The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-13
DR.. PATTERSON DEAD
HE DIED SUDDENLY AT MEMPHIS ON
TUESDAY NIGHT.
He was Greatly Beloved I'm Whining
toR-Arragements Made to Bury
Him in ST. Johns Church Yard But
h Vestry of His Church Decided
Otherwise.

n lSlcSEdIn lndI SEIl Great SOTTOW To-
hundreds Of hearts in Wilmington was
received here yesterday from Memphis,
Tenn, announcing the sudden death of
the Rev. George T. Patterson, D.. D.,
formerly of Wilmington. The sad mes
sage came to the Right Rev. Bishop A.
A. Watson, who was. however, absent
from the city. It merely announced
that DR.. Patterson died suddenly on
Tuesday night at Memphis where he
was rector of Grace Episcopal church.
Upon being appriZed of the death of
DR.. Patterson. the authorities of st.
Johns church, together with some of
his intimate friends, Immediately tele-
graphed to Memphis 10 have his re-
mains sent here at their expense. This
step was taken in accordance with the
~deceased's oft and e~mphatically ex-
pressed desire to be buried in a certain
spot in st. Johns churchyard. and all
arrangements had been made to carry
out his wishes. Although there is a
city ordinance prohibiting bodies from
being inferred in the city limits. the
municipal authorities readily acquesced
in the fulfillment of DR.. Patterson's de-
sire by ~suspending in this instance the
legal inhibition of burial anywhere
within the corporate limits.
Last night. however, the Rev. DR..
Carmichael, rector of st. Johns. re-
eeived the following telegram:
Memphis, Tenn, December II.
THE vestry Il. e. of Grace church,
Memphis) have just decided to bury DR..
Patterson here on Friday"
That announcement will carry a thrill
of regret to hundreds and hundreds of
hearts in this community, as they were
anxious to pay to the memoir of their
honOred and beloved friend and COM
rade the last possible homage here on
earth. The Memphis vestry was doubt
less acting upon a later request OF DR..
Patterson.
DIR. Patterson was born in Boston,
Mass. of Greek extraction. and was up
ward of so years of age. In early life
he came to eastern North Carolina and
studied for the Episcopal ministry I'M
der Bishop Watson. After his ordina-
don as a priest he became chaplain for
ehe negro slaves on the Collins planta-
aons in the extreme eastern part Of the
state. 1t the outbreak of the war for
southern independence. being an in
tense and loyal sympathizer with the
southern cause he united his fortunes
with the Confederacy and became chap
lain of the Third North Carolina infan-
try. This position he held to the close
Of the war. having faithfully served
with the troops and sharing their hard
ships in Virginia. He gave consolation
% many a dying soldier, and was great
H beloved in the army.
In 1866 DR.. Patterson was called as
the assistant. of DR.. Watson. then rector
al st. James church. this city. After
a service of four years in that capacity,
in 1870 he was called as rector of ST.
Johns church, his city, which position
he held for ten years. giving it up to
engage in general work for the Uni
versity of the South, at Sewanee, Tenn.
He was subsequently rector OF a church
lat Denison, Texas, but was there only
a short time. In 1888. he became rector
of Grace church, Memphis. and death
closed his labors there.
DIR. Patterson was a man of unique
characteristics and unusual force of
character. His genius was marked and
as a minister, he was able. eloquent
and jealous. He was a very impulsive
man and everything he did was done
with great earnestness of He
vas a man of the most lovable heart
and by nature was genuine and true.
In heart he was all humanity and be-
leved in the humanity of Jesus Christ
in whom he thoroughly believed and
put his trust. His entirely allegiance
was given to the truth. and he was ever
ready and earnest n tender in his re-
% to every appeal for sympathy
and Succor. He was one of the most
seif-deny;ng of Gods whole creation,
and his heart was so tender. sympa-
Ghetto and loving h a ne burdened him
self with other peoples sorrows. He
was unparalleled in generosity and his
charity was unreasonable
Such a man as this drew people to
him by hooks of steel. He loved every
body and everybody loved him. In Will
mington especially there was the deep
est and most sincere affection for him.
He lived here for nearly twenty years
and several times since he left he has
returned to visit his friends. His pop
uIarity was such hat when here on his
hast visit a few years ago over five
hundred people attended a reception
given him by DR.. Carmichael. He SIM
ply won and carried away the hearts
OF all people. and tears will dim the
eyessSnd sorrow anguish the hearts Of
hundreds when they efiec that death
has chilled his great heart and the
grave lies open to receive him
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