Alexander Adams (1810 - 1884)

Biography

"[Alexander Adams was] the son of James Adams and Jane Adams, of Dromore, Ireland. [He and his brother James] were brought up under the ministry of Rev. John Stewart, pastor of Reformed Presbyterian congregation of Rathfriland. Their parents were members of that congregation ; exemplary for their piety and intelligent attachment to the covenanted testimony. Under careful family and pastoral training the children grew up with a knowledge of the principles of the church, and at the proper age made a public profession."^[1]

"Alexander Adams came to this country and settled in Pittsburgh. He at once united with the Reformed Presbyterian congregation of Pittsburgh and Allegheny. In 1865, he was chosen to the oflice of ruling elder, and ordained. He was married to Annie McCracken in 1856. The union was a happy one; though as other parents have experienced, they were made to drink deeply of the cup of sorrow in the sudden deaths of two of their children. The characteristics of the deceased were firmness, modesty, love of the truth, and unswerving attachment to his friends. As an elder he felt the responsibility of his oflice. It was his care to see that the discipline of the church was duly exercised, both in receiving applicants and in dealing with offenders. He was concerned for the testimony of Christ committed to the church to hold, and watched with jealous anxiety any departure from it. When the congregation was divided it was his earnest desire that the Pittsburgh part in which he resided should be chosen by the pastor. And when that was organized and called a pastor, be with others voted for the former pastor. In his case and that of others the habit that seems almost to have become a rule, of people after the relation is dissolved. growing indifferent and even hostile to their former pastor, had no exemplification. His friendship continued firm to the end of his life. His last illness was not of long duration. About three weeks before his decease he was stricken down by paralysis of the left side, in the church on the Sabbath, after the close of the services. Medical aid was called in, but in vain; the whole side was entirely powerless The death of his brother Joseph had an unfavorable effect on him. He gradually grew worse. Two or three days before his death he felt that there was no ground for hope of recovery, and prepared for the change. He knew in whom he believed, and looked to his dissolution as a release from suffering and an introduction to never ending bliss. His wife and three children mourn him. Let them be comforted with the assurance that for him to die was gain. And let the friends of these deceased brethren, while they cherish their memory, be stimulated by their diligence and faithfulness to labor for the cause and testimony of Christ, so that when they receive the call to depart they may be prepared to render their account and enter into the joys of their Lord."^[2]

"MR. ALEXANDER ADAMS, ruling elder in the Pittsburgh [Reformed Presbyterian] congregation, died on the 7th of October [1884], aged 74. He was struck with paralysis in August, but recovered consciousness, and was able to sit up and to enjoy the society of friends until within a few days before his death. He was one of the session of the Allegheny congregation, under the pastorate of Dr. Sproull, and held a high place in the esteem of all who knew him. He was a wise counsellor, a judicious man, and held the interests of the church very near his heart. He was buried on the 9th of October, the church being filled with a sorrowful assemblage. His pastor, Dr. Milligan,thongh very feeble, was present, and after others had spoken, and the services were about to close, rose and paid his tribute to the excellence of his deceased friend. “ A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” “ The memory of the just is blessed."^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ "The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter", Vol XXII, P 428, Sproull, JW and Willson, JM, Editors, 1884
2. ↑ "The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter", Vol XXII, p 448, Sproull, JW and Willson, JM, Editors, 1884
3. ↑ "The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter", Vol XXII, p 420, Sproull, JW and Willson, JM, Editors, 1884