Born: Rockport, Ind., 1880.
Died:
The facts in this sketch were furnished the author by Mr. Jordon in writing.
His parents were both devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. He attended the public schools. In 1888 the father sold his farm, moved to New Boston, Ind., in the same county, and there engaged in the grocery and saloon business--a business not thought to be inconsistent among Roman Catholics. The son was then placed in the parochial school there, which was taught by the sisters. In this school the doctrines of the Roman Church were given prominence and the rudiments of true education were sadly neglected.
At ten years of age he was confirmed by Bishop Donahue, of Indianapolis. Shortly thereafter, his mother died, leaving three sons. She had dedicated this son in his early life to the priesthood, and her dying request of her husband was that he would send this son to St. Meinrod Monastery to prepare him, that she might thus fulfill her vow. In that institution, which was in charge of the Benedictines, he remained eight years. He completed the college course and received the A.B. degree. Then two years were passed in the seminary, where he took the minor vows and deacons' orders. He was held to this work by the memory of his mother's vow.
It was a custom of the seminary for the students to be sent out on Sundays to near-by hamlets, to conduct "missions" or religious services. He, with others of his fellow-students, went to Eddyville one third Sunday in the month They found the room they expected to use occupied by a band of people who called themselves "Christians." Min. Ira Scott, an elderly man, preached. He announced that the Catholic students were there to conduct their "mission" and asked the people to remain and hear them. This kindness caused the students to feel rather small, since they had remained outside the building through Mr. Scott's meeting.
At the close of the students' "mission," one of them, Loyola Chatron, challenged Mr. Scott to debate the question which of the two churches was right. Chatron was well versed in the traditions and doctrines of Rome, was brilliant, and had recently come from the Jesuit College in Rome. He had a mighty good opinion of himself. Min N. B. F. Treat represented the church of Christ and Mr. Chatron the Romanists in a week's public debate. Mr. Treat's powerful logic in presenting the word of God and acts of history was irresistible. The first result of the discussion was that five students of the monastery left the Roman Church. Mr. Jordon was one of these. For a year thereafter he was tossed about on a sea of doubt. He regarded all Protestants as alike. Finally, he found the people who took the word of God as the only rule of faith and practice. He was baptized by Min. J. T. Jacobs, of Rockport, Ind., and greatly enjoys his freedom in Jesus Christ. He later baptized his father, who had opposed his son's leaving the Roman Church in every possible way.
Mr. Jordon is pastor of the church at La Harpe.