Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1890-08-08
Death Of Rev. Jas. W. Shields.

Early last week the news reached us
that Rev. Jas. w. Shields, the pastor OF
the Episcopal churches of this place and
Mt. jackson, was quite i'll at Orkney
Springs. On Thursday the telegraph
brought the alarming information that
his illness had assumed most dangerous
and critical form, quickly followed on
Friday by the inexpressibly sad news of
his death. Less than two weeks before,
on Sunday July Goth, he preached in his
church here, morning and evening, and
as he spoke the words of eternal life to
them little did they dream that the
shadow of death was even then gathering
over the head of their beloved pastor.
dis death was caused by acute kidney
trouble, or Bught's disease, caused, as 1t
is supposed, by very severe attack of
the grippe, from which he had never en-
tlrely recovered. Mr.. Shields was born
in Richmond, Va, and was a son of Jas.
G. Shields, Esq, one of the prominent
and leading citizens of that place. He
was educated at Roanoke College, Salem,
Va, and subsequently went to theo-
logical seminary at Philadelphia. after
which he prosecuted his studies for two
wears longer at the Episcopal Seminary
near Alexandria, Va, on the completion
of which he went into the ministry of
the Episcopal church. His first service was
as assistant rector Of st. Johns church,
Richmond, for several years, after which
he spent seven or eight yeas as rector OF
churches in King William county, and on
the James River, where his health and
that of bis family failed from the malarial
climate, and he accepted call from the
Woodstock, Mt. Jackson and New Market
churches, where he labored earnestly and
lovingly until his untimely death, win
ming the love and respect, not only OF his
own congregations, but OF these entire
communities Few men have lived more
exemplary lives. AS a husband, son
brother and father he was loving, kind
and devoted, as a preacher none could
have worked more earnestly for the saliva
ton of souls. The funeral services in Mt.
Jackson, on Saturday, were conducted by
Rev. Bishop Wilmer, of n. c., and Rev.
Harry Tucker, of w. Va. The remains, in
charge of Mr.. +. NJ. Pennybacker, of Mt.
jackson, and Mr.. A. G. WynkOOp, of Wood
stock, were taken to R richmond, and in
tered in Hollywood cemetery with ma
sonic honors by Richmond Masonic Lodge
No. 10, of which Mr.. Shields was mem
Der. His age was fOrty-two years, an(
he leaves q widow and one child, LITTLE
daughter ten years old.
The following are the resolutions
adopted by the vestry of Beckford Parish
WHEREAS, in the orderings of a wise
but to us, inscrutable Providence, on
beloved Rector, the Rev. James w
Shields, was removed by death from on
midst to the joys of Paradise, on the frs
day of August, 1890, after an unexpected
! and brief illness, at Orkney Springs, Va.
| AND, WHEREAS, we recognised IN MI
Shields, man of fine mind, wide sympa
tbies, and noble aim; Christian gentle
man of true and courteous manners
faithful preacher ever declaring wit
power the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
earnest pastor, who was always lovlngl
ready to minister the Divine consolation
to the "weary and heavy laden"
AND, WHEREAS, Mr., Shields, durin
his ministry in this Parish, had won b.
his character and life, as well as by hi
faithful and successful work, the abidin
confidence and love not only of his owl
people. but also of innumerable Others o
i'all the Churches ;" therefore, be it re
solved by the Vestry of Rockford Parish
l. That while bowling submissively I
the will of our Heavenly Father, assure
that ale dOeth all things well" W.
the Vestry and people of Bedford Parish
do mourn the death of our friend an
pastor as of one whom we had learned t
love as David loved Jonathan.
9. That in the death of Mr. Shield
we consider, that not only has this Paris
lost wise and active leader, fOrcefI
and earnest preacher, a faithful an
sympathetic pastor /; but this whole con
munity is deprived of one whose Infi'
ence for good was everywhere felt, an
whose stimulating presence will be keel
ly missed.
3. That thanking God for the privilel
Of having known aud enjoyed the mini
try of such a servant of Christ, al
recognising also the responsibility a
tached to such privilege, we Will ev'
hold Mr., Shields in sweet remembrance
and by our lives endeavOr to let ii
Gospel of Christ as he declared 1t to U
$50 shine before men," that they seeir
our good works may glOrify our Fath'
which is IN Heaven.
a. That we tender to the beloved WI
. and daughter Of our departed pastor, o
most loving sympathy in their 6eresy
ment, praying that the God of all cons
llation and grace, may sustain and Ike
0 them "alwsys and IN all things" ev
= unto the end.
BY order of the vestry of Beckfo
Parish. l.. L RIPLETr JR'' Dec y