Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1902-06-12
DOWN ON TANGIER ISLAND
Some Interesting Reminis-
cenSeS of Joshua Thomas.
WAS BORN IN AN HUMBLE HOME
But Destined to Revolutionlze
Many Lives.
Sunday Week Was Memorable Day on the
Island. When the New Pastor Held His
First Communion Service There, and the
Islanders Flocked TO Worship.

Special Correspondence Of Gazette and Journal.
Tangier Island, June 5.-The history
of this island is both fascinating and
inspiring.
In the year 1776, to which is related
more than any other American liberties
and institutions, child destined to
reyolutionize many lives was born in
an humble home, Joshua Thomas was
the baby, and he became famous as
'the parson of the islands. His
father died when he was mere boy,
and with his widowed mother he moved
to Tangier His mother married the
second time, becoming the wife of u
.Mr. Pruitt, who lost his means and
took to drink, and young Joshua had
some bitter experiences.
When his stepfather died, Joshua was
given to Mr.. Tyler, on Smiths
Island, who raised him in the fear of
God. After he had become man,
Joshua married on Smiths Island /;
then he returned to Tangier, built u
| little house and lived therein. Having
a strong religious instinct, he soon
began to call upon the people to pub
| licly confess God In 1904 he called
| the people together on Sunday in public
worship which consisted of reading the
Bible and prayerbook and singing. Here
began the history of the church, 50 far
as congregational worship is concerned.
Joshua up to this time, like many
in the church today, was ignorant OF
the experimental facts of the NEW
birth, - but he was not long to be LETT
cropping in the dark. In 1907 three
vessels, loaded with mon, women ano
children on their way to q camp
meeting, anchored oil the island, anc
request was made for q pilot to take
them into Pungoteague Greek. Joshua
Thomas and others got on boart
the vessels, and went to the camp
meeting. There Joshua heard tierl
; man of God, the Rev, Lorenzo Dow
J whose words took hold of the youns
mans heart. Joshua desired TO know
moro of God, and attended a camp
meeting at AnnamesseS, near Cristield
where he was gloriously converted. Re
turning to Tangier, he began to tel
what God had done for his soul, ant
announced meeting at Thoma
Crockett's home, which resulted il
two conversions. Bible doctrine wa
r taught by this spirit filled and spirit
led man until nearly all the peoll
s Joined the church, and the seed Ii
|
d day, when the church is one of tn
!; strongest and best organized in tn
. Wilmington Methodist Episcopal Cor
ii ference.
& Joshua Thomas life was also felt o
}. Smiths Island, Hollands Island an
d Deals Island, which once was Gale
!. Devils Island, because of il
z wickedness; but under Joshua's il
= fluence its name was changed, as we
as the character of the people. Joshu
g. was a wonderful man in prayer. II
is brought here the islands first son
book, and the songs still roll towaI
heaven.
Every Evenings correspondent ha
the pleasure of standing in the DO;
,s called the Methodist, and obtained OIL
of her pegs, which he will keep as
souvenir.
~ Last Sunday was great day {
,Ts Tangier Island. The pastor, the Re
NJ; w. w. Sharp, held his first commute
nd service here, and 1T was wonderful
rs, see the people flock to the communio
ID; 1t was Missionary DAY in tha Sunda
20 . school, and the offering amounted
p, pIdi s37. After Suniay school tire Juni
on Order of United Ann fican hechaEic
b, numbering about 80. decorated d
W graves Of its deaG. Among those I
1ol membered was the jev. (. p. Swat
nd whose body is buried On Deal Islam
but whose monument stands III /
churchyard here. The Stars and Stri;
and bouquets were put around +
of monument. Mr. Sharp made the a
n. dress.
Dr. The parsonage has been painted