Gerard - David W.
DAVID W. GERARD
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Thursday, 6 January 1910 p 1
The funeral of David W. Gerard, supreme chief of the Supreme Tribe of Ben Hur, occurred from his late residence on East Main Street this afternoon at one and was attended by a large concourse of people, not only from this city and county but also from many states where the great fraternal order founded by Mr. Gerard flourishes. The family also received many telegrams of condolence from members all over the US who were unable to attend the obsequies. The servies were in charge of Dr. Ernest Daisy Smith, pastor of the First Methodist Church of which Mr. Gerard had long been a member. Dr. Smith was assisted by Rev. Earle Wilfrey of St. Louis, former pastor of the Christian Church here and an intimate friend of the deceased; Rev. W H Kerr of this city and Rev.. SW Goss of Indianapolis. The latter opened the funeral services with prayer. There was no music except one song which is included in the ritualistic services of the Tribe of Ben Hur. Mrs. Ernest Dailey Smith read Gethsemane and Abide with Me during the services. The former selection was a great favorite of Mr. Gerard and while alive he frequently requested Mrs. Smith read it to him. Dr. Smith's remarks centered around the family text, "Wail, O fir-tree for the cedar is fallen." His remarks were largely of a personal nature and and designated Mr. Gerard as the head and shoulders of the grat fraternal order of which he had so long served as its chief. He dwelt touchingly and at length on the order and what it had done and is doing for humanity. Dr. Smith was followed by Rev. Wilfley and Rev. Kerr both of whom spoke briefly. Directly after the close of the church services McPherson Post of the Grand Army of the Republic of which Dr. TJ Griffith is post commander gave its impressive ritualistic services. The ritualistic services of Simonides Court, the first one organized by the Supreme Tribe of Ben Hur and of which Mr. Gerard was a member was then give Harry N Fine and Mr. Will N. Steele being in charge of this beautiful ceremony. Rest is gone ... sorry