The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-05
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
An Energetic and Enterprising Presbyterian

An Energetic and Enterprising Presbyterian
Preacher of Uncommon Versatility.
One of the most active, enterprising, working
preachers this city has ever had now occupies
the pulpit of the Seventh Presbyterian Church.
Rice V. Hunter tips the beam at 225 pounds and
has the health and endurance of prizefghter.
He was born in 1851, at Cumberland. O., of
Scotch-Irsh parentage, and Scotch Irish Presby
terianism has been hereditary in the family since
1915, on both Sides His father was in
the grain trade, but young Hunter
was raised upon farm. He attend
ed Geneva College, at Northwood. O., and
afterwards took a college course at Wooster, o.,
leaving there in 1877. It was at this time
matter of great difficulty to determine just what
his course in life would be. He could kick q
football little higher and further than most of
the boys, played rafting game Of baseball
and exceled in most athletic sports. besides hav-
ing fatal facility with the pen that might with
a little encouragement, have led him to take the
downward path of journalism. He was saved
however, by being put in charge Of the public
schools at Waveland, Montgomery county, and
the institute at that place. He remained there
during the school terms of two years, and in the
summer vacation conducted a normal school in
Cumberland county Illinois In September,
1919, u0 0nt0rou CH0 western theological OOlog6
at Allegheny, Pa, remaining there three years.
graduating in April 1882. He then took pastor
al charge of two Presbyterian churches one at
Philo and the other at Homer ILL., While there
he was given an invitation to take charge Of a
church at Ogden. u. IT,, but accepted the call Of
the Seventh Church Of this city, and came here
in March, 1884
The church has prospered during Mr.. Hun
ter's passionate. There are now $40 members,
and 700 children are enrolled in the Sunday
school. giving an average attendance of about
$50. The church is entirely out of debt, and the
membership considering whether to build or
make extensive additions and repairs. It
is one Of the best organized churches
the house is filed; the Sunday school
is crowded. The young folks meetings
are well attended: there are cottage prayer
meetings through the week. There are a num-
Der of societies in the church, among which are
the Married Ladies' Missionary Society, the
Young Ladies' Missionary Society, the Ladies'
Aid Society, the Childrens' Society, and the
Young Peoples Literary Society. There are
regular Thursday yer-meetings and
Bible class on Friday nights.
Mr.. Hunter has long been suspected of having
Mt one time been commercial traveller After
considerable investigation it has been found
that the suspicion has foundation. Al one
time during college vacation he sod during
frst-ciass salesman, his commissions run
ming up sometimes as high as 800 a week. No
amount of persevering inquiry has yet been
able to extort the Information as to what part of
the country he operated in.
About year ago he organized the South side
Benevolent Society, of which he is president,
and that society is doing good work.