1862-1945
Adoniram Judson Arrick
Presbyterian Pastor/Composer IN/KY
Adoniram Judson Arrick was born June 26, 1862 the son of John Harry Arrick and Sarah Ann Moore. He graduated from Wabash College in Indiana in 1888 and McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, before being ordained by the Presbytery of Muncie, Indiana in 1890. His wife was Martha Isabell Snider.
He served pastorates in: Rankin, Vermillion Co., IL (1889-90); Hartford City, Blackford Co., IN (1890-92); Mt. Sterling, Montgomery Co., KY (1892-98); Louisville, KY (1898-1904); Dayton, Tippecanoe Co. IN (1904-07); Kendallville, Noble Co., IN (1907).
But beyond traditional pastoral leadership, Arrick also wrote poetry and hymns including He is Knocking; One by One, We’re Passing Over; Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord; and ‘Tis Promised to Those Who Are Faithful to Christ.[1] His ministry followed in the steps of Luther and Wesley and others where the pastor was the musician presenting the gospel message in both song and sermon.
Arrick had several interests that are reported in over 240 newspaper articles that record his name. Besides the usual weddings, funerals and presbytery meetings, he was involved with Christian Endeavor, pulpit exchanges and church union services, Lake Winona Conferences and the temperance movement.
The pastor, Rev. A. J. Arrick, preached on the subject of the Resurrection. His sermons were highly commended. The extra attraction at night was a solo written by Mr. Arrick and sung by Miss Ayers.[2]
Rev. A. J. Arrick, of Kendalville, Ind., delivered a splendid sermon Sunday morning in the First Presbyterian church. He exchanged pulpits with Rev. A.C. Ormond of this city. Mr. Ormond had promised to preach in Kendalville when that city went dry. As it voted dry he fulfilled his agreement.[3]
“I commend to you this old book, the bible; study it diligently, thoughtfully, earnestly, carefully, but above all I beseech that you study it conscientiously as that when the last great commencement shall come, you can receive your diploma—a crown of everlasting life.”
With the above words, Pastor A. J. Arrick brought to close one of the best baccalaureate sermons ever preached to a graduating class of the Aledo high school.”[4]
Adoniram Judson Arrick died March 18, 1945 in Florida and is buried in the Spring Vale Cemetery, Lafayette, Indiana
+++++++++++++++.
[1] “Adoniram Judson Arrick,” http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/a/r/r/i/arrick_aj.htm
[2] Mt. Sterling Advocate (Mount Sterling, KY), April 16, 1895, Volume 5, p. 6.
[3] “Delivered Splendid Sermon,” South Bend Tribune (South Bend, IN), July 19, 1909, p. 10.
[4] “Urged to Keep Bible on Hand,” Rock Island Argus and Daily Union (Rock Island, IL), Volume: 69th year, May 24, 1920, p. 13