon he delivered to
his old congregation, was on the
morning of the 18th of December.
On the afternoon Of the same day,
he preached his last sermon on earth
at the House of Refuge to its in
mates. On Saturday afternoon last,
in company with his daughter, he
left his residence, at No. 4209 Wal
nut Street, West Philadelphia, for
visit to a friend residing about
mile distant. He walked the entire
distance and reached the house of
his friend considerably fatigued.
Entering, he took a seat and awaited
the coming Of the family, when sud
denly and without uttering an ex-
clamation he fell back upon his chair
and expired. Thus passed away,
full of years and honors, one of the
most memorable men of our time
and land.
The funeral services took place on
last Wednesday afternoon, in the
First Presbyterian Church. Not
withstanding the inclemency of the
weather, long before the time ap-
pointed for the commencement of
the services, the church was filled to
overflowing with those who had list
ened to the teaching of the depart
ed for many years, and also with
many of the most distinguished men
from all the learned professions in
our city.
The following clergymen took
part in the services; Rev, Herrick
johnson D. D., pastor of the church,
and successor ofthe deceased; Rev.
Thomas H. Skinner D. D. of New
York; Bishop Stevens, of the Epis-
copal church; Rev. John Chambers;
Rev. Daniel March D. D. and Rev.
Alexander Reed D. D. The seryi-
ces were most solemn and impress
sive. After the benediction was pro-
nounced, a long procession proceed
ed to Laurel Hill Cemetery, where
loving friends deposited the. body
of Reverend Albert Barnes, in hope
ola glorious resurrection and a bless
ed Immortality.
PHILADELPHIA.