From the North Mississippi Conference of the Methodist Church Journal, 1950, pg. 85-86 (in the J. B. Cain Archives of Mississippi Methodism, located in the Millsaps-Wilson Library, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS)
ROBERT ANDREW THORNTON By N. J. Golding
On the twelfth day of June, 1889, there was born in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wilson Thornton [Letticia Elmira Valentine], of Raleigh, Mississippi, a son, to whom was given the name, Robert Andrew Thornton. He grew to young manhood in this environment and there learned many of the very fine principles of living which he so well demonstrated in his own life: personal integrity, value of the individual, respect for law, reverence toward God.
When he was twenty years of age, he was soundly converted during a Methodist Camp Meeting at Old Cedar Grove Methodist Church on the Raleigh Circuit. Brother Thornton's conversion was more to him than just a mild experience. It carried more than the fact that he was saved from death unto life. It was a flaming light in his soul that led him to ask for license to preach and admittance into the Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1910. He was ordained an Elder December 7, 1913. He gave to the active ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Church 28-1/2 very fruitful years of service as pastor and as an evangelist. It was characteristic of him that less than two hours before he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, he was diligently studying the sermon he expected to preach to his people the next day. But that sermon was not to be heard by his congregation, for God took him home in the early hours of Sunday morning, April 23, 1950.
On December 21, 1913 Brother Thornton was happily married to Miss Ivah Sharp. Through all the years since she has been with him to help in the task of building the Kingdom of God. To this union was born four sons and three daughters. All except one of the children of the home survive their father. Two of the sons, Elwood W. and Robert A., Jr., are following in the footsteps of their father, being now ministers in the Methodist Church and serving charges in the North Mississippi Annual Conference.
To me, two things characterized the life and work of R. A. Thornton. First, his zeal for evangelism. This was the burden of his preaching, "Jesus Saves." He told the story at all times and in all places. Proof of his ministry is to be found in the records of his charges. Many were brought to Jesus through his preaching and his personal influence. He was a workman that wrought well in the Building of the Kingdom. Many will rise up and call his name blessed. The last conference year he received 74 members into the churches on his charge. "Well, done, thou good and faithful servant."
The second main characteristic of the life of our brother was his impact upon the lives of young men as he laid upon their hearts the call to Christian Service. It was not just by chance that two of his sons heard and answered the call. It was rather the direct influence of a good life and worthy example. And over a dozen others, whose names could be called, are also serving in the ministry solely because this man of God led them to a dedication of their lives to holy service. Truly, the impact of his life felt through the influence of those whom he led into ministry, will be felt through eternity.
Brother Thornton transferred to the North Mississippi Annual Conference from the Mississippi Annual Conference in 1941. From that date to the time of his death, he served the following charges: Shuqualak, Artesia, Weir and McCool, and Pope. It was while in the midst of a very fruitful ministry in the last named place that God said, "It is enough, come with me." And so he left us for that better land. Funeral services were conduted [sic] at Pope by his District Superintendent, Rev. Seamon Rhea, assisted by Dr. L. P. Wasson, Rev. Ray Gordon and the Rev. Mr. Benson at 9:00 A.M., April 26. A second service was held at Thompson's Funeral Home, Laurel, Miss., at 5:00 P.M., April 26. This service, largely attended by friends who were unable to come to Pope, was conducted by Rev. Jimmie Lintz, of the Taylorsville Methodist Church. The weary body was tenderly laid to rest in Hickory Grove cemetery at Laurel, Mississippi.
As so there passes from amongst us a noble workman, a valiant soul, a doer and a preacher of the Word.
"My God and I, will go unendingly."
ROBERT ANDREW THORNTON By N. J. Golding
On the twelfth day of June, 1889, there was born in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wilson Thornton [Letticia Elmira Valentine], of Raleigh, Mississippi, a son, to whom was given the name, Robert Andrew Thornton. He grew to young manhood in this environment and there learned many of the very fine principles of living which he so well demonstrated in his own life: personal integrity, value of the individual, respect for law, reverence toward God.
When he was twenty years of age, he was soundly converted during a Methodist Camp Meeting at Old Cedar Grove Methodist Church on the Raleigh Circuit. Brother Thornton's conversion was more to him than just a mild experience. It carried more than the fact that he was saved from death unto life. It was a flaming light in his soul that led him to ask for license to preach and admittance into the Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1910. He was ordained an Elder December 7, 1913. He gave to the active ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Church 28-1/2 very fruitful years of service as pastor and as an evangelist. It was characteristic of him that less than two hours before he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, he was diligently studying the sermon he expected to preach to his people the next day. But that sermon was not to be heard by his congregation, for God took him home in the early hours of Sunday morning, April 23, 1950.
On December 21, 1913 Brother Thornton was happily married to Miss Ivah Sharp. Through all the years since she has been with him to help in the task of building the Kingdom of God. To this union was born four sons and three daughters. All except one of the children of the home survive their father. Two of the sons, Elwood W. and Robert A., Jr., are following in the footsteps of their father, being now ministers in the Methodist Church and serving charges in the North Mississippi Annual Conference.
To me, two things characterized the life and work of R. A. Thornton. First, his zeal for evangelism. This was the burden of his preaching, "Jesus Saves." He told the story at all times and in all places. Proof of his ministry is to be found in the records of his charges. Many were brought to Jesus through his preaching and his personal influence. He was a workman that wrought well in the Building of the Kingdom. Many will rise up and call his name blessed. The last conference year he received 74 members into the churches on his charge. "Well, done, thou good and faithful servant."
The second main characteristic of the life of our brother was his impact upon the lives of young men as he laid upon their hearts the call to Christian Service. It was not just by chance that two of his sons heard and answered the call. It was rather the direct influence of a good life and worthy example. And over a dozen others, whose names could be called, are also serving in the ministry solely because this man of God led them to a dedication of their lives to holy service. Truly, the impact of his life felt through the influence of those whom he led into ministry, will be felt through eternity.
Brother Thornton transferred to the North Mississippi Annual Conference from the Mississippi Annual Conference in 1941. From that date to the time of his death, he served the following charges: Shuqualak, Artesia, Weir and McCool, and Pope. It was while in the midst of a very fruitful ministry in the last named place that God said, "It is enough, come with me." And so he left us for that better land. Funeral services were conduted [sic] at Pope by his District Superintendent, Rev. Seamon Rhea, assisted by Dr. L. P. Wasson, Rev. Ray Gordon and the Rev. Mr. Benson at 9:00 A.M., April 26. A second service was held at Thompson's Funeral Home, Laurel, Miss., at 5:00 P.M., April 26. This service, largely attended by friends who were unable to come to Pope, was conducted by Rev. Jimmie Lintz, of the Taylorsville Methodist Church. The weary body was tenderly laid to rest in Hickory Grove cemetery at Laurel, Mississippi.
As so there passes from amongst us a noble workman, a valiant soul, a doer and a preacher of the Word.
"My God and I, will go unendingly."
From the North Mississippi Conference of the Methodist Church Journal, 1950, pg. 85-86 (in the J. B. Cain Archives of Mississippi Methodism, located in the Millsaps-Wilson Library, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS)
ROBERT ANDREW THORNTON By N. J. Golding
On the twelfth day of June, 1889, there was born in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wilson Thornton [Letticia Elmira Valentine], of Raleigh, Mississippi, a son, to whom was given the name, Robert Andrew Thornton. He grew to young manhood in this environment and there learned many of the very fine principles of living which he so well demonstrated in his own life: personal integrity, value of the individual, respect for law, reverence toward God.
When he was twenty years of age, he was soundly converted during a Methodist Camp Meeting at Old Cedar Grove Methodist Church on the Raleigh Circuit. Brother Thornton's conversion was more to him than just a mild experience. It carried more than the fact that he was saved from death unto life. It was a flaming light in his soul that led him to ask for license to preach and admittance into the Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1910. He was ordained an Elder December 7, 1913. He gave to the active ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Church 28-1/2 very fruitful years of service as pastor and as an evangelist. It was characteristic of him that less than two hours before he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, he was diligently studying the sermon he expected to preach to his people the next day. But that sermon was not to be heard by his congregation, for God took him home in the early hours of Sunday morning, April 23, 1950.
On December 21, 1913 Brother Thornton was happily married to Miss Ivah Sharp. Through all the years since she has been with him to help in the task of building the Kingdom of God. To this union was born four sons and three daughters. All except one of the children of the home survive their father. Two of the sons, Elwood W. and Robert A., Jr., are following in the footsteps of their father, being now ministers in the Methodist Church and serving charges in the North Mississippi Annual Conference.
To me, two things characterized the life and work of R. A. Thornton. First, his zeal for evangelism. This was the burden of his preaching, "Jesus Saves." He told the story at all times and in all places. Proof of his ministry is to be found in the records of his charges. Many were brought to Jesus through his preaching and his personal influence. He was a workman that wrought well in the Building of the Kingdom. Many will rise up and call his name blessed. The last conference year he received 74 members into the churches on his charge. "Well, done, thou good and faithful servant."
The second main characteristic of the life of our brother was his impact upon the lives of young men as he laid upon their hearts the call to Christian Service. It was not just by chance that two of his sons heard and answered the call. It was rather the direct influence of a good life and worthy example. And over a dozen others, whose names could be called, are also serving in the ministry solely because this man of God led them to a dedication of their lives to holy service. Truly, the impact of his life felt through the influence of those whom he led into ministry, will be felt through eternity.
Brother Thornton transferred to the North Mississippi Annual Conference from the Mississippi Annual Conference in 1941. From that date to the time of his death, he served the following charges: Shuqualak, Artesia, Weir and McCool, and Pope. It was while in the midst of a very fruitful ministry in the last named place that God said, "It is enough, come with me." And so he left us for that better land. Funeral services were conduted [sic] at Pope by his District Superintendent, Rev. Seamon Rhea, assisted by Dr. L. P. Wasson, Rev. Ray Gordon and the Rev. Mr. Benson at 9:00 A.M., April 26. A second service was held at Thompson's Funeral Home, Laurel, Miss., at 5:00 P.M., April 26. This service, largely attended by friends who were unable to come to Pope, was conducted by Rev. Jimmie Lintz, of the Taylorsville Methodist Church. The weary body was tenderly laid to rest in Hickory Grove cemetery at Laurel, Mississippi.
As so there passes from amongst us a noble workman, a valiant soul, a doer and a preacher of the Word.
"My God and I, will go unendingly."
ROBERT ANDREW THORNTON By N. J. Golding
On the twelfth day of June, 1889, there was born in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wilson Thornton [Letticia Elmira Valentine], of Raleigh, Mississippi, a son, to whom was given the name, Robert Andrew Thornton. He grew to young manhood in this environment and there learned many of the very fine principles of living which he so well demonstrated in his own life: personal integrity, value of the individual, respect for law, reverence toward God.
When he was twenty years of age, he was soundly converted during a Methodist Camp Meeting at Old Cedar Grove Methodist Church on the Raleigh Circuit. Brother Thornton's conversion was more to him than just a mild experience. It carried more than the fact that he was saved from death unto life. It was a flaming light in his soul that led him to ask for license to preach and admittance into the Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1910. He was ordained an Elder December 7, 1913. He gave to the active ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Church 28-1/2 very fruitful years of service as pastor and as an evangelist. It was characteristic of him that less than two hours before he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, he was diligently studying the sermon he expected to preach to his people the next day. But that sermon was not to be heard by his congregation, for God took him home in the early hours of Sunday morning, April 23, 1950.
On December 21, 1913 Brother Thornton was happily married to Miss Ivah Sharp. Through all the years since she has been with him to help in the task of building the Kingdom of God. To this union was born four sons and three daughters. All except one of the children of the home survive their father. Two of the sons, Elwood W. and Robert A., Jr., are following in the footsteps of their father, being now ministers in the Methodist Church and serving charges in the North Mississippi Annual Conference.
To me, two things characterized the life and work of R. A. Thornton. First, his zeal for evangelism. This was the burden of his preaching, "Jesus Saves." He told the story at all times and in all places. Proof of his ministry is to be found in the records of his charges. Many were brought to Jesus through his preaching and his personal influence. He was a workman that wrought well in the Building of the Kingdom. Many will rise up and call his name blessed. The last conference year he received 74 members into the churches on his charge. "Well, done, thou good and faithful servant."
The second main characteristic of the life of our brother was his impact upon the lives of young men as he laid upon their hearts the call to Christian Service. It was not just by chance that two of his sons heard and answered the call. It was rather the direct influence of a good life and worthy example. And over a dozen others, whose names could be called, are also serving in the ministry solely because this man of God led them to a dedication of their lives to holy service. Truly, the impact of his life felt through the influence of those whom he led into ministry, will be felt through eternity.
Brother Thornton transferred to the North Mississippi Annual Conference from the Mississippi Annual Conference in 1941. From that date to the time of his death, he served the following charges: Shuqualak, Artesia, Weir and McCool, and Pope. It was while in the midst of a very fruitful ministry in the last named place that God said, "It is enough, come with me." And so he left us for that better land. Funeral services were conduted [sic] at Pope by his District Superintendent, Rev. Seamon Rhea, assisted by Dr. L. P. Wasson, Rev. Ray Gordon and the Rev. Mr. Benson at 9:00 A.M., April 26. A second service was held at Thompson's Funeral Home, Laurel, Miss., at 5:00 P.M., April 26. This service, largely attended by friends who were unable to come to Pope, was conducted by Rev. Jimmie Lintz, of the Taylorsville Methodist Church. The weary body was tenderly laid to rest in Hickory Grove cemetery at Laurel, Mississippi.
As so there passes from amongst us a noble workman, a valiant soul, a doer and a preacher of the Word.
"My God and I, will go unendingly."
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