September 2003 - Tower - Page 13

Historically Speaking

Louise Fox, Historian

We all have birthdays, if we continue to live, and some of us have already arrived at the same age that John Wesley was when he wrote in his dairy on Wednesday, 26, 1783, the following statement:

I preached at Thirsk, Thursday 27, at York, Friday 28. I entered into my 80^th year, but blessed be God, my time is not "labor and sorrow." I find no more pain or bodily infirmities than at five-and-twenty. This I still impute 1.) to the power of God, fitting me for what He calls me to. 2.) to my still traveling four or five thousand miles a year. 3.) to my sleeping night or day, whenever I want it. 4.) to my rising at a set hour. and 5.) to my constant preaching, particularly in the morning.

He would arise early, and often begin preaching at 5 o'clock in the morning. (Can you imagine people gathering to listen to a sermon that early?)

While riding on horseback through the mire, he was sometimes thrown over the horse's head, and the horse also would fall. The two, horse and rider, would get up, as though nothing had happened, and although all muddy and wet, would resume their journey.

Wesley always started his day at 5:00 a.m. He preached an average of twice a day for a total of more than 40,000 sermons. He would tear up all his sermons every seven years so as to start afresh.

Often Wesley would be confronted with howling crowds. On one occasion a young man in a crowd had filled his pockets with rotten eggs to throw at Wesley while he was preaching. Another young man who saw what the man was planning to do, went behind him, clapped his hands on his pockets and mashed all the eggs at once. Wesley said, "In an instant he (the mischief maker) was perfume all over, though it was not as sweet as balsam."

John Wesley died in London in 1791 at the age of 88. As he was dying, surrounded by many friends, he murmured, "God be merciful to me a sinner." He breathed his last breath, uttering, "Best of all, God is with us."

Bereavement Support Committee

Margaret Allen and Walter Thomas, Co-Chairs

No receptions were held during the month of June. Jean McClellan and Janice Morse were standing by, and have helped out at other times.

With Norman Shields Jr. and Ed Peeples in charge of arrangements for July, a reception was held on July 5 for the family of Edward Evans. Approximately 65 guests were served.

Louise Crigger and Gerry Bowden were in charge of arrangements for August. On August 1 a reception was held for the family of Philip Smith. Approximately 175 guests were served. On August 15 a reception was held for the family of Nan Fuller. Approximately 125 guests were served.

Jane Waters and Jerry Dodson will be in charge of arrangements for the month of September.

Our sincere thanks go to all members of the committee for their willingness to serve, and to the members of our congregation and friends who have contributed food and helped in the kitchen. Everyone has been most supportive, as a result we have had plenty of good food and help at all times.

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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.

Last update: August 31, 2003