The Princeton union., 1906-07-26

old standby and pillar of the church,
Mrs. Martha Hatch. Rev. David
Henderson was the pastor, and I
early made his acquaintance, and
shared his companionship in the old
North Star hotel, where he boarded.
Samuel Ross I never knew person
ally, but saw him once when an in
valid. He died soon after. Some of
the prominent members in those davs
were Mrs. Samuel Ross (''Aunt
Margaret so called) of sainted
memory, Mrs. Olive r. Barker, Mrs.
Martha Hatch, May Hatch. Mrs.
Martha Rines, Mrs. Eliza Page, and
Grandma Dimmick. No male resi-
dent members in those days can I
remember. The Paynes never knew,
having moved away before my ar
rival.
It was hard work in those days to
keep the fire at the altar burning, the
Sunday school and church attendance
was irregular and not to be depended
on, and interest tagged on many an
occasion. Christian workers we're
few, and for the most part of the
female sex, to whom the experience of
building fires in the church, and ring
ing the bell was not wholly unknown.
In one respect, however, this church
shone with a bright and resplendent
light, i. e. in it's pulpit talent. Lo-
Gated in somewhat of a rough, lumber
ing town, it was a missionary church,
and for years was aided by the Home
Missionary Society of Minnesota In
this way men of more than average
ability we're sent to Princeton. Rev.
John Morley, state superintendent,
was always a great friend of the
Princeton church. What shall I say
of the labors of these faithful men?
Time will not suffice to speak of all,
and to others leave that task. Be it
mine only to mention a few names
and their work.
David Henderson was my friend,
and probably no man, with the excep-
tion of my father, has had the in
fuence over my life that he had, by
his discourses and Christian example.
A graduate of the university of Edin-
burg, he came to Princeton-after sue
cessful pastorates in Gainesville, N.
y, East Saginaw, Mich, and other
places. He was a great preacher, and
could have filled city pulpits had he
cared for city life. One of the great
est lovers of nature, he was one of the
deepest thinkers 1 have ever met, and
could write and preach most beautiful,
scholarly sermons that won him the
praise of all. He went among the sick
carrying comfort and Joy to all,
oftentimes bearing in his hands food
and medicines to those in dire need.
Well do remember when diphtheria
broke out in Blue Hill, in the GAL
braith neighborhood, and this Good
Samaritan walked on several occa-
sions the entire distance, in the coldest
winter weather, carrying food and
medicines in his hands to the hungry
and the sick. In those days, if there
was one thing that Princeton people
feared little more than anything else
on earth, it was case of diphtheria,
for we had no antitoxin to combat the
enemy successfully. On many an oc-
casion like this he evinced practical
Christianity. At his death in 1896
came into possession of his "barrel"
of sermons, and as fast as my means
have allowed, it has been my pleasure
to have them printed and scattered
broadcast in the world. Many of you
have received, from time to time,
copies of these sermons, and they
have been published in different re-
ligious papers, notably at Council
Bluffs, Iowa, and Melrose, Maryland,
generally with the statement that Mr..
Henderson was formerly pastor of
the first Congregational Church of
Princeton, Minnesota. I speak of
thls, 1or you may receive Inquiries
about him from those who read his
sermons. Many such letters have al
ready been received by me. I am
rejoiced that our present pastor, bear
ing the same name, is proving himself
a worthy successor. Another pastor
whom I remember we'll, was Rev.
Gerald Stanley Lee, who was or
dained by this church.
Rev. living, now president of West
ern Reserve university, in Ohio,
preached the ordination sermon. His
pastorate, while not a long one, was
successful, and he has since developed
great talent as a critic, author and
lecturer, and is very we'll known in
the east. He was married few years
ago to Jennette Barbour, an authoress
of note, who has written several popu-
lar novels under the name of "Jen-