The Rev. M. A. Hunt, former pastor of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of this city, died at 10:20 last night at his home on Tennessee avenue, St. Elmo. The well-known minister had been ill for more than a year. His illness and subsequent death is attributed by those closely acquainted with his work to overexertion in fulfilling his duties as a pastor of the church in this city.

Dr. Hunt was fifty-one years of age. He was a native of Tennessee, having been born in this section of the state. Receiving a public school education, he became engaged in church work at an early age, and has been actively associated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in East Tennessee for the past twenty-five years.

For many years he was pastor of this church in a number of cities in Sequatchie valley. He was located at Whitwell and Jasper, coming from the last named place to Chattanooga about two years ago.

About four years ago he gave up his church at Jasper to accept the office of Presbytery evangelist for East Tennessee. For two years he covered this territory holding revivals in the separate Cumberland churches. Dr. Hunt visited Chattanooga many times during this period of two years and his services in the church of Oak street were always attended by hundreds of people.

When the Cumberland church divided here a short time ago, that branch which is now known as the First Cumberland Presbyterian moved from the church and established a house of worship in the Masonic Temple. Dr. Hunt was called to take charge of the church. For more than a year he acted as pastor of this branch. During this time he was called upon to perform many duties which caused him much sorrow. The two factions of the church were engaged in a legal war over the property, and the additional work brought about nervous breakdown. Dr. Hunt was forced to give up his charge about one year ago because of illness. Since that time he has been confined to his home in St. Elmo. His illness was considered serious, and death did not come as a surprise to the members of his family.

He is survived by his wife, seven sons, Earnest, Walter, Paul, Robert, Clyde, Blair and James, all of this city, and two daughters, Mrs. Clay Cunningham, of Maryville, Tenn., and Miss Lucile, of this city. All of the children, with the exception of Mrs. Cunningham, were at the bedside of their father when he passed away.

Funeral services will be held sometime Wednesday at the home on Tennessee avenue, St. Elmo. The pall-bearers have not yet been selected. The Rev. R. L. Mason, who succeeded Dr. Hunt as pastor of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church will officiate. Interment will be in Forest Hill cemetery.--Chattanooga News, Jan. 18, 1910.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian Banner, January 28, 1910, page 16]