Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-09-07
DEATH OF REV. THOMAS
HALL REMOVES A
REMARKABLE MAN
Died at the Age of 33 after
Well-Spenl Life-Was a
Preacher at Age Of 19-
Was Veteran of the Great
Revival in Ireland in 1859


Old Orchard, Aug. 14-Rev.
Thomas Hall, who died at his
home here a few days ago, ov-
er 83 years of age, was a re-
markable man, both in the
scope of his work and the con-
tinued energy which he gave
to it. He was better known in
Vermont, yet many Portland
and vicinity knew him, and he
was always heard with inter-
est in pulpit, minister's assoc
iation and other gatherings.
Socially he was always enjoy
ed and was the best of compa-
ny with friends and acquaint-
ances, even in the surf at Old
Orchard. Many paid tribute to
his life. Impressive burial SER
vices were held Thursday at
Island Pond, VT, where he had
his last pastorate.
Mr.. Hall was born in Ireland
and was ever proud of it, a
strong Protestant, a Congrega-
tionalist, consequently a nom
conformist, very early teeto-
taller; a preacher at 10, school
teacher, singing master, and
student, all in one will give
some little idea of the early en-
ergy and usefulness of this lit
tie ubiquitous glibtongued
Irishman.
The Great Revival
In 1859, the great revival
broke out in Ireland, brought
over from America (Finney's
time,) and Mr.. Hall with other
young preachers helped carry
! on those wonderful meetings.
In the open air and in the
school houses by day and in
the big halls and churches by
night, crowds OF people gather
ed, from two to six thousand
people in an audience, and con
versions were reckoned in hun
dreds daily. There was much
prayer. One night Mr.. Hall as
he entered found the church
perfectly still, apparently en-
pty-but every seat taken, ev-
eryone was on his "knees in
silent prayer"
At another great service he
could not dismiss the people.
He pronounced the benediction
twice, but still they stayed.
Then another speaker and a.
mother till they had closed four
times and it was nearly one o.
clock in the morning.
Before this great revival was
really over, for it lasted years,
Mr.. Hall was chosen pastor OF
the Kings Inn Street Congrega-
tional Church in Dublin. All in
one year, (1866) he was or
dained, installed and married
and began also to study at Duh
lin University, reciting mostly
to the famous blind professor
Hamilton. Mr.. Hall also still
kept on with his evangelistiC
labors, speaking every Sunday
afternoon in the parks anC
preaching many week nights il
neighboring churches. HI
would go into the parks Of
fairs or market days and begil
singing, then as the people ga
thered he would pray and gc
on with the service. He coult
be heard distinctly more thar
half a mile.
After almost a year tn,
young pastor was delighted t,
have twin babies arrive at tn,
Dublin home, yet such was hi
devotion to his work that h,
fulfilled a preaching engage
ment in q suburban church il
about an hour after that grea
event.
Wife a Caradian
Mrs. Hall, nee Martha Buch
anan, was beautiful voun
woman Of Scotch-Irish descent
born in Canada and very fon
Of the new country. The youn
couple hoped some time t
come this way to live, but the
hardly expected a door to ope
so soon. Mr.. Hall was preach
ing one Sunday in 1868 in Lor
don in hehalf Of the DuhIir &