This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.”
Jack Russell was a priest, yet most only now know of the dog breed that he developed. The Jack Russell Terrier is a short-haired, short-legged fox terrier with white body and red markings is well known for its energy and mischievous. There is also the lesser known Parson Russell Terrier.
This is the legacy of Parson Russell and I suspect, reading the various short biographies of him, that he was well pleased with that. It seems that his pastoring was merely a means to support his passion for hunting and hounds. The Dictionary of National Biography delightfully describes his hunting prowess and presence, “his stentorian ‘view-halloo’ could be sworn to by every rustic between Dartmoor and Exmoor, and sportsmen journeyed from afar to have a day with the clerical Nimrod.”1 A note is made that his bishop was “much troubled by the number of hunting parsons in his diocese.” It is not clear whether Parson Russell was a product of his age or an influence on his peers. Statements regarding how widely he was admired for his hunting prowess and dog breeding suggest the latter. It is only the very last line of that entry that mentions his actions and attention to his clerical duties. “He was a good friend to the poor, and left no pastoral duty unperformed. In the pulpit he tried to reform conduct rather than to expound doctrine, being a stern denouncer of bad language, strong drinks, and the ‘filthy habit of smoking.’”
The name of Parson Jack Russell is known well throughout the world…as a breed of dog.
I love these feisty little dogs. They are full of energy and enthusiasm, tenacious and loyal. Perhaps if I brought such a wonderful, joyous creature into the world I might be satisfied with that as a part of my legacy. Yet I would hope, as a Christian if not a pastor, I would be disappointed if this was the entirety of my reputation. Of course, The Imitation of Christ reminds us that if we are placing God in our lives above all else, we should be “just as ready to be despised and rejected and have no fame or reputation, as to be honored and important.”
So, perhaps I am being unfair to the parson. Perhaps it says more about our culture – or that of the late 19th century England – than about the man that Pastor Russell is remembered more for dogs than his charitable works and pastoral duties. Many clergy leave only legacy of pain and grief, whereas the dogs are a fine breed who bring much joy into the world.
His story does cause one to pause and ask, how shall I be remembered?
- Written by the associate editor of the Dictionary, Thomas Seccombe (1866-1923). ↩︎
