Leander S. Matthews

Leander S. Matthews

13 February 1849 – 25 January 1949
Conference Cane: 1942
Age at death: 99 years, 11 months


L.S. Matthews

After an illness of little more than two days, Rev. L.S. Matthews died January 25, aged 99 years, 11 months and 12 days. He had been a resident of Ridgely, Md., since October 1910, having left East Jordan, Michigan, in April of that year and lived six months in Chestertown, Md.

Since the death of Dr. J.H. Potts, Mr. Matthews had been the oldest living member of the Michigan Conference, as he had been for many years the oldest citizen of Ridgely.

He was devoted to his Lord, and to the church which he continued to attend regularly, long after dullness of ears made it impossible for him to hear the sermon. However, increased feebleness forced him to discontinue, his last attendance having been the Sunday before Christmas in 1946. His interest and his support did not flag.

Because he loved humanity, his interests were wide, and his reading wide. But he loved The Book best and often held it in his hands when he could no longer see to read, and repeated long chapters. The infirmities of old age he bore well and found life and friendship sweet to the end.

The funeral was held at the home on Thursday, January 27, with his pastor, Rev. Lloyd Troutman in charge and two former pastors, Rev. Leolan Jackson of Secretary, Md., and Rev. Milton Andrews of Wilmington, Delaware, assisting. Interment was in Ridgely cemetery.

Mr. Matthews served the following charges in the Michigan Conference: Marcellus, La Grange, Berrien Springs, Hartford, Edwardsburg, Bronson, Girard, Benzonia, Boyne City and East Jordan. He took the supernumerary relation in 1898 and retired in 1901.

He is survived by four daughters, Misses Ada, Elsie and Stella, and Bertha who is Mrs. William Harrison; and one son, Frank, all of whom live in Ridgely. His wife, Rosina Powers Matthews, died in 1924, a son Wilbur in 1912, and Arthur in 1905.

- Michigan Annual Conference minutes of 1949, pp. 165-166

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