The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-07-28


The New Rector Of st. Mary'.s School.
before in GA years when she visited
friends in the city as girl of four
teen DIR. Bratton has won the hearts
of all with whom he has come in con
tact and his wife is equally charming.
The trustees feel that they have been
uucommonly fortunate in securing Dr.
Rratton as rector Such was tie
attachment Of tile congregation at
Spartansburg. S. c.. of which he was
rector. and the Episcopalians of South
Carolina generally. to him that the
trustees are satisfied they could not
have secured his services but for the
fact that by a unanimous vote OF the
Episcopal Council of that State in May
last. st. Mary's was made the Diocesan
School of that jurisdiction as we'll ms or
the three dioceses in North Carolina.
In 1895. such was his popularity in
his diocese. that DR.. Bratton was elected
as a delegate to the General Convention
of his church ut Minneapolis and was
reelected delegate To the last conven-
fion in Washington City. Such was his
modesty that his first election was an en-
tire surprise to him. he being then much
ed from his diocese. He was one OF
the two clerical trustees from his do
cese allowed by the charter of st.
Mary's to South Carolina.
DIR. Bratton is a son of General John
Bration. noted Confederate officer
who won reputation in the War Between
the States. He is not only popular with
the members of his own church in Spar
tanburg, but enjoys the a1cctonate
regard of the whole community of that
city. Some years ago. when he was
called to the rectorship of historic ST.
Michaeps church Of Chariestols the pro-
tests Of the entire community against
his leaving Spartanburg amounted al
most to moral duress. and he was con-
strained to decline the call
The new rector ut st. Mary's was ID
ucated at the University of the South
ut Sewanee. having graduated in both
the academic and theological depart
ments, receiving the degree OF Bachelor
of Divinity at his graduation He has
also had training as Il teacher. having
been an instructor at the University Of
the South after his graduation. For
some time past he has been Professor
of History in Converse College Spar
@tanSbufg. one OF the HIST Iel1Ile COZ
leges of the South.
DR.. Bratton is wise man, having
ability and wisdom. He is a rare cn;n
hnation of force of character and gen
tleness Of disposition. In the words OF
one of the parishioners. Or. Brat
ton is the most remarkable combination!
of spirituality and common sense | have
ever known
He made Il very fine impression as 9
preacher few weeks ago when he Off
ciated ut Christ church. His manner
in the pulpit is easy ana graceful anf
impressive. In private he is cordial. &c
NAL and very attractive. 4 delegate
at the Minneapolis convention. who me,
him for the first time. said after ten
days intimate intercourse, II have never
been so attracted by any new acquaint
ance.' That is the universal opinion Oh
those who have met him since his cleo
ton to the rGctorship of st. Mary's.
As DIR. Bratton is only thirty-sevei
years old as he enters upon the rector
ship of ST. Mary's. it is safe to predict
for him an eminently successful career
and one Of great usefulness 10 his ch,lrcl
and to the State of his adoption.