Stories From G-G-G Grandfather, Presbyterian Minister

[Backwoods Presbyterian]

I have had the pleasure of coming into the possession of a typed-out copy of my Great-Great-Great Grandfather's personal diary from 1828. My G-G-G Grandfather was an old school Presbyterian graduate of Princeton Seminary. This diary includes his travels from Philadelphia to Pensacola,FL to take up his first call as minister in the city. Here is a picture of his class list at Princeton. His name is David R. Preston.



Here are a few quotes I have found so far:

"Saturday, February 7, 1829:

This is a great day in [Pensacola]. In addition to the many streams and fountains which already poison the morals of our city, tonight the theatre is to be opened for the first time this season. There is also to be a ball, and a ball among the negroes tonight. Satan appears to be making great effort to keep this people in darkness. They will attend anything rather than 'the one thing needful.'"

Speaking about the Methodist minister, who preached for him in the evening after he took ill, he writes this, "Mr. Pipkin promised to preach at night for me...his text was Luke 16:16, His remarks though crude and indigented contained much solemn gospel truth delivered in a plain and unaffected manner."

Continuing my discoveries in my g-g-grandfather's diary he had opportunity to preach to the men of the U.S.S. Erie on deck as they sat off the coast of Pensacola (link below) and found, "[Capt. Turner's] vessel well supplied with Bible, Tracts, and prayer books."

Another thing my G-G-G Grandfather speaks of his doing during his entire time in Pensacola. "I preach to the slaves every Sabbath afternoon, respectable numbers attend, give good attention and some appear to feel much at times."

On reaching his church planting destination, like any good Presbyterian minister, the first thing my G-G-G Grandfather notes that he does upon arrival in St. Charles is:

"July 23, 1829
Busy in getting my books into a case"

 

[SolaScriptura]

That's cool!

 

[Leslie]

What a treasure!

 

[jambo]

This must be absolutely fascinating to read and to have that insight into that period of your family history.

 

[KMK]

It is nice to see that the a-a-a-apple doesn't fall far from the t-t-t-tree.