ELDER JAMES GLOVER

 

   James Glover was born August 14, 1792, in Virginia. While a youth he came with his parents to Kentucky, and resided in that State until about nineteen years of age, when he came to Indiana, locating near Madison.

   The 1st day of June, 1813, he married Miss. Elizabeth Vawter, daughter of Elder Philemon Vawter. When about twenty-four years of age he was converted, was baptized by Elder Jesse Vawter, and united with Mount Pleasant Church, where, a few years later, he was licensed to preach, in which he engaged to a considerable extent, particularly in the lower part of Jefferson County bordering on Clark. In 1824, in that vicinity, and largely through his efforts, Elizabeth Baptist Church was constituted---Brother Glover and wife and six others being the constituents--where, in the fall of 1825, he was ordained, and continued a faithful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord to the close of life.

   In 1827, Elder Glover was called to the pastorate of Elizabeth Church, faithfully sustaining that relation to the time of death, a period of thirty years. He also preached at many other points in the counties of Jefferson and Clark, as well as on the opposite side of the river, being instrumental in leading many persons to the Savior and in building up weak churches.

   The introduction of what was called "Campbellism" into Baptist Churches of Southern Indiana, and the consequent discord and division which ensued, particularly during the decade from 1830 to 1840, was a source of great embarrassment to Elder Glover in his pastoral work; but the firm, consistent adherence to principle on his part, as also of other leading ministers of the denomination, resulted in restoring harmony and concert of action, and in a few years the cause was much stronger than before the time of severe trials.

   In the organization of Coffee Creek Association, Elder Glover took an active interest, and was ever present at the annoual meetings when not providentially detained. He was also an energetic worker in all branches of Christian duty, but, as was common with ministers of that day, received but little compensation for services. He and his companion were compelled to labor dilligently to provide for themselves and five children.

   His last appointment to preach was at Kimberlin Creek, but before the time arrived he was stricken with cholera, and died  July 3, 1856, having preached the gospel nearly forty years.

   Sister Glover is still living, and furnishes the material for the above sketch. Though now in the eighty-sixth year of her age, she is quite vigorous of mind and body; yet she expects soon to join her companion, with whom she cheerfully struggled through som nay years of toil and privation, and with him enjoy that rest which remains to the people of God.


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