Warbinton (Rev) William T. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

The Rev. William T. Warbinton for many years a resident of this place died at his home here Sunday evening at 6:25 o’clock after being confined to his bed for several weeks suffering from a broken hip, the result of a fall; the immediate cause of death being paralysis. Mr. Warbinton was a member of the Miami Ohio Conference of the Christian Church and one of its most widely known preachers. He was one of the church’s best organizers, having established congregations in many places and spent much time in evangelistic work. He came to Hagertown in the early 60s when he held revival services and in 1867 organized the First Christian Church here. A few months later the present church building was erected. Mr. Warbinton was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana April 7, 1829 where he received his early education and later went to Wabash College to be educated for the ministry, which he entered at the age of 25. His first appointment was at Darlington, Ind this being his field of labor for 14 years.  His first year’s salary was $25, the second $50, a gradual increase of salary being given him until the 14th year when the Darlington Church paid him $600.  Mr. Warbinton returned for the third time as pastor of the local church, the last time being in 1898.  Many years of his life were spent in the ministry here. He leaves a record of conscientious and faithful work.  He was one of the deepest thinkers of the church and never, until stricken by disease did he relax his efforts as an earnest student and a tireless servant in the cause of Christianity.  His intellectual activity, his desire to promote the cause of Christ and his love for the uplifting of humanity was a force that prolonged his life beyon the three score and ten years allotted to man to live. He was revered by every man, woman and child of his acquaintance. His genial salutation, his kindly smile, his hearty handshake made all feel the power of his Christian mission.  No one ever experienced more strongly that perfect desire to be to all and every one an inspiration for good and noble living.  He was true to his profession, true to his friends.  His work was well done and he has entered into the reward so nobly won.  Mr. Warbinton became pastor emeritus of the First Christian Church here in 1903 and passed the closing years of his life in peaceful retirement. He leaves a wife, Mrs. Ada Warbinton who is many years his junior and three grandchildren, Mrs. Nellie Stevenson of Lebanon, Ind and Ella and Harry Warbinton.  

Mr. Warbinton’s parents were James and Jane (Gillispie) Warbinton. Funeral services were held at the family residence Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock with Rev. Love, pastor of the Christian Church conducted the services. By the request of Mr. Warbinton a quartet composed of Mrs. Ed Mason, Mrs. WH Porter, Mr. Mahlon Gebhart and Mr. Frank Geisler sang While the Years of Eternity Roll and When My Life’s Work is Ended, Miss Nellie Brant played piano accompaniments. There were beautiful floral tributes from the church, the Sunday School, the Anti-Cant SS class, the Endeavor Society, the History Club, the Social Circle and from many personal friends. The body accompanied by the bereaved wife and her sister, Mrs. Laura Gebbart and the Rev. Love was taken to Darlington, Ind, the place of his first years in the ministry and laid to rest in the Darlington cemetery where Mr. Warbinton had previously erected his monument and arranged for his burial. The funeral party took the 7 a.m. train and arrived at Darlington at 3 p.m. where they were met by a host of friends who accompanied them to the beautiful cemetery nearby where burial services were conducted. The bearers who were selected by Mr. Warbinton from the home to the railroad station were KD Porter; Ed Porter; WH Porter; BF Mason; Ed Mason and AR Jones – Card of thanks – Most earnest thanks are extended by the family to all their neighbors and to all their other friends for the faithful and sympathetic attention extended during the sickness and death of the Rev. Warbinton. - kz