Indiana Baptist History -- 1798-1908
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Indiana Baptist History
1798-1908


Page 148

of him in connection with State work.) In 1853 he
went to Minnesota and manifested the same mission-
ary zeal that he had in Indiana. In 1861 he was
chosen chaplain of the Second Minnesota Volunteers,
and served in that capacity for two years. He died in
Des Moines, Iowa, August 31st, 1870, his last words
being "My work is done, I am going home." He left
three sons in the Baptist ministry.

The Rev. Henry Day, D. D., was born in Westfield,
Massachusetts, in 1818. His father was an earnest
christian, and spent his life mainly on the farm in
caring for his large family. The son Henry at length
found his way to Brown University; at the close of
the second year he was chosen assistant in the Wor-
cester County high school, and continued the work
for one year. Returning to the university he was
graduated with honor in 1843. The First Baptist
church of Providence gave him a license to preach;
he accepted the professorship of mathematics in
Georgetown, Ky., then under the presidency of the
Rev. Howard Malcom, D. D. After the lapse of some
years he accepted the professorship of natural phil-
osophy, astronomy and civil engineering in his alma
mater. Two and a half years later he accepted the
pastorate of the Broad Street Baptist church, Phila-
delphia, Pa. The pastorate of the First church, In-
dianapolis, was strongly urged upon him, and, for
the accomplishment, as he thought, of one specific
work, lie cordially accepted. This was in 1863. He
was allowed to give fifteen years to the service of
the church, and retired at length with many tokens

Page 149

of both the Divine and human favor. No minister
has had a deeper and more permanent influence in the
Indianapolis Association than Dr. Day. He was soon
known as an efficient expounder of the divine word;
and his counsels were so wise that both old and young
gladly sought his advice. It is doubtful whether any
other pastor ever took greater pains and delight in
building up the members of his flock into intelligent
rounded christian manhood and womanhood. He
was most highly regarded in his city as a man of
genuine dignity and culture. It seemed to many of his
brethren in the ministry that his influence would have
been still greater if he had not confined his interest
and labor so closely to his own church. He could
have done much to advance the Baptist cause in vari-
ous parts of Indianapolis, and in various parts of the
State. But the power of his fifteen years' pastorate
was marked, and will be felt for many years to come.
When he became pastor the church was without a 
house of worship; and largely through his leadership
a beautiful and commodious building was dedicated
May 4th, 1864, at a cost of $35,000.
 The Rev. G. H. Elgin, D. D., was born in Clays-
ville, Washington county, Indiana, in 1848, was reared
on a farm, and became a member of the Lost River
church in 1865. He entered Franklin College in 1870
and was graduated from the classical course in 1875,
being the only member of his class he often remarked
that "he stood at the head." Having been called to
the pastorate of the Columbus church, he was ordained
there in August, 1875. After a pastorate of a year he
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