A Double Tragedy by C. M. Snow

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 29, 1915

A Double Tragedy

By C. M. Snow

On Monday afternoon, July 19, there occurred one of the saddest accidents that has ever taken place at the headquarters of our work. A heavy storm passed over Takoma Park, accompanied by very sharp lightning and heavy thunder. A large and beautiful oak tree, standing in the triangular park between the General Conference and Review Office on one side and the church on the other, was struck by lightning, the bark stripped off in two wide ribbons from the top to the ground, the main stock of the tree deeply scored by the bolt, and long strips of wood were split from the trunk.

When the great cloud had passed over and it was thought safe to do so, a number of persons went over to the tree to obtain a better view of the result of the lightning's work. Among these were Elder A. G. Daniells, Brethren T. E. Bowen, L. A. Hansen, and the writer. They spent several minutes inspecting the tree, and as they were leaving, Brother A. J. S. Bourdeau, his ten-year-old daughter Marguerite, and young Edwin J. Andrews approached the tree. In about one minute from the time the first-named brethren left the tree and while Brother Bourdeau and his two young companions were still there, there came a blinding flash of lightning and a terrific crash of thunder. The lightning had struck the tree again, and these three were smitten to the ground. Brother Bourdeau and Edwin Andrews were killed instantly, and the little girl was temporarily paralyzed and considerably burned. Officials and employees of the two institutions were on the ground immediately, physicians were summoned, and heroic efforts were put forth to resuscitate the victims of the stroke. Brother Bourdeau and Brother Andrews never regained consciousness. The little girl, though rendered helpless for the time being, did not at any time lose consciousness, and seems now in a fair way to complete recovery. Brother Bourdeau leaves a wife, one daughter, and two young sons, an aged mother, and one sister (Dr. Bourdeau-Sisco) to mourn their loss. Many of the readers of the REVIEW will remember Brother Bourdeau as, at one time, one of the assistant editors of this journal. A fuller account of his life and work will be given next week.

Brother Edwin Andrews was a son of Charles M. Andrews, an employee of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, and a grandson of our first foreign missionary, Elder J. N. Andrews. The sympathy of our people, we are sure, will go out to the bereaved relatives of Brother Bourdeau and Brother Andrews, while we express thankfulness to God that no others were numbered among the victims of this sad visitation. Both the victims of this stroke were earnest and consistent Christians; and, so far as men can judge, were ready to meet the record of their lives. We pray that if there be a lesson for this people in this sorrowful occurrence, God will help us to understand it and to order our lives in harmony with its admonition.

C. M. Snow.