Evening star., 1943-05-16
Capital Side|ights
By Will P. Kennedy.

Rev. DR.. John Glendy, a fugitive in
womans earb from his congregation in
Maghera, County Derry, North Ireland,
because he was an ardent Irish patriot,
strongly in sympathy with the great Re-
oelllon IN 1798 and thorn in the flesh
TO the English nobility, finally after hec-
tic experiences reached Norfolk, Va, be-
came close personal friend of President
JEFFERSON and was successfully chaplain
of the House and Senate.
This little-known bit Of history finds
its way into this column because of in
quiries made by President George Wood
burn OF Magee College. Londonderry,
North Ireland, seeking authoritative con-
flrmation of legendary traditions about
this eloquent Scotch PRESBYTERIAN
preacher.
DR.. Glendy was born In Londonderry,
June "a, 1755; educated at the University
OF Glasgow and ordained by the Presby-
terry Of Londonderry. He adhered to his
falth with Cameronian constancy and
was stanch believer in the old fash
Toned theology taught by John Knox.
The little village of Maghera has a not
able history barking back to the golden
age OF Irish civilization. His church
dated back to 1866.
John Glendy became the minister of
this congregation December 26, l778.
He protested against aggressive meas.
ures of the English government, and
there is documentary evidence that he
was in full sympathy with the demands
OF the United Irishmen and the Maghera
National Guards in which Catholics.
Eplscopallans and Presbyterians alike
were enrolled. They asked for equality
OF all creeds in matters political, extern
sion OF the franchise, freedom of trade,
reform of Parliament and a large meas
ure Of national autonomy.
Although there is abundant testimony
that DR.. Glendy took no part in any act
OF actual rebellion of 1893, he was
marked man. He hid for a fortnight in
the Groves, owned by q former parish
loner who was an acknowledged Loyalist
Then he obtained from one Sarah Nc
Quirken some feminine clothing
When he was leaving the Groves he
was recognized and nearly caught. but
fell In with woman who walked two
miles with him to Tobermore He prom
ised her that when he reached America
he would send her a silver spoon-which
he did and it is still preserved by her de-
scendants. He also sent Sarah Nc
she had given him-but she compla ined
plaintively to neighbor my mother
bought COO with it,"
Sailing from Derry in an unseaWorthy
vessel, DR.. Glendy and his wife had to
help at the pumps to keep the old hulk
afloat, but they finally reached Norfolk
in 1899. On the advice of a physician,
the minister supplied" churches in
Staunton and Bethel, Augusta County,
Va. At Staunton he became acquainted
with Jefferson, who liked his preaching,
invited him to Washington and persuad-
ed him to deliver several discourses on
theology before Congress.
The House Journal shows that on De-
cember 4, 1905, the House elected John
Glendy as chaplain and that 10 years
later, on December 13, 1875 the Senate
0lcClCu lllllI lie same
time Q803-1830) he was holding the
pastorate of the Second Presbyterian
Church in Baltimore, which was built
for him. The University of Maryland
conferred on him the degree of doctor of
divinity in 1922. His "Oration in Com
memoration Of Washington" was de-
lvered in StauAton in 1900 and was pub
ushed posthumously in 1885
When ofiiciating as a clergyman or
congressional chaplain. DR.. Glendy wore
a robe. Provision for purchasing one
was made by his church IN Baltimore,
March II, 1905, at the same time that
the congregations first communion set
was purchased. His everyday attire was
like that OF the fine old reverend gen.
tlemen-short breeches and knee buckles,
hair powdered and queued."
Being short of stature, for want of
footstool behind the pulpit, when preach
ing away from home, he placed the large
pulpit Bible on the floor and stood
upon it while preaching his sermon.
Chided for this "disrespect for the Word
OF God" in q solemn manner he replied
that he did not intend to show irrever-
ence, but he had stood upon the Bible
from his earliest year, almost from his
cradle: It was the basis Of all his hopes