Journal of the Central Texas Conference, Fourth Annual Session, Methodist Episcopal Church South Page: 40

40 CENTRAL TEXAS CONFERENCE JOURNAL

Waco, 1905-6. This closed his work as a pastor, seventeen years
in all, thirteen in this Conference. In the Fall of 1906, he was
elected and appointed president of Stamford Collegiate Insti.
tute, and for three years and a half he served with ability in
that capacity. The breadth 'of foundation and success of ad.
ministration of that great training school are due in large meas.
ure to the optimistic faith and untiring energy of its first presi-
dent. He resigned the presidency in June, 1910, and was
appointed to the Dublin District for the remainder of the year.
That fall, he was sent to the Fort Worth District where he
served two years and eight months, until his translation. He
was a member of the General Conference of 1910, and would
undoubtedly have been sent to the next, had he lived.
In the make-up and character of Bro. Duncan, we do not find
over-shadowing greatness or notable weakness in any one single
line, but rather the happy union of more than ordinary ability
in all lines. A better all-round man it would be hard to find.
Born of the best of parentage, he had excellent native ability.
To this was added careful rearing in the best type of homes, a
solid, sensible education, wide observation, and the life-time
habit of reading and mastering good books. He learned to see
clearly, think accurately, and to express himself with remark-
able force and clearness. But above all else in his make-up was
the grace of God. He had been deeply convicted, soundly and
happily converted, and thus had a definite, clear-cut experience.
Henceforth, he grew in grace and in the knowledge of God as
his Father and Christ as his personal Savior. He was first of
all, a deeply religious, truly spiritual man.
He was an excellent preacher, a true, evangelical, Gospel
preacher. He dealt but little in metaphysics, science, philosophy
or poetry, and was never given to platitudes or second-hand reli-
gion. He read and studied the Bible, accepted it as the Word
of God, and preached its great truths made real and vital to
him by his own personal experience. He entered heart and soul
into his message, preaching with consecrated earnestness and
enthusiasm. Under his preaching, men were convicted, con-
verted, strengthened and established in their religious life. Any
congregation, whether rude and unlearned, or intellectual and
cultured, heard him gladly and profitably. His experience, his
observation, his reading good books and the Bible, and his deep
interest in all classes made his preaching fresh and vigorous.
He was a fine pastor. All departments of church work pros-
pered under his leadership. He invariably had all the organiza-
tions of the church and each in prosperous operation. He saw
clearly the needs of his charge, was a fine organizer, a resource-
ful, indefatigable worker, a wise counsellor, and a safe leader.
The published Minutes show that in all his years as a pastor,
there was never a dollar of deficit in salary or collections; that
there were always many additions on profession of faith, and a
large net increase in membership except during his fourth year
when he would religiously clean up his roll. Never given to
gadding about, he visited with a purpose. He knew his flock,
knew their surroundings, hence was well acquainted with their
wants and needs. He never failed to minister to the sick, the
sorrowing, the needy and erring. We have no better pastors
than was he.