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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
[book page] 173
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-
[book page] 174
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 eightysecond 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.
[book page] 175
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