The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-14
DR.. WITHERSPOON,
THE FOUNDER OF THE NEW Or
LEANS BETHEL.
A Brief History of Great Work and
One That Has Been Very Successful
From the Beginning, With Sketch
OF the Practical Evang elist.

years, work as a missionary to the sailors
who come to and sail from that harbor.
The New Orleans States, telling the story
oil this mission, says that tho Upper Sea-
mans Bethel 'has been for many years a
haven for sailors who go down in ships to
the sea, and the public has come TO take
an unconhned interest in its bene6cent
and benevolent work. Today week the
Bethel will celebrate its eleventh anniver-
sary with appropriate exercises, in the
chapel-room OF the edifce, with good old
Dr. Withespoon as the presiding spirit.
A word or two about the doctor and his
life-work.
"Dr. Witherspoon, who was named
after the famous defender OF New Orleans,
was born in the Lancaster District OF
South Carolina, dozen years after the
commencement OF the second war between
the United States and England, and is now
slxty-hyc years OF age. He was educated
in the South Carolina College and the Co.
lumbia Theological Institute, being gradu-
ated In 1874. After leaving school he be-
gan the study OF law in the office OF his
brother, i. ID. Witherspoon, then a dis
tinguished member OF the South Carolina
bar, and pursued a course OF three years.
But law was not especially to the taste of
the young man, and he withdrew his at.
tention from musty books to enter the
ministry. He was duly licensed to preach
the Gospel Of the Savior, and leaving South
| Carolina, journeyed to Alabama, where he
spent many years OF his life in religious
teachings.
ION New Years day, in 1873, he gave
up his residence in Mobile and came to
the Crescent City TO continue his labors in
the cause OF religion. lie became con-
nected with the Second Mission Chapel,
combining church and Sunday-school, at
the corner OF Pleasant and Laurel streets,
and spent much Of his time In the prose-
cution OF the devout mission TO which he
has devoted the best years OF his life. The
| congregation grew large and the doctor
soon had under his watchful care the
spiritual welfare OF faithful aud numer-
Gus flock. The seamen were attracted TO
the humble little chapel and DR.. Wither-
spoon soon mado them his warm friends.
But the congregation grew too large for the
available roominess OF the chapel and this,
in connection with the isolation OF the
chapel from the river front, induced the
doctor TO look around for suitable site for
a large bethel that should have the attrac-
uveness OF home and rcading.room 10
the brave mariners. He selected a spot
on Fulton street, between jackson and
Philip, and purchasing the lot built there
on the present splendid edifice consecrated
10 the cause OF religion.
"Dr. Witherspoon in opening the Bethel
had many stones in his way 10 get over.
The morale Of the neighborhood was not
OF the best, and hoodluIns and vile char.
actcrs sought 10 torrify the chaplain and TO
break up the services in every conceivable
manner OF ruilianly and ungenllemanly
outbreak. But with the aid OF the police
and through his own well directed influ-
ence Dr. Witherspoon soon won the peace
disiurbers over TO his side, and today the
sailors and Bethel are unmolested and oc-
cupy one OF the quietest precincts In the
great, noisy, metropolitan business center
OF the southland, while tho morale OF the
neighborhood has improved TO an extent
very marked in comparison with what it
was before the doctor pitched his tent
among the Philistines
''Ihe Bethel prospered until Il has
reached It's present substantial condition.
Its influence has been wide and benol.
cent, and sailors in every land testify 10
the numerousness OF proselytes among the
mariners II has succeeded In bringing
| within its folds. When the original build.
ing grew too small for tho increasing con-
grcgation, DIR. Witherspoon bought lot
adjoining and put up several new slruc-
lures from time 10 time for the accommo-
dalton and comfort OF the sailors. The
building now includes a concert hall that
~ lOl feet long, rcadingroom seventy
six feet In length, parlors, a dining-room
and kitchen, and numerous dormitories,
wherein board aud lodging are provided
for scamen compelled 10 leave their ships
or who are sent shipwrecked or In distress
| by consuls 10 the kindly care Of Chaplain
| Withenpoon. In the upper portion of
the building for several years Dr. Mark
ham has conducted large and lJurishing
| Sunday school, under the superintendoncy
of Mr.. John Talmadgc.
"Thc Bethel's financial condition Is ex.
ccllcnt. Its creditors are none, aud the
institution Is maintained by the voluntary
contributions OF liberal minded citizens who
find pleasure in scconding the worthy ei-
forts Of Dr. Witherspoon In his field OF
labor Tho reading and writingroom,
which has become an attractive resort 10
tho sailors, Is open daily from o'clock
am. 10 $50 o'clock pm, and there Is a
church service conducted every Sunday
| ulknt, WIN lfcQutnN Coutcftb on MONDAY
evenings, 10 which sailors and professional
and amateur talent generally contribute.
DIR. Withcnpoon for ten consecutive years
never left the city, but OF late he has be-
come an extensive traveller Ia the interest
Of the Bethel, and has succeeded In bring
ing his noble institution 20 the attention
Of the public and press throughout the
country"
In the absence Of tho Rev. Dr. n. VI.
Woods, Dr. Witherspoon will occupy the
pulpit Of tho Second Presbyterian Church
on next Sunday morning.
In the evening, at 5 o'clock, he will
speak nj the First Presbyterian Church,
with reference 10 the exceedingly interest
ing work which he has been instrumental
In accomplishing among sailors. The con-
gregations Of the First and Second Prcsby-
terrain churches, aud probably Others, will
unite In this evening service.
Well known from New York 10 New
Orleans, and the friend Of scaiaring men
the world over. DIR. wilhcnpoon will not
fail TO interes, and instruct those who
may hear him.
Frank y. gcmpton Convicted.