The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-30
HONOR TODR HUFHAM
The Ideal North Carolina
Statesman of Christianity
The People of Henderson Paid the Old Man
Eloquent The Highest Honor They Have
Ever Pdid to Any Living Man.
(special to News and obseryer.l

Especial to News and Observer
Henderson, N. c., Dec. 29.-Nearly fifty
years ago Rev. J. d. Huffman, D. D., was
called to the Baptist ministry. On yes
terday at Henderson he laid down the
work of the active pastorate. The Bap-
fist Argus. of Louisville KY, says he is
entitled to a golden rest So say his
brethren, and men of every creed and
school Of thought throughout the State
say amen!
He closed the oastorate in the morn
ing with sermon from the text, "rhe
love of Christ constraineth u.s." In the
evening great congregation gathered
at the Methodist Protestant church to
honor the man and his work. This meet
ing was arranged by the other denomi-
nations Of the town, under the leadership
of Rev. j. S. Williams pastor of the NJ
p church. The church, and Sunday
School ard class-rooms We're filled, chairs
were set in the aisles and yet many
stood throughout the exercises.
On the platform We're His EXcellency,
Governor Charles b. Aycock, Hon. r. J.
Switzerland mayor Of Henderson; Rev
Jesse Page, the veteran Methodist preach
er and contemporary of DR.. Hufham; Rev.
Livingston Johnson, corresponding secre-
tary Of the Baptist State Convention;
Rev. Mr.. Whitaker, late president of the
Methodist Protestant Conference of
North Carolina; Rev J. II. Henderlte
pastor of the Presbyterian church; Rev
j. s. Williams, pastor NJ. p. church; Prof
j: T. Alderman, A. c. Zollicoffer and
Thomas NJ, Pittman. The occasion was
inspiring, the meeting was tender, the
music surprisingly sweet. Solos were
rendered by Mrs. Rom. Watson, of Will
son, and Miss Eula Lee Harris and DR..
f. S. Harris, Of Henderson Mrs. r.. r.
Harris presided at the organ and Miss
Myrtle Harris was violinst Rev. ]. S.
Williams presided.
Resolutions were presented by Andrew
]. Harris, A. C. Zollicoffer. D. Y. Cooper,
j. II. Bridgers, Thad r. Manning, r. S.
McCoin, G. A. Lewis, ]. L. Currin j. T.
Alderman and w, B. Shaw We're unani-
lnously adopted by a rising vote OF the
great congregation.
Rev. Jesse Page, representing the
Methodist in the absence Of Pastor Pun
dy. said he had known DR.. Hufham we'll,
intimately, lovingly for fifty years
Speaking Of the UNCONVENTIONAL differ
ences and rivllries he said CDR. Huffman
has never been known to take an unfair
turn Rev. j. H. Henderlite Presby-
terrain and Rev. j. s. Williams, Methodist
Protestant. spoke in tender strain OF
their association as pastors with DR.. HUFF
ham and Of his affectionate helpful spirit.
Rev. Livingston Johnson, corresponding
secretary of the Baptist State Convention,
spoke of the affection in which DR.. HUFF
ham is held by the Baptist denomination
and the reasons for it. Mr.. Thomas M.
Pittman, for the Henderson Baptists.
spoke of "Our Pastor" and said there are
three things which particularly charac-
terize DR.. Hufham: l. He breaches a
God Of love and a gospel Of tenderness.
g He is large in his conception of God,
of man and of service. He cannot be a
local man but is a statesman of Chris
tianity, of comprehensive views and large
plans. 8. He believes in the ever pres
ence of God.
Prof. j. T. Alderman spoke of DR.. Huff
hams future, of work yet ahead, the
product of great learning and large ex-
perience which shall bless his denomina-
ton and the State.
Governor Aycock had declared he would
not spoak-yet ne 9id-nobly, grandly,
tenderly, lovingly of DR.. Hufhanl not only
rs a great pulpit preacher, but as a fire
side AMI wayside preacher if possible
more effective in the man to man sar-
mon than in the pulpit. He spoke OF him
as an eminent and useful citizen-the
friend and counsellor of our great War
Governor and of the men who have taken
up his mantel. He closed by presenting
a New Testament to DR.. Hufham from
his brethren of the ministry. The ten
der touching tribute of our young Gov
ernor to the old, but ever young, Chris
tian preacher has greatly warmed the
hearts of our people, has deepened his
hold unon the affections of our people.
DR.. Hufham made a short acknowl-
edgmcnt of the love shown him on this
occasion. 1t come as surprise. He
had been too busy to find out what peo-
pie thought of him. 1t was great tes-
timonial of the great power Of Christ
over the hearts of men that men should
SO honor the old servant of the cross.
He was greatly agitated. When it was
all over he said to a friend: cit almost
killed me- Never before has Henderson
paid such tribute to living man. Tt is
doughtful if the State has ever witnessed
such service. The keynote of the meet
ing was Servant of God-well done"
The presence of Governor Aycock was
peculiarly graceful and a noble tribute to
the life and love of DR.. Huffman. He
was entertained by Mr.. D. Y Cooper, at
whose beautiful home he met at dinner
DIR. Huffman and Messrs. A. G.. Zollicoffer
and Thomas NJ Pittman and where. at
tea and again after the services at night,
he met others of our citizens who were
glad to Fay their respects.