Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1915-04-08

Christian admonitions." Thus she,
though dead, still speaks, though
resting from her labors, her works
follow her.
Another member of this church
who has long since gone to his rest
was Mr.. James Harrison. OF him
DR.. Cowan writes: Mr.. Harrison,
Is years before his death publicly
confessed Christ and Joined the
Presbyterian church at Benton City.
He became one of the happiest of
Christians, taking the little church to
his heart and working for its pros
perity. He was made a ruling elder
within a year after he united, and
to the end of his life did his work
lovingly and well.
Another, not a member, by his
wise counsel and encouragement
contributed not a little to the cree
ton of the house of worship. DR..
w. w. Robertson, minister, evangel-
list, pioneer, organizer, and builder
of churches, friend of struggling con-
gregations, giving them untiring
service, with or without pay,
preached for Benton City one year,
and owing to his zeal many of the
difficulties, imagined and real, were
overcome. When some objected to
borrowing money the good Doctor
by one word removed the objection,
saying, that he would not give much
for man who could not carry a
small debt for awhile; when it was
thought by some that the school
house was good enough for a place
of worship, he insisted that as every
family needed a home in which to
work out its destiny so it was with
church. Besides his business
sense he possessed faith in the peo-
pie and they perceiving this,
yielded to his suggestions, and the
house was built.
The house was built and finished,
but with balance still unpaid, yet
it was dedicated clear of all incum-
brance. And thereby hangs a tale:
An entire stranger in these parts,
Mr.. j. B. Graham, of Baltimore,
Md, happened in Mexico and pur-,
chased a ticket on the Chicago and
Alton. By accident he took Wa
bash train and was advised by the
conductor to get off at Benton City
and return to Mexico. This he did,
but while waiting at Benton for his
train he fell into conversation with
Mr.. Charles Gray and from him
learned the condition of things in
the church. His sympathies were
aroused and he inquired particu-
larly as to the indebtedness resting
on the church. Mr.. Gray could not
tell the exact amount, but agreed, at
his request, to write and give the
desired information. The stran-
ger giving his card boarded the train
and departed. as the day of dedi-
cation approached, Mr.. Gray, learn
ing from r. H. Brown, treasurer of
the building committee, the amount
of the debt (but not divulging his
purpose to anyone) wrote to Mr..
Graham and received in a few days
a draft for the exact amount which
arrived on the day of the dedication
and when the people were assem-
bled in their new house of worship,
Mr.. Gray sprang his surprise upon
them and there was great rejoicing.
The stranger from that day has been
regarded as one of the principal
helpers in the enterprise and held in
remembrance by greatful people.
The event was looked upon as fav-
orable omen and gave them conf
dence for the future. The writer re-
lated this incident to one who was
not clear on the subject of special
providence and he admitted that it
was at least a striking illustration
of the doctrine, if not proof,-pro-
vided the story could be verified.
The story can be verified by the tes-
timony of a dozen living witnesses.
The progress of this church is by
no means alone due to these leaders
just mentioned. In reality not only
has Benton had first class leaders,
but also the leaders have had first
class followers. In fact the church
as a whole has always given un-
stinted devotion and loyalty to its
pastors and Session and under the
blessing of the good God this &C
counts for her prosperity.
This dedication took place in
1884, 81 years ago. Meanwhile
the building becoming too small and
unsuited for the needs of a growing
congregation, in 1918 II was decided
to remodel It, This has been done
with the result that the congrega-
tion has now one of the prettiest and