Church Records:  Rev. E. P. Giddens letter, Union Grove Church of Christ, Claiborne Parish, LA

Source:  M-061, Box 002, Folder 006 Earl R. Hester (d. 1970), Collection, 1850-1965, 
         LA Tech University Archives, Prescott Memorial Library.

Submitted for the LAGenWeb Archives by: Kelly Priestly, troubles @ bayou.com	Mar 2000



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Arcadia, Louisiana
September 21, 1964

   On April 3, 1875, Rev. E. P. Giddens, pastor of the Union Grove Disciples of
Christ Church in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, wrote to the members of his
congregation as follows:

   "April 3, 1875, at Home--To the Disciples of Christ meeting at Union Grove,
Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.
   Dear Brethren and Sisters many of you will no doubt be surprised when I say
to you I must quit the ministry to which position you have seen proper to call me.
   My reasons are many, but to be brief I mention only two.  1st, the protracted
illness of my wife and 2nd financial embarrassment.  In the first place, my wife
has been for four months in a helpless condition which throws upon me in addition
to my farm work all the housework and the care of my little children and sick wife.
   All this makes it impossible for me to read my Bible to know what the Lord hath
spoken that I may tell it to others.
   In the second place, I am owing money that was to have been paid over 12 months
past, but it was impossible to pay it.  Now, in justice to those to whom I am
indebted I must with if possible double energy lay hold upon my plough and hoe and
try to redeem myself from such bondage.  Good men have sold me goods on time.  I can
not pay for them.
   I could not preach to a congregation if one of those men sat before me as a hearer.
Brethren, I must first pay my just debts and this, I can not pay in preaching nor by
preaching, but only by hard work.
   Then if I can only pay them by work do you not all say, go to work?  I am sure
you do.  Then do not expect me to lift my voice again as a public speaker while
this financial embarrassment hangs over me.
   Brethren and Sisters, pray for me and may Heavens protective smiles which can't
but bless crown your days with endless joys.
                                            Yours in the hope of Immortality,
                                            E. P. Giddens"

This letter was written during one of the worst parts of the Radical Reconstruction
following the end of the Civil War and shows the conditions existing at that time.
                                            Very truly yours,
                                            E. R. Hester

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