The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-11-18

Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, ID,
author. poet and llngulst, was born Oct.
81, 1905, at Boston. He attended the Eliot
school md won the Franklin scholarship
In 1925. lilo was graduated from Harvard
college in 1929, and Immediately began
studying for the ministry at Andover
Theological seminary, from which insti-
tuition he was graduated In 1892. During
his course at college he acquired four
different languages.
In 1884 he was ordained a minister in
the Baptist church, and became pastor Of
and professor of languages at Watcrville
academy, now Colby universitS at Water
VILE, Me-. He returned 10 Boston In 1912
and edited The Christian Review, n lead
ing Baptist organ. Soon after this, how
ever, he gave up tho editorial chair, and
was for several years pastor Of the First
Baptist church at Newton Following
this he was the editorial secretary Of the
Missionary Union.
From 1875 20 1880 he visited foreign
lands in company with his wife. He
was received everywhere with notable
tokens of regard. He mako n careful tour
of nearly all the mission fields In the
world.
Prolific Writer on Many Topics.
His published volumes have been many
and his articles for standard reviews with
out count. He became proficient in 10
languages, from which he absorbed the
sentimental spirit Of the best poets, rs we'll
as prose and literature. He became ac-
uuainted with Lowell Mason, and sup
piled the words OF ma6y songs and hymns
for music Of that ~well-known composer.
As every child knows, the national an
them. which made him famous, Is by far
the most popular and best Of his produc-
tions.
DIR. Smith lived for many years in New
ton Centre, where Mrs. Smith, now Sc
years of age, survives him. Among the
most pleasing events In the life of DIR.
Smith was the grand testimonial which
was rendered bini-by tho people Of New
England in Music hall, this city, April 3
last. That was the last time DIR. Smith
appeared ON q public platform, excepting
his appearance before the immense Satur-
day MONDAY meeting of the Christian En-
-~sleaxorers on Boston Common TO read an
original hymn which was sung to the.
tune Of America" Among those who
spoke at the testimonial aud who were on
the committee were Governor Green
halgc, en- Governors russell, Nmes, Rice.
Long, Robinson, Clafin and Brackett,
Governor Cleaves of Maine, Governor
Busiel OF New Hampshire, Governor
Woodbury. of Vermont, Governor Colin
OF Connecticut and Governor Brown of
Rhode Island.
DIR. Smith left three sons and two
daughters. Among Thorn are +. ;. Smith
OF Davenport, Ia; Mrs. j. ID. Candee o,
Bridgeport, Conn; Rev. ID. A. w. Smith.
"a missionary in Burlnah, and X. w. Smitl,
Of Chicago.
Funeral services will DO held tomorrow
at ! 80 in the First Baptist church, New.
ton Centre. Prayer will be offered by
Rev. DIR. j. N. Murdoch, honorary secre.
tary of the Baptist Missionary union.
Rev. Daniel Furbor, ID, pastor emeritus
Of the Newton Ccntsc Congregational
church and one Of the oldest clergymen I'm
Newton, will read from the Scriptures.
One Of Mr.. Smiths hymns will be road
by Rev. Henry A. Wnshburn. There will
he appropriate music. Out of respect 10
DIR. Smiths memory, the flag on Newton
Common Is at half-mast.