A Great Christian Called Home
(Editor's Note: There is no man left alive who was closer through the years to G. H. P. Showalter than the veteran W. W. Otey. When Brother Showalter departed this life last month, we thought it fitting and proper that one who knew him and loved him should write the story we would publish. Brother Otey, now in his eighty-eighth year, sends us the following.)
George Henry Pryor Showalter was born in Pulaski County, Virginia, October 15, 1870, and called to be with the Lord on October 17, 1954. He was the fifth child of J. T. and Sally Showalter, whose big family of five girls and seven boys was not unlike some of the great families of the ancient patriarchs.
It can be truly said that "from a child he knew the Holy Scriptures." His father was a school teacher, farmer and preacher. His mother was one who exemplified the very highest type of Christian womanhood. After I was 19, and George 16, I often was a visitor in the home. No other family that I have ever known was like the Showalter family in its order, discipline, and worship. At five o'clock each morning the father called. Every child arose at once. Each of the sons and the father went out to perform the many duties on the farm. The mother and daughters went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the family of fourteen and for any overnight visitor who might have chance to be present. Of which I was often One.
At the appointed time all the family, and visitors if any, assembled in the large living room. Each had a Bible. A chapter was read verse about; a song was sung; and all kneeled for prayer. At the table, immediately following this period, while all stood with bowed heads thanks was expressed. After the meal each one went to take up the duties of the day. The father and several of the children would go to the school where he taught; others went about various jobs and duties. Again at night the word of the Lord was read, a song and prayer followed; yes, and if the family and any visitor happened to return late from preaching somewhere (to which they generally went in a road wagon), none went to bed until the Bible had been read and the song and prayer had followed. Briefly, this suggests the environment of the childhood of George Showalter who has now gone to his rich reward.
George attended country schools for as much learning as they could supply. Perhaps he also attended a small school at Greendale. He was graduated from Milligan College in Tennessee about 1896. For several years during the 1890's he taught schools, two terms near to my home. We engaged in several protracted meetings, taking time about preaching the sermons, one of us preaching one day and night, the other preaching the next day and night. Through the years he was often a visitor in our home.
In 1897 George left Virginia, coming to Texas. He was president of Lockney Christian College for ten years. In 1908 he bought the Firm Foundation and was editor of that publication till his passing, a period of forty-six years. I think he was an active editor longer than any other man in the church of the Lord during my memory. I have often said I thought he was one of the best editors in my memory. His influence on the church in general has been very great, and will be felt for many years to come.
I am sure he and I have been as closely associated for a longer period of time than any other two men during the last sixty-five years and more. It is probable that we have had less difference on teaching and practice than almost any other two men. I have been with him under many and varied circumstances. His reverence for God and all things holy was profound and unsurpassed by any one whom I have ever known. His mind was as clean and free from anything out of harmony with a follower of Jesus as the purest of earth. In all our association I never heard him use a word or relate a story that could not be spoken in the pulpit. I have never observed any disposition to show resentment for what some would have called a wrong against him. If he ever harbored the least measure of an unforgiving spirit, I never detected it.
Of late years he was much distressed because of worldliness in the church of the Lord. This concern he expressed to me often, both in person and in many letters.
I loved him more deeply and for many more years than any other man, though I have had, and still have, a very large number who live in my heart. I am sure his regard for me was strong. I do not have even an opinion as to whether we will know each other over there. But if the redeemed on the other side recognize those whom they have known here, then I shall expect to meet George, if in my weakness I am admitted in through the gates of the city and may have a right to the tree of life.
— W. W. Otey