A Valued Laborer at Rest by C. M. Snow.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1915

A Valued Laborer at Rest

By C. M. Snow.

THE death of Brother A. J. S. Bourdeau removes from our ranks one of our most efficient, talented, and consecrated workers. The details of the sad accident which caused his death were given in our issue of July 29, and need not be repeated here. We feel it due our readers, however, that further mention be made of Brother Bourdeau and his work, in view of the prominent positions he held in this denomination and the friends he made through his advocacy of the principles of truth, righteousness, and liberty, that meant so much to him.

Brother Bourdeau was born in Burke, Vt., April 29, 1875. He spent seven years in France and Switzerland, acquiring there a mastery of the French language. In 1896 he was graduated from Battle Creek College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and received the degree of Master of Arts from the same college in 1904 for research work in history. From 1896 to 1902 Brother Bourdeau occupied the double position of assistant editor and circulation manager of the REVIEW AND HERALD. In the latter year he was called to the position of secretary and manager of the California Bible House, at Oakland, Cal., occupying this position from 1902 to 1909. In California he was also closely identified with the religious liberty work, holding for some time the position of religious liberty secretary of the California Conference.

In the year 1909 Brother Bourdeau was called to Washington, D. C., to connect with the work here. The work of missionary secretary of the General Conference and of manager of the magazine department of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, occupied his time from 1909 to 1915, which was, without doubt, the most active and strenuous period of his life. During this time he was endeavoring in every way possible to increase the circulation of our magazines, and while engaged in this work was thrown into close personal touch with men of prominence and ability, such as Lieut.-Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Rear-Admiral G. W. Baird, Rev. R. H. McKim, and others. Through these associations the truth in some form has come before many in high places.

In May of the present year Brother Bourdeau was called to the chair of English and Literature in South Lancaster Academy, and was making preparations for removal to that place when the stroke came that ended his labors.

Brother Bourdeau was not one who measured his duty by a specified number of hours’ work a day. He worked far beyond what was required, and was never so happy as when forwarding the circulation of our message-filled literature. He was an enthusiastic and interesting speaker, and has addressed many audiences not of our faith in advocacy of the principles of liberty of worship, freedom of the press, and kindred topics.

In 1898 Brother Bourdeau was married to Miss Alice A. Maynard, of Vermont. Three children were born to them, the eldest of whom, Marguerite, was seriously injured by the same bolt of lightning that caused her father’s death.

Brother Bourdeau’s father, Elder D. T. Bourdeau, was one of the earliest pioneers in this work, and brought many souls to an acceptance of the truth. He was a true and ardent supporter of the cause to the time of his death, and what was true of the father is true also of the son. Brother Bourdeau was a loyal and brave soldier of the cross of Christ, adventurous and aggressive in the cause he loved, a sincere Christian, a patient sufferer under trial, a kind and loving husband and father. His faith and trust in God and in the ultimate triumph of his cause remained unshaken to the moment of his sudden and unexpected death on July 19, 1915. It may be said truly of him that they who knew him most intimately were most sensible of his purity of purpose, and thought most highly of him. We who knew him best realize the great loss the cause has sustained in his death. We feel sure of this, however, that with him all is well.

C. M. Snow.