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Sunday, May 5, 2019

Memorials to Dr. Joseph Murphy, Abel Shuford Unveiled at Corinth Reformed Church, May 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, May 5, 1919

Tablets Are Unveiled for Beloved Leaders. . . Memorials to Dr. Murphy and Abel A. Shuford Witnessed by Large Congregation. . . Beautiful Tributes Paid to These Good Men Who Did Much for Church and City

Handsome memorial tablets to the late Dr. Joseph L. Murphy and Abel A. Shuford were unveiled in Corinth Reformed church, the scene of their greatest work, yesterday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation of friends of these noble men. Rev. W.W. Rowe presided over the exercises and the veils were drawn by Bobbie Grimes and John Murphy Jr. from Dr. Murphy’s tablet and by Barry Blackwelder and Helen D’Anna from Mr. Shuford memorial. These are grandchildren. Inspiring tributes were paid to both men, and speakers, in referring to their good deeds, stressed the importance of this church, whose 50th anniversary was observed in this connection, pushing forward in good works in the present and future.

Unusually fine music was rendered during the service, a duet by Mrs. J.H. Shuford and Mr. W.R. Weaver being unusually beautiful.

The tablets unveiled are of bronze and are beautiful. The one to Dr. Murphy was placed by the congregation and that to Mr. Shuford by his daughter, Mrs. H.C. Menzies. They face each other across the handsome auditorium. Mr. Rowe merely repeated the noble and true words written on the tablets: “In Memoriam. Dr. Joseph L. Murphy, 1858-1917; pastor 189001917. Long and faithful ministry. He preached Christ unto them,” and “In Memorial. Abel A. Shuford 1841-1912. Patriot, friend of God, friend of Man. Faithful unto the end.”

Mr. Rowe stated after the unveiling that the service was informal and mentioned the fact that the church would be 50 years old on May 22. He called on Rev. W.R. Bradshaw of the First Baptist church to bring the greetings from his congregation, and this Mr. Bradshaw did eloquently and feelingly. He referred to the great advance of this congregation into its beautiful home and declared that if we judge individuals by their achievements, then we should judge churches, and by any standard of measurement Corinth Reformed church has made a great success. Mr. Bradshaw referred to three beloved pastors in Hickory when he came here—Dr. Murphy, Dr. Gwaltney and Dr. Moser—and they left a lane of light. That prince of laymen, Abel A. Shuford, stood nobly by—a man with a beautiful soul. We do well, Mr. Bradshaw said, to honor such men, and he emphasized the importance of the congregation with the achievements of the fathers before it, to push forward to a goal equally inspiring. The speaker referred feelingly to the fraternal relations that have existed among the churches and mentioned the fact that the Reformed church was the home of the other church members whose ministers held service in the old building years ago.

Dr. W.B. Ramsay brought greetings from the First Presbyterian church and told how his congregation in the early days before it had services each Sabbath always went to hear Dr. Murphy. That showed the interest the Presbyterians had in Corinth Reformed church.

Mr. A.M. West, in the absence of Rev. W.O. Goode, brought greetings from the First Methodist church. He was thankful for the great record of the Reformed church, which had so large a part in the growth and upbuilding of Hickory and the community.

Greetings from Lenoir College and Lutheran institutions were extended by Dr. F.C. Longaker, who spoke particularly of Dr. Murphy, who made him, a stranger, feel at home here. The influence of this church and its members is not limited to the community, but is worldwide, Dr. Longaker said.

Rev. S.B. Stroup, record of the Church of the Ascension, was too ill to be present, and a letter expressed his regrets and interest in the occasion.

Mr. Edgar Whitener of High Point, an old Cornith boy, recalled fruitful days here. Mr. Rowe then called upon Rev. J.H. Shuford, pastor in 1874-1876, and Mr. Shuford recalled the founding of this congregation, paying tribute to the good men who were its organizers. It was an outgrowth of Bethel Reformed church. Dr. A.D. Wolfinger, president of Catawba College, referred to the part Dr. Murphy and Dr. Shuford had taken in this institution, and it was largely through their aid and influence that the college was kept going.

Messrs. C.C. Bost and E.L. Shuford, who were members of the first Sunday school, were called upon. Mr. Bost is still attending the Sunday school and his reminisces were unusually entertaining, as were those of Mr. Shuford.

Mr. G.H. Geitner, the last speaker, pointed to the lesson for all the members. This congregation had achieved much in 50 years. The leaders had before them service, and he felt that the present congregation, to be worthy of its past, must be a force for the better life of Hickory and the community.

For a brief history of the church and pictures of the buildings throughout the years, go to https://corinthtoday.org/about-us/history/


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