REV. JOHN POWER DIES IN TEXAS

Former Blair Minister of the Early 90’s Passes at Age of 91 Years

The following dispatch will be of much interest to a group of Blair people who will remember when back in the late 80’s and early 90’s Rev. John Power held the pastorate of the local Congregational church.

Rev. Power was a man of ability, and his old parishioners and friends here will look back to the old days and will regret that a man of such ability must go.

“Brownwood Texas - The Rev. Dr. John Power, 91, rector emeritus of St. Johns church, died at his home on October 25th following an illness of only a few hours.

Dr. Power served as rector of St. Johns for 30 years, retiring from active duty in 1934. In addition to his duties as rector, he was also a teacher in Daniel Baker college, a columnist for the Brownwood Bulletin, and leader of civic enterprises. He was probably the oldest college professor in the nation, for he had continued during the last few years to teach classes in history at Daniel Baker.

Dr. Power was born in Winterton, England April 16, 1846, moving to Yorkshire at the age of 5. He received his education at St. Johns college, York, and taught for 18 years in the public schools of England. Coming to the United States in 1884, he spent some time in New York. For 20 years he was in charge of churches in Nebraska, coming to Brownwood in 1904. He helped organize the first charity organization in the city. He also helped organize the first ministerial alliance, served as president a number of times, and retained his membership until his death. He organized the first commercial club, which later became the Chamber of Commerce. He was Brownwood’s first scout master.

Dr. Power became a newspaper columnist 30 years ago, contributing to the Saturday issue of the Brownwood Bulletin, his “Parson’s column”, which was widely read and quoted throughout the state.

He is survived by three sons: Turner Power of Brownwood, Frank Power of Kansas and Ted Power of Columbus, Ohio.

Bishop Moore of Dallas conducted the funeral service on October 29th. The clergy of the dioceses acted as pallbearers, and burial took place in Brownwood."

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #17160985