The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1902-09-24

increasing iniirmity. But with patience
and true courage, the soldier laid down
his implements of Christian warfare last
May, and, with trust and confidence,
looked hopefully forward to his return
to the work OF his congregations. The
last few months of his life were spent
with his brother, d. l.. McAninch, NJ. ID.
OF Lsmartine, Pa, and where, surround
ed by the aged mother, whom he tender
ly loved and cared fo,, and by his
brothers and sister, all that love and med
ical skill could do was done for him.
But the place prepared for him by the
loving Lord Of the living and the dead
was ready and His prayer, "Father, l
will that this one Of those whom thou
hast given me be with me where l am
that lac may behold my glory" prevailed
above the prayers of his people who
would have detained him, as 1t ought to,
And his spirit went to be with God, in
the early morning of September H., 1902,
while he was surrounded by his noble
brothers, and while reclining on the
bosom of the eldest. Thus life abound
ing in good deeds unSefishly rendered
passed to his reward. Such is part of the
story of one who was well poised and
rounded, lovablc and engagingly human,
after the fashion of Jesus. A manly
man, far from being of a narrow, intoler-
ant turn, but positive in his views and
uncompromising at all hazards. What
Tionesta has lost cannot be told. Sell
dom has it been, in the history of our
town, that one should haye lived in its
midst for so long time, have taken an
active part in all interests, and have
lived so wholly unselfsh for the good Of
the people. lie loved the people of Tio-
uesta and wanted to be with them. lie
loved his congregations and on the Mon
day evening preceding his departure,
he wrote letter to hem. The letter was
written at a great expense of bodily suf-
fering, but is cherished by his people, a
copy of which is given at the beginning
of this memorial.
brought to Tionesta for burial, and SER
vices were held in the Presbyterian
church, which was tastefully draped and
handsomely decorated, last Friday after
noon at 1880. The people of Tionesta at
tested the high place he had in their es-
TEEN by closing all places of business
and the schools, and by their presence in
the church. The service was beautifully
conducted by Rev. j. V. Stockton, ID. D.,
who was assisted by the choir, and by
Rev. A. 4. Bell, of Salisbury Rev. j. W.
Smith, ID. d., of Warren; Rev. A. S.
Cornelius, of Oil City; Rev. DIR. Char
mock, of Pleesantvllle; Rev. s. +. Marks,
of Tidioute; Rev. o. IL. Nickle, and Rev.
B. +. Felt, of Tionesta. All that was
said and done blended harmoniously and
bore testimony to the Christi like man
hood of Mr.. McAninch.
Mr.. Bell spoke of him as an earnest
jealous, uncompromising Christian, and
one who was wise to win souls. He
tenderly conveyed to the members of
Mr.. McAninch's class his last earnest
wish for their personal salvation; Mr..
Marks told of the transformation of the
church after Mr. McAninch became its
pastor, and brought out in happy manner,
the "manhood of the man :" DR., Char
mock touched on the deep Spiritual life of
Mr.. MrAninch and his intense person.
elity; Mr.. Cornelius testified to his worth
as presbyter, saying he had never met
a cleaner, purer, better man. In all his
work he was careful and judicious, and
scOrned at everything that was false; DR..
Smith gave an earnest appeal to the
young people to take up the work their
victorious leader had left them to do. lie
said that the splendid tributes paid Mr..
McAninch were well deserved and that
his falling at the head of the ranks was
not defeat but glorious victory. Mr..
Smith also paid splendid tribute to the
aged mother of Mr.. McAninch and to her
sons devotion to her. The music, both
voluntary and in song, was especially
pleasing and added much to the holy up
lift OF the services.
one of the most touching incidents
at the funeral was the sight of the child
ren OF the school, which included those
of the 5. 5. and the Junior Endeavor,
passing his bier, looking into the un-
speaking face of their friend, and at the
cemetery covering his casket with bo-
quets of flowers, Floral offerings, beau
tiful aud abundant, manifested the high
regard of the Endeavor and Tionesta
congregations, as well as the floral deco
rations at the cemetery.
The pail bearers were his Elders, Mr..
A. b. Kelly and Mr.. G.. w. Robinson of
rionesta, Mr.. n. p. Wheeler and Mr.. G.
w. Warden of Endeavor, and Mr.. Chas.
Clark and Mr.. w. q. Wyman of Tionesta.
And the body awaits the resurrection
morn, in our beautiful Riverside ceme-
terry, in an honored spot given him by
the heirs of the Rev. Hezikiah May, the
first and only Presbyterian clergyman
buried in Tionesta, till the body oithe be-
loved pastor was laid to rest.
Rev. Frank p. Britt, of Corsica, Pa, a
fellow Presbyter of the deceased pastor,
sends this beautiful tribute to the mem
ory of his faithful co-wOrker.
AMONG HIS FLOCK.
In MemOridm, Rec. John Y. lIcAninch,
Pastor Of TiOHeStd Presbyterian Church
from 1859 to 1902.
Among his flock, a pastor true,
Who loved them dearly they we'll knew
For years and years he wrought.
Where duty called. he took his stand;
To rich and poor he gave his hand;
With counsel true and tender prayer
The sick and dying had his care;
The good fall he sought;
For all wbate'er of grief to bear
He cherished kindly thought.
With steadfast, faithful treess will
He labOred on, his purpose still
The saints TO cheer and sinners win
To Christ, our Lord, from serving SIM
And so to God his life so pure
Its works forever must endure
Sweet sacrifice has brought.
Among his flock who held him DEAR
The bonds grew stronger year by year.
This faithful pastor lies.
With solemn mien and mOuynful tread
They gather round lLeir honored dead,
Hearts swayed meath grief's depressing
cross
And voices hushed at sense oflOss
So hard to realize;
How great thei love it has no gloss
nlscnrnnd hy snarrhinn nvns