OBITUARY OF REV. A. MCDONALD

"The Index and Baptist" a religious publication from Atlanta, Georgia

When a good man dies, it seems proper that some suitable mention should be made of his life and works.

In obedience to this thought, I will notice, briefly, the record of the Rev. Allen McDonald, who was born in South Carolina in November, 1791, and died at his residence in Jefferson county, Alabama, May 15th 1872 - aged 81 years. While he was a young man he went to Tennessee, where he lived a few years; and while there the Indian war broke out. He was a young man, and joined the army, and served his country under Jackson - was in the campaign all through what is now known as Talladega county, Alabama.

In 1814 he was married to a Miss Phoebe Ray, and indeed she was an "help meet" for him. They soon came to Alabama and settled in Jefferson county; and soon afterward he attached himself to the Hebron Church of said county. It was soon seen that the Lord had a work for him to do, and so he was licensed to exercise his gifts. The country was new, many persons coming in all eager for money, and hence, in this new field of labor, there was a vast amount of work for him to do. God had given him a sound and healthful body, great zeal, strong lungs, and well did he use all his powers for God's glory. He was never regarded as a very strong man in doctrine, (yet "sound to the core.") but he was what was far better, a "good man, " "known and read of all men."

In the days of "Camp" and "Protracted" meetings, brother McDonald was considered almost an indispensable. When such meetings were appointed, he was always invited, and when he could, always attended. His work was so well understood by all, that it was hardly necessary for the committee on devotion to say, "Brother McDonald will close the exercise."

The writer of this sketch has often been with him on those occasions of which he now speaks. After the congregation had been dismissed, and all had rest, some poor, wounded sinners would desire that some one should pray for them, when brother McDonald was almost certain to be sent for. How often we have listened to his well-known voice, with all the energy of his soul ascending to God. It may be said of him: He was truly a man of "prayer and faith." And for hours he would thus spend his time - sometimes almost all the night would be devoted to praying, singing , instructing and exhorting. Many stars will be in his "crown of rejoicing."

Brother McDonald was ordained to the full work of the ministry in 1843, by Byars, Scott and Holcombe. He sustained an irreproachable character. He was one of the few men whom the tongue of slander could not reach - he was "above suspicion." His end was almost like the sainted "Enoch," he was not, for God took him. On the day of his death he ate dinner, as usual, was cheerful, talking with his family, went and lay down on the bed, and, in five minutes passed away almost without a struggle.

He leaves his aged companion and many relatives to mourn after him. May his mantle fall upon his son.
A.J. WALDROP