A Sixtieth Anniversary

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1908

A Sixtieth Anniversary

SUCH is the uncertainty of life that it is granted to comparatively few couples to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding day, but this privilege has been enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Prescott, of this city, the father and mother of the editor of the REVIEW, familiarly known to many of the readers of this paper as “Father and Mother Prescott.” To unite with them in the observance of the occasion there were gathered twenty children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—a large family circle, including nearly all their immediate descendants and their families. Owing to “Mother Prescott’s” rather feeble condition, it was not deemed advisable to have any general gathering of the friends of the family, or to provide any formal program, but all the members of the family sat down together at the anniversary dinner, after which there were brief informal talks, and a presentation to the worthy couple of a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln, as a souvenir of the occasion, the joint

gift of all present. The presentation was made by Mr. A. L. Prescott, of New York City, the eldest son.

Previous to the dinner a picture of the assembled company (reproduced herewith) was taken in the parlor of the home, constituting a group which it is not easy to duplicate. In the front row are six of the great-grandchildren; seated in the center are Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Prescott; sitting at their right is Mr. A. L. Prescott, of New York City, and at their left their only daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Bristol, with whom they make their home; standing in the rear, beginning at the right, are Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Prescott, of Saco, Maine; Dr. and Mrs. W. D. Tracy (Mrs. Tracy, a granddaughter), of New York City; Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Prescott (father and mother of the great-grandchildren), of Passaic, N. J.; Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Prescott and their son, Lewis W.; and Dr. and Mrs. M. C. Tracy (Mrs. Tracy, a granddaughter), of New York City. It is not often that twenty-two members of the same family are thus brought together.

THE FAMILY GROUP AT THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY

“Father Prescott’s” experience with this advent movement began with the preaching of William Miller previous to the great disappointment of 1844. As the appointed time drew near, he joined with his father in leaving their crops unharvested in view of the expected event, and tasted the bitterness of the disappointment, and bore his share of the ridicule which followed the disappointment. On Dec. 23, 1847, about three years after the passing of the time, he was married to Harriet M., daughter of Jeremiah and Chloe Tripp, of Epsom, N. H., Elder Gorham P. Ramsey, a Freewill Baptist minister, officiating. Later “Father Prescott” was ordained as an Adventist minister, and took a prominent part locally in the promulgation of the advent truth as held by those who were still seeking to readjust the prophetic periods to make them reach until the second advent, but in 1859 he began the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, and afterward embraced all the views taught by the Seventh-day Adventists. In this faith he has maintained a firm confidence until the present time. “Mother Prescott” began the observance of the Bible Sabbath at practically the same time, and thus for nearly fifty years they have walked together in the way of the Lord’s commandments. For many years they have taken a deep interest in the advancement of this message, contributing their means for this purpose as the Lord has prospered them, and have been readers of the REVIEW since they first embraced the Sabbath. Their hope is still bright, and their courage good, looking for the glorious consummation.

The ancestors of “Father and Mother Prescott” were among the early settlers of New England, and their own home was always in New Hampshire and Maine until 1894, when they removed to Battle Creek, Mich. There “Father Prescott” took an active part in pastoral work, and many will remember the profitable seasons enjoyed with him. Soon after the removal of the denominational headquarters to Washington, they came to this city, and have since resided at Takoma Park. Although their health has been rather uncertain for quite a number of years, yet, “Father and Mother Prescott” still enjoy the best things of life—a conscience void of offense toward man or God, the association of many faithful friends, and the comfort of “that blessed hope.” We know that we voice the desire of a goodly number of well-wishers when we express the hope that they may be spared until the dawn of “that crowning day.”