Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1909-06-29
IN MEMORIAM.
FRANCIS TOMBSTONE MURDOCH.

OAHU Luxe 3 CIuTcus ~DhllSDuTy,
N. c., held Thursday evening,
June "a, 1909, the following
minute was unanimously adopted
With heartfelt sorrow, the ves-
try gives expression to the univer-
sal grief of the Parish on account
of the death of the beloved Rector
of Saint Luke's Church, Francis
tombstone Murdoch. Now that he
has left us, we begin to realize how
entirely the parish and the other
congregations under his charge de-
pended and leaned upon him. His
business capacity was remarkable,
and he left nothing for another to
do that he could do himself.
Thoughtfulness and consideration
for others was his distinct charact-
eristic. He was a man of positive
opinions and convictions, and he
was fearless in expressing them.
His heart WAS as loving and tender
as a child's. He seemed to ba shy
and reserved in his manner and
often absent minded; but he was
easily approached. They who
knew him best loved him most.
Men of every faith and of no faith
frequently consulted him about
matters of conscience and personal
religion andnone who thus sought
his counsel and advice failed to
receive comfort. He was a good
! man and was continually and
quietly going about doing good
We believe he aided in educati',g
and training more boys and young
| men for the ministry and for other
useful vacations than any one now
| living in the State. Not even his
family knew how much he was al
ways doing to help his fellow men.
In rendering aid, he knew no dis
tinction of lace CT creed. Those
of us who were intimately associat-
ed with him knew of many Of his
good deeds; but God alone kno~
the whole extent of them.
His life as a soldier had much
to do in moulding his character.
At the age Of fifteen, on April u,
1861, he enlisted as a private III
Company f of the celebrated
Bethel First North Caroli R~gi-
ment. In February, 1868, III
Charleston, S. c., the rank of
Lieutenant was conferred upon
him for special services rendered
He was q brave Confederate SOL
der and was ~passioately devoted
to the cause of the Confedr racy.
The personal influence he ex-
erted was far greater than appear
ance indicated. No sacrifice was
too great for him to make in be-
half of a friend. He would have
been willing to lay down his life
for his faith in Christ, for his life
was hid with Christ III God.
All who h~abitually listened to
his sermons agree that he was pre-
eminent as a preacher. We doubt
whether the Diocese of North
Carolina ever produced a man
mere gifted or more intellectual.
If he had desired preferment, he
might have attained the highest
honors the Church could give.
lie had many OF the character
istics which would have made him
a great Bishop.
In this Paris and county, aud in
every congregation where he min
istered, he laid foundations broad
and deep. Other men may build
upon these foundations and reap
the fruit of his labors. His life
Was an necessarily busy and &C.
tive Ole, bat not long enough to
enable him to carry out his plans.
He was taken away suddenly, but
we feel sure he was ready Tor the
call.
Francis tombstone Murdoch was
born in Buncombe County, N. C.,s
March 18th, 1876; confirmed. in
Asheville, Sept. Is, 1864; licensed
as ~layreader, Feb. 9Th, 1867; or