Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/58

42 Scotch church. “You mean the Scotch Church? It is in Cedar Street, and Dr. McElroy is its pastor.” He went there, and from that day till the close of his life it was his church home, and became dear to him as the apple of his eye. Dr. McElroy was then at the zenith of his reputation, a most earnest and eloquent preacher, full of zeal and fire. He preached entirely without notes, not even writing his sermons, but preparing them with extreme care, and delivering them verbatim et literatim. Sometimes in delivery he would substitute a synonymous word for the one he had intended, but was never satisfied till he had gone back and used the very word he had chosen in preparation. He was a most tender-hearted friend, and greatly beloved in his congregation.

A few Sundays later, Mr. Carter entered the Scotch Church Sunday school, and was soon one of the most active teachers, and leader of the teachers’ meeting. In 1837 he was made Superintendent, a position he filled for more than thirty years. In 1847 he was made an elder in the church.

It was in this Sunday school that Mr. Carter first met her who was destined to be for more than fifty years his helper, tried and true, in the battle of life. None but himself and his children could know what a power was in that gentle, quiet life that was lived beside his, nor how strong was the influence exercised over him by his wife. The heart of her husband could safely trust in her.

Miss Jane Thomson was the eldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Thomson, an old and highly respected citizen of New York, an active and honored elder of the Scotch Church. Mr. Thomson was a native of Maryland, whence he removed to New York in 1804. He was