CHAPTER XXX.
Letter from Bro. J. A. Gano.
The brethren in Kentucky were constantly inviting him to return and visit them. He decided to do so the summer of 1866. We left Richmond some time in June, I think, accompanied by Miss Mary Chockly and our daughter Sadie, who had finished school. Bro. Gano was given the disposition of the Doctor's time, and of course old Union came in among the first, and I am indebted to Bro. Gano for the history of the visit to Kentucky:
"CENTERVILLE, Ky., May 4, 1886.
"My Dear Sister Hopson:-Since the reception of yours of the 27th ult. I have been indisposed, but I am, through mercy, better today, and proceed to write some of the reminiscences of my association with Dr. W. H. Hopson in by-gone days. I first met him in Georgetown, in the fall of 1849. I have a vivid memory of him as he then appeared in his early manhood, being then twenty six years of age. He was erect, tall and spare, and of commanding presence.
"From his first to his last visit here, by his clear presentation of divine truth, his close adherence to the word of God, and his great power as a pulpit orator, he has always obtained a good hearing, fixed attention, and ready access to the hearts and consciences of the people. Prior to the beginning of the Civil War, we were associated in several delightful and successful meetings in this part of Kentucky; but when the war came on it made havoc with much good social and Christian feeling. We were in the midst of an interesting meeting at Old Union, Fayette county, conducted by Bro. Hopson, in July, 1862, Bro. Thomas Allen, of Missouri, being with us, when Gen. John H. Morgan with his
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force, in advance of the Southern troops, came into Kentucky, and some of the soldiers to our neighborhood; this at once put an end to our meeting. Soon after the Doctor, for his Southern sympathy, was arrested, imprisoned and taken from us.
" When the terrible war was over, and the Doctor was once more in our midst, restored in health, to the church, and to society, the desire to see, and to greet and to hear him everywhere was intense. I will here copy a few lines from my diary of June 29, 1866.
" 'I met Bro. Hopson, and other preachers, at Midway. About noon we repaired to the church, and witnessed the examination of the Orphan School girls; this continued until 2 P.M. After this we had dinner on the ground, nicely prepared and served by the ladies of the neighborhood. A large concourse of people had assembled. As soon as dinner was over, Dr. Hopson, standing in front of the building, addressed the crowd for near an hour. He extended congratulations to his Kentucky friends on meeting them again; then, pleading the cause of the orphans, exhorted all to do good to such. Soon after the discourse Bro. Hopson and I, taking leave of our friends, drove home in my rockaway. Coming through Georgetown, we found Mr. Conn, my wife, Capt. John Conn, my two sons, Frank and John, Jr., awaiting us, to gather round and greet the Doctor, and give him a cordial welcome back.
"Sunday, July 1st, about 9 A. M., we all set out for meeting at Old Union. The people in great numbers were hurrying on to hear Bro. Hopson. By 11 A. M. a vast crowd had assembled. An awning had been stretched from the house back to the trees, and under this seats had been placed for those who could find no room in the house. The large pulpit window was taken out, so that the speaker could half face those in the house or the crowd outside. It was estimated that from two thousand to twenty-five hundred were present.
"After singing and prayer, the Doctor discoursed on 'Soberness, Righteousness and Godliness.' At the close of the sermon my son Richard and wife, and John, Jr., took membership.
"The dinner, an ample repast prepared by the ladies, was partaken of by the crowd upon the ground. Ample table-room had been provided.
"After an hour's intermission for dinner, we assembled again for worship. Dr. Hopson then addressed us on 'Justifica-
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tion by Faith.' At the end of the discourse Miss Boone came forward and made the good confession. We had quite a number at our house to take supper with Bro. H. In this order the meeting continued from day to day for nine days, Bro. H. speaking twice each day.
"The second Lord's day my son, R. M. Gano, was ordained to the ministry with fasting and prayer. I immersed the converts before the morning service. We had sixteen added by baptism, among them was my son-in-law, John W. Buckner. Old Bro. Samuel Rogers was with us part of the meeting.
"I was next with Bro. Hopson at his meeting in Georgetown, Sunday, July 15th. By 11 A. M. the house, a large one, was filled to overflowing, and hundreds could gain no admittance. Many preachers were in the crowd to hear Bro. H. Thus he went from one congregation to another. Berea, in Fayette county; Old Cane Ridge, in Bourbon; Newton, in Scott, and at other points visited by Bro H., crowds flocked to hear him. It was indeed like one vast ovation. Laboring for days at most of the places visited, his preaching and exhortation were rewarded by great success in winning souls to Christ. Eternity alone can reveal the vast amount of good achieved by these excessive labors."
Bro. Gano's generosity did not stop with words nor with most liberal hospitality. He had given the Doctor a fine calf before the war, just before his arrest. Bro. G. raised the calf, sold it, and compelled the Doctor to take the $100 it brought. He did this besides contributing liberally towards the expenses of the meeting. His friendship has ever been a precious boon to us. He is now in his eighty-second year. May God long spare him to the world, where he is still so useful. Sister Gano, one of the lovliest characters I ever knew, is still spared to him, and is five years his junior. It is a pity for the world that such people should ever die. It was with difficulty the Doctor could tear himself away from his old friends, who were urging him to return to Kentucky.
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