Westminster College - Blue Jay Yearbook (Fulton, MO)

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REV. JOHN MONTGOMERY, D. D. , h tl THE Rev. Dr. John Montgomery was born in Danville, Kentucky, 'Octobeii-6, 1810. Graduated from Center College in 18353 studied at Princeton Theological Seminary two years, entering the work of the ministry in 1858. His Hrst charge was the Harrodsburg church,,in Kentucky, which he served for seventeen years. During this time he established, and successfully maintained, a female seminary at Harrodsburg. In 1857 he removed to Missouri, where he took charge of the first church of Pettis county, where he remained till the war. During the war he preached in St. Louis, in Fulton, and in general evangelistic work. In 1864 he was called to the presidency of WVestminster College. Never was there a darker time in the history of the College. On the t'border,', the state a prey to both North and South, its endowment swept away, the confusion of war raging around, it was no light task to which he was called. He held the position for a little over a year, resigning in October, 1865. But in that short time he had labored nobly, and had endearedhimself to all connected with the institution. In 1865 he organized the First Presbyterian Church of Sedalia, which he served for six years, except for a time when he was disabled by a fall. Then for varying periods he preached at Independence, lNIarshall, Sweet Springs, Brownwood, Lamonte, and at his old charge, Harrodsburg, Ky., and Longwood, Mo, In 1877, after returning from the General Assembly, he was prostrated with sickness, since which time he has not been able to do regular pastoral work. I-le still resides with his family at the old home, near Longwood, and, although feeble, still retains his old time spirit and faculties to a remarkable degree. He was one of the pioneers of Presbyterianism in Missouri. The early church of the western states was planted under difficulties. Some of the noblest men and women of America labored at her foundations. And one of her brightest names is that of Dr. Montgomery. An able preacher, devout, earnest, he was always singularly successful in winning souls and in endearing himself to all his flock. And like the work of true Presbyterianism everywhere his labors were enduring. Not the gathering of numbers, but the building up of devout, spiritual, godly men was his aim. His work at VVestminster, while short, was of great good to the College, and no. one of its presidents was more loved and more highly regarded by faculty, board, and students than he. H The life and work of this grand man a1'e held in reverence by all who know him. A scholar, an orator, a noble, Christian gentleman, loyal to his lVIaster, zealous in His service, strong in his convictions of duty, with the tender affections of a woman. this man of God is respected and loved by allf' I5

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REV. JOHN JVIONTGOJIIERY, D n I+

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