Cornelson, George Henry, Jr

Submitted by Mike Miller

Cornelson, George Henry, Jr., First Presbyterian church, New Orleans, was born at Orangeburg, S. C., Nov. 2, 1869; son of George Henry Cornelson, Sr., born Jan. 8, 1843, in Hanover, Germany, and who was also educated in Germany and came to the United States in 1865. On arriving in this country he landed at New York and remained in that state about 2 years, following which he proceeded to Orangeburg and there engaged in mercantile business and cotton manufacturing. His business enterprises were successful, and he has continued to reside in the South Carolina city, though at this time has retired from active participation in business. His wife, Angie (Holman) Cornelson, mother of George Henry, Jr., was born in 1851 in the same city at which the life of her son began. George Henry, Jr., received his early education in his home city, including Sheridan's Classical high school there, later attending the South Carolina Military academy at Charleston, known as "The Old Citadel," where the course of instruction extended over 4 years, during which time he was advanced by the faculty to the position of captain of the prize company of the school, a particularly coveted post awarded in recognition of merit. The military feature of this school was at that time under the supervision of West Point graduates, officers of the regular army. Following his graduation young Cornelson became connected with his father's business, but after about 18 months decided to enter the ministry, and in accord with this decision entered Davidson college, Davidson, N. C., from which institution, after 21/2 years, he graduated with the degree of A. M., in 1892. This was followed by a year of study at McCormick Theological seniinary, Chicago, and 2 years at Columbia Theological seminary, Columbia, S. C., where he secured the degree of B. D., in 1895. Still pursuing the studies of preparation for his life work, he next took a 3 months' course at the University of Chicago, following this with a trip to Europe and a year of postgraduate work at the then Free Church college and the University of Edinburg, Scotland. In 1896 Rev. Cornelson became pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Malvern, Ark., where he remained 3 years and then accepted a pastorate at Aiken, S. C., for 18 months. These initial terms were followed by 6-1/2 years of pastoral work at Concord, N. C., and it was while here that the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater, Davidson college. In 1907 he was called to the Memorial Presbyterian church, of Nashville, Tenn., where he remained 2-1/2 years. In Sept., 1909, he came to New Orleans to take charge of the First Presbyterian church, and has continued in this pastorate to the present time. At Concord, N. C., Rev. Cornelson's work, apart from other achievements in helpfulness, resulted in the building of 3 additional churches, 2 of these being missions and the third a regular house of worship. Since coming to New Orleans Rev. Cornelson has been instrumental in establishing the St. Charles Avenue branch of the First Presbyterian church, the branch house of worship under the care of the First Presbyterian congregation. Nov. 10, 1897, Rev. Cornelson was married to Miss Emma F. Bailey, of Clinton, S. C., a daughter of N. S. Bailey, merchant, banker, and manufacturer and one of the foremost citizens in the upbuilding of that section of the country. Two children have been born to Rev. and Mrs. Cornelson, viz.: George Henry, Jr., II, and Rose Bailey. Rev. Cornelson is a Royal Arch Mason, member of the Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World.

Source: Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 109-110. Edited by Alcee Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.