THE McGUIRE FAMILY, BY THE PRESENT MINISTER OF COPLE PARISH.
For twenty years or more, prior to the pastorate of the Rev. Washington
Nelson, this parish was without clerical services. In all that
time there was nothing except the visitations of the Bishop to remind
the people here that there was an Episcopal Church. And
depressing as was such a state of things, and calculated as it was
to break us down entirely, we were just as likely to have the same
end brought about by the life and character of the man who had
last been rector. I do not know whether this man resigned the
parish, or died whilst in charge: be that as it may, his course was
well calculated to disgust people and drive them from our services.
Looking at the consequences which must naturally flow from such
a connection, and from the long period in which there was entire
absence of Episcopal ministrations, we cannot otherwise than wonder,
whilst we thank God, as we now see our Church upon the
same spot enjoying every promise of prosperity. Whilst, during
the period referred to, there was nothing done by us, other Christian
bodies were active; and, under all the influences which operated
against us, it is not surprising that all or nearly all who had any
affection for our Church should have lost their feelings of attachment
and have sought comfort elsewhere. In truth, when Mr.
Nelson came here the Episcopal Church had nearly died out. The
only communicants he found were three old ladies in the humblest
walks of life. An account of these pious and excellent people was
published by Mr. Nelson, but I believe it must be out of print.
Even, however, if there should be any copies of it in existence,
their history is so remarkable that it will very well bear the mention
here made. The name of these sisters was McGuire,—Miss Emily,
Miss Mary, and a widow, Mrs. Davis. Two of them are still alive
and still continue warmly attached to our Church, and are exerting
a considerable influence in its favour among their acquaintances.
The eldest of them—Miss Emily—died in August, 1855. I tried to
obtain for myself a satisfactory account of how they became Episcopalians,
and how they retained their love for the Church when
every one else in the surrounding country deserted it. They said,
in substance, that they had been educated by their mother, who was
an Episcopalian, and brought up to love all our services. They
were baptized by our ministry, and attended its preaching whenever
they could. When their mother died she left them a large Prayer-Book,
with the request that they would abide by its teachings;
and, from affection for her as well as for the Church, they obeyed
her word. They told how the Church had flourished in days gone
by,—how it had been ridiculed when its clergy behaved badly,—
and how the members had been shamed away from it, and how
themselves still clung to it. I asked them how they got along
during the many years there was no minister. "Why, sir," said
Miss Emily, "whenever there was preaching at Westmoreland or
Richmond Court-House, we would walk to it,—once in a while we
would have this chance,—and when there was no preaching I would
read the Lessons on Sunday to my sister and we would go through
the morning service, and if any neighbours came in maybe I would
read a sermon." Westmoreland Court-House is four miles from
their residence and Richmond Court-House about twelve miles;
and I have it certified by others that the statement of Miss Emily
is true,—they have been known to walk to and from these places
to attend our Church services in the coldest and hottest weather.
I asked them if in that time they never attended the services of
other denominations. "Well, sir," they said, "we did sometimes;
they would be holding church all around us, and sometimes we
would go; but it wasn't like home to us. We know they're good,
but still we felt happier worshipping here in our own way."
The piety of these worthy people is even more remarkable than
their attachment to their Church. They are very poor, but their
uniform contentment and happiness is rarely to be met with. Upon
one occasion whilst Miss Emily was alive, her sister Mary remarked
that now in their old age they sometimes got right cold while walking
to church in the winter. "But what of that, sister?" says
Miss Emily; "why should we care for that?" "And I don't care
for it," was the reply.
We have mentioned that Miss Emily died in August, 1855. She
was very aged, and for some weeks previous to her decease was
imbecile. It pleased God, however, not to let her depart in this
state. The day before she died her reason returned, and she talked
solemnly and impressively to those around her. She remained thus
conscious almost up to the very moment of her death. Miss Mary
and Mrs. Davis still attend their church and see the parish which
once could number only themselves as its friends, now containing
more than twenty families, about thirty communicants now living,
and many evidences that it is still to flourish. May God help us
to remember and cherish the poor!
To this it well deserves to be added, that during the entire intermission
of services in this parish, these sisters were in the habit
of going once in a year in a sail-boat to Alexandria in order to
receive the Communion.
