Chapter V: Nonconformist Places of Worship (2)

At the opening of this chapel, on March 28, 1822, the Rev. George Waterbourne, of Dewsbury, preached in the morning, and the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, of Hull, in the evening. On Thursday, May 9th, following, seven persons formally announced themselves to be a church on Independent principles, viz., William Barton and his daughter Mary, John Jackson and Elizabeth his wife, William Parker (Solicitor), Mary Ball and Rebecca Brown. The Rev. John Pain was duly ordained to the ministry on May 10, those officiating on the occasion being the Rev. W. Harris, LL.D., Theological Tutor of the Hoxton Academy, the Rev. B. Byron of Lincoln, and Rev. J. Gilbert of Hull. In July of that year three members were added to the church, in 1823 eight more were enrolled, in 1824 three more, and in 1825 six joined.

During this year a vestry was built at the back of the chapel; in May of the same year a Sunday School was commenced, which at the end of the year numbered 60 scholars; and the congregation gradually grew, year by year, until Mr. Pain died in 1844 (April 11). He was much beloved, and had brought into the fold about 150 members. He was interred in the chapel yard, a large stone on the west side marking his grave, while a tablet on the south wall, at the east end of the interior of the chapel bears this inscription, "Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Pain, who was ordained Pastor over this church and congregation, Anno Domini 1821. As a minister he was talented, zealous and useful, his chief desire being to bring men unto God. As a man he was amiable and affectionate, his private life bearing testimony to the truth of those counsels he publicly taught. He departed this life April 11th, 1844, aged 44 years." The inscription on the tombstone is a long one, in verse, to which is added an epitaph to "Esther, Relict of the above," who "died in London, Feb. 1, 1868, aged 64. With Christ."

Of all the ministers of this chapel Mr. Pain was probably the most valued, and his memory is still cherished. We may add that he was born in Gloucester, a descendant, on his mother's side, of the old and honourable family of the D'Oyleys, whose seat is at Adderbury, Oxfordshire. His father was many years Pastor of the Independent Church of Forest Green, Gloucestershire, his mother being daughter of a Church of England clergyman. An engraving of him is still preserved, framed, in the vestry of the chapel.

Mr. Pain was succeeded in the ministry of the chapel by the Rev. J. Kelsey in 1844; he died in Adelaide, South Australia; and from 1845 to 1848 the Rev. W C. Fisher held the post. The Rev. Samuel Gladstone succeeded him, and officiated from 1848 to 1853. He afterwards went to Sleaford.

The Rev. J. G. Roberts was Minister from 1853 to 1856. He married a daughter of the late Mr. T. Meredith; there being a tablet to the memory of the latter, on the west side of the south wall of the chapel, with this inscription, "In affectionate remembrance of Mr. Thomas Meredith, who departed this life July 30, 1858, aged 66 years. As for me I will behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness."

The Rev. Thomas Betty succeeded in 1857, and held office till 1863, when his health broke down; his last entry in the books was written on Feb. 19, 1863, "God bless them all, church and congregation, Amen." He returned and died at Knottingley, March 26, 1865. During his ministry a debt of 75 pounds on the chapel was paid off, and in 1859 a minister's house was purchased for 250 pounds, and some 30 pounds spent in repairs, the money being raised by a bazaar.

The Rev. Thomas Lord followed in 1863, and ministered till 1866. He succeeded in paying off the debt on the British School, and on leaving the town was presented with a handsome timepiece by the Committee of the School. He had as a youth attended the chapel of Dr. Doddridge (already named) in Northampton, but left there in 1834. His first pastorate had been at Wollaston, from 1834 to 1845; then removing to Brigstock, where he ministered from 1845 until his transfer to Horncastle in 1863. {82}

He was succeeded by the Rev. J. E. Whitehead, from 1867 to 1871. During his ministry several improvements were effected in the interior of the chapel, including the erection of a commodious platform; oak furniture and elegant fittings being added, and the seats of the choir re-arranged.

The Rev. W. Rose followed from 1872 to 1878. He had been stationed at Portsea, but visited Horncastle in July, 1872, to preach for Home Missions, and was afterwards invited to undertake the ministry here. Being a native of Boston, and having resided for some time in Spilsby, he was glad to return to his native county, and commenced his ministry in January, 1873. During his pastorate the old seats in the body of the chapel were removed, and modern open benches substituted. In 1874 a plot of land was offered by the late Mr. W. A. Rayson for new school premises. Mr. Rose and the late Mr. J. E. Ward, as Treasurer and Secretary, took up the matter, and the present schools were erected on the south of the chapel. On the ground floor is a spacious room, 39-ft. long by 24-ft. wide; there is a vestry for the minister, an infant classroom, and a kitchen with convenient arrangements for tea meetings; above are six large classrooms for boys and girls. These were opened April 29, 1875; among the contributors being Mr. Samuel Morley of London, at one time President of the Society, and Sir Titus Salt, who both, with Mr. W. A. Rayson, gave 50 pounds each.

After Mr. Rose's retirement both he and Mrs. Rose still continued to take a kindly interest in matters connected with the chapel. She was a member of a highly respectable family in the neighbourhood, being a daughter of Mr. Searby of Wainfleet. Her health, however, was latterly precarious, and she died May 16, 1879, her husband dying Dec. 10, in the same year. They were both interred at Spilsby. Mr. Rose was highly esteemed among all denominations; was on cordial terms of intimacy with the Rev. Arthur Scrivenor, then Vicar of Horncastle; and, among other duties, he acted on a committee at Woodhall Spa, in connection with a Cottage Hospital for the poor, in which he took great interest, and which was carried on by the writer of these pages, then Vicar of Woodhall Spa.

Mr. Rose was succeeded by the Rev. W. T. Poole, of Paulers' Pury, Northants; a former Scripture Reader at Reading, who ministered here from 1878 to 1880, when he was transferred to Bracknall, Berks. He was followed by a Nottingham student, the Rev. W. Archer, from 1881 to 1885. Then came the Rev. J. H. Dingle, of Ruskington, near Sleaford, from 1885 to 1886, when he left for a charge at Patricroft, near Manchester. During his pastorate a very successful Bazaar was held in November, 1886, from the proceeds of which the manse was further improved, and the chapel again renovated, with decorations from the designs of Mr. C. H. Stevens.

Then followed an interval of two years, during which the chapel was served by students of the college at Nottingham. In 1888 the Rev. G. Luckett succeeded, coming from Long Sutton, and held office till Sept., 1893, when he was transferred to Curry Rivell, Somerset. An interval here again occurred, during which Mr. J. T. Whitehead and other Nottingham students took the duties, Mr. Whitehead afterwards accepting a pastorate in Lancashire.

In January, 1894, the Rev. Sidney Benjamin Dixon began his ministry, which he continued till December, 1897, when he was transferred to Tetsworth, Oxfordshire. For more than a year Nottingham students again performed the duties; and in November, 1899, the Rev. John Pogson, B.D., entered on his ministry, which he continued until 1905, when he was transferred to Whitworth, near Rochdale. Early in 1907 (Feb. 13) the Rev. J. H. Dingle, who had held the office in 1886, was re-appointed, having served, as above, 12 years at Patricroft, and afterwards at Newmarket and Sheffield.

There is one more tablet in the chapel, which we have not mentioned; it is on the west wall, "In affectionate remembrance of Jane, the beloved wife of William Wood, who died May 12, 1853, aged 48 years. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Mr. Wood was a draper in the High Street, and a pillar of the church; he afterwards removed to Southampton, and died there.

We have only to add that there are a considerable number of tombstones, with inscriptions, in the chapel yard, but burials ceased to take place there by Act of Parliament in 1855. Marriages are here solemnized. The Services are morning and evening on Sunday, with sermon in the evening of Thursday. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavour Meeting on Tuesday at 8 p.m. A Ladies' Sewing Meeting on the first Wednesday of every month, and choir practice on Friday evening at 8, there being a good American organ.

For the above details I am largely indebted to the notes "On the Wong," of the late Mr. W. Pacey, supplemented by the _History of England_, in seven volumes, of the Rev. H. Walter, B.D., F.R.S., Professor in the East India College, Hertford, Chaplain to the Duke of Northumberland, &c., &c.

THE BAPTIST CHAPEL.

This is the oldest nonconformist building in Horncastle. It is generally supposed that there was a still earlier chapel, situated near what is called the Bow Bridge, which spans the southern branch of the canal, between Cagthorpe and St. Mary's Square, but we have no definite proof of this beyond a vague tradition.

The Baptist community date their origin from the time of the Commonwealth. The earliest person of note connected with this religious body being John Bunyon, author of _The Pilgrim's Progress_, {84a} who espoused the cause of the Parliament against Charles I. He first preached in Bedford, where he was a tinker by trade, in the year 1655, visiting various other parts of the country in succeeding years, until he died, August 31st, 1688, and was buried in Bunhill Fields.

An old document shows that at a meeting held at Bedford, in the spring of 1655, over which he presided, it was decided to send one of the members, "Mr. Brown to Horncastle, in Lincolnshire, to a few persons of the belief, seeking help to guide them in forming a society." Before the "Toleration Act" was passed in 1689, nonconformist places of worship were not allowed to exist within five miles of a market town. {84b} In Asterby, about six miles from Horncastle, there is a Baptist chapel, locally reputed {84c} to be the oldest in the kingdom. At Coningsby is a Baptist Chapel, with a school, dating from nearly the same period, with an endowment of 26 acres of land. The Baptists of Horncastle mostly, in those days, worshipped at Asterby. At Donington-on-Bain there is also a very ancient chapel, where the Baptists of Louth worshipped. The two chapels of Asterby and Donington have a joint endowment of 20 pounds a year, and are now affiliated to Northgate Chapel in Louth.

The Foundation Deed of the Chapel in Horncastle is dated Sept. 19, 1767; and the names of the founders are given as William Bromley, Vicars Keal, Hamlet Dabney, William Taylor, William Storr, William Dawson, Thos. Hollingshed, Charles Bonner, George Gunnis, James Coates, John Blow, and William Tenant.

The Chapel was originally a structure of one story, having its entrance in the centre of the north wall, and the pulpit opposite. Until the early part of the 19th century it had no baptistry, immersion being performed in the water-mill pit, {84d} in the north of the town.

Considerable structural alterations were made in the year 1843, when the walls were heightened and upper windows inserted; a gallery was erected at the east end; the north door was bricked up, and the present entrance at the east end opened; the pulpit being removed to the west end, facing the door. A further enlargement was made by a small vestry on the west being added, thus providing sitting accommodation for 250 worshippers.

On the north side of the building is a graveyard, but only three inscriptions are legible, they are "Mary Markwell, died March 28th, 1776, aged 29. Prepare to meet thy God." This was, doubtless, one of the earliest interments. The second is "In memory of Thomas Lamb, who departed this life June 7th, 1811, aged 82.

Here rests that lately animated clod,
Who self despised, and glorified his God;
And when that great decisive day shall come,
He'll rise triumphant from the silent tomb.

Also of Frances, his wife, who departed this life April 2nd, 1810, aged 79. He was a watchmaker. The third is as follows: "Sacred to the memory of Eliza, daughter of William Parker, Solicitor, and Elizabeth, his wife, who died 1st April, 1835, aged 20 years. Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." Mr. Parker occupied part of the premises now forming the shop and residence of Mr. Bryant, shoemaker, in the High Street.

There is little doubt that the house adjoining the chapel, on the north west, was once the minister's residence. On the stairs leading to the present rostrum there is still a doorway, which evidently led to the house. There is a stone tablet over this door, and in 1892 an exact copy of this was made, and placed on the north wall. The inscription reads "John Hill, departed this life Oct. 16th, 1779, aged 48, Pastor of this Church 13 years."

There are some tablets on the wall within, but the Rev. F. Samuels, who was Pastor when the Chapel was renovated, about 1882, unfortunately allowed the inscriptions to be obliterated.

It is interesting to know that the Mint Lane Baptist Chapel, at Lincoln, was founded in 1767, by worshippers at Horncastle. {85a} Curiously it was not till 1892 that the Horncastle Chapel was "registered" as a place of worship, the omission being only then discovered, when application was made for a licence to solemnize marriages.

In 1893 the Chapel was thoroughly restored, at a cost of 80 pounds; the interior being modernised, the walls painted, the old high pews removed and replaced by neat seats, the old box-shaped pulpit taken down, and a rostrum and platform erected. There is a good organ, with special seats for the choir.

We may add that the Baptists are now a very numerous and influential body. At the Baptist World Conference, held at Exeter Hall, London, July 10 and following days, 1905, the first ever held as an united community, Dr. Maclaren of Manchester presiding, a message was received from the King and Queen, thanking for a loyal address from the Conference. The President also stated that he had informally received a greeting of good will from the Established Church, as well as from the Free Churches.

On that occasion ministers and delegates attended from various parts of Great Britain and the Colonies, from America, France, and other countries. A meeting was held under "The Reformer's Tree," in Hyde Park, Miss Burroughs, a coloured lady, being on the platform, also Mr. Britto, a coloured vocalist, and the singing being led by a coloured choir. The President, Dr. Clifford of London, stated that there were present 4,000 delegates, from all parts of the world, representing some seven millions of Baptists, {85b} and 5,700,000 communicants; but besides these there are 14 or 15 millions of "adherents" to the cause, so that the whole body numbers over 20 millions.

The Rev. W. E. Pearson was appointed August, 1905, but left in Feb., 1907, to pursue his studies at college.

THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.

The Croft Street Chapel, or New Jerusalem Church, is both structurally and intellectually, the most recent developement of Nonconformity in Horncastle. The founder of this community was a personality so remarkable that it may be well here to give a brief sketch of him.

Emanuel Swedenborg, son of a Lutheran bishop, was born at Stockholm, in 1689. During more than the first half of his life he was distinguished as a hard worker in the field of science, and from his many clever inventions, and valuable public services, he was ennobled by his sovereign. But in the year 1743, after a serious illness, accompanied by brain fever, the result of excessive mental labour, he threw up all work of this kind, declaring that he had received a "call" from the Lord, who manifested Himself to him, by personal appearance, and commissioned him to devote further life and strength to holier purposes.

Being a man of strong will, albeit, not improbably, with a touch (as was thought by several) of mental aberration, the result of his illness, he threw himself, with characteristic energy, into the work of religious proselytism, in support of the special views with which he was now inspired. He became a kind of religious clairvoyant, living an ecstatic existence in communion with angels and spirits. He printed accounts of various "Arcana," as he termed them; visions granted to him of heaven and hell; the state after death, the true worship of God, the inner spiritual sense of the scriptures; and so forth. He held spiritual intercourse with the dwellers in other planets, conversing with Apostles, with Luther, Calvin, Melancthon, &c. "Things hidden since the days of Job (he declared) were revealed to himself."

Followers gradually gathered round him, inspired by his own enthusiasm. He visited England frequently; and before his death, in London, A.D. 1772, he had established congregations in England, Ireland, Wales, France, Holland, Sweden, Russia, and even in Turkey and America. It is said that several Anglican clergy adopted his views, though still retaining charges in their own church.

The special tenets of the sect, which he founded, seem to have been, that, while believing in one God, they held that He was the Christ; that Christ always existed in human form, but not in human soul; and that in His Person there was a real Trinity; that the bible was to be understood in a spiritual sense, which was first revealed to Swedenborg. Their ritual, which was based on that of the Anglican Church, included a splendid priesthood and an elaborate ceremonial.

Swedenborg's very numerous writings included a number of mystic works, especially connected with what he called the "Spiritual Influx," which was not limited to locality but pervaded everywhere. Translations of all his works have been issued by the Swedenborg Society, located at No. 1, Bloomsbury Street, London, W.C., and at Horncastle they may be borrowed from the New Church Free Library in Croft Street. The Horncastle branch has also its own monthly magazine, _The New Church Advocate_.

The following is a brief account of the Society's origin and progress, in Horncastle, from particulars furnished to the present writer, by the esteemed minister, Rev. R. Mayes, in 1903 (the second year of his ministry), and by Mr. Edwin Townell, who has been secretary for a quarter of a century. The Society was inaugurated on August 9, 1869, when Messrs. Bogg, Moore, Hall, Cook, Austin, and Bellamy, met at the house of Mr. E. J. Moore, 19, Queen Street; Mr. Moore being appointed Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Bogg and Mr. Hall Trustees, and Mr. Bogg nominated as first Leader. Mr. Cook offered the use of a room in his house, rent free, and the first service was held on the following day, Sunday, the 10th of the same month.

As Mr. Bogg resided at Benniworth, nine miles from Horncastle, he could not undertake a service every Sunday; and, at first there was only an evening meeting, weather permitting.

[Picture: The New Jerusalem Church]

There was a good deal of opposition for a time, especially from the Congregationalists, under their minister, Mr. J. E. Whitehead; this, however, served rather to increase the general interest in the new movement, and the evening congregations grew in numbers. The first tea meeting (which ultimately became an established monthly institution) was held March 14, 1870, in a room in the alley named "Tinker's Entry," there being then 14 members on the roll; when addresses were given by Mr. J. S. Bogg, Chairman; and by Messrs. Cook, Moore, T. Wemyss Bogg, and others.

In May of the same year Mr. Richard Gunton, of the Lincolnshire New Church Association, visited them, followed by Rev. John Hyde in October, Mr. Gunton coming again in December of the same year. We may here observe that this connection with Mr. Richard Gunton became, as will be hereafter shewn, a most valuable asset in the Society's favour, in more ways than one. He took up his residence in London, first in Oseney Crescent, Camden Road, N.W., and afterwards in Tufnell Park Road, N., but he never lost his interest in the Horncastle branch; visiting the town year after year, to preach or give lectures, in the Corn Exchange, on behalf of the Society. His last visit was in October, 1896; his death occurring on the 5th of the December following, after (as was fitly stated) "40 years of faithful service as Superintendent Missionary," as well as having been Treasurer of the New Church Conference.

In 1871 Mr. Moore left Horncastle, the room in Tinker's Entry was given up, and the meetings were held in the house of Mr. W. Hall, where a library was also opened for the members. Subsequently, with a view to the erection of a suitable place of worship, Mr. Hall bought a piece of land in Croft Street and presented it to the Society, the project being also warmly supported by Mr. R. Gunton. A subscription list was opened, plans and estimates obtained, and the foundation stone of a fabric was laid, Sep. 16, 1872. The appeal for support concluded with these words: "This will be the first house of worship constructed in the County of Lincoln, for the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only God." This was signed by W. Hall, Treasurer, and Edwin Dawson, Secretary.

The Chapel was opened Jan. 29, 1873, being dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Bayley, Minister of the Chapel in Argyle Square, London; who had given a series of lectures in aid of the Society four years before (November, 1869) in the Corn Exchange; and, after the dedication, he again gave addresses, which were continued by Revs. P. Ramage, R. Storry, C. H. Wilkins, Mr. R. Gunton, and others, usually morning and evening.

We will now describe the Croft Street fabric, opened under these favourable auspices. It consists of a square oblong, standing north and south, 40-ft. by 20-ft.; the architect was Mr. Gosling of London, the builder Mr. Chas. Blyton of Horncastle, the material being red and white brick. There is accommodation for 150 persons; the cost of the structure was 350 pounds. The fittings, which had formerly belonged to a chapel in Cross Street, Hatton Gardens, London, were presented by Mr. William Pickstone. At the south end there is an apsidal recess with three lancet windows, the central one having coloured glass, with the figure of the Good Shepherd and an inscription at the bottom stating that it was "Presented by J. W Fishleigh and Fanny his wife, in memoriam, Feb., 1901," being in memory of their only daughter, who died in London, the mother having been brought up in this connection.

Within this apse there is a platform, with polished oak rail in front, resting on carved pillars. On this is a Reading Desk and Communion Table. The carpet and communion cushion were presented by the late Mr. T. Tapling, carpet manufacturer, of London, who was a native of Lincolnshire. In the centre of the apse is a carved oak chair, having the monogram I.H.S., which was given by Mr. C. Blyton. In front, standing on the Chapel floor, is a harmonium by Alexandre & Sons, of Paris; it is a fine instrument, having four sets of vibrators and 14 stops. It was obtained partly at the cost of the congregation, and partly by a donation of the late Mr. John Jobson, from Mr. Thomas Gunton (son of Mr. Richard Gunton of London), who resided at Bunnyfield House, Hatfield Park, and was for many years private secretary to the late Marquis of Salisbury. The instrument originally cost 84 pounds. Mr. William Hall presided at this harmonium from the first.

We have mentioned Dr. Bayley of London as the earliest preacher in the new chapel; there was no resident minister till 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Hall entertained during the whole of the first year (1873) the preachers above named. Others of note who followed were Mr. Layland of Nottingham, Leader of the Society in 1876; followed, 1877-8, by Mr. J. R. Boyle; to whom succeeded, 1878-9, Mr. W. A. Bates (afterwards of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia); Mr. W. J. Adcock, 1879-80; Mr. A. E. Beilby, 1880-1; Mr. W. Hall, 1882; and Mr. William Robinson, October of that year. At various dates the preachers were Rev. R. Storey of Heywood near Manchester, Rev. Mr. Wilkins of Nottingham, Mr. Skelton of London, Mr. Pulsford of Leicester, Mr. Cameron of Edinburgh, Mr. Fairweather of London, Mr. Ashby of Derby, Mr. Best of Hull, Rev. T. Prestland of London, Rev. Joseph Deans in 1899, and Rev. J. R. Rendell, President of the Conference; Rev. Lewis A. Slight of Northampton, 1900; Rev. J. T. Freeth of Bolton, President, 1901. From time to time preachers were sent by the New Church Conference, and later by the East Midland and Lincolnshire Association.

Three marriages were solemnized in the Chapel by Rev. L. A. Slight, viz., that of Miss Townell and Mr W. Chapman of Oundle, Dec. 11, 1900; Miss Elizabeth Hall and Mr. Edwin White, both of Horncastle, May 21, 1901; and Miss Florence Smith to Mr. Alfred Storton of London, July 9, 1901.

The Rev. Richard Mayes, the first resident Minister, came from Leicester, first preached here Feb. 23, 1902, and entered on his ministry in October of that year. Other preachers during that interval were Mr. Fairweather of Loughborough, Mr. L. A. Slight, Mr. Layland, Mr. W. Hall and Mr. H. Deans.

A Sunday School was opened with the Chapel in 1873; this was, at a later date, temporarily closed, but re-opened by Mr. Mayes. Under him, ably supported as he is by members the Townell and Blyth families, and others, the services, which are short, bright, and musical, are being attended by increasing numbers. Mr. Edwin Townell is still Secretary, as he was in 1880; and with Mr. Mayes' ministry Mr. H. Freeman succeeded Mr. W. Hall as Treasurer.

THE REV. THOMAS LORD.

The subject of this notice, no longer holding a ministerial charge, is by many years the doyen among Nonconformist preachers in Horncastle, being the oldest Congregational Minister in England. He completed his hundredth year on April 22, 1908; on which occasion he received a congratulatory telegram from His Majesty the King; while a public fund was instituted for a presentation to be made to him in recognition of the occasion, which he desired to be given in his name to the local Institution of Nurses.

Mr. Lord was born at Olney, Bucks., in 1808; and began his ministry in 1834, as pastor of a chapel at Wollaston, Northants, which he held for eleven years; thence removing to Brigstock, in the same county, where he laboured during 17 years. He subsequently held pastorates in Horncastle, Deddington (Co. Oxford), and Great Bridge, Staffordshire. He gave up permanent charge in 1878, continuing, however, to assist other ministers in that neighbourhood, until 1899, when, in consequence of failing eyesight, he removed once more to Horncastle, taking up his abode with his married daughter, Mrs. C. M. Hodgett, on the Wong (No. 7).

Mr. Lord has been an active worker in the temperance cause during more than 70 years; a member of the Liberation Society since its formation; a warm advocate of the Peace Society, of the United Kingdom Alliance; the inaugural meeting of which he attended at Manchester. He was one of the founders of the Congregational Total Abstinence Association; and has always been a warm supporter of the London Missionary Society.

Mr. Lord still preaches occasionally in Horncastle. He has officiated more than once recently in the Lincoln Mission Hall, and not unfrequently occupies the pulpit at the Presbyterian Chapel, Kirkstead, to assist the local minister, Rev. Robert Holden, who is his junior by some 16 years. On Sunday, May 31, 1908, Mr. Lord preached at Alford, in the Congregational Chapel; and on Sunday, June 7, 1908, at Boston, in the Chapel of the United Methodists.

[Picture: Rev. Thomas Lord, 100 years old, April 22, 1908]

Notwithstanding his age Mr. Lord's voice is still clear, deep-toned, and resonant; his manner is full of vigor, his language simple, yet eloquent and earnest. His step is firm and elastic. In habit he is an early riser.