March, 2026

A LETTER FROM THE PAST

During the reorganization of the “history” room of Olive Branch Christian Church, a framed letter was found. It was written in cursive, and while I could read some of the sentences, many I could not make out at all. I asked our own Andy Bradshaw, who is well skilled in deciphering old documents and letters, to take a look. He joyfully undertook the challenge, not only providing a transcription, but a history of the individuals involved. I want to share a little of both with you, for the advice that Dr. Hubbard gave in 1867 seems very relevant for us in 2026. Here is Andy’s historical background for the letter:

Among the historic documents of Olive Branch is a letter from Fannie R. Allen to “Peter” in which she sends to him a letter written to her in 1867 from C. M. Hubbard, the grandfather of “Peter”.

C. M. Hubbard (Charles Minor Hubbard), who lived from 1808 to 1875, was a doctor by profession who owned the Oakland farm and gave 1 ½ acres of that farm to the trustees of Olive Branch Christian Church in 1845 on which was built the sanctuary. His widow, Mary Ann Hubbard, subsequently gave another 8 ½ acres to the church and established the adjacent Hubbard Family Cemetery, in which both are buried.

Fannie R. Allen, who lived from 1831 to 1911, was a single woman who resided with the family of Dr. Michael S. Warren and his wife, Elizabeth. This remarkable letter was sent by Dr. Hubbard to Ms. Allen upon her baptism. She, too, is buried at Olive Branch.

“Peter” seems to be Peter Tribble Cowles, Jr., the only grandson of C. M. Hubbard bearing the name Peter. He lived from1874 to 1951. The occasion for forwarding this letter to him may have been when he joined the U. S. Army to serve in the Spanish-American War. Note her request that he give it to his mother to save for him.

Written in 1867, the handwritten letter illustrates the writing style of the days before there were generally accepted rules of spelling, capitalization, punctuation and grammar. Dashes are used where we might use commas or periods today. “t” might be crossed or not, and takes different forms depending upon whether it is the first letter of a word, or within the word, or at its end. Where there is a double “s” within a word, the first will appear more similar to an “f”. The now obsolete spelling “shew” is used rather than the more modern spelling “show”. In his concluding words of encouragement, he refers to her Christian corcer, an obsolete word meaning starting post. Dr. Hubbard generously quotes from scripture and includes a quotation from the Roman statesman, philosopher and orator, Cicero.

Here are the passages I want to share with you in this newsletter, as transcribed by Andy:

God has given you his will in the Scriptures (wonderful mystery) never the less true – look here for counsel & wisdom & you shall not be disappointed – but in doing this is the guide for your footsteps – let me caution against religious bigotry – don’t quarrel with others in account of their religion because they can’t or don’t think & act like you. You shall take it for granted that they are as honest as yourself & have as much at stake as you. & therefore give them credit for honesty of purpose. The best & most efficient argument is that taught us by the persion (sic) when he said “This is the way, follow me – again, don’t look too much (if at all at the actions of Professing Christians – tho: they may be preachers – for the best are but men & like yourself liable to err – to “err is mortal, to forgive divine” If you love not your brother whom you have seen, how dare you say that you love god whom you have not seen. Who are your brothers? in one sense – all God’s creatures, for whom he died even to the animal creatures – but more especially does it refer to the children of God by obedence (sic). but my paper is nearly filled up. I must conclude. Success to you my young and interesting friend in your Christian carcer [obsolete word meaning starting post] may you so run as to win the prize – if this is the true meaning of that scripture. No one feels excepting perhaps your own dear brother more interest in you than I do. May your last days be your best days, and may your sun of life go down so calmly & serenely that you may never know when your sun of life loose itself in the night of the grave.”

Good words of advice, be they in 1867 or 2026.

Blessings ~ Pastor Richard
March, 2026