The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-02-01
TRIBUTE TO R. H. WARDLAW.
At the Regular Annual Meeting Of
the Upper Long Cane Society last
Friday the Following was Adopt

1907, and died July Is, 'lSS7, having lived
Score e eaet years. His si' life i' was long and
eventfn one, and from IT VIC might draw
many lessons for our imitation, guidance and
profit. We design, however, by this minute
TO speak of him with special reference TO his
connection with this society. The Upper
Long Cane Society was organized in l7G5-al-
most a century ago, and it Is rare and Gu;
rious fact that through the long lapse OF
so many years 1t has had but two Secre-
tares-James Wardlaw and Robt II. Ward
lively when Mr.. Robt. H. Wardlaw was first
elected Secretary, but we arc safe In saying he
served the society in this capacity for at least
fifty years What term Of service! Where
can we find q parallel to it?
Patience, diligence, fidelity and consclen-
tiousuess were the crowning characteristics OF
Mr.. Wardlaw in the discharge Of any duty
and as Secretary OF this society all these quail
fcations shone forth most conspicuously.
He had a just and honest pride in the society
and was ever watchful over it In all its inter-
had always been identified with this father
having been one of the original members;
but perhaps the secret of his ardent attach
ment to it, lay in the fact that he regarded it,
in its operations, as an adjunct TO the church,
which he loved above all things else. No
man ever had q greater 1ondneSs for
church work than Mr.. Wardlaw. He was al.
ways ready for any service in the cause of
His Master. He was never happier than
when in attendance on the courts of the
church which afforded him opportunity for full
people of God. He indeed loved the brethern
and by this very love gave to the world an
assurance OF the sincerity and power OF ms
faith which scoffers could not deny, which
gainsayers could not resist.
During his entire mem mbership extending
over period OF nearly three score years, he
was never but once absent from any meetings
of this society. What record of prompt
n nl nnnptu0litv II wOll1 he interest
ing to know what could have kept him away
from the meeting OF the society this one time.
We may safely conclude this solitary instance
Of absence was strictly enforced, and that too,
by circumstances of no ordinary character.
In all the relations of life Mr.. Wardlaw ever
exhibited that answering fidelity to princi-
which more than high position and shining
talents constitute real excellence.
His manhood was OF high type and while,
as Il christian gentleman he was void Of glare
and pretension, his plcty was deep and fer
vent, and his attainments In the Divine life
such as many advanced christians might well
covet
by all, bis body bent under the weight Of
many intirmitics, his locks whitened By the
frostS OF four score winters, VIC can but pausef
and say, look here is the excmplflcation
q truth announced by Solomon nearly three
thousand years ago. The hoary head is q
crown of glory If it be found in the way of
righteousness.
late and venerable Secretary was held by this
society,
Resotvcd, l. That while we recognize the
wisdom, mercy and goodness Of our Heaven
ly FATHER is removing from our midst MI
Robt. II. Wardlaw, when We remember his
noble qualities both of head and heart, his
entire life marked witha exact and unvary-
ing conscientiousness," and his long and
faithful services TO this society, we can but
be sensible Of the great loss that has come
upon us.