Reverend James McDonald   Obit

Cumberland Church, Rusk Co. TX

Submitted by   Frances G. Trimble, ftht98@aol.com

Rev. McDonald died in St. Augustine (probably on his circuit). At the time
of his death, he was a resident of Rusk County and lived near Mt. Enterprise.
The Mt. Enterprise Masonic Lodge members visited the home and conveyed their
respects. At one point, there was a McDonald Lodge in E. TX. but I am unsure
if this is named for the Reverend or Archie McDonald's kin - who knows, maybe
both.Source: Texas Presbyterian 9-17-1853

 

Reverend James McDonald, a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, (the notice of whose death was seen in the "Presbyterian" last month was born on October 10th AD 1790 in Green Co. East Tennessee and was of Scotch descend.

In 1809, he professed his Faith in Christ. He felt impressed or called to preach and joined the Presbytery the following year. He was not ordained until 1816, not desiring to be set apart to the whole work of the Ministry. It is thought he belonged to the first presbytery ever organized. In 1834 or 5 , he moved to Smith County, where he united with the Masonic fraternity.

In the spring of 1838, he came to Texas and through not present at the organization of the first Presbytery of this state (then a Republic), he was the first that united with same after its organization was respected as Minister and Mason , and we doubt not that many will rejoice in the last day that they ever heard Brother McDonald preach. He died far from home without the sympathies of his families but not away from friends. Brother Samuel A. Williams, a Methodist  Minister, who is ever faithful in every relation with life was there to console him. Many were ready to sympathize with a brother in his last moments A father in Israel has fallen. God, be a God to his widow and children. May his place be filled in the Church by a faithful minister of the gospel

San Augustine Texas Newspaper

August 12 1853

Mr. Editors:

I hasten to communicate the mournful intelligence of the death of our much esteemed Co-laborer in the in the vineyard of the Lord, Rev. James McDonald. A minister of more than twenty years standing in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He died in this vicinity on the 11 th about half past two o'clock; after confinement to his bed of nine days. His disease was pronounced to be Billious Pneumonia. He had the attention of Dr. I. J. Roberts, and the attention of Masonic brethren and was buried with due solemnities of our Fraternity in the public graveyard of this place.

Yours in Fraternal Fellowship

S.A. Williams