17 Chosen as Pastor
17. Chosen as Pastor Autobigraphy - James H. Oliphant
CHAPTER XVII.
I was chosen pastor of Crawfordsville church in 1890, and have served it as pastor since. Elder M. M. Van Cleve was a member up to his death. He was dear, good companion, loving and forbearing. Elder David Bartley was a member here several years, until he moved away and has since died. Elder M. M. Canine has lived here several years. He is a good spirited brother. My wife and I moved our membership here in 1890, and it is still here. Our church is in peace, and we have tried to avoid everything like pride or show. We have gone along here just as we always have. Our deacons are S. B. Luckett, Owen Wilson, Bennett Swain, and Clay Gott, all worthy, good men. We have had a great many deaths in the church, perhaps as many as we have had additions. Our meetings have been good and spiritual all the way. The church has been as liberal to me as I think it should be. Sister Mary Van Cleve left one hundred dollars in her will to me, which I appreciated very much.
I met Brother S. B. Luckett first in 1887, and then in 1890. We moved here, and I have been his pastor since. He has been much help to me in every way, and there has never been one unkind word or act. His aid to me has been valuable. I realize these relations will soon terminate. I often feel discouraged here in this city, but we must not yield to discouragement, but trust in God, and do right. A great many elders have visited us here, among whom are Elders Waters, Dalton, Pitman, Hassell, Bretz, Cayces, Cash, Thompson, Daily and numerous others. All came preaching what I have tried to preach, no discord nor dissension, nor any jealousy that I saw or felt.
I have been pastor at Pimento thirty-four years, and there has never been a vote against me. It is wonderful that fellowship should remain so strong after all our varied experiences together. The deacons are Preston Beauchamp and L. H. Weeks, both are worthy men, and ever kind to me. We have had many deaths there in the thirty-two years, but have had as many or more additions. Almost a generation has died there. Judge Wilburn, of Princeton, has been an attendant at our meeting there for many years; he has been very kind to me, and I hope the Lord will bless him in spiritual comfort. I. N. Kester has been moderator there for over forty years, and has been a true, faithful brother to me. Our hearts were united on our first acquaintance, and we have ever continued in closest fellowship. I should long ago have failed had not the Lord blessed me with friends, true and faithful. The church at Pimento has been kind and liberal to help me keep up my expenses. I have tried to be true to our cause, and our people have generally been true to me. I have felt discouraged at Pimento often, and thought I would quit there, but we have all been together so long, and it is only a little way to the journey’s end, and if they still desire it we may stay together until the warfare ends. Elder M. B. Moffett visited us often there, and a great many elders have visited us and preached to us the same sentiments I have tried to preach.
I have been pastor at Palestine some years. A precious membership meets there, and they have been kind to me in every way. Dan I. Darnell, Dil Michael, and J. P. Christie are the deacons, and they have all been kind and good to me. I have felt discouraged there, but I hope all these churches will be blessed with a revival. Elder E. D. Thomas was a father to me. I knew him as well as any man knew him, and I learned as much from him as from anyone. Also Elders Lemuel Potter, G. M. Thompson, Wm. Rupard, Joel Hume, James Strickland, Benjamin Lampton, Gideon Potter and Elder Waldon; all these men are dead. I labored with and traveled with them and they did much to mold my views. I often think of them and the sweet seasons we have all had together. They were great and good men, above reproach and evil report. I hope to realize in death the things of which they often spoke.