R.M.S. TITANIC: THE PASTOR JOHN HARPER ARCHIVE. When pastor ...

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£30,000 - £50,000

R.M.S. TITANIC: THE PASTOR JOHN HARPER ARCHIVE. When pastor and preacher John Harper boarded the Titanic as a Second-Class passenger alongside his six year old daughter and niece Jessie Leitch on April 10th 1912 it was the start of his journey to return to one of the most impressive churches in America, Moody Church in Chicago, named for its famous founder Dwight L. Moody. The church was anxiously awaiting his arrival not only because of the pending services but also Harper was known as an engaging and impressive pastor and had worked within two churches in Glasgow and London. His enigmatic preaching style and personality was suited for an evangelist as testified by the words of another local pastor. "He was a great open-air preacher and could always command large and appreciative audiences. … He could deal with all kinds of interrupters, his great and intelligent grasp of Bible truths enabling him to successfully combat all assailants."
'When the Titanic hit the iceberg, Harper successfully led his daughter to a lifeboat. Being a widower, he may have been allowed to join her but instead forsook his own rescue, choosing to provide the masses with one more chance to know Christ. Harper ran from person to person, passionately telling others about Christ. As the water began to submerge the "unsinkable" ship, Harper was heard shouting, "women, children, and the unsaved into the lifeboats." Rebuffed by a certain man at the offer of salvation Harper gave him his own life vest, saying, "you need this more than I do." Up until the last moment on the ship Harper pleaded with people to give their lives to Jesus.' (Courtesy Baptist Press)
This collection has never been displayed or illustrated before and is sold via direct descent, it is without doubt one of the most important archives of written material to a prominent passenger known, John Harper was one of Titanic's heroes and a true man of God.
An exceptional letter written on Titanic onboard stationery with ghosted White Star watermark, to the vendor's great grandfather Charles Livingstone. Sold complete with it's original envelope with postmark April 11th 1912 3.45 Queenstown showing it departed the Titanic at her final port of call. It reads in part,
'11 April 1912
My Dear Brother Livingstone
I am penning this little note just before we sail into Queenstown. Thus far the passage is all that can be desired. Nan and Jessie are with me and both doing well, we sailed from Southampton to Cherburg (sic) in France and thence to Queenstown and then onto New York. We had a glorious time the past few days'. Written over two sides it finishes, 'Kindest Christian love to Dear Mrs L all yours and yourself, your affectionate pastor John Harper'.