The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-04-29
UNIQUE PROCEEDINGS.
The Rev. ID. Mcneil Turner, ID. d.,
Presents CrayOn Portrait Of
Himself.

The Presbyterian congregation in this city
mot in their church last Thursday night, Pas
Tor 7. l.. Wilson in the chair, and j; K. Glenn
Secretary. The object Of the meeting was 70
creyon portrait of himself, as will appear
from the following notes. Deacon W. J..
Branch in feeling and impressive manner,
spoke as follows: .
heinp selected to present TO the congregation
of the Abbevile Presbyterian church cray
on picture of it's first pastor rev. u. mcneil
Turner. Any word OF praise, any word OF es-
tean, any word of veneration or OF love that
conld saw of him would seem superHuous
in vonr hearing For you all know him, and
70 know him is to esteem and love him, but
then feel that would 5e unjust to the
nrom ptings OF my heart did not do 80. He
was the friend Of my giddy youth, the friend
of nv thought easy manhood. and my
friend at this my age past the meridian OF
life, and he an octogenarian.
| can remember at his home gentle, kind
and mirthful, almost hoy with boys.
can see him In the pulpit Of the old church In
all his solemn dignity, with earnestness, ele-
gance and power preaching the word. But,
my friends, TO many OF you he Is the same as
to me. For In days now gone has he not Wis.,
tied our loved ones In sickness and at their
bedside In tender terms invoked the mercy
and love of God upon them. In days gone by
has he not stood at the open graves OF our
loved ones and implored Gods pity upon the
mourners around their grave. In days gone
by has he not at the marriage altar joined IN
holy wedlock many who are now dead and
many who are now living. In days gone by
has he not transferred the waters from the
baptismal bowl TO the brow of infants; many
now passed away and many now living. Yes,
my friends, and while many have died and
now lie sleeping their last sleep In upper
Long Cane cemetery he is still the spared
monument OF Gods love and mercy-there
fore to the distant shore. to the utter part:
He is our link, he brought us all the good
things there is in old time things, and made
them good by his example.
How In our hearts indelibly is drawn
The record OF his virtues, many and pure,
Twin record Of the register in heaven.
Aged and honored when the cry
or death shall summon him away,
Leave US the hope, in that bright day,
TO meet our friend and meet for aye.
LETTER OF DR.. TURNER.
Morrillton, Ark, 3Ist March, 1896.
To the Presbyterian Church, Abbev1lle, ). y. !:
My Former Pastoral Charge - VIII you
please to accept, as testimonial OF my con.
which will be presented to you. on my behalf,
by your Deacon Tully Branch, Esq.
can conscientiously say, as Paui 10 the 70
rinthians, sit was in my heart TO live ana 70
die with you;" but heavy Affections In my
family compelled the sundering again and
again of the tender and strong Ties, when had
bound me to the mother church, Upper Long
Cane, and 10 yourselves. who, at my suggeS-
ton, became organized as church In lsoo'
and whose first pastor became.
Though far removed by time and distance,
can still say, as he did TO the philippians, ~
have you In my heart" nave relolcea 10
your prosperity, and fervently pray, that still
greater spiritual blessings may be IN store for
you. ask you to rejoice with me, that al
though eighty-three years of age, my eye is
not dim nor my natural force aoated," ana,
that without wearineus can, three Times eV-
arut tnrpach wOrd.'
With Christian affection, your first pastor,
d. McNeill Turner.
RESOLUTIONS BY THE CONGREGATION.
Elder T.. w. Perrin offered the following,
which was unanimously adopted by rising
Resolved, That the congregation Of Abbe-
vile Presbyterian church accept the por'
b., the first pastor of this church, a
gift from himself, as O. token OF his
continued love and affection for the church
which he once served so vel, and as me-
pleasant and profitable. And that the Dea-
cons OF this church be requested to hang the
portrait in the pastors study and be charged
with it's care and preserva tion.
gratitude to our common Lord and Master for
the continued preservation Of the life and
usefulness of this father In Israel, who is still
leading actively and efficiently the church
militant, d watchman on the outer walls,
vlgilant, faithful and true.
Resolved 3. That 1t Is our earnest wish and
desire to again see his face in the flesh, and to
hear his voice, in no uncertain sound. unfold
the truths Of the divine revelation. He will
always be received as welcome guest
amongst US.
Resolved 4. Thatwe will ever pray that the
favor and grace of our common Master be
continued with him, and with all Whom ne
may be associated, and that when h Is labors
are ended here below, that he may be trans
lated TO that better world, and there join the
everlasting throng in assumptions Of praise to
our common Redeerner.
Resolved 5. That the chairman and secre-
tary OF this meeting be requested to sign off,
ciaily and forward a copy of these resolutions
to DR.. Turner.
lutions and the remarks OF Deacon w. I.
Branch be entered on the minutes and that
copy Of the same be sent to DR.. Turner.
Meeting adjourned.