Evening journal., 1912-03-11
NEW NEWS OF YESTERDAY
The Clergyman Who Won
an AenOStiC'S Heart
By Holland

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The Rev. Alexander Clark was at
one time pastor Of one of the largest
Of the Methodist Episcopal Churches
of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, dis
trict. 1t was sometimes called the
"Old Home" The clergyman's infiu-
ence was far-reaching and he gained
a nigh reputation as man who ex-
omplitied in his daily fife the funda-
mental principles of Christianity.
In the early eighties the Rev. Mr.
Clark died in Missouri and his body
was taken TO New Castle, Pennsyl-
vania, where funeral services were
held At the grave brief address was
delivered by Colonel Robert G.. Inger-
soil, and today this address is thought
by many TO be unsurpassed by any Of
lngersolPs writings II breathes the
spirit of kindness, charity and love,
which were the characteristics of the
Rev. Mr. Clark's entire life as a
clergyman. There was some astonish-
ment felt that Colonel Ingersoll,
whose reputation as an agnostic was
nationwide, should have been will
ing to speak at the grave Of a man
who was a devoted Christian minister
1
informed of the circumstances which
led Ingersoll to that open grave.
Some time in the mid-seventies Col
onel Ingersoll delivered an address
in Liberty Hall, Pittsburgh. His repu-
tation as an orator served to bring
before him an audience which fairly
represented the intellectual and social
cultivation of Pittsburgh. The lecture
was listened to with that intent alb
sorption which was always a feature
OF the audiences addressed by Colonel
/ Ingersoll. And none of the listeners
seemed to be more greatly impressed
than did the Rev. Alexander Clark.
After the lecture was finished and
just before Colonel Ingersoll left the
platform Mr.. Clark mounted the plat
form and extended his hand to Col
onel Ingersoll, who cordially received
the greeting.
May / here make a short prayer?"
Mr.. Clark asked.
Certainly" replied Colonel Inger-
soil, not releasing his grasp of the
clergyman's hand
Thus, still holding hands, the
clergyman prayed and Colonel Inger
soil listened in his most courteous
manner.
The prayer was very brief and when
it was ended Colonel Ingersoll again
most cordially, and yet with utmost
dignity and kindness Of manner,
shook hands with the clergyman.
There had been nothing in the prayer
except expression Of kindliest feel
ings and the sentiment of true Chris
tian charity, which is love
Two or three years later Colonel
Ingersoll, who was then in Washing
ton, learned that the Rev. Mr.. Clark
was desperately i'll at Jefferson City,
Missouri
How did he get there?" the Col
onel asked.
He went west, first to Illinois,
shortly after you met him at Pitts
burgh, Colonel, and then he went to
Missouri. lie fell desperately i'll while
/ staying at a hotel and the governor
Of Missouri, who knew him, heard OF
his illness and has had him taken tC
his own home
II must go and see him at once
said Colonel lngersoll He left Wash
mgton at the earliest possible mo.
ment and did not break his journey
until he reached Jefferson City. HC
was received at once in the room oi
the sick, and, as it proved, dying man
and he remained with the clergyman
until his death.
Il will take charge of the body,
said Colonel Ingersoll, when the ques
tion arose and will accompany i
to New Castle, Pa, where he said h'
would like to be buried"
And Colonel lngersoll accompanies
the body Of the Rev. Mr. Clark from
Missouri to New Castle, made all thu
arrangements for the funeral, anC
then. at the grave, paid his tribute t
the memory of a man whom he knew
to be good and whose life had beel
an exemplification of that Charit!
which the Scriptures say is Love
Copyright. 1912, by =. J. Edwards
All rights reserved.)
Tomorrow Mr.. Edwards will tell O
"An Agnostic's Peroration on tn
Hereafter"