Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1948

150 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE
where he served until September 5, 1905.
He was then installed pastor of Bovina, New York, congregation,
October 17, 1905 and released April 4, 1913 after a pastorate of
eight years. He was next installed pastor of Hetherton cogregation
in Michigan June 24, 1914 and released June 7, 1918. His next pastorate
was at Washington, Iowa, where he was installed July 9, 1918
and released June 6, 1925 after seven years.
His installation at Old Bethel, Illinois, congregation took place
July 15, 1925. On account of failing health he was released from
this charge, January 1, 1947.
Mr. Robb was united in marriage to Echo D. Sterrett of Cedarviile,
Ohio, October 5, 1904. She is still living. Their five children,
all of whom are Uving are: J. Merrill, W. Sterrett Mrs. Ruth E.
McSkimin, Mrs Joan M. Terpening and W. Dwight. One brother,
Wyman S. and two sisters survive him.
Mr. Robb was content to carry on his work quietly without seeking
public acclaim. He believed in and proclaimed the true Gospel
of Jesus Christ, leaving the results with God. We are reminded of
the Word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah: "In quietness and
in confidence shall be your strength."
D. H. Elliott
James Stewart McGaw
James Stewart McGaw was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
October 14, 1872. He graduated from Geneva College in 1895 and
from our Theological Seminary in 1899. He was ordained by Kansas
Presbytery, November 23, 1899, and installed pastor of our Beulah,
Nebraska congregation on that date. He served here with great acceptance
for five years, when he accepted a call to our Sharon Congregation
at Morning Sun, Iowa. He was installed, December 13,
1904. He served with great acceptance at Sharon. He was greatly
beloved as a pastor and admired as a preacher both in and out of
the church
His unusual gifts as a public speaker created a wide demand
for his services outside his pastorate. He was Chautauqua Bible
teacher and platform manager during the Sharon pastorate. Great
crowds attended his ministry in the Word. There was pressure to
take up this work regularly. But he declined, preferring the pastorate.
It was at this time that the National Reform Association called
him to become its general secretary. He left the pastorate, so dearly
beloved, and for sixteen years labored unceasingly for the reformation
of our beloved nation. The personal sacrifice during these years
of constant travel cannot be fully estimated. Up and down the
land he went wherever opportunity was offered. He was away from
wife and sons and comforts of home most of the time. One son said
at the funeral, "We seldom saw and hardly knew our father."
Frequently congregations asked him to become their pastor
but he declined, feeling that God had called him to the wider field
with a message to the nation,.although it was at times a temptation