The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-01
STORIES ABOUT PASTOR HAINES.
A Rising Young Preacher Who Was Once an
Admirable Ball-Player aud Athletes

To lobk at the pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church. slender as he is, his countenance
ssickled DER with pale cast of thought" one
would little suspect him to have ever been ath-
letic in his tastes. His name. by the way, is not
Matthew and, never has been, all laundering
contemporaries to the contrary, but Matthias L.
Haines. He is about thirty six years old, and
wears full beard He does not wear as much
hair as in his college days, there being large
and spreading plain above the tonsure of dark
auburn. He is native Indianian, having been
born at Aurora Dearborn county, his father
a skillful old-school physician of that place.
He graduated at Wabash College in 1871, and
then took regular theological course at Union
College, graduating there in 1874 Immediately
after graduation he was made pastor of the
Dutch Reformed Church at Astoria, L. l.. where
he remained until he came to this city. newly
married man, in the spring of 1885.
There were many misgivings among the flock
when the modest young preacher stepped into
the pulpit vacated by Rev. Myron W. Reed, and
dubious headshakngs and fears that he would
not be able to fill Mr.. Reeds shoes. He didn't
try to. He brought with him a pair of theolog
ical shoes of his own, and now that he has been
put throughhiS PAGES the First Church people
are thoroughly satisfied with him. He is looked
upon as growing preacher and one who con-
hnues to improve upon acquaintance. During
his brief passionate he has added fifty or more to
the membership of the church, and fund of 3d.
600 has been raised to put the ediice in repair
At college he was an athlete or athletes.
though his benevolent air would hardly suggest
such u thing as ever having been possible. He
was second baseman who could always be de-
pended on. He was captain of the nine, and
xxf1n al H. kGn11
away back lie was considered great loss to
the basel ball profession, as had he remained in
it, he would now be worth from 81, 800 to $50. 900
a season. He was also change catcher of his
nine, the change pitcher being the gentleman
now known as Rev. c. Fl. Little. of Danville. ILL.,
Mr. Haines took boxing lessons, and though
he now says nothing about it. those who know
admit that at one time he was admirably adroit
and ready as boxer, and that now, if he could
spare time from his theological studies. he could
soon be got in fine training. As college boy he
is said to have taken part in all the pranks.
usually being along near the head of the process
sion. With bated breath his old college chums
yet tell of a fearful night when grave-yards
yawned and young Haines and they carried off
the bell from tho school house of the neghbor-
ing vllage-a misdemeanor that makes
ones flesh creep to hear :, Of - but
Church, which might otherwise be deprived of
its pastor barred by the statute of limitation.
They also tell that in college he was fond of eggs
cooked on a hot stove. scrambled on brown pa
per, and that he was an exceptional orator and
debater his rhetoric in those days being of the
most fiery description.
He is now one of the most calm, careful and
accurate speakers in the pulpit, gifted with gen.
uine eloquence, which he uses at the proper time
and with earnest emphasis that impresses
his words upon his hearers. He has, too, a
genial, kindly vein of humor, quite indescrib
able-a style, indeed, all his own. In social life
he is modest, pleasant gentleman and during
his short S0i0urn hare has a0a ma friapda
H. c. Levi manager of the Model clothing
store, who is acknowledged to have magnif-
cent tenor voice, sings occasionally at the First
Presbyterian Church. Though not member,
the people there think great deal of him. as he
is always accommodating and ready to give his
voice when required. Whenever church or
social event is on hand, Mr.. and Mrs. Levi are
desirable guests and are always invited. Mr..
Haines has not familarized himself with all the
connections, business and social, of his congre-
cation. He met Mr.. Levi and wife one evening
at social reception while Sam Jones, of
Georgia, was here. Desiring to put himself on
good terms with Mr.. Levi, MIR. Haines remarked,
in his enthusiasm: 'sMr. Levi, the very first
thing do when get up in the morning is to
read Sam Jones's sermon and the When cloth
ing store advertisement"
Mr.. Levi said nothing, but turned to the ice
cream with increased energy. Somebody was
Juggling at Mr.. Haines's coat-tail in futile effort
to cut off his story, but 10 could not be done.
Finally he was corrected and then manfully set
himself right with the singer by adding well,
/ enjoy the Model advertisement equally as
we'll"
One of the older members Of the church, be-
cause of his knowledge of Presbyterian law. is
considered the ecclesiastical lawyer of the con-
gregation. He believes in the old Presbyterian
doctrines. the whole Confession of Faith, from
one end to the other At session meeting held
he knew all the family histories of his flock
some point came up upon which Mr.. Haines
disposed to make concessions. The church Jaw
yer said the concessions would not be In har
mony with Presbyterian law WELL" said Mr.
Haines, 'it may not be in harmony with PresDy
terrain law. technically. but it is good thing and
we will let it 60 on and say nothing about It"
The old gentleman would not let the matter go
SO. He got out his authorities and demon
strated that it wasn't Presbyterian.
"Now" said Mr.. Haines, you know you don't
believe everything in the Confession of Faith
/ don't. We've outgrown it. Now you don't
believe in infant damnation, and you don't be-
lieve in the rule against marrying deceased
wifes sister,"
At this an awful silence fell upon the meet
ing. Mr. Halnes felt that he had done some
thing dreadful, but was innocent as TO VIII lat it
was. He was told after adjournment. The old
gentleman with whom he was arguing had mar
red deceased wife's sister. This joke on the
new pastor has been bounding through the con-
gregation for some time the penalty for telling
it outside being instant accommodation.
--<1s-
Relief from the Legislature Needed.
s"The readjustment of the appraisement by