Daughter of John R. Gitchell and Mary L. Ellsworth; wife of William F. Pitner.
The sudden death of Mrs. Alice A. Pitner, in the prime of her womanhood, was to her wide circle of friends a grief and a surprise. Although aware of her impaired health, it was their hope that under Divine Providence she might be spared for many years of usefulness in the maturity of her powers.
Alice A. Gitchell was born near Walker, Linn County, Iowa Nov. 20, 1863, was married to the Rev. W. F. Pitner at Walker, Iowa, Aug. 19, 1884, shared for twenty-two years the pastorates of her husband at Dysart, Shellsburg, Decorah, Grace Church, Waterloo, Manchester, Marion, Clinton, and at Marshalltown, two and one-half years of the Presiding Eldership, and died in St. Thomas Hospital, Marshalltown, May 18, 1906.
And is this all? There is, in truth, for of life than the cradle, the marriage altar, the workshop and the grave. The finest and divinest part of life is inner, silent, invisible. The inner life of this woman, as it was revealed to the world, was distinctively a religious life. She as heart and soul a Christian and a Methodist. She was converted early in life, happily for the church and herself, for out of the primitive quarries of Christian youth come those hewn stones which make the symmetry and glory of the temple. She as converted under the preaching of him who was to become her husband. Endowed by nature with high talents and mind of marked vigor and unusual versatility, with which she might have shone in any social or intellectual circle, she yet gave her talents and powers to the Master's use. She loved the King and honored the church.
Mrs. Pitner was a gracious combination of intellect, culture, urbanity and Christianity. The climate she created was excellent for all the courtesies and hospitalities of the heart. Genial, composed, humorous, with a deep vein of seriousness, a benignity adorned her, weaving about her the charm of an unusual grace.
She was a Bible loving Christian. The Bible was to her not only the Boot of Books, but the very Word of God. To her, the Book said God said, and she delighted in its study, and diligent and systematic reading and teaching. She was a prayerful Christian. She derived the love, the insight, the courage, the patience and the fortitude with which she endured all that came to her by the personal devotion of solitary, private prayer. Her public prayers convinced those that heard them that she knew the way into the secret place of the Most High. She had a simple but strong creed. She knew Him in whom she had believed, and that faith by which she fought a good fight kept her in perfect peace when the time of her departure was at hand.
She was active in almost every department of church work. As the wife of the Presiding Elder, she might have exempted herself from special claim for work in the local church, but she nevertheless entered the work of the church in Marshalltown with zest and love. Nowhere were her sterling qualities valued more than there. As teacher of a normal class in the Sunday school, a member of the choir, a helper in the Junior League, a lover and attendant of the prayer meetings, she labored with fidelity and success. She was deeply interested in the cause of Missionary Societies. From her sick room she planned for their welfare. The official board of the church, the Sunday school, the Epworth League, and the two societies mentioned, testified to her faithful labors by beautiful koral offerings at her funeral. Athough various were the fields of her usefulness, her home was the special sphere of her influence. Home was her kingdom, and her hands moved swiftly for its welfare. Her hospitality was ever generous and kindly.
A useful life, a costly life. For several years she had been a sufferer. During the last months of her life, the enforced absence of her husband on the district rendered her illness the more pathetic. All that love and skill could do for her was done. She looked calmly on the possibility of life's close. She selected the text and hymns to be used in her funeral service, in the event of her death. Sinking in weakness, she seemed upborne by invincible strength. It was hoped that a surgical operation would afford her permanent relief, but it did not, and on Friday, May 18th, she suddenly passed away. She leaves her husband and two sons, Homer, of Center Point, and Paul, aged 10 years, her mother Mrs. J. G. Gitchell, and a brother, Mr. F. B. Gitchell.
A brief and informal service was held in the home in Marshalltown, attended by neighboring Pastors and many friends, conducted by her Pastor, the writer of this memoir. On the following day final services were held at Center Point, Iowa, conducted by the Rev. S. C. Bretnall, Pastor, Dr. J. G. VanNess, Presiding Elder of the Cedar Rapids district, preaching the sermon, and there the interment took place.
So passed a pure spirit to its completest life. Her work lives, and she lives, for "He that doeth the will of God abideth forever."
"There are no dead;
'Tis true, many of them are gone;
Singly they came, singly they departed;
When their work was done they lay down to sleep--
But never one hath died;
Forms may change, but spirit is immortal."
MERLE N. SMITH.
The sudden death of Mrs. Alice A. Pitner, in the prime of her womanhood, was to her wide circle of friends a grief and a surprise. Although aware of her impaired health, it was their hope that under Divine Providence she might be spared for many years of usefulness in the maturity of her powers.
Alice A. Gitchell was born near Walker, Linn County, Iowa Nov. 20, 1863, was married to the Rev. W. F. Pitner at Walker, Iowa, Aug. 19, 1884, shared for twenty-two years the pastorates of her husband at Dysart, Shellsburg, Decorah, Grace Church, Waterloo, Manchester, Marion, Clinton, and at Marshalltown, two and one-half years of the Presiding Eldership, and died in St. Thomas Hospital, Marshalltown, May 18, 1906.
And is this all? There is, in truth, for of life than the cradle, the marriage altar, the workshop and the grave. The finest and divinest part of life is inner, silent, invisible. The inner life of this woman, as it was revealed to the world, was distinctively a religious life. She as heart and soul a Christian and a Methodist. She was converted early in life, happily for the church and herself, for out of the primitive quarries of Christian youth come those hewn stones which make the symmetry and glory of the temple. She as converted under the preaching of him who was to become her husband. Endowed by nature with high talents and mind of marked vigor and unusual versatility, with which she might have shone in any social or intellectual circle, she yet gave her talents and powers to the Master's use. She loved the King and honored the church.
Mrs. Pitner was a gracious combination of intellect, culture, urbanity and Christianity. The climate she created was excellent for all the courtesies and hospitalities of the heart. Genial, composed, humorous, with a deep vein of seriousness, a benignity adorned her, weaving about her the charm of an unusual grace.
She was a Bible loving Christian. The Bible was to her not only the Boot of Books, but the very Word of God. To her, the Book said God said, and she delighted in its study, and diligent and systematic reading and teaching. She was a prayerful Christian. She derived the love, the insight, the courage, the patience and the fortitude with which she endured all that came to her by the personal devotion of solitary, private prayer. Her public prayers convinced those that heard them that she knew the way into the secret place of the Most High. She had a simple but strong creed. She knew Him in whom she had believed, and that faith by which she fought a good fight kept her in perfect peace when the time of her departure was at hand.
She was active in almost every department of church work. As the wife of the Presiding Elder, she might have exempted herself from special claim for work in the local church, but she nevertheless entered the work of the church in Marshalltown with zest and love. Nowhere were her sterling qualities valued more than there. As teacher of a normal class in the Sunday school, a member of the choir, a helper in the Junior League, a lover and attendant of the prayer meetings, she labored with fidelity and success. She was deeply interested in the cause of Missionary Societies. From her sick room she planned for their welfare. The official board of the church, the Sunday school, the Epworth League, and the two societies mentioned, testified to her faithful labors by beautiful koral offerings at her funeral. Athough various were the fields of her usefulness, her home was the special sphere of her influence. Home was her kingdom, and her hands moved swiftly for its welfare. Her hospitality was ever generous and kindly.
A useful life, a costly life. For several years she had been a sufferer. During the last months of her life, the enforced absence of her husband on the district rendered her illness the more pathetic. All that love and skill could do for her was done. She looked calmly on the possibility of life's close. She selected the text and hymns to be used in her funeral service, in the event of her death. Sinking in weakness, she seemed upborne by invincible strength. It was hoped that a surgical operation would afford her permanent relief, but it did not, and on Friday, May 18th, she suddenly passed away. She leaves her husband and two sons, Homer, of Center Point, and Paul, aged 10 years, her mother Mrs. J. G. Gitchell, and a brother, Mr. F. B. Gitchell.
A brief and informal service was held in the home in Marshalltown, attended by neighboring Pastors and many friends, conducted by her Pastor, the writer of this memoir. On the following day final services were held at Center Point, Iowa, conducted by the Rev. S. C. Bretnall, Pastor, Dr. J. G. VanNess, Presiding Elder of the Cedar Rapids district, preaching the sermon, and there the interment took place.
So passed a pure spirit to its completest life. Her work lives, and she lives, for "He that doeth the will of God abideth forever."
"There are no dead;
'Tis true, many of them are gone;
Singly they came, singly they departed;
When their work was done they lay down to sleep--
But never one hath died;
Forms may change, but spirit is immortal."
MERLE N. SMITH.
Daughter of John R. Gitchell and Mary L. Ellsworth; wife of William F. Pitner.
The sudden death of Mrs. Alice A. Pitner, in the prime of her womanhood, was to her wide circle of friends a grief and a surprise. Although aware of her impaired health, it was their hope that under Divine Providence she might be spared for many years of usefulness in the maturity of her powers.
Alice A. Gitchell was born near Walker, Linn County, Iowa Nov. 20, 1863, was married to the Rev. W. F. Pitner at Walker, Iowa, Aug. 19, 1884, shared for twenty-two years the pastorates of her husband at Dysart, Shellsburg, Decorah, Grace Church, Waterloo, Manchester, Marion, Clinton, and at Marshalltown, two and one-half years of the Presiding Eldership, and died in St. Thomas Hospital, Marshalltown, May 18, 1906.
And is this all? There is, in truth, for of life than the cradle, the marriage altar, the workshop and the grave. The finest and divinest part of life is inner, silent, invisible. The inner life of this woman, as it was revealed to the world, was distinctively a religious life. She as heart and soul a Christian and a Methodist. She was converted early in life, happily for the church and herself, for out of the primitive quarries of Christian youth come those hewn stones which make the symmetry and glory of the temple. She as converted under the preaching of him who was to become her husband. Endowed by nature with high talents and mind of marked vigor and unusual versatility, with which she might have shone in any social or intellectual circle, she yet gave her talents and powers to the Master's use. She loved the King and honored the church.
Mrs. Pitner was a gracious combination of intellect, culture, urbanity and Christianity. The climate she created was excellent for all the courtesies and hospitalities of the heart. Genial, composed, humorous, with a deep vein of seriousness, a benignity adorned her, weaving about her the charm of an unusual grace.
She was a Bible loving Christian. The Bible was to her not only the Boot of Books, but the very Word of God. To her, the Book said God said, and she delighted in its study, and diligent and systematic reading and teaching. She was a prayerful Christian. She derived the love, the insight, the courage, the patience and the fortitude with which she endured all that came to her by the personal devotion of solitary, private prayer. Her public prayers convinced those that heard them that she knew the way into the secret place of the Most High. She had a simple but strong creed. She knew Him in whom she had believed, and that faith by which she fought a good fight kept her in perfect peace when the time of her departure was at hand.
She was active in almost every department of church work. As the wife of the Presiding Elder, she might have exempted herself from special claim for work in the local church, but she nevertheless entered the work of the church in Marshalltown with zest and love. Nowhere were her sterling qualities valued more than there. As teacher of a normal class in the Sunday school, a member of the choir, a helper in the Junior League, a lover and attendant of the prayer meetings, she labored with fidelity and success. She was deeply interested in the cause of Missionary Societies. From her sick room she planned for their welfare. The official board of the church, the Sunday school, the Epworth League, and the two societies mentioned, testified to her faithful labors by beautiful koral offerings at her funeral. Athough various were the fields of her usefulness, her home was the special sphere of her influence. Home was her kingdom, and her hands moved swiftly for its welfare. Her hospitality was ever generous and kindly.
A useful life, a costly life. For several years she had been a sufferer. During the last months of her life, the enforced absence of her husband on the district rendered her illness the more pathetic. All that love and skill could do for her was done. She looked calmly on the possibility of life's close. She selected the text and hymns to be used in her funeral service, in the event of her death. Sinking in weakness, she seemed upborne by invincible strength. It was hoped that a surgical operation would afford her permanent relief, but it did not, and on Friday, May 18th, she suddenly passed away. She leaves her husband and two sons, Homer, of Center Point, and Paul, aged 10 years, her mother Mrs. J. G. Gitchell, and a brother, Mr. F. B. Gitchell.
A brief and informal service was held in the home in Marshalltown, attended by neighboring Pastors and many friends, conducted by her Pastor, the writer of this memoir. On the following day final services were held at Center Point, Iowa, conducted by the Rev. S. C. Bretnall, Pastor, Dr. J. G. VanNess, Presiding Elder of the Cedar Rapids district, preaching the sermon, and there the interment took place.
So passed a pure spirit to its completest life. Her work lives, and she lives, for "He that doeth the will of God abideth forever."
"There are no dead;
'Tis true, many of them are gone;
Singly they came, singly they departed;
When their work was done they lay down to sleep--
But never one hath died;
Forms may change, but spirit is immortal."
MERLE N. SMITH.
The sudden death of Mrs. Alice A. Pitner, in the prime of her womanhood, was to her wide circle of friends a grief and a surprise. Although aware of her impaired health, it was their hope that under Divine Providence she might be spared for many years of usefulness in the maturity of her powers.
Alice A. Gitchell was born near Walker, Linn County, Iowa Nov. 20, 1863, was married to the Rev. W. F. Pitner at Walker, Iowa, Aug. 19, 1884, shared for twenty-two years the pastorates of her husband at Dysart, Shellsburg, Decorah, Grace Church, Waterloo, Manchester, Marion, Clinton, and at Marshalltown, two and one-half years of the Presiding Eldership, and died in St. Thomas Hospital, Marshalltown, May 18, 1906.
And is this all? There is, in truth, for of life than the cradle, the marriage altar, the workshop and the grave. The finest and divinest part of life is inner, silent, invisible. The inner life of this woman, as it was revealed to the world, was distinctively a religious life. She as heart and soul a Christian and a Methodist. She was converted early in life, happily for the church and herself, for out of the primitive quarries of Christian youth come those hewn stones which make the symmetry and glory of the temple. She as converted under the preaching of him who was to become her husband. Endowed by nature with high talents and mind of marked vigor and unusual versatility, with which she might have shone in any social or intellectual circle, she yet gave her talents and powers to the Master's use. She loved the King and honored the church.
Mrs. Pitner was a gracious combination of intellect, culture, urbanity and Christianity. The climate she created was excellent for all the courtesies and hospitalities of the heart. Genial, composed, humorous, with a deep vein of seriousness, a benignity adorned her, weaving about her the charm of an unusual grace.
She was a Bible loving Christian. The Bible was to her not only the Boot of Books, but the very Word of God. To her, the Book said God said, and she delighted in its study, and diligent and systematic reading and teaching. She was a prayerful Christian. She derived the love, the insight, the courage, the patience and the fortitude with which she endured all that came to her by the personal devotion of solitary, private prayer. Her public prayers convinced those that heard them that she knew the way into the secret place of the Most High. She had a simple but strong creed. She knew Him in whom she had believed, and that faith by which she fought a good fight kept her in perfect peace when the time of her departure was at hand.
She was active in almost every department of church work. As the wife of the Presiding Elder, she might have exempted herself from special claim for work in the local church, but she nevertheless entered the work of the church in Marshalltown with zest and love. Nowhere were her sterling qualities valued more than there. As teacher of a normal class in the Sunday school, a member of the choir, a helper in the Junior League, a lover and attendant of the prayer meetings, she labored with fidelity and success. She was deeply interested in the cause of Missionary Societies. From her sick room she planned for their welfare. The official board of the church, the Sunday school, the Epworth League, and the two societies mentioned, testified to her faithful labors by beautiful koral offerings at her funeral. Athough various were the fields of her usefulness, her home was the special sphere of her influence. Home was her kingdom, and her hands moved swiftly for its welfare. Her hospitality was ever generous and kindly.
A useful life, a costly life. For several years she had been a sufferer. During the last months of her life, the enforced absence of her husband on the district rendered her illness the more pathetic. All that love and skill could do for her was done. She looked calmly on the possibility of life's close. She selected the text and hymns to be used in her funeral service, in the event of her death. Sinking in weakness, she seemed upborne by invincible strength. It was hoped that a surgical operation would afford her permanent relief, but it did not, and on Friday, May 18th, she suddenly passed away. She leaves her husband and two sons, Homer, of Center Point, and Paul, aged 10 years, her mother Mrs. J. G. Gitchell, and a brother, Mr. F. B. Gitchell.
A brief and informal service was held in the home in Marshalltown, attended by neighboring Pastors and many friends, conducted by her Pastor, the writer of this memoir. On the following day final services were held at Center Point, Iowa, conducted by the Rev. S. C. Bretnall, Pastor, Dr. J. G. VanNess, Presiding Elder of the Cedar Rapids district, preaching the sermon, and there the interment took place.
So passed a pure spirit to its completest life. Her work lives, and she lives, for "He that doeth the will of God abideth forever."
"There are no dead;
'Tis true, many of them are gone;
Singly they came, singly they departed;
When their work was done they lay down to sleep--
But never one hath died;
Forms may change, but spirit is immortal."
MERLE N. SMITH.
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