Obituary | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 44.

Obituary.

CHURCH.—Died near St. Helena, Cal., Nov. 9, 1884, of a gunshot wound, George E. Church, aged 26 years and nearly eight months.

The accident which caused the death of Brother Church happened as follows: In company with a neighboring young man, he was hunting. Standing on a rock about three feet high, he discharged one barrel of his gun at a flock of quails. Sending the young man to secure the game, he proceeded to reload the empty barrel. While turning in the charge, the breech of the gun slipped from the rock. At the same time the hammer of the gun struck the edge of the rock, the muzzle fell against Brother Church's body. He received the entire charge of the previously loaded barrel in the lower part of the abdomen, ranging upward. He immediately jumped down from the rock, calling to his companion that he was shot. Upon the suggestion that perhaps it was only a flesh wound, Brother Church replied, "I know that I am dying, but I am not afraid to die." He then exhorted the young man to study the Bible and be prepared in case he should be called away as suddenly as he himself was going. He lived but an hour and a half after the accident.

Brother Church's religious experience was of eleven years' standing. The united testimony of his brethren and neighbors is, that during that time, his was a consistent life. He attended the Healdsburg College last year in view of fitting himself to labor in the Master's cause. He also expected to attend the Biblical course at the College this winter. In the premature death of Brother Church, the father and brothers mourn the loss of an affectionate relative, while the church loses a faithful and beloved member. A discourse was delivered by the writer in the Seventh-day Adventist house of worship at St. Helena, on the 11th inst., to a large and sympathizing congregation, from 1 Sam. 20:3 (last clause), after which an unusually long train of carriages followed his remains to the cemetery. We trust his end is peace. J. O. CORLISS.

RENFRO.—Died, Nov. 2, 1884, of pneumonia, at Dayton, Nevada, Sister Mary H. Renfro, of Sacramento, Cal., aged 46 years, 11 months, and 22 days.

Sister Renfro embraced the faith of Seventh-day Adventists during the tent-meeting held in Sacramento, in the summer of 1877. She was one of those persons we sometimes meet, who seem to be waiting for the Third Angel's Message. The company brought out at that time passed through some trials, and some of them seemed to love the world and self more than they loved God; but through all these changes and trials, Sister Renfro has always been found among those who desired to keep "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Her Christian hope sustained her in her personal trials and burdens, of which she seemed to have her full share. We believe her life will have its influence for good among those who knew her. She will be missed for a little season, and then will, we believe, come forth, at the call of the blessed Master, to a life of peace and joy. A husband and nine children mourn her loss. W. M. HEALEY.

BRYANT.—Died, Nov. 6, 1884, of paralysis of the brain, Alexander Bryant, of San Francisco, Cal., a native of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He had been a member of the Presbyterian Church, but through the influence of his wife he accepted the Third Angel's Message, and was laid away in hope of the first resurrection. Funeral services were held at the S. D. Adventist Church in San Francisco, Nov. 9, by Elder A. T. Jones. ANDREW BRORSEN.

GAMBLE.—Died at her mother's residence near Belvidere, Boone Co., Ill., Sept. 17, 1884, our beloved sister, Fannie Gamble, aged 29 years. Sister Gamble obtained her first impressions of the truth some six years ago in Nebraska. She was then Fanny Lawrence. On returning to her home in Illinois, she took her stand with the people of God, and the purpose of her life since then has been to honor God and advance his cause. She was esteemed and beloved by all who knew her. The church at Belvidere has sustained a great loss in her death. She has been gradually failing for the past two years, as she died of slow consumption. But as she neared the dark portals of the grave, her faith and hope grew stronger and brighter. She was fully resigned to the will of the Master, and rejoiced in the hope of immortality so soon to be given through Christ. Her husband, an aged mother, three brothers, and a little daughter, are left to mourn their loss. Their loss is her gain. She rests secure. May all these dear ones so live as to meet her in the glorious resurrection morn. The writer spoke to a large congregation of sympathizing friends and neighbors on the occasion of her funeral, from 1 Thess. 4:18. R. F. ANDREWS.