John Hall

1791 - ?

Cumberland Presbyterian Elder

 


RULING ELDER JOHN HALL.

McLEMORESVILLE, TENN.

JOHN HALL was born in Knox County, Tennessee, April 12th, 1791. He became seriously concerned on the subject of religion in 1825, and resolved that he would make it a life time business to serve the Lord. Accordingly, he called in his servants, and told them of his resolution, and desired them to attend with him and family in prayer. And thus, before he professed religion, he started the custom of family prayers in his house. But his conversion was the more direct result of secret prayer, and took place in his cellar, whither he was accustomed to retire for the purpose of praying alone.

After a few months, he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This took place at a camp-meeting, at Sugg's Creek Church, at that time under the care of Rev. David Foster. It was very natural for him to join the Cumberland Presbyterians, having been accustomed from boyhood to hear the father of Rev. Samuel McAdow, and the Rev. Samuel himself.

In the course of a year or two, he was ordained Ruling Elder in the Sugg's Creek church. And from that day until the late years of his life, he has conscientiously discharged the duties of an elder; prompt at sessional meetings, not backward in council, earnest in his prayers for the cause, very cordial in hospitality to the preachers, and benevolent in the support of the gospel.

His house was one of the stations for circuit and monthly preaching for twelve or fourteen years. And while he lived in Davidson County, Tennessee, Rev. Messrs. Wm. Etherly, Wm. Guthrie, Vincent Ridley and A. G. Goodlett, had circuits and preached at his house. And while in Wilson County, Tennessee, Samuel McSpadden and John L. Dillard were circuit riders, and preached at his house. He moved from Davidson to Wilson about 1832 or 1833. Brother Hall says, "I had two churches organized in my house, namely: Bethel, on Stone's river, Davidson County, by Rev. John Beard, and Donnell church, in Wilson County, by Rev. Geo. Donnell."

The subject of this sketch has ever been a staunch patron of the Church papers. He subscribed for the first number of the first Church paper before its issue.

Father Hall preceded the temperance movement in Davidson County, Tennessee. At a harvest at his house during which time whisky had been used, as was the custom of those times, he was annoyed by some of the party in consequence of its use. And calling the attention of his neighbors, he said to them that he was tired of it, and was resolved hereafter not to have any spirituous liquors at any of his gatherings. The next day, meeting his neighbor Baker, he was commended by him for his stand, and Mr. Baker joined him. And Mr. Hall states it as a fact that in three years from that time the bad custom was abandoned in the neighborhood. It was several years after this that the first temperance society was formed in the county. But he was in this also when it was formed, the lecture on the occasion, being delivered by Rev. Abner McDowell.

Father Hall says, "I was at two of McGready's camp-meetings, in Logan County, Kentucky. It was at the second one I heard him preach the "Sinner's Guide to Hell." Notifying the audience on the day before that he would deliver it on to-morrow, he said that they had line upon line, and a great deal said to them that they might be saved, but there were some there who were determined not to be saved, and he would accordingly tell them on the morrow just what they would have to do to get to hell, where they were determined to go."

Being so old, Father Hall's experiences and recollections are closely connected with the early history of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In addition to what has been said, he has a statement in reference to the organization of the church at Nashville, Tennessee. He says, "I was present, and Brother Thomas Bell, another elder. Rev. Messrs. Robert Donnell, James B. Porter, William Ralston and Dr. Cossitt, were there. Robert Donnell officiated. It was organized in the Court House. The next day Brother Donnell having an appointment at Mill Creek, said to me if I would meet him there he would go home with me. I attended, and he went home with me, and preached at my house that night, and the next day he went and preached at the brick church at the Hermitage, the residence of General Jackson."

In the year 1850, Father Hall moved to Carroll County, West Tennessee, and settled at a place three or four miles west of McLemoresville. Here, he and wife held connection with the church at Pisgah, until the fall of 1867, when they went to live with their son-in-law W. L. Smith. Since this latter date these old people have been members of Bethel congregation, leading exemplary lives, awaiting the summons of the Master. The present wife of Brother Hall is his second. She also is aged, and a very meet partner for him.

The subject of this sketch is now in very feeble health. He has long been a worker in the good cause. And we who are younger, owe him a debt of gratitude, for good done to the cause, as well as to us personally. He will in a short time pass to his reward. But his works will follow him.

[Source: Crisman, E. B. Biographical Sketches of Living Old Men, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in Six Volumes. Vol. I. St. Louis, Mo.: Perrin and Smith, Steam Book and Job Printers, 1877, pages 125-129]


Page Last Updated on February 4, 2002


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