The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-03-03
BETHESDA'S GIFT TO ABBEYILLE.
REV. JOHN LoWRIE WILSON.
Some Facts Connected with his Rec.
ord as n Soldier, as Teacher, and
as n Preacher.

Rev. John Lowrle Wilson, the newly
Installed pastor Of the Presbyterian church
at Abbeville village. Is the third son of
Rev. James Wilson, late missionary to India.
lie yAs born On the banks of the GangeS. AT
the breaking out of the war he was a student
At what is now known as the Southwestern
Presbyterian University, at ClarkSvile, Ten
nesset, He laid aside his text books and
ShOuldered musket, entering the army as a
private soldier. but was afterward promoted
10 third Lieutenant. He was with his COIN
mand every time j was under fire unit! the
battle Of BrUryS Bluff on the 10th OF May,
1854, when be received three serious wounds:
one In the head. one In the side. and lost q
foot. Ar. Wilson has record, both az q SOL
the Cross" OF which any man might we'll be
proud. His father and u brother were chap
lains ia the army. while he and two other
brothers did duty ON the field. and all.render-
ed gallant service, each In different com.
mand.
In 1865 and 1886 Mr.. Wilson taught school at
Bethesda in York county, After closing his
SEMINARY at colum6ia. from which insiitu-
ton he was graduated IN May, lSGS. The peo.
pie OF Bethesda: knowing and approaching
his sterling worth MS a man and as a christian,
immediately after his graduation, inTileu
aim to the pastorate OF their church. He was
ordained and installed pastor OF that church
September T.. 1852 where he labored until
November II. 1885, when their relations AS
pastor and people were dissolved, that he
..lught accept the call to This chasch.
6SLIteSQa EutlTcn is III l0tU county, elSDI
1nlles SouLe Of the county seat. which con-
,Eregation has ever maintained high posi-
lion among the churches under the care 0f
the Synod Of South Carolina. Organized in
176Y, of a Sc0tch-lrish constituency. 1t haS
preserved It's Organization through al the
changes, rerolutioCS and upheavals Of Il ceH
tury. Its people are characterized by inteIil-
gence, virtue, love of order, good principle
and deviation TO theix church. Its member
ship has ever been large, and bOpnd together
by The bonds Of Affection At present 1t NUM-
bers A0. 1t Is q church without q feud-a
attachment to ix pastors No better or
stronger proSf of this is necessary tEun that
so Eecelty showed toward It's late pastor,
Rev. J LoYrie Wilson, Row pastor OK the
Presbyterian church in this place. After his
removal-which It used all lawfal aaethoGs 10
him With beautiful gold watch and chaiE.
y church capable or such considcrats and
delicate action j. worthy of more than pass
ipY mention. The act speaks volumes fol
NJ. Wilson, as well as for the good peo-
pie who love him SO we'll. Many min isiers
some 20 heathen lands some to destitute Por-
tions Qf our country, and soiHe to places OF
honor ard trust in our institutions of learn
eng. Its representatives are in al1 the protss-
sI0ns, and where ever they are found they sx-
Nibit more or less the characteristics OF their
old saOther Would that there were more
HBetheSdas' to be found: the cause Of rells'
iop would certainly be promoted II there
Tere.
NJ WILSON commenced his labors ia Asbe-
willie or The first Sabbath OF Janunry, ISX.
and Te ttaink that no man could have
e,ntidenee OF our people in that time
His sermons baye been earnest and I'M
oressive and his department has been
Spc4 as tp wiz the hearty sympathy o. al "