Asa Osgar Tait

Asa Oscar Tait was born in Ohio Aug. 20, 1858. He accepted the Seventh-day Adventist faith when he was 19 years of age. At the age of 23 he received his first license to preach, at the direct request of Elder James White. Three years later he was ordained at a camp meeting held in Peoria, Ill., and continued his labors in the Illinois Conference until 1891 he was called to Battle Creek by the General Conference to be Religious Liberty secretary. Shortly afterward, supervision of the International Tract Society was added to his work. In 1895 he became circulation manager of the Review and Herald Publishing Association.

In 1897 Elder Tait was called to the Pacific Press, beginning his work there January 1, 1898. He entered the editorial department of the Signs of the Times, where he remained for many years. From 1913 until a few years before his death he was editor-in-chief.

For two years he was sent to Pacific Union College to assist in the organization of the Department of Theology and Greek. At another time he was called to teach special Bible classes at the College of Medical Evangelists in Loma Linda. He made many trips throughout all parts of the county, stirring thousands with his powerful sermons.

In his early ministries he was married to Agnes Bell Elliott, and to this union was born one son, Olin W. Tait. After some forty years of companionship, his wife died, to be followed a few years later by their only son. In 1926 Elder Tait was joined in marriage to Mrs. Edwin A. Chapman, who survives. Three grandchildren also mourn.

Elder Tait delighted in helping others, and especially in his later he was a father in Israel to many young men who needed advice. A brilliant scholar and a forceful speaker, he presented his messages in language that the simplest could understand. He was the author of the book, "Heralds of the Morning", and of numerous pamphlets, and was a frequent contributor to various magazines.

Elder Tait died suddenly April 8, 1941, in Mountain View, Calif. He leaves to mourn not only his family, but many thousands of friends who have felt the warmth of his friendship and the inspiration of his godly example. A leader in Israel has fallen, but the influence of his long and fruitful life will continue.

From the Pacific Union Recorder, 1941, Vol. 40, No. 41