| Notes |
- Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume VIII, Number 49 - March 2, 1916
Good. - Bro. Christian Good died of complications of diseases at his home near Dayton, Va., Feb. 17, 1916; aged 73 y. 5 m. 14 d. He was born near Harrisonburg, Va., Sept. 3, 1842. On Dec. 24, 1863, he married Sister Annie Heatwole, who died July 2, 1889. To this union were born 8 sons and 1 daughter. Three of his sons, Solomon R., Aaron C., and Daniel W., now live near Sterling, Ill., Aaron C. being the minister of the Mennonite Church at that place. Samuel E. Good was ordained a minister in the same congregation July 10, 1904, and died Aug. 30, 1905. The other 5 children are living near Dayton, Va. On Feb. 12, 1891, he married Sarah Wenger, who died Feb. 23, 1892. On Nov. 9, 1893, he married Annie Breneman of Elida, O., who survives him. Bro. Good united with the Mennonite Church possibly the first of the year 1861. Not long after this his faith was put to a severe test. He was drafted into the Confederate army. He very reluctantly obeyed the call. He carried the carnal weapon, and though but a youth he possessed the courage of a Daniel. He purposed in his heart not to take the life of his fellowman, choosing "to obey God rather than man." This was known to the officer in charge. After a battle his captain said to him, "Did you shoot?" He answered, "No." The captain spoke roughly, ridiculed, and threatened to court martial him if he did so again. After another engagement the captain asked the question again, "Did you shoot?" Bro. Good again answered "No," expecting him to carry out his threat, but he did not molest him. Soon after this he was relieved from service by paying a fine. Bro. Good filled many important positions in the Church. About the year 1870 he was appointed chorister for the Bank Church. On Jan. 21, 1883, he was ordained deacon. On June 26, 1887, be was ordained a minister. On Nov. 29, 1914, he was ordained bishop. On May 13, 1892, he was elected Moderator of the Virginia Conference which position he held at the time of his death. He faithfully and conscientiously performed the duties all those positions required of him. He was a man of sound judgment, an able counsellor, a good speaker, an influential personal worker. He traveled extensively and was well and favorably known in many of the northern and western churches. He took a great interest in the West Virginia field of labor. He made many trips across the mountains, through heat and cold. Sometimes even endangering his life crossing swollen streams. He was a regular attendant at the church service, Sabbath or week days. His seat was seldom vacant though sometimes he had to travel long distances to fill his place. He faithfully visited the sick, and was kind to the needy. In his labors of love he left a noble example for others to follow. In his demise his family lost one who was much interested in their temporal and spiritual welfare; the community an honest citizen, neighbor, and friend; the church a noble, consecrated Christian worker. During his sickness of about three weeks, he at different times expressed his desire to get well. He thought his work was not finished but expressed his willingness to be resigned to the Lord's will. The following lines are a beautiful tribute to his memory:
The Master's call he was ready to obey
He faltered not, in the midst of the fray,
"For in order he marched in the van of the host.
He fell like a soldier, he died at his post,
Oh, can we the words of his exit forget?
Oh, no, they are fresh in our memory yet.
An example so faithful should never be lost.
He fell like a soldier, he died at his post."
The funeral service, which was largely attended, was held at the Weaver Church on the 19th. It was conducted by four bishop brethren. L. J. Heatwole read I Sam. 1:17-27 for the opening lesson, David Garber spoke from II Tim. 4:6-8, and was followed by A. P. Heatwole and Lewis Shank, after which his body was laid to rest in the cemetery near by.
Transcriber's note: "counsellor" is spelled as in the original.
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1842 - 1916 (73 years)
