Obituary for Jabez Curry Shaffer, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/revjcshaffer.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= January 2002 ENTERED INTO REST ---------------------------- Just as the dial of time turned the point that ushered into being a new day and a new week, last Sabbath morn -- the twenty-sixth anniversary of his birth -- Curry SHAFFER was talking and laughing with the loved ones who watched by his side. A half hour later he said “good-bye” and, leaving the tenement of clay, his guileless spirit fled to realms of day whose morning knows no coming night and whose Sabbath has no end. Heart trouble and Bright’s disease had been praying upon his body for months, and his death was not unexpected, though coming with brief warning at the time. Rev Jabez Curry SHAFFER was the youngest child of Rev and Mrs Jno P SHAFFER, and the most of his boyhood days were spent in Roanoke, when his father was pastor of the Baptist church here. He was always esteemed a good boy and a dutiful son. Some months ago he yielded to an impression to preach and entered upon the active work of the ministry. In the early part of this year he was ordained, and at the time of his death he was pastor of several churches in Tallapoosa county. His heart was in his work and he was devoted to the service. Our information is that his ministry was acceptable. Had it not been for physical ailments, which for years restricted his efforts, his labors would have been still more abundant. But the Master considered his work well done, and said to the tired toiler in His vineyard, “It is enough; well done; enter into my rest.” Only sixteen days ago he had gone back to his work, in great feebleness, but with the purpose to stand at his post if possible and continue his loved employ. On this subject he expressed himself earnestly to the writer as he was making his last visit to his churches. At the time he had appointed, he returned to his parents’ home in Roanoke, but only to linger in their loving care for a few days more, when he should journey to that eternal Home whose inhabitants go out no more forever. At 11 o’clock Monday morning the Baptist church was full of sympathizing friends, who assembled to give, as best they might, an expression of their love and esteem to the dead and the living. The casket, covered with flowers, was borne into the church by Messrs S C FAUSETT, J L MOULDER, A J STEWART, T S FOSTER, A R NOEL and O H STEVENSON. Appropriate music was rendered by a quartet choir. Prayer was offered by Rev H C RISNER, Rev J L GREGORY read the Scripture lesson, after which he delivered a consoling and profitable discourse upon the text, “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.” At the conclusion of the services the body was laid to rest in the city cemetery. Many friends mourn with the aged parents, brother and sisters, in the breaking of the first link in the family circle upon earth. “Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.” ---------------------------- LOCAL NEWS AND COMMENT ---------------------------- Mr W R DAWSON, an old and honored citizen of Camp Hill [Tallapoosa Co., AL], arrived in Roanoke Sunday to be with his friend, Dr SHAFFER, in the latter’s bereavement. ------- G R SHAFFER came over from Dadeville [Clay Co., AL] Sunday, being called here by the death of his brother. ------- Rev J L GREGORY came to Roanoke Sunday to take part in the funeral services Monday of Rev Curry SHAFFER. ------- Mrs W L HILL came to Roanoke Sunday to attend the funeral of her brother. She was accompanied by her son, Shaffer HILL. ------- Rev Geo L BELL, of Jackson’s Gap, superintendent of education of Tallapoosa county, arrived in Roanoke Monday morning in time to attend the funeral of his half brother, J C SHAFFER. He returned home yesterday. [All above from The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 6 May 1903, p.3] ---------------------------- RESOLUTIONS ---------------------------- Adopted by the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Tallapoosa County, Ala. upon the death of its Pastor, Rev J C SHAFFER Whereas, on May 3rd, 1903, our beloved pastor, Rev J C SHAFFER, was called from his earthly labors into the rest of the people of God, Therefore, be it resolved by Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in conference assembled: 1st, That we bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father in the removal of our beloved pastor, so recently unanimously called to the care of our church, and in the beginning of what seemed to us a useful career in the ministry. 2nd, That we cherish his memory, emulate his example of purity of life, copy his zeal and earnestness for the salvation of the lost, and the development of our churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. 3rd, To his parents we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their sad bereavement. 4th, That in his death the community, the ministry and the churches have suffered a great loss. 5th, That these resolutions be spread upon our minutes, and a copy be furnished his parents, and a copy be sent to the Roanoke Leader and the Alabama Baptist for publication. Done by order of the church in conference, this, May 17th, 1903. Wm C ROECK, Church Clerk. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 20 May 1903, p.2] ------- Rev. Jabez Curry SHAFFER, 3 May 1877--3 May 1903, Rev. Dr. John P. SHAFFER, 13 Mar 1841--10 May 1909, his father, Margaret SHAFFER, 25 Sep 1838--10 Jun 1909, his mother, All interred in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke, Randolph Co., Alabama.