Martin Whitford Trawick
A Tale Of Two Cities The famous Victorian English novelist, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) published many favorite works of literature we still enjoy reading today. Oliver Twist (1838), David Copperfield (1848-50), and A Tail [sic.] of Two Cities were all published in a time of war between France and England. Before his death in 1870, Dickens pinned [sic.] these words in the prologue of A Tail Of Two Cities; "These were the worse of times and these were the best of times." God raised up a extraordinary Church Historian, Mrs. Eva Joor Williams, who compiled and wrote another "tail of two cities." Mrs. Williams wrote about two congregations in the two cities of Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs. Her opening words were, "In the beginning God created--a Church." Her account demonstrates the supernatural bond between the First Presbyterian Church of Hazlehurst and the First Presbyterian Church of Crystal Springs. Our churches were blended with the downfall of the Confederacy in 1865 and the coming of post-Civil War Reconstruction. Our churches shared the Reverend Martin Whitford Trawick who was born of Godly Mississippi stock in 1838. The Rev. Trawick lived in Hazlehurst and for seven years (1865-18 73) ministered with both congregations. The Trawicks moved to New Orleans in 1874 to minister in the Canal Street Presbyterian Church and there died of yellow fever in 1878.
M. W. Trawick, born in MS, 1838 Ruling Elder in Hazlehurst, 1860-1863 Licensed by MS Presbytery, April 3, 1863 Ordained by MS Presbytery, May 15, 1864 Pastored in Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs, 1864-1873 Pastored in Hazlehurst in 1874 Pastored Canal Street Presbyterian Church, 1874-1878 Died (also his wife and child) in 1878 of Yellow Fever
Background of Crystal Springs Presbytery meet in the Methodist Meeting House, April 28, 1865, for the purpose of organizing the First Presbyterian Church of Crystal Springs. Rev. Trawick and RE Julius C. Alford helped receive 9 charter members. Mr. Alford served 34 years until his death at age 90 in 1899. Church property was purchased on October 19, 1868 for $100.00. Cotton was the leading industry for the 800 white residents, and a trip to Hazlehurst took all day. - As was mentioned, Rev. Trawick lived in Hazlehurst and held "missionary services" for the growing Crystal Springs congregation at first in the Baptist or Methodist Meeting Houses. Ms. Meliora Newton, a school teacher, give $5.00 that year to help secure a church building for the Presbyterians.
Later she married Mr. J. W. Thomson. Their son Wilmont became a Deacon and later a Ruling Elder. During the early "building period," the Evangelist, Rev. Samuel Montgomery held "revival meetings" which added many new souls to the congregation. (Sept. 1870). By August 17, 1868 God raised up three Church Officers. RE A. F. Andre (served 42 years), RE J. Marius Newton (served 27 years), and Deacon George H. Appel (served 29 years). May 1, 1870 the new white Presbyterian church-building was completed to be dedicated on May 15, 1870. Simplistic beauty was resplendent as a worshiper entered the double doors into a white plastered sanctuary presenting six long windows on each side. The steeple bell welcomed all to this grand new center for corporate worship. Imported from England was the mahogany furniture. Hand carved mahogany pews were complemented by the communion table and pulpit plus large chairs. A white polished marble table top was set with a cast solid silver communion service. To the side was a Mason-Hamblin foot-pumped Organ. Over the seven years of ministry, Rev. Trawick saw some 71 souls unite with-the Crystal Springs congregation. By 1873 he gave all his efforts to the Hazlehurst congregation only to be called to New Orleans in 1874. He was 40 years old when a yellow fever epidemic took his life and that of his wife and one young child. Orphaned were Corydon, Thomas, Whitford, and baby Annie. RE A. F. Andre took and raised all four children as his own in Crystal Springs, cf. James 1:27. NOTES OF INTEREST When new converts requested baptism by immersion, Rev. Trawick from Scripture convenienced the applicants to be baptized by "effusion" (sprinkling). The RE took seriously their vows and visited regularly their people with "great tenderness." Openly sinful or obstinate drop-outs were counseled, then if there was no change, the same were "dropped from the Church role."
THE
THE REV.MARTIN WHITFORD TRAWICK: GROWING UP.
(As told by T. L. Trawick, Sr.)
The Rev. Martin Whitford Trawick was the first pastor of the Crystal Springs Presbyterian Church, and as such deserves a special place in our honor and loving memory.
He was the only son of Hugh Right Trawick and Julia Whitford. The place of his birth was the small Tillage of Auburn, Mississippi. This village, along with Utica, Cayuga, and others, was named after New York cities of importance by Ozias Osborne, who some time previously had migrated to Hinds county from the state of New York, and had bought immense tracts of land here.
Hugh Right Trawick was a school teacher, a man of high education. He was a native of the old Aahpole Church in Robertson county, North Carolina, coming of a splendid family. He had followed the tide of immigration from North Carolina to the rich swamp lands in Hinds County, Mississippi. He died on his 21st birthday. His widow married a Mr. Harrell. Martin Whitford Trawick was her only son by her first marriage.
The church membership of this family was in the old Lebanon Church, then a considerable wilderness - bad roads and no railroad facilities. This now historical church was built in 1854 on a parcel of ground donated by the Honorable Samuel Noble on April 1st, 1854, this tract comprising forty acres. The preamble of the deed of conveyance reads: "Wherever the Word of God is preached, men are obedient to His will, and there will be an outpouring of HIS HOLY SPIRIT."
The church building began on April 16th, 1854, and was completed on July 16th of the same year. Julia Ann (Trawick) Harrell was one of the charter members. The name "Lebanon" was suggested by her.
April 1855
The first religious meeting in this Lebanon Church was conducted by the Rev. John McCampbell, and the very first one to join the Lebanon Church was Martin Whitford Trawick. This was in April, 1855, Martin being then 17 years old.
Up to this time he had spent his time on his step-father's farm, plowing, hoeing, picking cotton, attending to the stock; and during his spare time learning from his mother who was for those days a finished scholar. It was one day in the cotton field that he heard his call to the Gospel ministry; and from that time every effort of his life was bent towards preparation for the high calling.
In those days there were no ministerial funds to assist young candidates, so Martin was compelled to finance himself. He found his first position with the old Harper's Drug Store in Raymond, Hinds County, Mississippi, and from the proceeds of a very meager salary he bought the books necessary for his higher education. 0ver the drug store, where he slept, by the glimmer of a faint kerosene lamp, without any chimney, Martin pored over his books until the wee small hours of the morning. After completing the "Three R's", he bought more books, borrowed others, and soon became proficient in what we might call these days a high school education, Then he undertook the study of, Latin, Greek, and afterwards Hebrew, desiring to read for himself the Bible in the original tongues. He was a diligent student of the Bible, reading it systematically, time and time again, not only imbibing its fundamental teachings, but learning by rote the very words of the Scriptures, which achievement led in after years to his position as one of the best Bible scholars in the church.
Severing his connection with Harper's Drug Store, he spent some of his time teaching school, a thing which enabled him to devote himself to further study. Then came the Civil War interrupting his scholastic career for a time. He was made a chaplain in Hood's Division and served a while at Murphreesboro, Tennessee.
The record of the Old Lebanon Church states that he was admitted to the Gospel Ministry early in April, 1862, after a most searching examination. Previous to this period, how ever - in fact on November 1st, 1857, the Rev. Alexander Newton, who in 1842 had founded Hampstead Academy in Clinton, Mississippi, was invited by the Lebanon congregation to assist in a protracted meeting conjointly with the Rev. C. M. Atkinson. Martin was present at this meeting and greatly assisted though he had not yet completed his theological training.
Clinton, MS: Hampstead Academy Mississippi College
In reference to this Hampstead Academy, mentioned above, we might say in passing that it was sold to the Baptist denomination in 1850 and afterwards became "Mississippi College", being still in fall operation. Dr. Newton while living in this place called the town "Mount Salus", nor the town of Clinton. Dr. Newton's son, the Rev. Oscar Newton, a man of deep learning, a graduate of Rutgers College, founded the Newton Institute in Crystal Springs and for over half a century maintained there this institution of learning that attracted to it students from far and wide.
Newton Family Influence
The other children of the Rev. Alexander Newton were: Arista ( who adopted the four children of Mr. Trawick after his death and that of his wife); George Newton, Meliora Newton, and Marius Newton. All these exercised a wonderful influence in
the life of Martin Trawick, he frequently consulting them.
Protracted Meeting
The Rev. I. J. Daniels, pastor of Old Lebanon Church, invited the Rev. M. W. Trawick to assist him in a protracted meeting at this church, beginning August 1. 1864. So fervently did Brother Trawick proclaim the Word that the record states that there were 34 accessions to the roll on profession of their faith. One of the biggest assets to Presbyterianism in after years joined the church under the preaching of Brother Trawick. This was Eugene Daniells, who was baptized by him and who subsequently
filled some very prominent pulpits in the South, and was at the time of his death pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Tennessee. Some other communicants received at this Pentecostal meeting were: Amanda Jane Harrell, a half sister of Martin Trawick; Martha Harrell, a sister-in-law; Mary S. Hamilton, afterwards the wife of the Rev. Samuel L. Young, who became a noted evangelist. The records say of this meeting: "Honor, praise, and glory to the Triune God for this abundant outpouring of His Holy spirit." At this same revival, besides the 34 accessions to the Old Lebanon Church, seven others professed their faith in Christ but joined other denominations.
Among the early Presbyterians who migrated from Abbeville District, South Carolina, was the famous McNair family, consisting of twelve brothers and one sister. This large family settled in the neighborhood of Old Lebanon and for a long time were the mainstay of Presbyterianism in Hinds County, Mississippi. Lorenzo Dow McNair was a leading planter of this county and a foremost Calvinist of central Mississippi, as well as a successful business man and a philanthropist as far as his means allowed. His hospitality generosity was outstanding even for that day of generosity and warmth of spirit.
Lorenzo's elder sister, Louisa, did not accompany the rest of the family in their hejira from Abbeville District, but her lover did. This was George Washington Osborne. He was madly in love with Louisa, but she refused to marry a planter. So he, peeved at this rebuff, accompanied, the McNairs to Mississippi, and after settling there he married a Nancy Herring, by whom he had in quick succession three children: John, William, and Josie. His wife Nancy died shortly. During this interval, back in Abbeville, South Carolina, after the departure of George Washington Osborne, Louisa McNair had been wooed and won by a scion of the famous Prince family in Abbeville. She married him and had one child, Sarah Prince. Soon after the birth of little Sarah, Mr. Prince died.
George Washington Osborne, now a widower, heard of the death of Mr. Prince and wrote some very appealing letters, asking Louisa's forgiveness and begging her to change her mind regarding marriage to a planter. Louisa's gentle heart was touched, and she responded satisfactorily.
The only means of traveling in those days of no roads was by ox wagon, blazing a trail as one journeyed. George Washington Osborne made a trip over rough roads, through dense forests, and over almost insurmountable obstacles, consuming six months to go and to return, bringing back with him his bride, Louisa, and her sixteen-year-old daughter Sarah. They came to his extensive and beautiful plantation just on the purlieus of. Lebanon.
Sarah Winkfield Prince
Sarah Winkfield Prince, stepdaughter of George Washington Osborne and daughter of the McNairs, was a vivacious and intelligent young woman. Among the many admirers about her, the most ardent and determined was a certain tall, angular, auburn-haired young preacher, the Reverend Martin W. Trawick. But Sarah was a Methodist. Could a Methodist be the wife of a Presbyterian minister? This matter was easily adjusted. At the earliest moment she along with her mother united with the Presbyterian church, and soon afterwards married the Rev. M. W. Trawick. This union cemented the two branches of the Lebanon Church: that of the McNairs and the family of Brother Trawick, they being separated by the Tallhala Creek.
AS A MINISTER
One of the first official acts of Martin Trawick was that of performing the marriage ceremony of his half-sister, Amanda Jane Harrell, to Mr. George T. Harris, an upright, Christian gentleman. This marriage was an occasion of a large concourse of guests, in fact too large to be accommodated in the spacious mansion. So under the leafy whispering of the beech trees, with lovers' names carved high on their bark, on a steep bluff behind the mansion, just above Indian. Creek, the ceremony was performed. The wedding dinner was a barbecue with viands enough to feed a multitude, for the hospitality of George Harrell and his wife Julia on this occasion as at all times knew no bounds. Those who participated as minister, bride and groom, hosts, and attendants have long ago passed on to their glorious abode in Heaven, leaving behind to their children and their children's children a benediction of saintly and stately lives, and the only physical remains of that festive day is a tumulus of dirt, the sides of the barbecue-pit, which can still be seen under the beech trees just behind the now dismantled house.
Mr. Trawick was employed for a time at Georgetown by his uncle, Dr. Cornelius Trawick, and during this period he often preached to the slaves.
Hazlehurst
His first permanent appointment was at Hazlehurst, Copiah County, Mississippi, where the record shows that he was installed as minister on April 18th, 1862. His task was great. He had to erect a church building, also to cement the small Presbyterian group into a congregation. While this was being done, a church of another denomination was offered for his use. But before long, good executive that he was, the Presbyterians had their own building, & very fine one, much of the material being donated not only by members but also by citizens in general. Everybody helped to erect the walls of Zion.
Crystal Springs
A few years later, on April 28, 1865, Mr. Trawick was one of a commission appointed by Presbytery to organize a church in the neighboring town of Crystal Springs, Mississippi. He was elected to be the first pastor, dividing his Sabbaths between this place and Hazlehurst. He served at Crystal Springs from 1865 to 1873, receiving during that time 70 members into the church membership. During his pastorate a lot was purchased from Mr. Ozias Osborne and Mrs. Emma Osborne for $100, and in 1870 a church building was completed and dedicated to the service of God. This same building stood for fifty-four years, being burned November 9, 1924.
During these years of active service as pastor of two churches Mr. Trawick always devoted his spare time to intensive study, having a room set apart for that purpose. Here he gathered a considerable library, both by purchase and by gift.
Peabody School
Just about this time, the philanthropist, George Peabody, bequeathed to the South many millions for the cause of education, and a large school building was erected in Hazlehurst, called the Peabody School. The trustees of that fund prevailed upon Mr. Trawick to assume the Principalship of this school along with his other activities as pastor at Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs. It is said that he was a strict disciplinarian, and would tolerate no infringement of any rule. The very first day of the session, "in order to try the teacher out", as was customary in these early days, a plot was formed by the older students to appoint a ringleader as a major-mind in disturbance. This cabal appointed J. G., the huskiest of all the pupils. He was a young man about 19 years old, a sometime carpenter and bricklayer, over 6 feet high and weighing about 190 pounds, a brave soul, the hero of many fisticuffs. This vigorous ringleader, just after morning prayers, arose from his seat and in Stentorian voice shouted, "Get out, parson! We don't want you a-teachin' us!" Mr. Trawick, a humble Christian but brave as a lion, walked to the culprit, seized him by the collar, yanked him into the aisle, and inflicted upon him by ruler and by fiat dire punishment, leaving marks and bloodstains on him and on several others who joined in the melee, subduing them all. After this disturbance, order was restored, books were opened, and from that day forward school was conducted with such decorum that the trustees said at the close of that session that never was a school better managed nor did pupils learn more.
On his way home from this first day of school. Mr. Trawick was notified that the father of the would-be ringleader had lodged complaint against him with the mayor for beating up his son and that this parent was waiting for him in the mayor's office. Here were seen the irate father, the son, and in fact the whole family. The mayor, listening to the testimony of the teacher, did an unusual thing and perhaps, according to Blackstone an illegal thing: he sentenced the culprit to pay a fine for disturbing the peace of the school, the fine being the usual five dollars or ten days in jail. Mr. Trawick thereupon reached into his pocket and took a five dollar bill from his wallet. This he handed to the mayor, saying he was going to pay the culprit's fine. The mayor received the five dollars, looked the bill over, and then handed it back to Mr. Trawick. Court was dismissed amidst laughter, handshaking, and general good fellowship. Shortly after this occurrence, young G., who had mended his ways and realized the error of his course, joined the Presbyterian church and became a useful member, leading in the choir. Afterwards the whole G. family joined the Presbyterian church while Mr. Trawick was pastor.
Fine Horses
Mr. Trawick loved fine stock. He always had beautiful, high-spirited horses, the best breed of cattle, chickens, and hogs. it the annual county fair he usually carried off the five dollar gold piece for the best horse, the best cow (which he milked in person), and the best Shanghai rooster, so popular in that day. This kindred spirit with the laboring man made him beloved by all.
Care of Grandma Sisson
An old bed-ridden woman, lovingly called Grandma Sisson, who counted her age at 112 years, was one of Mr. Trawick's special cares. Each morning, rain or shine, he dispatched his son or his ward (Algernon Hammond) to Grandma's rude log cabin a mile or so away from the Trawick home, the boys carrying a generous pail of milk and other comestibles. Grandma Sisson always wanted to kiss all the Trawick children each time they came. Patiently she had lain on her bed for twenty years, the world forgetting and by the world forgotten, but not by Mr. Trawick whose heart overflowed with sympathy for all suffering and needy ones.
The word "Trawick" has never disappeared from the vocabulary of the older persons of either Crystal Springs or of Hazlehurst to this very day. His life was useful and full of godliness, a veritable Nathaniel he was, in whom there was no guile.
NEW ORLEANS
In New Orleans during this period there was an organization of Presbyterians who worshiped in a small building, used both as schoolhouse and as chapel. This was in what was then a poor part of the city, mostly a German settlement.
From this city, in the interests of this group of worshipers there came travelling to Hazlehurst two Presbyterian elders. They came "incognito" to hear Mr. Trawick preach and to inquire from outsiders as to his ability as a pastor. The appearance of these two strangers, city gentlemen evidently, created a stir in the usually quiet church on the Sabbath following their arrival in Hazlehurst. These incognito delegates were so highly pleased with the appearance, the earnestness, and deep spirituality of Mr. Trawick that they soon afterwards made their mission known and presented him with a call to become their pastor in New Orleans.
After prayerfully considering this call, Mr. Trawick accepted. The entire congregation of Hazlehurst besought him with tears not to go, and town citizens held a mass meeting on the subject. But he felt Gods leading him to the southern city, and in the spring of 1874 left to undertake the new work.
Here a great task awaited Mr. Trawick. A church was to be built, a wide parish of poor people to be covered. Here he met a people entirely different from those with whom he had formerly worked, different in customs, in nationality, ideals, and ways of living, a people indifferent as to Sabbath observance. With his usual cautiousness and adaptability he did his work among them so that in a year's time a site was bought for a church building ( at the corner of Canal and Derbigny), a contract was let at a low figure for the erection of a beautiful church building, the cost being estimated at $9,000, a wonderful figure for those days of cheap material and cheap labor.
On the completion of the building, except for the steeple, all but $2,000 was paid. Try as hard as he could, it seemed impossible to raise this amount. Everyone had given all they could; they were bled to the last drop. It seemed humanly impossible to raise the necessary $2,000 deficit. The elders were consulted, the members were notified, the deacons could suggest no way out of the difficulty.
PAUL TULANE
Previous to this time there had been living in New Orleans a philanthropist - Paul Tulane - who. was rated as an infidel (if truly there is such a person as an infidel). Like John McDonogh, in the turn of the last century, he had accumulated millions of dollars in various speculations and purchases of real estate. Subsequently he had moved to New York, after endowing Tulane University.
After carefully meditating over the matter of the church debt, and after much prayer, Mr. Trawick left for New York, no one but his wife knowing of his mission there. He arrived in New York on a Saturday evening ( he would never travel on the Sabbath ). On Sunday morning he presented himself to Dr. John Hall, the pastor of New York's largest Presbyterian Church. Without any previous notice, Doctor Hall invited Mr. Trawick to preach for him that forenoon. He accepted. His theme was "Heaven Is My Home." He deaconed out the hymn, "I'm But a stranger Here, Heaven is my home."
The newspapers the next morning stated: "After graphically painting the glories of Heaven in an earnest, realistic way, Doctor Hall invited the congregation to come forward and give the right hand of fellowship to the young minister from New Orleans."
Early the next morning, before the doors of the office buildings were opened, Mr. Trawick was waiting at the entrance of Paul Tulane's office for the rich man's arrival. He had never seen Paul Tulane before, not even a picture of him, but he recognized him amongst the many . for his benevolent countenance. Following him into his office, Mr. Trawick laid the matter of the church deficit before him in such an appealing way that without a word from the. philanthropist, he drew from his desk drawer his check book and wrote a check for $2,250, the $2,000 to eliminate the debt on the church and the rest for the personal expenses of Mr. Trawick.
Poker Playing
While Mr. Trawick was away from New Orleans, the contractor undertook to do some fancy work in the slating of the church steeple. This contractor was a good poker player. His idea was to cover the four sides of the spire with symbols found in a deck of cards. On one side were the red aces of the hearts; on another, the black aces of spades; on the third side, the red aces of diamonds; and on the fourth the black aces of clubs. Imagine the dismay of Mr. Trawick, when upon returning to his beloved church, he saw perched on the steeple a deck of cards. He immediately summoned the contractor and asked him to remove these poker symbols from the spire. The contractor refused. A court scene followed, and the contractor won in the lower courts. The case finally reached the supreme Court, and this was their decision as found on their reports: "OUR court, we acknowledge, are good poker players, and we are all fond of it; but we unanimously agree that a deck of cards is not suitable for a church steeple,"
Chinese
Mr. Trawick was among the first voices in Louisiana to be raised against the Louisiana State Lottery; Also one of the interests close to his heart was the cause of the Chinese living in the city, lonely and far from their homeland. At this time there were 400 of these foreign people in New Orleans. Mr. Trawick was one of the founders of what is now called the Chinese Mission. An old church in. Gasquet street was secured, and here a school and place of worship was established.
Mr. Trawick was an ideal pastor Rain or shine, he paid semi-monthly visits to each family of his congregation. His members often chided him for risking his health by venturing out in unfavorable weather. He kept a set of books on his visiting and a diary of events. He Officiated at many weddings, both for church members and for outsiders. He was always seen at the bedside of the sick to give aid and comfort and was a frequent visitor to the hospitals, jails, and alms houses of the city. He was called to officiate at funerals not only of the church constituency but also frequently at services held for unbelievers and the hopeless. He preached the funeral of one of the most notorious women that ever disgraced his city, that of Lotta, when every other clergyman refused, saying, "Let her be cast to the dogs."
All his life Mr. Trawick was gifted in the use of tools. He had learned this trade while living on the farm in Hinds County. While he was in New Orleans, a boyhood friend of his - Tom Stanley,- came from Mississippi to the city and was a patient in the Charity Hospital, having typhoid fever. The case was so serious that his life was despaired of. Mr. Trawick visited, him daily, providing for his wants and seeing that he was properly looked after. Finally the worst was over. Convalescence set in. He was very weak and had to learn again to walk. For this he needed a pair of crutches. There were no commercial appliances of this nature at that time in New Orleans. None could be purchased, Mr, Trawick appealed to the firm of McCracken and Blester, of which firm one member (Mr. McCracken) was a member of his church. He asked this firm to have Moses, the foreman of his furniture factory, make a pair of crutches for his friend, Tom Stanley. Moses said that he had never made a pair of crutches and had no pattern and could not do it. But he said, "If you think anybody can make crutches without a pattern, invite him in. Here are the tools, and over there is a pile of good mahogany lumber. Mr. Trawick went over to the pile, chose his wood, and went to work. When he had sanded and varnished the crutches, Moses pronounced it a perfect job.
Sunday
Mr. Trawick so loved the Sabbath that he always rose two hours earlier in order that he might have full time to enjoy the holy day.
Hymns and Music
His favorite song was "I Would Not Live Alway." his wife's favorite was "When Marshalled on the Nightly Plain, the Glittering Hosts Bestud the Sky." Both were good singers, with strong, sweet-toned voices.
Marriage Fees
He always gave his marriage fees to his wife, Sarah or Sally, as he affectionately called her. These fees at that time were usually five dollar gold pieces, and frequently ten or twenty dollar gold pieces, and once a hundred dollars in gold, Sarah put all this carefully away in a strong box for a rainy day.
Being much loved by his congregation and by the public in general, Mr. Trawick and his family were showered with gifts of all sorts - personal apparel of the very finest kind, pounding parties when his larder was filled to overflowing with every kind of eatable, private donations of money, and personal service.
His life was endangered only once during his short ministry in New Orleans. The occasion was a visit to a Presbyterian minister who had become demented. Risking his life to bring cheer to this unfortunate, after a short visit, Mr. Trawick was attacked by the crazed preacher who tried to kill him with a knife. Mr. Trawick was so active, so agile, and so strong that he quickly subdued his demented assailant until help arrived and incarcerated him.
THE YELLOW FEVER OF 1878
There had been no scourge of yellow fever in New Orleans for some years. Then in 1878 there came an epidemic that was very extensive and fatal, beginning early in the summer. The cause of this plague had not been solved at that period. This was before the research conducted by Dr. E. F. Kohnke, who though never receiving the credit for the discovery that this fever was caused by the bite of a certain mosquito, satisfied himself after many experiments that the carrier of the disease was the female stegomya striata or house mosquito. New Orleans in 1878 had no sewerage system nor waterworks. The drainage was accomplished by surface drains filled with filth, grass, and sewage, a perfect nidus for the breeding of the pests that spread yellow fever. Late in the evening it was no uncommon sight to see clouds of striped, long legged mosquitoes swarming over these superficial drains; in fact so many that breathing was at times difficult and occasionally one would swallow a mosquito or two. Besides these open drains, the old style type of cistern employed in the city was a rank breeding place for the stegomya.
Spring of 1878
Early in June in 1878 a new disease began to spread throughout New Orleans, yellow fever in a fatal and wide scattered form. Refugees began to flee to the surrounding rural sections or to the North. Pear was on every side, a panic ensuing.
Evacuate the Family
At this time Mrs. George Washington Osborne, mother of Mrs. Trawick, was visiting in the city with her daughter and family, as was also Mrs. Roblin, daughter of Grandma Sisson mentioned before. A family council was held, and it was decided that Mrs. Osborne and Mrs. Roblin should go back to Mississippi and take with them Mrs. Trawick and the Trawick children.. Mrs. Trawick, however, refused to leave her husband. It was then, decided that the two older boys (Corydon and Tom) would accompany their grandmother; and that Whitford, Annie, and Hugh Right ( a Byronic footed boy less than a year old ) should remain and come later, if necessary.
The Trawicks Refused to Go!
Great pressure was brought to bear upon Mr. Trawick by his fellow ministers and other friends, who felt that he might be particularly susceptible to the fever, being a comparative newcomer. He said, however, "I would rather stay with my people and die than to go away and live. Life is worth nothing if not laid upon the altar of sacrifice."
Day by day the pastor called upon the members of his congregation who were smitten, offering them consolation and prayer, burying them when death came. For some months he seemed immune to the direful pestilence, but early in. October, 1878, he was stricken down with a raging fever. Sally was stricken the same day but not so seriously, and apparently she was recovering until she was told of the hopeless condition of her husband, when she suffered a relapse. Both Mr. Trawick and his wife at the time of their succumbing to the disease were already weakened by grief over the death of their infant son, Hugh Right, who died less than a week before they were stricken down.
Both Died
Mr. Trawick, though of an unusually sound constitution, passed away at 2 o'clock Tuesday evening, Oct. the 8th. 1878. followed by the death of his wife the following morning at 7 o'clock.
Epitaph
The newspaper of that date recites; "One of the saddest episodes of the epidemic is the death of the Rev. M. W. Trawick and his wife. This reverend gentleman has been for several years pastor of the Canal Street Presbyterian Church. He and his amiable wife had drawn around them a large circle of true and loving friends, and the church has grown and prospered under the Rev. Mr. Trawick's ministrations until it ranks second in the city in point of size and membership."
The Funeral
The funeral of the pastor had been announced to take place at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning, but owing to the death of Mrs. Trawick, the service was postponed until 1 o'clock when husband and wife were buried together, from the Canal Street Presbyterian Church. On entering the church an impressive scene was presented. In the aisle immediately in front of the pulpit were two metallic caskets, facsimiles of each other, that containing the remains of the minister on the right of the pulpit and slightly elevated above the casket that contained the remains of his beloved wife. Both caskets were covered with pure white flowers placed by loving hands as the last mark of love for their honored and beloved dead. Every seat in the church was full and even the spacious balcony, which was rarely used, was packed to its fullest capacity. There was not a dry eye in the church, not even those of the officiating clergymen.
Shortly after one o'clock all the Presbyterian clergy of the city ascended the platform, the Rev. Dr. B. M. Palmer in the center, Drs. Markham, Beatty, Smith, Witherspoon, McNair, Wayne, Trieste, and Kelley. Dr. Markham gave out the 641st hymn. Mrs. Kate Broadus, leader of the choir, was so affected with grief that she was unable to continue after singing a few lines. Dr. Palmer read the 14th chapter of the Gospel of John. Some of his remarks were as follows: "In the presence of this double death, human speech is almost profane. We were stunned yesterday when the intelligence reached us that he was dead. An impressive service had been determined for today with this sorrowing church. But when tidings came that SHE who was undivided with him through life was also undivided with him in death - then our reason and almost our faith staggered. We had rather draw our mantle over our head and to weep than to say any words that might be uttered by our lips. The scroll is written on either aide with lamentations, and a widowed church bows down in silent appeal. Comes there no voice that speaks to the heart? Oh, let it fall from the lips of your dead pastor, the last he ever uttered: when just as the cloud was gathering over his mind, and going into the eclipse of darkness itself, he exclaimed, The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." ....... Dr. Palmer continued:
"A lesson taught us by this death is that God asks for a sacrifice from any of us, we must give Him the best, not the lame, the halt, the sick, or the blind. There are in this community many lives that are a burden to themselves, and we wonder why God did not take these to Himself rather than this sainted man and the godly woman - the parents of precious children, and whose lives were still full of service . The answer comes that God does not want the sick and the blind, the lame and the halt. He wants a perfect sacrifice. Thank God that the church will always have martyrs who are willing to lay down their very lives for His service."
This was the tribute paid Mr. Trawick by his fellow-minister. The reference to the parting words of the dying man, the last words he ever uttered, were taken from Psalm 84:11. During the hours preceding this last utterance the minister had been flighty; reason had unslipped the rudder and could no longer direct the bark. At times he thought he was baptizing; at other times he felt he was preaching the word; again he was in prayer for others. A short while before his death, he turned to his nurse and said, "Do you not know that you must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?" To please him, the nurse replied in the affirmative, whereupon Mr, Trawick rejoined, "I do pray God that you may be born again." Later when he was passing through the valley of death", someone at his bedside asked him to give them a life-word from the scriptures. He immediately responded, using the passage Dr. Palmer quoted later at the funeral service: "The Lord God is a sun and a shield, The Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
CHILDREN
I. CORYDON WINKFIELD TRAWICK
Born about 1865. He was 15 when his parents died. At that time the church members said to him, "We will be your parents. Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Andre of Crystal Springs, miss., took him and his two brothers and little sister into their household and reared them all lovingly. The Canal St. Church assisted in his preparation for the Gospel ministry. As he was finishing his course at the Southwestern Presbyterian College at Clarksville, Tenn., the church of which his father had been pastor (Canal Street) extended him a call. After a year of travel in Europe, he was installed pastor of this church, Oct. 23, 1887. He was pastor six years, During his pastorate there, he received 187 members into the church. Many of these were Chinese.
He married first, Louise Nall, daughter of the Rev. Dr. J. H. Nall of Jackson, Tenn., later pastor of Canal St. Church after Mr. Trawick had to relinquish his work on account of extreme ill health. There were no children by this marriage.
He married second, Winifred Paxton of Buena Vista, Virginia. Their children: 1. Martin 2. Whitford 3. Boyd 4. Dorothy (Mrs. Harry Winter)
II. THOMAS LAWRENCE TRAWICK
He married:
1st. Mary Lou Keith.
Their children:
Harold, deceased
Mary Lawrence, deceased
Andre - married 1st. Corinne Blanchard (daughter Gloria, son André Jr.)
2nd. Armantine Blanchard (son, Keith) (Andre's two wives were sisters.) Thomas Lawrence II Has two children: 1. Thomas Lawrence III, 2. Joan Suzanne: Married Willard Roberts Lives in Minden, La. Has four daughters: 1. Lyda 2. Suzanne 3. Elizabeth 4. Anna Helen: Married Frank J. Walshe of New Orleans (No children)
Alice: Married John E. Hevron of New Orleans. Has two children: 1. Daughter - Mary Lou 2. Son - John Ellis, Jr. (Bub)
Professor T. L. Trawick married 2nd. Pauline Meyering of
New Orleans. For years, Professor Trawick was principal of the school
of Crystal Springs, Miss., and is recalled with great esteem.
"Then he went to Bay St. Louis, Ms., and then to New Orleans
where he served many years as Superintendent of the Boys' High school."
III. WHITFORD CHASE Trawick
A dentist of Laurel, Miss. Now deceased (1940) Married Margaret Estelle Maddux, daughter of Margaret Arlone Torrey ( daughter of Margaret Cameron and John of Union Church, Miss.)
One child: Margaret Louise, born Oct. 14, 1906, at Union Church, Miss. Unmarried, a graduate of M. S. C. M.; teacher in Hattiesburg, Miss., where her mother also resides.
IV. ANNIE LOUISE Trawick
Only daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Trawick.
Married Edward Wilson Taylor, long years a successful
editor of the county newspaper of Copiah County.
Mrs. Taylor is a devoted member of the church where her
Father was pastor, Hazlehurst.
One child: Annie Louise Regan Married Has two little daughters and one son
V. HUGH RIGHT TRAWICK
The afflicted son of whom Professor Trawick speaks in his sketch of his father's life.
Died when less than a year old in New Orleans shortly before the death of his parents.
SOURCES OF ABOVE SKETCH:
Professor T. L. Trawick, New Orleans.
Mrs. Annie Louise T. Taylor, Hazlehurst, Miss.
"Presbyterianism in New Orleans"(Dr. Voss)
[Note: The above sketch apparently was composed and typed by T. L. Trawick, himself. The original manuscript was typed on an old typewriter which needed cleaning and which had bent keys which did not strike in the right places. There were many corrections-both by strikeovers and by hand. Many of the paragraph headings were printed on the manuscript by hand (with a pen or pencil). There were also obvious spelling errors. Anyone interested in receiving copies of the copies of the original manuscript may arrange to receive electronic duplicates by contacting the publisher of this WebPage.]
Plaque (Presently located in Canal Street Presbyterian Church)
Section I: Written by Martin Whitford Trawick, (taken from, "100 Years, Canal Street Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, La -- 1847 to 1947, History")
"He was a man of faith and much prayer and ardently desired that this church should be truly a praying church."
Sessional record regarding Rev. N. F. Packard, First Pastor
"At the communion table I covenanted to serve God at any place he should call me to. God showed me that I must consider no place too high and none too low to which He appointed me. My prayer was "0 Lord, let no duty go undone that I can do. If those to whom it properly belongsdo not do it, let me do it." Heman Packard.
"I would rather stay with my people and die, than to go away and live. Life is not worth anything unless laid upon the altar of Christ as a sacrifice to duty."
Rev. M. W. Trawick.
HISTORY OF CANAL STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Chapter I _______
As the congregation of the Canal Street Presbyterian church is now engaged in the erection of a church edifice on the corner of Canal and Derbingy streets in this, city--the writer his been requested to prepare a brief history of this church for publication and for deposit in the Corner Stone, which is expected to be laid in a few days, with appropriate ceremony. It is certainly a peculiar honor and privilege to the present pastor to be permitted to review and record the labors of his predecessors and brethren in the Lord who have toiled for our common Master in connection with this church. It is still more blessed to be allowed to offer this brief history as a testimony of God's covenant faithfulness to a particular congregation of His people. Though trials and vicissitudes have marked the record of His dealings with this church-yet after twenty eight years of an eventful history the church still lives to lift her voice in praise to God, saying, "For He is Good; for His mercy, endureth forever."
ORIGIN
In the fall of A. D., 1836, the "Seamen's Friend Society" sent to this city the Rev. H. Loomis for the purpose of establishing a "Seamen's Bethel." An upper room over a storehouse on the Levee near Esplanade street was obtained for that purpose, where many seamen and others were permitted to hear the Gospel. It is believed that this was the first preaching of the Gospel in English, below Canal street. A few earnest Christian young men organized a Sabbath school at that place and sustained it for four or five years without interruption. After this the "Bethel" was removed "uptown"--but those young men, not wishing to abandon their field and work continued their labors in the Sabbath school by removing to the engine House on Dumaine street. Afterwards they remained to a house on Rampart street, and subsequently a house for their use was built on the corner of Canal and Franklin streets- in which the church was organized. It deserves to be mentioned that one of the young men engaged in the early Sabbath school work that gave birth to this church is now one of her active ruling elders, viz: Dr. C. C. Lyon, who, with Charles Clapp, deceased and A. P. Ozanne, now of Cleveland, Ohio, were the active movers in the enterprise. A valued memento of that early history can now be seen in our chapel in the form of a neat book case made by the hands of Dr. Lyon himself--to whom the writer is indebted for these first items of our history. At the meeting of tile Presbytery of Louisiana held at Plaquemine, on the 17th day of March, A. D., 1847, a committee was appointed to organize a church on Canal street. This Committee consisted of Revs. E. R. Beadle, Jas. Beattie and R. L. Stanton; and ruling elders, John Hume and Charles Gardiner. Accordingly on the 11th day of April, 1847, at 4 o'clock, P. M., the above Committee met in the Canal Street Chapel, and after a sermon by Rev. E. R. Beadle from Psalm 84:1, proceeded to organize the church.
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The following persons were received as members, viz:--Alexander Reid, Mary Meaker, Agnes McLaurin, Matilda Davis, Eunice Hartwell, by letter from First Presbyterian church of New Orleans.
Heman Packard, Eunice Packard; from Congregationalist church, Mass.
Mrs. McLaurin and Mrs. Geo. Watermen were received on profession of their faith. The persons mentioned were then constituted "The Fourth Presbyterian church of the City of New Orleans;" and immediately afterwards Mr. Heman Packard was elected ruling elder and Mr. Alexander Reid, deacon, who were both ordained to their respective offices. It is a matter of some interest to note that the "Canal Street Chapel," the little house in which the church was organized is still extant and apparently in good condition, as it is seen near Canal street on Franklin.
BIRTHPLACE OF 4th PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NOW KNOWN AS CANAL STREET PRESBYTEIRIAN CHURCH Canal and Franklin Streets
And it is still more interesting to note that two members of the original nine are still living in connection with the church--able still to attend upon her services and do active work in her cause. These two Persons are Mrs. Mary Meaker and Miss Matilda Dean, now Mrs. Miller. On the following November--another member whose service is still available to the church was added in the Person of the present Mrs. Kells--then Miss Sarah Packard.
It is also worthy of additional notice that Rev. Jas. Beattie, one of the original Committee of Presbytery to organize the church, still lives in this city--and from time to time
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during these 21 years has rendered much valuable service to this congregation. During intervals when there was no pastor, he has statedly supplied the church with preaching, moderated their sessional and congregational meetings, and rendered other favors for which the church will ever hold him in grateful remembrance.
The first communion of the Lord's Supper was held by this church on the sixth day of June, 1847, being administered by Rev. Dr. Scott who was then pastor of the First Church.
During the spring and summer of that year the congregation was served by Rev. Noah F. Packard, whose brief ministry was terminated by death from yellow-fever on September 3rd, 1847. The Sessional record states that "He was a man of faith and much prayer and ardently desired that this church should be truly a praying church. His death is deeply felt and mourned by the church."
As a manifestation of the deep sorrow felt in his loss the congregation met in special prayer for the Lord's sustaining and sanctifying grace, in their behalf. This death of their first minister was the first great trial the church was called to suffer, and with the record of this event, we close this first article.
Chapter II
After the death of Rev. Mr. Packard, their first minister, the church remained vacant until March 1st, 1848, a period of six months; during which time the pulpit was occasionally supplied by Revs. Messrs. Twitchel, Beadle and Beattie.
On March 1, 1848, a unanimous call was made for the pastoral services of Rev. Henry G. Blinn, a licentiate, who came to this city from Madisonville. The call was signed by twenty-three names and on the following November was renewed with the stipulation of a double increase of salary.
There is no record that Rev. Blinn was regularly ordained and installed pastor-though his ministry covered the period of fourteen months. It appears that his labors were interrupted by the overflow of this portion of the city in the summer of 1849. About this time he removed to Jamestown, New York, and in the list of ministers of the Northern Presbyterian Church for 1873, his name appears as being located at Cambridge, New York.
After the removal of Mr. Blinn, the congregation was regularly supplied by Rev. B. Wayne, who is the present incumbent of the pulpit of Napoleon Avenue church of this city. At that time Mr. Wayne was a licentiate, and entered upon his labors with this church in July, 1849. His services were continued for eight months, at the expiration of which time, on March 24th, 1850, he was regularly ordained by the Presbytery of Louisiana in session at Beulah Plains.
After this the pulpit was vacant for two months; being supplied a few Sabbaths of that time by Rev. Messrs. Smith and Lecky, of whose subsequent history we have no information. Subsequently, for a few months the congregation was statedly served by Rev. Robt. Campbell, who removed hence to Madisonville, and several years afterwards was one of the first settlers of Hazelhurst, Miss.
After a short residence at the latter place, he was translated to his home above. The writer cannot refrain adding, that the excellent wife of Mr. Campbell, after his death, assumed the control of the large and prosperous school of which he had charge, and by her efficient labors and influence did much to lay the foundation of the Hazlelhurst Presbyterian Church.
The records of Session from 1850 to 1853 are very meager; there having been only a few meetings during that time, moderated by Revs. N. G. North, Nathan Harned and A. Campbell.
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It is ascertained, however, that during twelve months of this time the church was favored with the regular ministry of Rev. N. G. North, who removed to Charlestown, Va., and whose residence in 1873 was Mt. Holly, Ark.
It is proper here to pause in the current of these changing events and note the fact that the effort to maintain the existence of the church during these years was a constant struggle.Up to 1854, there had been but few additions to our number, and at this time great discouragements stood in our way. Indeed it was thought better by some to abandon the enter-prise altogether; and in all human probality this would have been done had it not been forthe strong faith and self-sacrificing devotion of Mr. Herman Packard, who was at that timethe only ruling elder, and of whom it will afford Us great pleasure to speak hereafter.
It is also proper to state that in the midst of the difficulties of that period, the church was counselled by Dr. Scott "to hold on" and hope for a better day.
And soon a better day dawned. On the 20th of November,' 1853, Rev. Wm. Mc-Connell, a licentiate and a graduate of Dr. Cooke's College, Belfast, began to minister to the congregation. On March 12, 1854, a congregational meeting was held, moderated by Rev. I. J. Henderson and Mr. H. McConnell was unanimously elected pastor. On the 16th of April following he was ordained and installed.
A private journal affords the information that the attendance of the congregation began to increase with Mr. McConnell's ministry. The Sessional records show an increase of thirty-one persons to the roll of members during the first year of his pastoral charge.
On June 27, 1855, Messrs. Jas. R. Young and R. E. Viall were elected ruling elders. The latter was chosen clerk of Session-which office had been filled by Mr. Packard, hitherto the only ruling elder. Mr. Viall was called away by death from yellow-fever, September 12, 1855, only a few weeks afterwards.
The name of John D. Henderson, who was received from the Natchez church, January 6, 1856, appears also as. a member of Session under date of September 6, of the same year. About the same time also Mr. A. McVicar was elected and installed deacon.
Nothing remains of any special interest to note in connection with the pastoral work of Mr. McConnell, except that additions continued to be regularly made to the church up to the close of his ministry in November, 1857.
In 1855, twenty-four were added mostly on profession of faith. In 1856, there were only 6, but in 1857, there were twice that number of additions.
On account of the feeble health of his wife Mr. McConnell, was constrained to ask for a dissolution of the pastoral relation which was granted and his useful ministry closed in the winter of 1857. He removed to Houma, La., and is now laboring in the Master's vineyard in Canada.
Chapter III
Immediately after the close of Rev. Mr. McConnell's ministry, Rev. Gaylord L. More entered upon his labors with this church, reaching the city November 4, 1857; and on the second Sabbath following began to preach. Shortly after this, January 12, 1858, occurred the death of Mr. Heman Packard. To him more than to any other man, under God, this church owes her existence and perpetuity through the early years of her struggling history. A writer in "The American Messenger" says: "The Fourth Presbyterian Church of New Orleans is regarded as among the memorials of his faith, patience and perseverance. His life, crowned by useful labors, shows what can be accomplished by faithful consecration even by a confirmed invalid."
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He was a native of Bridge-water, Mass., and of Puritan descent. He early became a subject of deep religious impressions, which finally resulted in an entire consecration of himself to Christ. He says "At the communion table I covenanted to serve God at any place he should call me to. God showed me that I must consider no place too high and none too low to which He appointed me. My prayer was "0 Lord, let no duty go undone that I can do. If those to whom it properly belongs do not do it, let me do it." 'These words give us an index to his whole heart and life -is afterwards revealed.
In 1838 he came on a mission of good to this city. His heart was moved by the spiritual destitution of the Flatboatmen and Raftsmen that came down the river, For four
HOME OF 4th PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FROM 1860 TO 1872
S. Liberty and Gasquet Streets
years he labored at his own expense in the good work of distributing books and tracts among that class of persons. In 1842 he was appointed by the American Tract Society as colporteur of this city. Next the agency of the S. W. Bible Society and of the American S. S. Union and of the Presbyterian Board of Publication all came into his hands. To these great duties
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he devoted his whole heart, and said: "To God, who of his grace chose me to this work, be all the praise."
His characteristic, devotion, was also laid upon God's altar ill the service of this church of which at the beginning and for nearly eight years afterwards he was the only ruling elder. Amid the most trying discouragements he believed that a place of worship was greatly needed in this part of the city-and by prayer, and faith and most self-denying labor, he spent his all in efforts to meet that necessity.
He lived to see the prospects of the church somewhat brighter and to realize that his labor had not been in vain in the Lord. On his death, resolutions of respect were passed by the Session, and Board of Trustees, and as a memorial of high regard in which he was heldby the congregation, a pew in the New Church on Gasquet street was afterwards presented to his family.
When Mr. More began his work, it was first thought best to build a brick house of worship on the corner of Canal and Franklin streets at a cost of $9,000. Two lots had already been purchased at a cost of $6,000, fronting 53 feet on Canal and 114- feet on Franklin, and also a third lot fronting 28 feet on Franklin and 75 feet deep.
A debt of $6,000, made it necessary to sell the lots on Canal street, which was done for the sum of $9,000, and suitable lots were purchased on the corner of Liberty and Gasquet streets, for the sum of $4,200. A contract was then made with Messrs. Jamison & McIntosh to erect the large and elegant brick edifice at that location for the sum of $29,000.
On Sabbath, May 6, 1860, the basement of the church was entered and a precious communion service was held. On Sabbath, November 4, 1860, the very church was dedicated. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. More from Is. xi: 9. Prayer was offered by Dr. S. Woodbridge and an address was made by Dr. B. M. Palmer, after which a collection was taken up in behalf of the church. This was just three years after Mr. More entered the city. The congregation then began to increase and the Sabbath school grew to be very large. In 1863, the Sabbath school had 600 names on its rolls, with an average attendance of about400. For a part of the time Mr. G. W. Kidd, now of Houston, Texas, had charge of the Sunday School.
In 1862, Gen. Butler ordered the citizens of New Orleans to take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
On September 26, of that year, Mr. More was personally required to comply with this order which he declined to do, but promised obedience to the laws and constitution of the United States as long as he lived under the same. He was then ordered before Gen. Butler and was prohibited from exercising his ministerial office and was silenced until Gen. Butler was superceded by Gen. Banks.
During this time all the services were conducted by Mr. Jno. D. Henderson, one of the ruling elders. He read sermons to the congregation, conducted their worship and super-intended the Sabbath school.
In the person and work of Mr. Henderson this church was also greatly blessed. He was a man of self-denying spirit, and unostentatious but munificent liberality. He was indeed peculiarly qualified for that position, and his name is still held as a precious memorial of his work.
After the city was blockaded Mr. Henderson published a Sabbath school paper called" Our Paper" printed by Mr. J. P. Wilson. The paper was very popular; Mr. Henderson left the city and returned to Natchez in 1863. When Gen. Banks assumed command, Mr. More was allowed to resume his duties. Every day he was with the sick, wounded and dying U. S. Soldiers and attended many of their funerals.
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On Sabbath, May 10, 1863, while preaching, an officer came to his house and left an order for Mr. More and family to leave the city for the Confederate lines within five days. They were only allowed to take their wearing apparel and ten days' provisions. Under a flag of truce, in company with Mr. M. Greenwood and others from this city Mr. More was sent with his family to Pascagoula. He went thence to Fort Gaines, Ga., and supplied the church at that place two years. He returned to New Orleans, November 4, 1865, and continued his labors until June, 1868.
At the commencement of his charge the roll of members was 55, when he left in exile in 1863 there were 107 members, when he returned in November 1865, there were 75 members; and when he finally left, June 4, 1868, there were 107 members on the roll. On December 9, 1866, Messrs. J. P. Wilson, Joel Murray and Francis Cook were elected ruling elders and installed the following Sabbath. Mr. Murray was appointed Clerk of Session, January 3, 1867.
Mr. More's ministry was one of peculiar labors and trials. His name in the congregation is still pleasantly remembered; and we are happy to add, that being compelled in 1868, to seek a more northern climate on account of his health-he is still living and laboring as a minister of Christ in the city of Wilmington, Delaware.
Chapter IV
It ought to have been mentioned in our last, that after the exile of Rev. Mr. More, the services of the church were conducted for eight months by Dr. J. S. Copes, a ruling elder of this city-who also, during a second absence of Mr. More, was similarly engaged. Through his agencv the church property was held, and by his influence in procuring co-laborers, the organization was prevented from what might otherwise have been its dissolution.
The record shows that at a sessional meeting held June 5, 1868, ruling elder, J. A. Maybin of First church, was also invited to conduct the morning service.It ought also to be mentioned that in 1865, while Mr. More was absent, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Wm. H. Cooke, from Baltimore, whose labors were highly appreciated, and who, had it not been for Mr. More's purpose to return to the city, would have been called as pastor.
Six months after the close of Mr. More's ministry, the congregation made a regular call for the pastoral services of Rev. A. F. Dickson of Orangsburg, S. C.
The call was accepted, and he entered upon his labor? in the beginning of the year 1869. His name first appears as Mod. of Session, January 7th, 1869. On June 6, follow-ing Messrs. Thos. Carew, N.. S. Curtis and Oscar Gentin were elected to the office of Deacon. And on the 26th of the following September, Dr. C. C. Lyon, was elected and installed ruling elder-having been previously ordained to that office. For sixteen months the name of Dr. Lyon appears as the only ruling elder in the congregation.
On July 16, 1871, Messrs. W. R. Lyman, A. H. White and W. T. Brown were elected unanimously to the office of ruling elder-the two former having been received by letter from the First church. They were installed July 30, 1871-and Mr. Brown, September 24, following.
On the removal of Mr. Joel Murray by letter to the Lafayette church-who had long been a ruling elder, the Session passed in his favor resolution? of esteem. Mr. Lyman was appointed clerk of Session, August 4, 1871, which office had been filled for some time by the pastor.
Mr. Dickson's pastoral charge continued until December 3rd, 1871, when he tendered his resignation, which was caused doubtless by the heavy financial pressure under which the
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church was then laboring. During his ministry and for sonic time previously the congrega- tion was largely assisted by members of the First church-who also most generously assumed in our favor, a heavy responsibility in meeting pecuniary claims on the church building.
The records show that the ministry of Mr. Dickson was a successful one. During the three years of his labors, there were fifty-six additions to the roll; forty-two of whom were on profession of faith. His "visiting book," which is casually in the writers' hands, also exhibits commendable diligence as a pastor. He was called to the First Presbyterian church, Wilmington, N. C.
After his departure all the regular services were maintained by the elders by which the congregation was held together and they were enabled to discharge a considerable debt which remained to be paid.
In January, 1872, a correspondence was opened with Rev. Dr. Howe of Columbia, inviting a young man from the seminary to visit this church. Mr. W. S. Thompson, of the senior class was recommended and the invitation was extended to him to supply the church for six months, which was declined. Attention was then turned to Mr. 'I'. C. Johnson of the same class in the same seminary-who, on March 13, 1872, accepted the invitation to become the stated Supply of the church for six months--beginning with first Sabbath of June, thereafter.
Before that time arrived, it was deemed expedient by the trustees to sell the property on the corner of Liberty and Gasquet streets.
Accordingly on May 12, 1872, "the older church" in which the congregation had worshipped for twelve years, passed into other hands, for the sum of twenty thousand dollars. An eligible site was then purchased at the corner of Canal and Derbigny streets-and arrangements soon made for the erection of a suitable lecture room on the rear of the lot.
In the meantime the temporary use of a chapel was secured on the corner of Rampart and Bienville streets, in which Mr. Johnson began his ministry. May 26, 1872. On the following Sabbath however, the service was held in a temporary shed on our church lot, and on July 14th, the congregation entered the new chapel-yet unfinished.
On October 16, 1872, by overture to Presbytery the name of the church was changed from "the Fourth Presbyterian Church" to the "Canal Street Presbyterian Church." At the same date Dr. George Bairnsfather and Mr. John Stewart were elected deacons.
At the expiration of the six months for which Mr. Johnson was engaged-the invitation was renewed to him to continue as stated supply for the same period, which was accepted. On the 22nd of February following, however, he tendered his resignation and the pulpit became vacant.
During the short ministry of Mr. Johnson the roll of members was increased by fifteen names added on profession and nine by letter. A correspondence was immediately begun with Rev. Wm. M. McEIwee of Kentucky which led him to visit the church March 9, 1873, and which resulted on the 6th of the following month, in his reception of a formal call to become pastor. After some consideration the call was declined and Mr. McElwee left the 29th day of June. The congregation published in his behalf resolutions of his regard.
Rev. Mr. Beattie was then engaged to supply the pulpit statedly for the Sabbath morning service, and the regular weekly prayer meeting and Sabbath evening services were conducted by the elders. In this way for more than six month? the uninterrupted worship of the sanctuary was maintained until the present pastor was called from the church of Hazelhurst, Miss., who began his ministry the first Sabbath of March, 1874, and was installed the 26th of the following month.
-- 14 -- A contract has been made with Mr. P. R. Middlemiss to erect a neat and substantial frame edifice, at the corner of Canal and Derbigny streets-which when completed will cost about the sum of ten thousand dollars, The work of building is now in progress and the house is expected to be ready for use by the 1st of September next.
The writer will simply add that from the date of its organization there have been re-ceived into this church three hundred and forty-nine members-two hundred and twenty nine having been added on profession. The present membership numbers one hundred and fifty-five.
HOME OF CANAL STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
FROM 1872 TO 1926
Canal and Derbigny Streets
(Note-The above is a reprint of a history written by Rev M. W, Trawick and originally deposited in the Cornerstone of the building at Canal and Derbigny Sts., and now redeposited in the Cornerstone of the new church at Canal and Hennessy Sts.)
[The following section was written about M.W. Trawick by his replacement]
|
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
REVEREND C. S. SHOLL, D. D.
From April 13, 1875 to January 1st, 1928
Note:--The dates to which this his- tory applies should be kept in mind.
I
The laying of the corner stone of the new building, to which event the church was looking forward when Reverend M. W. Trawick wrote his part of this history, took place on April 13, 1875. One of the principal features of the occasion was an eloquent address by Reverend R. Q. Mallard, long one of the distinguished Presbyterian divines of New Orleans. Among those present and still in our midst were Miss Amelia Miller, now our oldest member in length of membership and Mr. William Frantx, now our senior elder, but then an elder in the Second German Presbyterian Church.
On Sunday, October 24th of the same year, the new building having been completed,was solemnly dedicated to God. A service of dedication proper was held at 11 o'clock A.M.The dedicatory prayer was offered, and also the dedicatory sermon was preached, by thePastor, Reverend Mr. Trawick. That afternoon at 3:30 o'clock another service was conducted in which many members of the other Presbyterian churches of the city were presentto congratulate and rejoice with the members of this church over the completion and dedication of their new house of worship. In this service the sermon was preached by Dr. B. M.Palmer, of the First Church, on "The Fullness of the Blessing of the Gospel of Christ."
The next few years were good ones with the church. Martin W. Trawick was a rare man, a loyal servant of Christ, a wise and sympathetic pastor, and an earnest and able Preacher. He had been greatly beloved bv the Presbyterian Church at Hazelhurst, Mississippi, which had reluctantly, yet generously, released him that he might come to what seemed a larger field of usefulness presented by this church. Here also he loved and was beloved.
In April of 1877, Mr. William Frantz was elected and installed as an elder. This past spring marked the fiftieth anniversary of his continuous service of our church in this capacity.
The narrative submitted to the New Orleans Presbytery at its meeting in the spring of1878 reported the condition of the church as furnishing "abundant cause for sincere gratitude and praise to God." But sad days were ahead. During the summer and fall of 1878, New Orleans was visited by one of the most terrible epidemics of yellow fever in all its history. Mr. Trawick, realizing the special personal risk to himself involved, remained with his flock in their time of sore adversity. Of his course in so doing he wrote: "I would rather stay with my people and die, than to go away and live. Life is not worth anything unless laid upon the altar of Christ as a sacrifice to duty." His fidelity cost him his life. He made the supreme sacrifice in fact as well as ill spirit. Both he and his beloved wife died of yellow fever on the same day, October 8, 1878. Their mortal bodies were laid to rest in a plot in beautiful Metairie Cemetery, provided by a loving and stricken congregation. Later, a memorial tablet bearing the honored name of its martyr pastor, and his words of Christ-like devotion quoted above, was placed in the church with the building of which he had had so much to do.
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