Ohio History Journal

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RUSSEL BIGELOW, THE PIONEER PULPIT

RUSSEL BIGELOW, THE PIONEER PULPIT. ORATOR.

 

 

 

BY N. B. C. LOVE, D. D.

THE CAMP MEETING.

The rough homespun attire of primal days

He wore as he proclaimed the Words of Truth,

And held spellbound the aged and the youth,

Leading them into heaven's brilliant rays.

His soul on fire, his words fell with power,

Radiant as from the mind of God;

Alive as if blooming on Aaron's rod,

And as if ordained for this special hour.

Bright the summer day and vast the crowd,

And cool the sylvan shade beneath the trees,

Sweet the songs wafted by the gentle breeze,

As sung by the worshippers, grand and loud.

Divine the message by a mortal man,

While his ardent zeal his strength far outran.

 

Then came men inspired by God,

Enthused with their calling high,

The wildwood paths they firmly trod,

With their kind Master ever nigh.

 

Not thoughts of gold, nor ease, nor fame,

Nor vain ambition to be known,

With names placed on the scroll of fame,

Had their good motives overthrown.

 

Russel Bigelow as a pulpit orator had no equal among his

contemporaries. His pre-eminence was recognized by them, and

the people, too, of all denominations were of the same opinion.

Fifty years ago the preachers who had known him in the

days of his strength, were enthusiastic in their praise.  Among

these were Drs. L. B. Gurley, Alfred Brunson and E. C. Gavitt,

and who have also in their published autobiographies told of his

great ability.

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