The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-09-29
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN
IN MEMORIAM.
REV. GEORGE W. LEYBURN.

Rev. and Dear Brother,-I make the al
tempt to comply with your request Tor q
sketch of my recently deceased brother the
Rev. George W. Leyburn.
George William Ley burn was born at Lex
ington, Va, in 1909, and consequently at
his death was sixtysix years old. lie made
profession of religion in the revival OF
1922, whose traditions form one Of the most
interesting and important chapters in the his
tory of the Lexington and New Monmouth
churches. After having spent two or three
years at Washington College, he went to
Princeton, where he graduated with distinc
ton. The two years succeeding he passed
at home chiefly occupied in reading; not
having as yet fixed upon profession. The
death Of our father in 1881, and the revival
of that year in which he took most active
part, decided him for the ministry. 1t il
not claiming too much to say that to hls
efforts, in connection with those of young
friend, was due under God the incipiency Of
the great revival of that year in the Lexlng
ton church. To the scenes of that summer
as we'll as to those of the year of his eSpousals
to Christ, he always reverted with the great,
est delight.
Having determined to study for the min
istry, Mr.. Leyburn became student OF
Princeton Theological Seminary, and at the
same time, at the urgent solicitation OF Dr.
Addison Alexander, accepted an appoint
ment as tutor in Princeton College. After
two years he left Princeton, and entered
Union Theological Seminary, Va, where
in 1886 he completed his theological course.
One of the most prominent features during
the year he spent at Union Seminary was
the interest he took in the colored people,
walking as he did some miles every Sunday
afternoon to neighboring farm to instrucl
a class of colored boys and girls, theirreci
tations, and especially their beautiful sing
ing giving him great satisfaction. Having
been licensed to preach by Lexington Pres,
bytery during meeting at Wayuesooro, Va,
he offered himself to the American Board Of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions; and ii
the autumn of 1886 sailed for Scio, one Of
the Greek Islands, to join his friend the
Rev. S. R. Houston, who had begun mis-
sion there. But before my brothers arrival
Mr.. Houston had been transferred from Scit
to Mamie, in the territory of the ancien
Spartans; wild, rocky portion of Greece
where he was destined to spend FIVE years
though much of the time without the com
partnership aud help Of his valued co-labOrer
who had been obliged to return to America
At this secluded post, among rough PEG
ple. and with little to cheer, the faithful
missionary labored on, until completely
broken in health, he was compelled to return
home. From the fruits of the labors in thi
hard field, however, came the excellent and
devoted KalopOthskes, and one other whose
name l cannot recall.
On the homeward route Mr. Leybu wa
brought low with severe illness at P4ler
mo, Sicily, and when he reached this country
was mere wreck. His nervous system wa
so Frustrated that he could not preach, ant
if he attempted even an exhOrtation in {
prayer meeting, be would burst into foot
of tears. During these years he was getting
to be looked upon as broken down minis
ter; extreme delicaoy and constituencies pre-
vented his pushing himself; aud as the re
sult he was never able to resume the posi-
ton as a preacher to which his ability an(
culture entitled him. But among the col
ored people at General Cookies and adjacent
in Fluvanns county; at various pointsin Bed
ford county; as an agent of the Colonization
Society and of the American Tract Society
and among the soldiers during the war, mos
zealously and faithfully did he strive to dc
his Masters work. At the close of the wal
he was led to Appomatox county, and on the
ground so recently trampled down by hostile
armies, and among people PROSTATE and
Impoverished, soon gained such success as to
be able to provide church building, and to
organize q church at Appomatox Court
House where there never had been church
of any denomination before; and after few
wears also to build church in another part
of the county. Probably no minister in the
Synod accomplished more in the same time,
all the circumstances considered.
For reasons satisfactory to himself, though
against the judgment of friends, Mr.. Leyburn
left AppomatOx and removed to Winchester,
Va, where his son, the Rev. G L Leyburn
was settled; and in this region passed the
few years preceding his appointment to the
Greek Mission. Though having no regular
charge he was not idle That he could not
be. He was constantly at work either with
his voice or pen, or both. When at last. the
way was opened for his return to Greece, it
seemed like the break of day after a long
night. To the spread of the gospel in that
land he had consecrated himself in his youth.
Circumstances had frustrated his plans and
his hopes; but he had never forgotten his
early espou8als. His heart was always
there; and when at length the call came for
his return, it found the subject in his mind
fresh and full, as when he reluctantly babe
adieu to his chosen field. Seldom has min
lister been made gladden. by call. He was
nln4od Il was mora than he had dared