The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-10-29
DIES AS HE WANTED TO DIE.
End Came While DR.. Craig Was Talk
ing of the Master.

Ncwpor. News. Va, Octot er A-tSne-
cial. --"When l die l want TO be at my
post of duty I'm The Masters work: 1
want to die in harness"
These words were spoken today by Rev.
DR.. John Newton Craig. of Atlanta. in
conversation with a friend between the
sessions of tho Presbyterian synod of Nir
ginia. West Virginia and Maryland, which
is now i'm convention at the First church
I'm this city His wish was gratitied. lie
died in harness.
The morning session. attended 10y ar au-
dience which filed the church. was
brought 10 an unexpected and tragic close
by the sudden death of DIR. Craig. Just
as he was concluding one Of the most
remarkable speeches ever heard from this
prominent and popular divine. Tomorrow
he had an appointment to address the
synod Of South Carolina, and while he
was struggling between life and death
inside. a hack was in waiting outside 10
convey him to the station. The veteran
secretary of the board Of home missions
of the southern general assembly under
snecial order of business was addressing
the synod on the subject of home mis-
sions with especial reference to the in
valid fund. He tegan his address
striking argument in support of the better
maintenance of the fund based on the
fitness of his ripe experience and long
study in an even yet vigorous tone. but II
was evident as he progressed that he was
i'm pain. He had been speaking Just hair
an hour and was just concluding his re-
marks when he clutched his notes, and
saying:
Brethren. I can say no more, stag
gercd to the nearest chair. His hand
kerC hief dropped TO the floor of the audi
torium. The rotes fell from his nerveless
I q faf al
fine old head sank upon a breast from
hich a noble soul was struggling TO
take its flight to meet its Maker. Those
nearest the dying man FASTENED TO his
side and lifted him from the chair to the
Platform. Several doctors in the church
at the time fastened forward to render
what assistance they might. 1t was evil
dent. however, to those upon the plat
form. as well as TO those near by, that
the stroke was fatal one, and that no
earthly physician was needed. Perhaps
1--WE minutes elapsed and i'm the stiffness
of death that reigned 1t seemed like five
hours. The physician released his clasp
upon the wrist and placed the slender,
wrinkled old hand gently down as he
| locked at the moderator saying:
DIR ]. n. Craig is dead
Even then there was no excitement.
There We're some, unaware of the catas-
| trophe, who came in casually and did
/ not know until the synod adjourned that
! anNthing had happened. Scores of heads
we're bow ed when the announcement was
made for a moment in silent prayer.
Tears stood in every eye. Rev. DIR.
! Graham TREMENDOUSLY moved that the
synod take a recess until 2:30 o'clock.
Some one amended that DIR. Graham lead
/ in prayer before adjourDing. DIR. Ora
/ ham shook his head that he was not
/ equal To 1t, and the moderator called on
| Rev w. +. Wood for prayer. The synod
rose to it's feet and DR.. Wood prayed.
/ At the conclusion of the prayer the synod
! adjourned and at the request of the pas
/ tor of the church, Rev. h. Il. Wexford,
the delegates passed at once and quietly
out into the lecture room and street. The
Tragic event threw a pail of indescriba-