The Mankato free press., 1907-01-18
Services in Praise of Rev.
G.. HI. Davis.
HELD At ST JOHNS CHURCH
Eloquent Addresses BY W. A. Funk, S.
B. Wilson and c. N. Andrews
Yesterday Morning.
From MONDAYS Daily.

From Mondays Daily.
Services in memory Of the late DIR.
George III. Davis, former rector, were
held yesterday morning at st. Johns
Episcopal church. There was large at
tendance and the ceremonies were made
impressive by the words in elogium of
the preacher, and citizen, who was held
in such high esteem and so dearly loved
by Mankato people.
The first speaker was Attorney w. A.
Funk, who spoke earnestly and eloquent
ly of the life and services of DR.. Davis.
Among other things, ,Mr.Funk aid:'When
Abner was stricken down by the treach
erous hand of Joab. yonder near the
gates of Hebron, the Great King wept
bitterly,-and said Know We not that
prince and a great man has fallen
this day in Israeli and since this be-
reavement has fallen upon us all, those
words have again and again REQUIRED to
me. DR.. Davis was stricken down at
the hight of his usefulness, in the full
bloom of manhood. The sun of his life
had but little more than passed the
zenith, and the shadows scarcely lay to
the eastward. And today we meet to
pay our respects to his memory. On
this occasion, two facts irrcsistibly force
themselves upon mind and heart. First.
that this is an occasion of utter sad
ness in the light of this great bereave
ment. And second that every recollec-
tion and memory of the past as-con-
nected with his life, are pleasant mem
ories. For DR.. Davis pathway through
life left no bitterness along its borders.
This was a popularity aud grace few
strong natures possess. In ten years
joint membership with the deceased, in
the Social Science club, and later in the
Elks order, (Which | especially represent
today, and on other occasions, | have
seen and heard great deal of DR.. Davis,
and have had opportunity to note the
popularity ! have mentioned; that
while he had firm convictions, and was.
almost uncompromising i'll the express
sion of them, he still retained the love
and respect of even those who differed
from him. More than once /, myself,
occasions only deepened my love for and
admiration of the man.
'What he was as minister, in his
sacred place breaking the bread of life
to his people week by week, from year
to year, you, his people know. What he
was as a citizen in the community, we
all know. | have no sympathy with the
hide bound policy of religion or theology.
that would seggregate the ministry and
to mingle> with the world. | am sure
DR.. Davis had none. And SO he went out
! and mingled with men. He took strong
interest in politics and the affairs of
state, He believed in the duty of good
men to assist in controlling the desti-
nies of nations and communities, and his
voice was ever heard in advocacy of
principles he believed right.
He was model pastor, but did not con-
slider that his social duties should be
r0niined to his church. And SO he united
with fraternal organizations in which he
| eXerted an influence for good that can
not be measured in weak words. When
the commandment was given in the long
ago, to some, to go into all the world
and preach the gospel, it did not mean,
necessarily, the circling of the globe by
the individual for that purpose. But
to preach and teach the world lying
| about us on every hand DR.. Davis re-
| cognized this fact, and daily mingled
with the World ,-and the world was
better. The uncompromising foe
of evil, he was still the friend of sin
ners, and was so recognized by them.
The poor, the needy, the lowly, and even
the sinful had no better friend, and new
er suffered a greater loss than in his
death. This broad and cosmopolitan
Christianity and lberality of his must
have been in the mind of your churches
and organizations to be present this
morning, and join our voices and mingle
our tears with yours
81 was glad to respond to the invita-
n