The Rev. James Summerbell died at his home in Alfred, N. Y., Feb. 21, 1893, aged 71 years, 10 months and 3 days.
The deceased was born in Peekskill, N. Y., the son of James and Mary Summerbell, to whom were given five children, four sons and one daughter, the daughter and one son still surviving. The deceased belongs to a clerical family, his three brothers and their sons having become preachers, in connection with the denomination known as Christians, in which faith the subject of this notice was also nurtured. He was baptized when about seventeen years of age. He was married in 1845 to Rachel G. Lawshe; and in 1851 they both united with the Seventh-day Baptist Church of Plainfield, N. J., about which time Mr. Summerbell was ordained to the gospel ministry at Hopkinton, R. I. The deceased has served long and faithfully in the ministry of the Word, in successive pastorates in this State, at Petersburgh, Adams Center, Leonardsville, Berlin, Richburg, and Alfred. He has preached in other places as a supply, and as a home missionary.
Bro. Summerbell accepted the pastorate of the Second Seventh-day Baptist Church of Alfred, N. Y., about ten years ago, and in the fellowship of this church continued till his death. During the last few years his health had been imperfect. His last sickness was of short duration, but he was fully resigned to the will of his heavenly Father, and well satisfied with his hope in Christ. On his various fields of labor he has won many friends, and his death will be deeply and widely felt. He leaves a wife and three children, with many kindred, to mourn his absence; but we are well assured that he has gone to the rest and reward of the saved in Christ Jesus.
Funeral services in behalf of the deceased were held at the Seventh-day Baptist church, on Fe. 23d, in the presence of a great number of people. On the casket lid was a sheaf of wheat, appropriate floral offerings, and an open Bible. A discourse was preached from Ps. 46: 10, by the pastor, the Rev. L. C. Rogers, Doctors T. R. Williams and L. A. Platts assisting in the services.
L. C. R.
