Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1904 — Dr. Cissel’s Whistle. [ARTICLE]

Dr. Cissel’s Whistle.

Several newspapers have lately had kindly mention of Rev. J. H. Cissel, D. D., the most eloquent and able minister Rensselaer even produced, now living at LaPorte, in the superannuate relation and among these is the following from the Z ttica Ledger: The mention in Thurshay’s Daily Ledger of Dr. J. H. Cissel reminds the writer cf the time when he was presiding elder of the Lafayette district, It was in our tender youth when church services meant misery and tedious waiting for the preacher to close the bible, but Dr. Cissel always had oar closest attention when he preached in Attica. The presiding elder was unconscious of the wrapt attention given him by the youthful auditor, and it must be admitted that it was not due to the eloquence of his discourse but rather to a peculiarity in his speech. Dr. Cissel had a smooth and pleasant voice and when he would pronounce a word containing the letter “s” it would come between bis teeth in a clear whistle. It was our delight ta hear him speak such words as my«. ticism, statistics, socialism, etc., ariß when he preached about Saul of Tarsus it was a regular festival of whistling.

The strength of Dr. Cissel’s sermons did not consist entirely in in* teresting the little fellows, however, The grown, ups still have fond recoollections of his spiritual and eloquent tributes to the Savior in whose name he preached, and the fond re. membranoe of his noble character will be retained in i our hearts long after he has gone to his eternal reward.