The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1878-10-01


A writer in the SoutheaW Ghris-
tiam Advocute contributes tho fol-
lowing article, which will be read
with interest
Winnsboro, named aftor Genoral
Winn, of Revolutionary fame, waa
one OF our prominent appointments in
1885. 1t was then Il strong church,
not SO much in members as in
character. At ono time it had been
the head of u Presiding Elders
District, and the remains of the old
district parsonage are probably to
be found thoro yet. It was built
of brick, as was also tho comfort table
church building, q part of
which is still standing, near the
present handsome now church, built
within tho last few years. Like
Philippi of Macedonia, Winnsboro
was the chief city (or town) in the
upper part Of the State above Co.
lumbia, and colony. The Scotch~
Irish had settled the place and tho
surrounding country, and entronch-
ed themselves roligiously behind the
fortifications Of Prosbyterianism
and the ancient League and Cove
nant. 1t is doubtful if the north of
ireland ovor sent out II noblcr rep-
resentation Of stalwart, feerless,
thinking men and pious women,
than those who spread themselves
over a large part of Fairfield and
tho southern side of Chester district.
The Buchanans, Adgers, Stevens.
Means, Frasers, Elliotts, Barclays,
Carlisles, and host of others, no
less worthy, haye reflected im-
perishable honor on tho character of
their race. Tho Presbyterian and
the Associate Reformed Churches
had possession Of the country to q
large extent. And yet Methodism
had won her way into the very heart
of tho community, and secured
triumph over some of tho very best
material among them.
Brother John II. Buchanan, our
leader and steward Mt Winnsboro,
was model man, In manners and
dress he was q quiet, unobtrusive
gentleman his intellect was clear !;
his Judgment rarely at fault his
temperament cool and, for an
lrishman, he was perhaps the most
self-possesscd (snye one other) man
that the writer ever knew. But in
his home his Christian graces shone
with Il constant but brilliant light.
His excellent wifo was worthy of
him, and his equal in tho make up
of her Christian character. His
home was also the home of Brother
Joel Townsend, preacher in charge,
and his family. He will, no doubt,
endorse all tho writer has said of
this Christian family. Of his sisters,
the writer has distinct recollection.
Mrs. McCreight, whose husband
was Presbyterian elder, and u man
of unblemishod Christian character,
was herself IL very superior Christian
woman. a great sufferer, she bore
her trials with much patience and
resignation, and always seemed to
rejoice with that joy which is un-
speakablo and full of glory, Sister
Carlisle, tho mother of our much
loved President j. II. Carlisle, of
Woiford College, was another sister.
If tho mother Of q bravo band of
Roman soldiers could point out to
hor children and say "these are my
Jewels" might not our distinguished
friend and the other surviving
children point to this Christian
mother and say, behold our instrnc-
tor, our excmplar, and our guide.
Still another sister of excellent
Christian character and usefulness
WIS found in Mrs. Lewis, who
probably still lives in Florida, But |
we had Brothers Glover and Cham
bors, and their excellent wives. all
decided and useful Christians. Mrs.
Chambers was an Adger, and lady
of rare Christian culture for that |
day. just about that time there
camo q young man from Augusta,
Ga, to Winnsboro, seeking his for-
tuno and home. He was timid as
q deer, nervous, impulsiye, with a
mind of universal activity, and q
heart full of blessed recollections of
Bishop (then Georgo) Pierce, aud
Georgia A(ethodism. He has lived
to tho present day--passed through
the storms and tempests incident to
this ever changing life, and suffered
tho loss of the hard learned accumu-
lations of vigorous manhood. The
writer thought he would have
hnap 1oo6 lone oro h,,t