The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1912-05-17
ROBERT c. CHURCH
PRESIDENT Of BANK
ANSWERS SUMMONS
LEADING FlNANCIER DIES Al
MOST WITHOUT WARNING
AT HIS HOME.
WAS SICK ONLY A SHORT time

Gle of Friends His Death Comes as
"a Great Shock to the Entire Com.
munity.-His successful career. -.
Robert G SChurch, for many years
President of the Maury National
Bank of Columbia, and one of the
leading fnanciers of Middle Tennes-
see. died suddenly at his residence
on West Seventh street shortly be-
fole noon today. Mr.. Church was
taken quite i'll on Sunday evening
and fears were entertained for his
recovery during Monday, but this
morning most encouraging reports
came from his bedside and the an.
noupcement of his death just about
noon wGs a great shock to the COM
muIity.
Mr. church died from heart fail
ure. While he had complained for
several days that ne did not feel
we'll, no serious fears were felt by
tho family or physicians until Sun
day. night and Monday. He rested
we'll ON Monday night and early this
morning the friends took additional
hope and expressed the belief that
the crisis had been passed. With.
out warning came the simple an
no1ncement from the residence that
he had entered into eternal rest.
There were few paen who had a
larger personal acquaintance than
Mr.. church. He knew nearly every
body iii the county. He had large
personal following and his advice on
money Affairs was sought by IN ever
mere asing number of people. Gen.
lal, whole souled, accommodating
MIR. Church made a warm place for
nimsnli in the affections of the pea
PIC VI tAe 'SouAty. IlC was uuiNcir
sally trusted and his opinion upon
business affairs was eagerly sought
and highly priced.
Mr.. Church was conservative by
nature. He thought always before
he a,ted. hut cnce his mind was
made up and he reached a conclus-
ION he was not easily changed. He
was man of very decided convic-
tions, firm and determined although
never unduly aggressive nor did he
ever seek to thrust his opinions upon
Others. He was rather modest and
retiring in his disposition and shrank
from publicity.
Mr., Church was born in Maury
county sixty-five years ago and spent
his early years at Santa Fee where he
was a most successful merchant.
Twenty years ago he came to Co!um.
bia 20 accept the appointment as re-
ceiver Of the Columbia Banking
Company which had failed during
the panic of that time. He soon
demonstrated his business ability
and bis knowledge of the right prin-
ciples Of banking. His administra-
ton of the failed bank was highly
credi:able and proved to be the
beginning of his long and highly
succe ssful carer as banker. The
people had confidence in his ability
and faith in his integrity and during
ali his long service in positions of
high filar ciai responsibility he never
c,d one single act to indica.e t'.tt
their confidence had been misplaced
OF to shake their faith.
Shortly after Mr.. Church came to
Columbia he joined the movement
for the organization of the Maury
National Bank. He was one of the
moving factors in the enterprise and
when the hank commenced business
the following year he was elected
vice president a position that he held
for several years when he was prom
oted to the presidency, an Office that
he filed at the time of his death.
The late banker was charitable
and hospitable. No one ever went
10 him in behalf of a good cause and
cane away empty handed. He pos
sessed riches, but he loved to use
them for a good cause. He was rev.
er an Office hunter but he always
took that interest in public affairs
whlcn is demanded of every good
citizen. He was always aligned
with the moral side of every political
issue Ano he was ever ready to
contribute of his substance for the
advancement of any good cause, NOR
al, POLITICAL, religious or financial
He was good citizen, a conscient-
ious and capable banker, and humble
Christian, a devoted husband and q
gvod father. He was a true friend,