The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-06-20


was regularly organized by Rev. Jos.
Bullen and Rev. Jas. Smylie. Ii was in
the name of that church that DR. But
Ter began his ministry. The Presbytery
of Mississippi, (Which had been organ
lied in 1870 convened in Port Gibson
on the first Wednesday in April. 1923.
and on the following Saturday Zebulon
Butler was set apart 10 his life-work.
Up to that time, the people had been
without the wholesome restraints of re-.
ligious institutions, Port Gibson was
fast" place, hut this youthful ambas-
sador of God had come 10 conquer,
through the arm of His power and the
grace of His love. On one occasion, the
Rev. Jas. Griffin, Methodist minister,
characterized the town in terms more
strong than complimentary. He was
threatened with tar and feathers if he
attempted to preach again, but the brave
soldier ofthe Cross kept disappointment.
Iehulon Butler was born in Wilkes
barre, Pa, September 23, 1903, grad
uated at Princeton, and in 1926 was
recommended TO some citizens of Nicks-
burg who had made inquiries as to q
suitable Young minister for that not very
inviting field. Responding to the call,
he labored in Nic6sburg one year. His
only preaching place was in "a room on
the second floor of q building over n
drinking saloon, the proprietor OF which
would not do the preacher the Compli-
mont To close his door during the hour
of service He retired from the field
hopelessly discouraged, without having
attempted to organize Il church.
He was then invited to Port Gibson.
Ills culture, his elegant attainments,
his exceedingly handsome appearance,
his beautiful conservation, his unaffected
zeal and his social excellencies, ut once
made him an object of admiration aud
respect throughout the community. He
came to Port Gibson in the fall of 1897.
A church building was erected in 1929.
The present building was completed in
1859, and the first service held in same
was at the funeral of him who planned
and brought it to completion After a
continuous pastorate of thirty-thrcc
years, he died December 23d, 1860.
Mr.. Planck also made appropriate
mention Of the Eldership, the sabbath
School and Ladies' Beneyolcnt\ Society
Rev. Robt. Price, d, d., was installed
pastor of the church November 3, 1865
continuing five years; and Mr.. Planck
entered on his work in May, 1873 and
very acceptable he is the flock and to
the community, Fitting mention was
also made of ministers who had served
the church temporarily between the reg.
ular pastorates.
Atthe morning service, very liberal
thanksgiving offering was collected by
the deacons. The plastering Of the
church had fallen several months ago,
entailing considerable expense in repair
ing the damage, all Of which has been
handsomely met.
A sociable tonight, to which the pub.
lie generally is invited, closes the com
memoration services, The ladies have
prepared sixty gallons ice cream, and
other good things in proportion, and as
it will all be dispensed, without money
and without price" the attendance
promises to be very good. A full show,
and especially free ice cream, will draw
| in Port Gibson as elsewhere.
| / witnessed this morning the exercises
in reading and arithmetic in the pre-
paratory department of Chamberlain
Hunt Academy Prof. G.. Ham, lst As
sistant, conducting the same. The
reading by nine little boys was very
credtable--Dr. Stratton said the bes
that he had ever heard by boys of thu
same age. The only medal was awarded
to Herbert Wilkinson. One of the lit
tie fellows, Dolph Bodcnhamer, is I
progidy in mathematics. He multiplied
from the left hand, row of figures VI
in the billions, and mentally multiplied
very large sumssby like amounts. He i
about eight years old.
Rev. Mr.. Ballard, pastor of the Meth
odist church, is in such a low state 0
health, that he has been unable for som
time past to attend to his ministeria
duties. Yours,
J. l.. p.