The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1894-11-24
A Former Cystal Falls Preach
or Who Won Fame.
Or. N. ID. Hills. A Student Preacher
Here Five Years Ago. Now
Leader In Religious thought

injury anu Cdtnt IllutI W baNS
charge OF the Presbyterian mission dur
ing his midsummer vacation. lie wac
an exceptionally bright young fellow md
was apparently endowed with every
trait necessary for victory in the battle
OF life. Lust Saturdays Inter Ocean, OF
Chicago, spoke oi this snme n. ID. Hills
as follows:
DR.. n. u. Hills, the pastor OF the First
Presby yterian Church Of Evanston, is the
youngest man who has been called since
Professor Swings death 10 address the
cultured audience of Central Church lie
is thirty-five years OF age, n graduate OF
Lake Forest University and Of McCor-
mick Theological Seminary, and has al-
ready made such a reputation as an
eloquent preacher OF the essential truths
uf the Christian religion, the brotherhood
OF man. TINT it * not too much to say
that the eyes Of the Christian people OF
his own denomination, as well as other
evangelical denominations, are turned
towards him as one destined to he
among the leaders OF religious thought OF
this generation.
His broad sympathy, learning which
often seems beyond his years, his en-
thusiasm in his work, are all impressed
upon his hearers in a manner which hns
no suggestion OF selisceking or conceit,
and in language foil of that imagery
which constitutes the gift alike OF the
orator and poet lie has been highly
endowed, and those who listen feel that
these great talents have been consecroted
with absolute abandon 10 the service OF
the Christian ministry, and in that best
sense which must bring the church nearer
To the people.
Mr. Hills first pastorate was with the
Old Presbyterian Church. OF Peoria, ILL.,,
where he served three years, during which
time the membership OF the church lnrge-
~ increased and new house OF worship
was built at cost OF $500
There has been q steady growth in the
membership OF the First Presbyterian
Church, Of Evanston, since DR.. Hills ms.
sumed the pnstorate there. The congre-
cation is now erecting new church with
seating capacity of 200 and costing,
exclusive Of organ and furnishings, $40
900. The congregation is an enthusi-
astic. earnest one and greatly devoted
to it's brilliant young pastor. The sun
day evening meetings are especially
interesting, and one secs in the church
on that evening IN audience composed
largely oI young people-students at
Northwestern University, listening with
rapt attention that is of itself inspir-
ing. Naturally, the people Of Evanston
feel that Dr. Hills has found ms true
place there, and il is not thought that
he could change his associations without
encountering the protests and arguments
Of many devoted friends and admirers.
He has had calls and been solicited to
consider propositions from many large
churches in the East, but has so lar
given no encouragement 10 any sugges.
tions that would sever his present rela.
tions.
His liberal md tolerant spirit was
manifested by his action ut the last
meeting Of the General Assembly OF the
Presby byterian Church held in Saratoga
last summer, where he led the minority
in opposing the action Of the assembly
in asserting the right TO direct control 81
the theological seminaries. or his action
the Evangelist said
The assembly damaged some populations and
made Others. The men who assumed Co b,
leaders aud who were always on their feet e
instruct the assembly what it ought TO DO be
came at last just trihe tiresome while othei
men, who had never been heard OF before ont
side OF their own prcsbyteries. suddenly came a
the front OF these no one made greater I'm
preston than Dr. Hills, OF Evanston, Ill., wher,
he Il the successor OF the former correspondent
OF the Evangelist the beloved Or. Noyes. lie q
a growth oi the Western prairies, aud hn
specimen OF what they con produce I'm the wa!
OF manly strength of body aud mlnd. As
student at Mccormick Seminary he had sat a
the feet Of Gamaliel, that Is, Dr. Craig the mod
orator Of the last Assembly, who apparently
could not quite understand how one who hai
rcceived the law from his lips could not with
stand him 10 his lace. But the former pup
had grown % mans estate. and though neve
wanting In respect TO bis old teacher, was no
60 be interrupted or put down until he had sal
his last word, and finished not only IN spceci
but the subject, for II was not merely an aru
ment. but an annihiiation OF the report Of ti
committee on theological seminaries. whic
gravriy proposed that the Assembly shoul
assume universal aud nbsoiute powcr Wheth,
be has left any remains Of that brilliant scheu
I our readers can Judge, for at our earnest r
quest he has revised the speech as Il was r
ported, 80 that we are able 20 give u not onl
In full, but exactly ~ be would have Il. II wi
do good not only at the West. but perhaps evs
more at the East, as u viii show ~ that We a
not fighting the battle alone. but that there n
gallant sons Of the West who can strike n