Biographical Sketch of Harry Robert Trickett


Text from Haynes, Nathaniel S. History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois 1819-1914, Cincinnati: Standard Publishing Company, 1915. Pages 623 - 624. This online edition © 1997, James L. McMillan.

Born: Nottinghamshire, England, 1840.
Died: Keokuk, Iowa, 1909.

Came to America in 1852. In his young manhood he returned to England, where he finished his education in King's College, London. He was educated for the law, but soon decided for the ministry. After his return to the lInited States, he bought a farm in Montebello Township, Hancock County, which was his home to the close of his life. However, he held pastorates in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. Besides, he did much effective evangelistic work.

Mr. Trickett was a great preacher. Judge C. J. Scofield says:

"I have heard him preach sermons as able as the best I have ever heard from the pulpit."

He took a deep interest in the living questions of the day, sometimes made political speeches, was a brilliant conversationalist and a fine writer. His contributions to religious papers always attracted attention because of their vigorous thought and superior diction.

In the closing years of his life it was his custom to write a Christmas sermon for the Nauvoo Independent. The closing words of his last sermon were the following:

"In all probability, this is the last Christmas sermon I shall write You. Accept as my Christmas gift. It is all I have to give, you know. There will be no Christmas festivities for me. I am old and feeble and lonely, but my heart goes out to you in good wishes. I am very thankful for the warmth and shelter of the hospital, and, while I think and hope that God may give me strength and health again, yet I do not know, nor do I care overmuch. It is well, no matter what happens. Living or dying, I have partaken of the Christmas melodies. I see beyond the shadow of the cross, and have passed into the garden of Joseph of Arithmathea, and am standing among the white lilies of the resurrection. I see that the risen Lord and the Babe of Bethlehem are one, and I cry in the words of the grand old chant, ‘O Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, have mercy on me. Amen and amen.'"


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