Another Pioneer Laid to Rest by S. B. HORTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 17, 1916

Another Pioneer Laid to Rest

By S. B. HORTON

AUGUSTIN CORNELIUS BOURDEAU was born March 7, 1834, in St. Armand, Quebec, Canada, while his parents were on a visit from their home in Enosburgh, Vt. His father was of French descent, and his mother of French and English extraction; both were born in Canada, but reared in Vermont. In early childhood he evinced a strong inclination to study and work, attending school at four years of age. He was brought up a praying boy, a habit which never left him. At seven years of age he was able to read his Bible, and took pleasure in reading from its sacred pages to the neighbors.

The 1844 movement attracted the attention of his parents, and they attended many of the meetings of the advent people. At twelve years of age Brother Bourdeau was baptized and united with the Baptist Church. He afterward became a promising Baptist minister, laboring for the most part among the French-speaking people. He received a preparation for this work in a three-year course in La Mission de la Grande Ligne in the province of Quebec.

The Sabbath truth was brought to the attention of our brother in 1855, by his brother-in-law, William L. Saxby, who was on a visit from Massachusetts, and who had received the truth from Elder Joseph Bates. At first Elder Bourdeau took issue with the doctrine, writing his views to the REVIEW AND HERALD, which in turn presented incontestable Bible points favoring the seventh-day Sabbath. The next year, 1856, he accepted fully the Bible Sabbath, and began to teach it wherever he went, also writing extensively on the subject. He was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist belief in 1857, at Morristown, Vt., and entered into the work of propagating the message with all his zeal and devotion, being ordained that year.

It was not long before he saw fruit of his labors. His wife, her sister, and their parents, his own parents, and his sister Sophia united with him, besides others in the neighborhood. He organized a church, and from his own means built a meetinghouse on his premises (Bordoville), which soon became the headquarters for Elder and Sister White and other pioneers. He had the privilege of bringing the truth to his brother, the late Elder D. T. Bourdeau, and other relatives. He raised up churches in Vermont and New Hampshire without remuneration, for eight years laboring as a carpenter and joiner to pay expenses, before the tithing plan was adopted and before conference organizations had been effected.

Under his labors the Vermont Conference was organized in 1862, of which he afterward became the president, serving in this capacity for eight years. In 1866 Elder Bourdeau was sent to Iowa to assist in reorganizing the churches in that State, where a rebellious spirit had intruded itself upon the brethren. Success attended this work. After laboring in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri, he returned to Vermont, and succeeded in erecting three additional meetinghouses there. In 1875 he purchased a large tent and a family tent, and took up work in the eastern townships of Quebec, laboring there seven years. During that time he raised up churches, and built a meetinghouse on his own premises, purchased another meetinghouse, and organized the Quebec Conference, becoming its president.

ELDER A. C. BOURDEAU
Born March 7, 1834 and died July 7, 1916 — ELDER A. C. BOURDEAU Born March 7, 1834 and died July 7, 1916

From 1884 to 1888 Elder Bourdeau labored in different parts of Europe,—in Italy, Roumania, Switzerland, and France. While in France, he published a monthly paper devoted to the message, and prepared a pamphlet entitled “Défense de la Vérité,” and other literature on the subject of present truth. In that country he contracted the black typhoid fever, from which he never fully recovered, returning to the States an invalid, but with undaunted courage. After his return to this country he labored in Canada, Vermont, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Dakota.

In his ministry Elder Bourdeau labored with many of the old pioneers. One thing he prized above all was the association with Elder and Sister White and the communications received from the pen of Sister White.

His married life was happy and filled with blessings. Four children survive him: Arthur C. and Mrs. Sarah A. (wife of Elder Rodney S. Owen), both of whom live in Battle Creek; Jessie D., of Detroit; and Mrs. Cornelia M. Chinnock, of Oakland, Cal. All these, except Mrs. Chinnock, with Prof. and Mrs. W. J. Blake, the latter being his granddaughter, were with him in his last hours.

Elder Bourdeau was a man of unusual strength, mentally, physically, and spiritually. His judgment in matters of business was excellent, and his advice was often sought by neighbors, for whose welfare he ever showed unselfish interest. In his responsibilities as president of conferences or as pastor of churches, he ever manifested the grace of kindness in dealing with the erring. Always appreciative and considerate, taking time to be courteous, and exemplifying a burden for souls, he found access to many hearts who today mourn his loss.

Elder Bourdeau had been an active laborer in the vineyard until a few years ago, when from the effects of the fever contracted in Europe, and on account of advancing years, he found it necessary to restrict his energies to pastoral work. About seven years ago he was placed in charge of the Kalamazoo church, where he was appreciated by both members and neighbors. Last fall, accompanied by his helpful companion, he went to Canada, visiting the scenes of his early ministry, and also Mrs. Bourdeau’s relatives. He spoke in several churches, including other communions than his own, with effect. But the strain proved too much for him, and upon his return to Kalamazoo he became confined to his home. In March, a day or two before his eighty-second anniversary, we accompanied our dear brother to Battle Creek, where it was thought he might receive strength through sanitarium treatment; but it was perceived that the end was not far distant. He and Mrs. Bourdeau went to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fitzgerald, where all that was possible was done for his comfort. Many times he was heard to say that life was as sweet to him as ever, and if God’s providence so decreed he should like to live to see the finishing of the work he loved so well, and to which he had dedicated his life.

Brother Bourdeau was fond of singing, and as long as he was strong enough he would chant the advent songs. Two nights before the end came, he sang these stanzas:

“Long for my Saviour I’ve been waiting, Long time have watched by night and day; Feared, lest my faith and hope abating, I should lose courage by the way.

“O it will be but little longer I must these many woes endure! Then let my faith and hope grow stronger; My Father’s promise still is sure.

“Jesus soon is coming; This is my song:— Cheers the heart when joys depart, And foes are pressing strong.”

Before lapsing into unconsciousness, he summoned the family to his bedside, and adjured each to be faithful and meet him in the kingdom. He also bore testimony of his faith and courage in God by such statements as: “The most important thing is, are we right with God?” “I have hold of the anchor, and it reaches within the veil;” “I want Jesus to say to me, This is my beloved son A. C. Bourdeau;” “I want this testimony within me, that I please God; and I ask, O, I ask for no more!”

Having for years been engaged in preparing for the end, it seemed fitting that he should be permitted to close his eyes in death on preparation day; for at six-thirty Friday morning, July 7, at the age of eighty-two years and four months to the day, our brother passed away, and is resting among those of whom it is written, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Thus, a consecrated life, a faithful expounder of truth, a loyal and tried laborer, fell asleep in Jesus, leaving a priceless heritage, for “his works do follow him.”

The funeral services were conducted at the Tabernacle in Battle Creek, on Sabbath afternoon, July 8, at three o’clock, in which participated Elders G. E. Langdon, W. Reefman, R. A. Hart, H. Nicola, and the writer. The services were largely attended.

On Sabbath, July 15, memorial services were held in the church at Kalamazoo, where Elder Bourdeau had served as pastor for several years, his wife, son, daughter, stepdaughter, and granddaughter being in attendance, besides the regular congregation and some of his neighbors. After the reading of the obituary, appropriate remarks were made by many present. S. B. HORTON.