Robert James Thompson, D.D., Rev.
Rev. Robert James Thompson, D.D., late pastor of the Market Street Presbyterian Church, of Lima, was born in Syracuse, New York, on the 14th of August, 1855. He attended the common schools in his native city until 12 years of age, then left school to learn the mason's trade with his uncle, with
whom he worked till he was 18. He then entered Syracuse University and, following this, Hamilton College, completing the four years' course in three years in each institution. At Hamilton he tutored throughout the course, graduating third in his class. He entered Union Theological Seminary in New York City, graduating there from in 1884. While at the seminary he had charge of Mizpah Chapel, a Russian Church on 10th avenue near 57th street, and here he met Alice Walton, one of the Sunday-school teachers, who in 1885 became his wife. In May, 1884, he took a four-months' trip through Europe. His companions on this journey were Douglass Walton, brother of his fiancée, and Rev. S. G. Anderson, who was for 12 years pastor of Westminster Church in Toledo, and whose death occurred in October, 1900. On his return from Europe, Dr. Thomson took charge of the First Presbyterian Church at Winona, Minnesota, where he remained until he was called to the Market Street Presbyterian Church of Lima in November, 1890.
Dr. Thomson was always a tireless worker. As chaplain of the Second Regiment of the Ohio National Guard he was especially successful in his work among the boys, using a great deal of tact, which in such a position is peculiarly needful. He held this office from 1900 to 1905, when he retired on account of his prospective change of residence.
As a writer of short stories and also as a lecturer, Dr. Thomson won a considerable reputation. Several of his stories were taken up by the Youth's Companion. It is interesting to note that the original of Westcott's hero of "David Harm" fame lived in Syracuse in Dr. Thomson's younger days and the two families were intimate friends and neighbors. During his pastorate at the Presbyterian Church in Lima he was made chairman of the missionary committee of the presbytery, and also was made moderator of the synod, a position which he filled with great ability.
In the year 1905, on account of ill health, he decided to give up the ministry. He became interested in an orange grove plantation in Porto Rico and on the 25th of March sailed for the West Indies. His health, however, was not benefited by the change and, being recalled by a unanimous vote of his congregation, he returned to his pastorate at Lima.
After a long illness, Dr. Thomson died at Clifton Springs Sanitarium, New York, November 24, 1905. In November 27th a most impressive service was held over his remains at Lima in the church where he had so often preached the Sacred Word. His last resting place is in Greenlawn Cemetery. On December 3 a beautiful memorial service was held in his church.
"The Interior," in its issue of January, 1899, paid him the following tribute: "Dr. Thomson, of the Market Street Church, is a man of striking personality. The extremes of society seem to have contributed to his making. He has the broad hard hand of an humble toiler that has been close to nature, a face that classes him on sight with the aristocracy of the intellect, and a manner that would carry him gracefully into any social circle. His is a personality that takes to itself friends, even of the mammon of unrighteousness, friends that come not to sojourn, but to abide with him.
"This American-Scotchman was born in Syracuse, New York, where he could look out on the Onondaga hills that the Irish orator Burke regarded as a synonym, of savagery. Here he must have gained his remarkable powers of analysis. He seems to be able to take things apart and show you how easy it is to put them together again. Dr. Thomson has had two pastorates, one at Winona, Minnesota, of six and a half years, and at Lima. He is stronger with his people and stronger with the Lord every day. The summer of 1897, Wooster University did a very gracious thing in conferring on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Pre-eminently is Dr. Thomson a preacher of the work. As a preacher, he is striking, eloquent, magnetic and powerful. He dose not come to the sanctuary each Lord's Day to sell Joseph's wheat at so much a bushel. He has resources of his own and can make Egypt grow wheat at a time when most would pronounce it famine. This takes his pupit oratory out of the rut, divests it of bookishness and makes it fresh and interesting to an audience. A man of such parts is, of course, largely in demand by the public. His is the pioneer voice preparing the way for all public enterprises. Dr. Thomson married into one of the prominent families of New York City. His accomplished wife is a great help to her husband in every way."