The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1917-06-18

logic, humor, eoquence and courtesy.
They saw that new star had arisen.
When his time had expired and he
was about to yield the floor, the Mod
orator told him to go on, AT the con-
clusion, his position was sustained by
a vast majority, although thought to
be In collision with previous decis-
ion. DR.. Robert j. Breckenridge said
he never witnessed such an effect In
so short time upon such a body OF
men, in all his experience. His hear
ers were spcll-bound during the de-
right sincerity and earnestness, his
unusual powers of argument and ora
tory, and the sparkling playfulness of
his wit, that he believed they were
ready when he concluded to do any
thing he wished" recall, as a child,
that he was as much beloved as a
pastor as admired for his brillancy
in preaching.
The pastorates of Grundy and Nc
Chung were the most prosperous and
influential of the Churchs History. A
large percentage Of the prominent
families of the community attended
the church, at that time, las could
show by calling the names), than of
any church in the city. Many of
these afterwards became identified
with other congregations. Following
this, Rev W. 7. McClung was pastor
elect for one year. He never was in
stalled. Rev. George w. Coons, a res
ident minister retired on account of
i'll health now supplied the church for
time. Celon II. Rout, afterwards
lifetime pastor at Versailles, KY,
then a Theological student. supplied
in his delightful way, for one summer.
Rev. r. l.. Breek came in September,
1861, serving as pastor-eect until
March, 1865. He did not accept the
invitation to be installed. DR.. Breek
was very attractive man, personally
and socially, and preached very scho-
/ larly and intellectual sermons.
Rev. Jonathan Z. Spilman next
served the church as pastor from the
spring OF 1864 until September, 1867,
when he resigned to serve the Central
, Presbyterian Church formed of those
retiring at that time from this church.
DR.. Spilman was very strong and
thoughtful preacher, acute and saga
cious in the discussion of any subject
His sermons were carefully prepared
and ppnnrallN In1iunrnl
script. He had been like Dr. McClung,
lawyer, for many years and spoke
with the clearness and force of one
trained at the bar He had a rich vein
of humor, too, which made him a
pleasant companion in the social cir
Gle and an underlying depth of feel
ing which he customarily controlled
After serving the Southern Church for
several years, he went to Illinois
where he returned to the church from
which he had retired-as did DR..
Rrcek, his predecessor Dr. Spilman
was fine singer and also a Composer
of Music. The beautiful melody to
Burns Song, Flow gently sweet
Alton" should immortalize him. He
has caught as perfectly as Mendel-
ssohn the Scotch style of Melody. We
come now to the separation of large
number of influential persons from
the church in September, 1867. We
cannot go fully into this matter here.
1t should be remembered, however,
that this did not grow out of active
dissension or contention in the congre-
cation. 1t come about because the
seceders objected to certain actions
of the General Assembly. Those ac-
tons or resolutions were such as are
likely to be passed in such exciting
times, when the very life of the nation
is at stake. They were not more par
tisan or political, than the action of
the Southern General Assembly, which
in its very first session in pastoral
letter to the churches, praised the
Southern people for rallying to the
Southern cause. Reverse the relations
of the parties to the circumstances
and the action would have been about
the same. The members were simply
divided in their conceptions of duty
and the controversy affected much less
their personal and social relations
than might be thought at this distance.
The churches continued by agree
ment to use the building on alternate
Sundays until settlement was af-
fected. The legal title to the prop
erty proved to be in our church A
writing was drawn up between the
parties, our side surrendering to the
other side, the chapel properly. This,
in addition to the $1,000, the one-half
Of the parsonage fund, which | shall
refer to presently.
This was fraternal settlement and
has been respected by both sides. Our
side being confident that the courts
would sustain our title to the prop
erty and believing that the separation
was unnecessary, did not feel like
making further money concessions,
and in fact, hoped all the time that
a reunion might come about.
Rev. George w. Coons again made
himself acceptable as supply until a
regular pastor was secured. Mr.. Coons
was man much honored as preach
err and man. He had suffered for
years from i'll health and some times
gave the impression of austerity, but
those who knew him best, regarded
him most highly. He came of pious
and devoted family. His brother, Rev.
John +. COons, often visited and
preached here. His brother. Charles
b. Coons, one Of the most prominent
business men and largest dealers ever
In our city, was an Elder. He was
much trusted for his piety and much
beloved for his gentle and amiable
manners. Another member OF the
family was Mrs. Samuel l.. Blaine.
leader In the religious life OF the
church and highly regarded ard in
hucntlnl, socially. The children and
ralatiVau nf tbaan lavntad aarvausa If