LP-31-Thomas Preston Haley

Thomas Preston Haley

THOMAS PRESTON HALEY was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, on the 19th day of April, 1832. In the fall of 1833, his father emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Randolph County, of that State. The first Christian Church in the county of Randolph was organized in his father’s house, and was composed chiefly, if not entirely, of members of his father’s family. Under the care of Christian parents, and the earnest preaching of the lamented Allen Wright, Thomas became deeply interested in the subject of religion, and, at the early age of fourteen, confessed the Savior, and was immersed, under the ministry of Henry Thomas now of Austin, Texas. When about sixteen years of age, he commenced reading the Scriptures and praying in the social meetings of the Church. In this way, he gradually acquired confidence, and began to give promise of the ability which has since characterized his public ministry.

Having made considerable progress in a rudimental education, and being thrown on his own resources, on account of the moderate circumstances of his family, before he was seventeen years of age, he took charge of a country school, which he conducted for some time in a very satisfactory manner. While engaged in teaching this school, he was in the habit of lecturing his pupils on various subjects connected with their studies and the practical duties of life. This practice further developed his speaking talents, and, under the advice and instruction of Marcus P. Wills and T. M. Allen, of Missouri, he was induced to give himself to the ministry of the Gospel. Accordingly, after having spent a few years preaching in a somewhat miscellaneous way, he was, on the third Lord’s day in November, 1853, ordained to the ministry, at Antioch, Randolph County, Missouri. Since then, he has, given his whole time to the work, excepting two years during the late war, at which time he was engaged in teaching. He was married, on the fifth day of May, 1855, to Mary Louisa M’Garvey, of Howard County, Missouri. From 1853 to 1858, he was engaged principally in the general field, traveling extensively in north-western Missouri, and meeting with encouraging success in the proclamation of the Gospel. In the fall of 1858, he became pastor of the Church at Lexington, Missouri, which position he held until the summer of 1864. He then removed to Louisville, Kentucky, and became pastor of the Chestnut-street Church, in that city, which is his present field of labor.

Brother Haley has a finely-developed physical organization, being considerably over medium size, and compactly built. He has dark hair and eyes, is very erect, and has a striking personal appearance. His mental powers are evidently well supported by a healthy, vigorous, physical constitution. As a preacher, he is a good Evangelist, but a much better pastor. In the last department of labor he has been eminently successful. The Church at Lexington, Missouri, was never so prosperous as while under his pastoral care. His labors in Louisville have also been greatly blessed. The Church for which he preaches has grown from a very small and weak congregation to one of the largest and most influential in all the country. These successes have been achieved by constant, laborious, and faithful work. His social powers are well developed, and these give him great influence in any church for which he labors. While he is dignified and commanding in his manners, he is easily approached, and every one receives from him the most courteous and respectful attention. He is a much more than average speaker, but by no means exerts his greatest power in the pulpit; he preaches his best sermons in the social circle, and at the fireside of the members of the Church.