The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1884-07-10
Dr.. McFerrin's Centenary Memories.
Christian Advocats.
PULASKI.

laSkI IN the autumn OF 1855. Ih
venerable Bishop McKendree wa
present and presided, though i
feeble health. Thos. L Douglas
and Robt. Paine, by the request c
the bishop, assisted him in conduct
ing the business of the conference
The attendance was full and tn
proceedings very interesting. Th
citizens displayed large hospitalit
and the attendance on public woT
ship good.
While the conference was in ses
sion the meteoric shower, called
1.-THE falling of the stars" occurred
The phenomenon created a pro
found sensation; many persons who
witnessed it were fully impressed
with the idea that the world haC
come to an end. The colored .peo
pie, especially, were greatly alarm
ed; some were on their knees pray
ing, shouting and others standing
in dismav. Several amusing oc
curences transpired which border
ed on the ridiculous. When it wa:
found next morning that the sur
rose as usual the good resolutions
of many disappeared in the morn
ing light. Unfortunately l lost all
as | was lodging in a very quiet, re
tired part of town, and knew moth.
ing of what had occurred until next
morning.
At this session 1 was appointed
in charge of Pulaski station, where
[ remained two years; having nc
family but my wife, we obtained
board at the house of Mr.. Jacob
Shall, worthy merchant of the
town. The church building was
new, spacious, and commodious fol-
that day. The congregation was
large, and the church had consider
able strength; a number of the best
citizens of the town were connected
and the stewards were men OF
prompt and energetic action. L, as
a minister, was almost alone in the
beautiful town. The Rev. Mr..
Brooks, pastor of the Presbyterian
church, had died few weeks pre-
vious, and there was no other pas
tor in the place; so that l had a
kind Of general charge. The Bap
lists held monthly meetings, but
had no resident pastor. The Epis-
copalians made little effort to es-
tablish a congregation, but failed /;
the Christians, or Campbellites,
made some demonstration, but it
was a failure. 1 alone was a resi-
dent preacher, and, after some con-
fict and a little discussion, we all
came together and worshipped in
harmony; so that the year l spent
in Pulaski was, in every respect,
pleasant and delightful. had con
siderable increase in membership;
the Sunday school did well, and we
made good start toward the fu-
ture prosperity of the congregation
of that place.
At the close of the year confer
ence convened at Lebanon, where
Bishop Andrew presided. Bishop
McKendree, in extreme old age,
was present. This was the last
conference the venerable man ever
attended, and he soon after passed
away, leaving a bright record.
l was returned to Pulaski the
next year; changed my boarding
house, and spent the year with the
family of n. G. Nye, esq'r. This
was a truly delightful home, and
the year, like the previous, was
pleasant, and in every respect agree
able. visited camp meetings and
quarterly meetings all about in the
country, and had much preaching
and great deal of pastoral work
to do. Having good health and no
1 devoted much time
to study and preparation for future
work of the ministry. No two years
of my ministerial life were better
improved in reading and study
than the two spent in this charming
town.
There were a number of men of |
in Pulaski and Giles
county. This was the home of
Gov. Aaron V. Brown, and here l |
made the acquaintance of Gov.
Neil S. Brown, then a young law
yer just entering upon the practice |
of his profession. Andrew Ballen-
tine, an extensive merchant, was a
devoted christian and a warm Pres
byterian; he loved the Methodists,
and attended our prayer meetings |
and class meetings. Frequently, in
my absence, he met the class in the |
capacity of leader. There lived |
here also che Yergers, the Flour
noys, Judge Bramlett, the Rheas,
James Patteson, DR.. Carter, the
Testers, and many other respected |
citizens. Prominent in our own
church were Thomas and George
w. Martin, extensive merchants.
DR.. Ralph Graves, James McCon-
nell, William Conner and many 9th
ers were strict members of our
church.
Thomas Martin grew to be rich
man, and in after years built main
Iy by his own means a large, new
church, and left a bequest for the
support of a female institution,
which is now in operation and ac-
complishing great work. Ali in all,
| esteemed him the wisest and most
merchant Of his day in
the state; man of fine judgement,
quick apprehension and a great
Judge of human nature. The writer
him among the most
cherished and ardent friends of his
early manhood.
Giles county is one of the most
fertile and prosperous counties in
5he state. 1t joins, on the south,
.he state of Alabama, and is water
I'd by Elk river, Richland creek, and
several smaller streams. 1t produc
IS corn, wheat, oats, cotton and
in abundance. 1t is fa-
nous for its Methodist influence.
From Giles county there have gone
out many eminent and faithful min.
IStprS of tho oOSraa1 This Woo tho |