Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1912-09-26
"FATHER" FLYNN.
What a NOnagenarian in the Meth
Odist Ministry Stands For.
(By Henry G. Gilmore.)

Sixty-two years ago there settled
in the now magnificent city of Port
land, from the state of Maine, a
young man in the person of John
Flynn, full of vigor, possessing a
vivid imagination and a settled de-
termination to serve God in his day
and generation in whatever direc.
tions opportunity presented itself.
The difficulties of the itinerary in
Methodism may we'll be imagined
when one is informed that at the
time Father" Flynn reached Port
land it was little better than a. mud
puddle of the first water" and that
our own beautiful and unique city of
Ashland was just emerging from
chaotic state of existence. The early
settlers of Oregon had to confront
ups and downs of life of which we
know nothing, and the hardships and
obstacles in the way of missionary
work at that time were not the least
of them. What Father" Flynn has
not, in days gone by, experienced
and endured in this direction, is
hardly worth reciting. In both evil
and good times he has proven himself
Veritable man of God, and his
soundness of body and alertness of
mind in his next birthday 96th
year presents a remarkable picture
of longevity and usefulness in life
Father" FLYNN accounts for all
this from being we'll and healthily
born and the endeavor, always, to
lead clean and Cody life.
1t was certainly a refreshing spec
IN xxyff l-s
OF Father" Flynn at the Oregon
Methodist conference just closed.
His clear and open countenance and
frequent emphasis of "amen" to the
declarations of inspiring thoughts
and principles in the Christian war
fare of life, was a genuine benedic-
tion to all sitting within hearing dis
tance of his voice.
If Father" Flynn could only have
had the companionship on that front
seat in the Methodist church of Ash
land OF still living and loving wife,
the edifying spectacle of such a scene
would have been enhanced a step
farther.
With pleasantly that did credit
to younger hearts present, Father
Flynn pronounced the benediction at
the opening ceremonies with the an
nouncement of being the youngest
minister present"
Indeed, during his weeks sojourn
in Ashland Father" Flynn lookeh
and acted every inch of it. When
one thinks of the trials and tribula-
tions to which these laborers in the
vineyard have been subjected all
their lives, it seems but poor COM
pensation for all they accomplished
in life to be told. as attendants were
at this convention, that the average
salary of the Methodist ministers in
these United States of ours, was but
a trifle over $500 a year, and that
the superannuated counted them
selves rich if fortunate enough to Sc
cure retiring pension of 5000 q
year.
If spared another four years
Father" Flynn will have reached his
Tooth milestone, and if Methodisn
in Portland and the state at large
knows itself at that period, it will
in no uncertain fashion, see to it tha
this devoted man of God is fifty hon
ored on that occasion
Father" Flynn is a man of broaC
and comprehensive views and readil,
and lovingly recognizes the grea
work done by denominations othe
than his own. We'll done, tho
good and faithful servant" can hon
,, estly and faithfully be said o
Father" Flynn.