James Hayes
Presbytery and going to Presbytery was much talked about for years after the Native Nez Perce began to preach to their own people. And because the going and seeing was such an education, the missionary strengthened rather than weakened the desire to go. Often Several more than the delegates would ride out on their little ponies into the great beyond. They did not need to get a permit from the Agent to go to this meeting as for other Journeys. The happy band would carry the tent and camping outfit to use not only upon the way but for use when they arrived at Presbytery. No offence in those days. that no provision was made by the congregation for their entertainment. -- But this could not be done now. because for years they have been cared for Just as the white brethren have been
But the going to Presbytery caused many anxious times to the Missionary Mother who was trying to make them appear respectably clad among the Whites. Robert Williams the first ordained Minister was always the leader of these companies. he was the most care[ed for]. he was hard to fit out. Stout. Not particular what he wore provided it was roomy. In those days the Nez Perce were very poor. And as a matter of course Missionary boxes much prized. Just on the eve of one of these Presbyteries came a box of clothing from I think the Shady Side church Pitts Pa. In it A good coat which fitted Robert. Miss McBeth gave it to him with charges to keep it carefully for Presbyteries, Saying to him you can do this for your other suit will do for home wear. And now My heart is at rest. But these were troublous times for twas about the breaking out of the Joseph war. The great heart of this man was thinking even less than usual about garments. Strangers from the outside bands were slipping in within the reservation lines not wishing to take up arms against the Gov. under Joseph.
Among those who came into the Kamiah community from the fierce White Bird band was a
mother with her three boys. The oldest one curious to know what was going on in the White
house among the pines (the Church) followed the people but did not go in listened at the
door. The next Sabbath. he slipped into the seat nearest the door in long hair and
blanket. The preacher was Robert speaking in his own tongue; here he the
boy sat for several Sabbaths while the blessed spirit was going on with His graven work in
his heart The surrender was made. And with Joy he entered the New Way. As Soon after as
possible Robert Cut off his flowing locks. and dressed him in his own best Suit
making this overgrown boy feeling like David in Sauls Armor he was led in
triumph to Miss McB, and introduced. As Soon as she could speak to R. alone she
Said Oh R. why did you give that boy your presbytery coat. you know I have so much trouble
to make you presentable among the White Ministers. R looked in with
surprise into her vexed face saying Miss McBeth he is a christian now. I want
him to be a schollar of yours you would not allow him to sit in your School in a blanket
he had no coat and I had two the Bible says. He that hath two coats let him impart to him
that hath none. He took his place in her class and for years she had comfort in watching
mind and heart develop under her training. The friendship between he & his paster
Robert was like that of Paul & Timothy lasting until Rs death - when the K people
called him to succeed R in the pasterate of the 1st K. Church That Great
overgrown boy dressed in Roberts clothes stood before the Womans Board at one of its
popular meetings at the time of General Assembly in Philadephia in "01" He is
our much loved James Hayes. Who has much influence over his 73 own people And
other. Little did Miss McB think when he stood before her for the first time that
he was a chosen vessel to cary the Gospel to the Shoshones And there organize the Ft Hall
Church.