Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1928 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 137
MEMORIALS
REV. JOHN W. CARLISLE
Rev. John W. Carlisle was born in Newburgh, New York,
September 22, 1858, and entered into his rest April 5, 1928.
He received his education in Newburgh public schools, in Columbia
College, and in the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary.
He was called to New Alexandria congregation, and was installed
June 20, 1884. At the death of his father he was called
to the pastorate of First Newburgh. He demitted his charge
of New Alexandria congregation January 26, 1888, and was
installed pastor of First Newburgh, June 26, 1888. For forty
years he ministered to that congregation. His father had been
pastor for thirty-eight years. Thus father and son filledout
the long measure of seventy-eight years in the one congregation—a
record never before known in the Covenanter Church, if
indeed in any church.
Mr. Carlisle was an unusually diligent student of the Word
of God. Probably he did not excel in Hebrew: but he was a
fine Greek scholar, and was not satisfied until he had searched
the deep meaning hidden in the original tongue. He was conscientiously
earnest in his preparation for the pulpit, and he
brought forth things new and old from God's rich treasures.
Mr. Carlisle was a man of prayer. He looked unto his
Heavenly Father for guidance and strength. Isaiah 50 and 4
was made his earnest petition, 'Lord, give me the tongue of the
learned, that I may know how to speak a word in season to him
that is weary. Waken me morning by morning—waken mine
ear to hear as the learned.' He prayed much, and was most
earnest at the throne of grace. Indeed, prayer was one of his
special gifts.
Mr. Carlisle was not what might be called an active Presbyter.
In Church courts he talked infrequently. But at the
same time he was interested in actions taken. He was rather
one whose heart was in his ministerial work in his congregation,
and in influencing for good the community in which he
lived and surrounding regions. He was well known in his city.
Mr. Carlisle was made a member of the Foreign Board
by the Synod of 1919, and he was a helpful member. He was
greatly interested in the spread of the Gospel in the regions beyond,
and led his congregation in large giving to this great
cause. The Bible Society, also, had a large place in his heart
and to it he and his people contributed liberally.
Mr. Carlisle's work on earth has ended. He has gone to
the General Assembly and will not be back. May the grace of
God comfort and sustain his home circle, the congregation to
which he so long ministered, and his co-laborers and friends.
F. M. FOSTER.