Easter Tribute Honoring the Religious Heroes of Titanic - Tribute to Reverend John Harper

On this, the day before Good Friday,  we continue to honor the religious heroes of Titanic. We have introduced you to some of the Godly men who sailed Titanic. The men who spent their days searching for lost soles, preaching the good news to the unsaved so that they could except Jesus as their personal savior and live eternally in heaven. Today, I would like to introduce you to Reverend John Harper. He was from London, England and traveled 2nd Class aboard Titanic at age 39.

Rev. John Harper (photo from Wikipedia)

"Bless you, my friend, and welcome aboard. I'm the Reverend John Harper, a Baptist minister. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. I became a widower after my wife died in childbirth; however, I remained single and raised our daughter, Annie, on my own. It's against my faith to boast, yet it's quite humbling to know how highly respected I am by the members of my London congregation.

Over the years my reputation grew, and I began to enjoy popularity as a Christina voice at revivals and preaching assemblies in Great Britain and the United States. In fact, a 1911 evangelical appearance in the States proved so successful that church elders invited me to participate in their 1912 revival at the Moody Church in Chicago. I brought Annie with me this trip, along with her aunt, Jessie Leitch.

The evening before the collision, I'd stood on deck with Jessie to admire the sunset. "It will be beautiful in the morning," I told her. Little did I know that Annie, Jessie and I may not live to see it."

To discover Reverend John Harper's fate, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction. See the only Bible from Titanic now on display at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn.

Watch this video about the Religious Heroes of Titanic - http://youtu.be/PxQFF5yj07M

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May God Bless You and Keep You.

Chief Purser,
Erin Wicker

Easter Tribute Honoring the Religious Heroes of Titanic - Tribute to Father Thomas Byles

Today, on the 102nd Anniversary of Titanic's sinking, we continue to honor the religious heroes of Titanic. The men who continued to preach the gospel to the unsaved as Titanic met it's fate. Today, I would like to introduce you to Father Thomas Byles. He was from Essex, England and traveled 2nd Class aboard Titanic at age 42.

"What a glorious day it is, my friend, as are they all, God willing. I'm Father Thomas Byles, a convert to the Roman Catholic faith, assigned to St. Helen's Parish in Essex, England. When I received word my brother in New York City wanted me to officiate at his wedding, I arranged to sail on Titanic. "

"I can't say I was completely comfortable on the ship: I found its vibration and the engine-room noise quite unpleasant. However, my discomfort was eased greatly after I became acquainted with two other priests on board. "

The morning before the collision, I said Mass for passengers in both Second and Third Class. Ironically enough, I based my sermon on the need for a spiritual lifebelt during times of temptation. After the collision, I assisted many 3rd class passengers up to the lifeboats. As Titanic slipped away, I preyed the Holy Rosary, heard confessions and gave absolution to more than 100 passengers trapped at the stern of the ship. I felt God had intended foer me to be there, and that I was fulfilling my destiny.

To discover Father Thomas Byles' fate, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction. See the only Bible from Titanic now on display at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn.

Take our Religious Heroes Quiz Here.
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May God Bless You and Keep You.

Chief Purser,
Erin Wicker

Easter Tribute Honoring the Religious Heroes of Titanic - Tribute to Reverend Robert Bateman

This week, leading up to Easter Weekend, it seems appropriate to do a special tribute to the religious heroes that sailed on Titanic and honored God until the bitter end. Today, I would like to introduce you to Reverend Robert Bateman. He was from Jacksonville, Florida and traveled 2nd Class aboard Titanic at age 52.

Hello there, I'm Reverend Robert Bateman, married, father of 7 and founder of the Central City Mission in Jacksonville, Florida. Before settling down here in this lovely city, I had lived where I was born, in Bristol, England, and later in Wales, Ireland, and Knoxville, Tennessee.

http://jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2012-04-02/story/jacksonville-belfast-share-connections-titanic-tragedy

Early in life, I had felt a strong spiritual need to spread the gospel and to that end, became an ordained minister at the age of 21. I've been called a "fiery evangelist", a champion of the poor and disadvantaged, and to the children I've served, I'm called, "Uncle Bob."

In the late 1890's, I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee where I founded my own non-denominational Peoples Tabernacle Church. I also held well-attended evangelical meetings in the surrounding area. Later, when I heard there was a need for a mission in Jacksonville, Florida, I moved the family there and set up practice in one of the most downtrodden sections of the city.

I had been in England on church business and was booked to return to the States on Titanic, accompanied by my wife's sister, Ada Balls, who had lost her husband and was considering a permanent move to America. There were 5 Protestant ministers and 3 Catholic priests on board. None of us could know that we would soon face the greatest test of faith we had ever experienced. When my time came, I placed Ada in a lifeboat, removed my black necktie and tossed it to her as a keepsake, saying, "Goodbye, God bless you!"

To discover Rev. Bateman's fate, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction. See the only Bible from Titanic now on display at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn.

Take our Religious Heroes Quiz Here.
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May God Bless You and Keep You.

Chief Purser,
Erin Wicker