Obituary:
OBITUARY OF REV. M. HUGGINS. Rev. M. Huggins of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, of East Rockford, died yesterday morning about 5 o'clock, after a brief but painful illness. Although the Rev. gentleman had been unwell for a couple of weeks past, his death took his friends by surprise, as they had no idea his illness was of so serious a character, it at first being but a slight cold which finally resulted in inflammation of the lungs, the immediate cause of Mr. Huggins' death.
Rev. Morrison Huggins was born in Marion, Wayne County, State of New York, and was a School-mate of the Doctors Clark of this city. Mr. Huggins' first ministry was in Havanna, New York, where he preached for fourteen years, and succeeded in building up a prosperous and thriving Church, and was held in high repute for his ability and eloquence. Soon after the Presbyterian Church of East Rockford was organized, now some three years since, Mr. Huggins received a call to assume its pastoral charge, which he accepted, and came to this city in May 1856. At that time the Congregation assembled in the Old Seminary Building, but subsequently removed into their Lecture Room, which becoming too small, they again removed into Metropolitan Hall, from whence they removed into their new Church a few weeks since. On the 30th of December last, the new and handsome Brick Church was formally opened and dedicated to its divine uses. During all these changes Mr. Huggins attended diligently and faithfully to the interests, both spiritual and temporal, of his flock, and has left behind him an enviable reputation for purity, ability and zeal in the service of his Congregation and the sect with which he was associated.
The deceased leaves a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He was 41 years of age at the time of his death. The funeral will take place from the late residence of Mr. Huggins, to-morrow at 2 1/2 P.M. [Rockford Daily News, Wednesday, February 16, 1859, pg. 2]
Obituary:
In our issue last week we had barely time to announce the unexpected decease of the REV. MORRISON HUGGINS, Pastor of Westminster Church of this city. His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of our citizens, last Thursday afternoon, at the church edifice of the Society over which he ministered, anxious to pay this respect to the memory of a departed christian whom they had known only to love and esteem. The remains were borne from the residence of the deceased by the brother clergymen of the city, who officiated as pall bearers upon the mournful occasion.
The solemn and impressive exercises were conducted in the opening by the Rev. Mr. VanZandt, of Freeport, and the Rev. Mr. Bush, of Beloit; after which the Rev. Mr. Holmes, of Belvidere, made some very impressive remarks, with a brief statement of the life and services of the deceased, who was born at Marion, Green Co., N.Y. August 3, 1817. He graduated at Union College in 1837, at the age of 20, and finished his theological course in 1842, and in September of the same year he was called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church in Havana, N.Y., over which he ministered fourteen years, when he removed to this city, and entered upon his ministry the first Sabbath in May, 1856. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Goodwin in some very feeling and religiously practical remarks.
The Rev. Mr. Mitchell, of the State Street Baptist Church, then gave a very affecting description of the last hours of the deceased, which drew tears from many eyes. His death bed was an eminently christian one. He met death calmly and without fear--it had no terrors for him. He retained his faculties clearly till near the closing hours, and employed the time in words of religious joy, and peace, and confidence, and consolation to those who attended upon his last hours. As the service of his God and the salvation of souls had been the labor to which he had sincerely and joyfully devoted himself from early boyhood, so this was his great concern as he was passing down the valley of death; and he urged upon those who stood around his bed to examine themselves thoroughly, and see that their faith was well founded. He said to his sorrowing wife, 'Make a thorough re-examination of the ground of your hope in Christ. Not that I doubt you in the least, but I want to be sure to meet you in heaven. Live henceforth for Christ. Make religion the first object in life.' He urged upon his brethren in the clergy with great earnestness, the awful responsibility resting upon the ministry, and seemed anxious that they should realize its fullest extent. Thus he continued speaking as his strength permitted, when after a pause he inquired of the attending physician how much longer he thought he could last, and when told 'About an hour,' he exclaimed, 'One hour, and then amid the glories of heaven! Oh what glory! glory! -- Christ is here. Can't find a thorn, nor a terror, nor a ??? -- Peace -- joy -- blessedness. Christ is with me.' After quite an interval -- 'Soon, soon, soon, soon I shall be there forever, forever! Farewell to this world, a long farewell. Poor sinner saved by grace alone. Peace! Peace! Death by sin--life in Christ--Christ--the grace of Christ--Life in Christ!' These were his last words, and he continued to sink gradually for several hours, until he rested peacefully in the arms of death. When Mr. M. had concluded, the Rev. Mr. Gray made a few remarks, after which the Rev. Mr. Emerson made the closing prayer and benediction.
Nothing which we might say, could exalt the deceased in the love of the people with whom he sustained the pastoral relation, or the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. And yet we cannot let this mournful occasion pass without giving expression in words to the regard in which we held him, and our grief that an eminently christian and good man has passed from among us. It was our good fortune to be well acquainted with him--an acquaintance that was the basis of our respect and esteem. For him we entertained a warm friendship, and the hope that he reciprocated that friendship to the extent of our poor deserts is a source of pleasure and pride to us, and a consolation to the bereavement which we feel in common with all at the loss of a good man. We met him frequently in the social circle, and could not but observe his suavity of manner, and the genial christian influence which he exercised there. His influence in the social circle was great, and contributed in no small degree to the success of his ministry.
As a zealous laborer in the Lord's vineyard, his works testify abundantly for him. It was stated at the funeral solemnities that during his ministry there was but one communion Sabbath in which new converts were not added to the church of which he was Pastor, and on that occasion a storm delayed the candidates. He had great executive ability; and being devoted, assiduous and energetic in his work, the prosperity of the church over which he ministered is a living witness of his efficiency. Under his solicitous care and untiring zeal, it has become one of the most prosperous societies in our city. He was strong in the strength of his Lord to do good. When we look back upon the success which has crowned his labors here, we feel that it has been happy for his church that such help was vouchsafed to it in its struggling infancy, and its members reason for thankfulness to the Lord whom they love and serve that His providence so supplied its needs. That same providence will temper the winds to his bereaved family, who have the deepest sympathy of our entire community in their sudden affliction.
[Rock River Democrat, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 1859, pg. 3]
Other Notes:
In 1838 Morrison Huggins opened a select school in the upper part of the stone schoolhouse which stood on the Bilby site. There was also a select school at the Young's home taught by ladies. Rev. Huggins was the first pastor for the Westminster Presbyterian Church erected at South Second and Oak Streets in Rockford, IL. He and his family moved from Catherine, Chemung County, New York. The church was dedicated on Dec 20,1858. Shortly after he became ill with pneumonia and died just 47 days after the dedication. Rev. Huggins was only 42 at his death...the new church was draped in black to mourn the loss.
[History of the Town of Marion, Wayne County, State of New York; by Vera Curtis (1795-1937)]
OBITUARY OF REV. M. HUGGINS. Rev. M. Huggins of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, of East Rockford, died yesterday morning about 5 o'clock, after a brief but painful illness. Although the Rev. gentleman had been unwell for a couple of weeks past, his death took his friends by surprise, as they had no idea his illness was of so serious a character, it at first being but a slight cold which finally resulted in inflammation of the lungs, the immediate cause of Mr. Huggins' death.
Rev. Morrison Huggins was born in Marion, Wayne County, State of New York, and was a School-mate of the Doctors Clark of this city. Mr. Huggins' first ministry was in Havanna, New York, where he preached for fourteen years, and succeeded in building up a prosperous and thriving Church, and was held in high repute for his ability and eloquence. Soon after the Presbyterian Church of East Rockford was organized, now some three years since, Mr. Huggins received a call to assume its pastoral charge, which he accepted, and came to this city in May 1856. At that time the Congregation assembled in the Old Seminary Building, but subsequently removed into their Lecture Room, which becoming too small, they again removed into Metropolitan Hall, from whence they removed into their new Church a few weeks since. On the 30th of December last, the new and handsome Brick Church was formally opened and dedicated to its divine uses. During all these changes Mr. Huggins attended diligently and faithfully to the interests, both spiritual and temporal, of his flock, and has left behind him an enviable reputation for purity, ability and zeal in the service of his Congregation and the sect with which he was associated.
The deceased leaves a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He was 41 years of age at the time of his death. The funeral will take place from the late residence of Mr. Huggins, to-morrow at 2 1/2 P.M. [Rockford Daily News, Wednesday, February 16, 1859, pg. 2]
Obituary:
In our issue last week we had barely time to announce the unexpected decease of the REV. MORRISON HUGGINS, Pastor of Westminster Church of this city. His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of our citizens, last Thursday afternoon, at the church edifice of the Society over which he ministered, anxious to pay this respect to the memory of a departed christian whom they had known only to love and esteem. The remains were borne from the residence of the deceased by the brother clergymen of the city, who officiated as pall bearers upon the mournful occasion.
The solemn and impressive exercises were conducted in the opening by the Rev. Mr. VanZandt, of Freeport, and the Rev. Mr. Bush, of Beloit; after which the Rev. Mr. Holmes, of Belvidere, made some very impressive remarks, with a brief statement of the life and services of the deceased, who was born at Marion, Green Co., N.Y. August 3, 1817. He graduated at Union College in 1837, at the age of 20, and finished his theological course in 1842, and in September of the same year he was called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church in Havana, N.Y., over which he ministered fourteen years, when he removed to this city, and entered upon his ministry the first Sabbath in May, 1856. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Goodwin in some very feeling and religiously practical remarks.
The Rev. Mr. Mitchell, of the State Street Baptist Church, then gave a very affecting description of the last hours of the deceased, which drew tears from many eyes. His death bed was an eminently christian one. He met death calmly and without fear--it had no terrors for him. He retained his faculties clearly till near the closing hours, and employed the time in words of religious joy, and peace, and confidence, and consolation to those who attended upon his last hours. As the service of his God and the salvation of souls had been the labor to which he had sincerely and joyfully devoted himself from early boyhood, so this was his great concern as he was passing down the valley of death; and he urged upon those who stood around his bed to examine themselves thoroughly, and see that their faith was well founded. He said to his sorrowing wife, 'Make a thorough re-examination of the ground of your hope in Christ. Not that I doubt you in the least, but I want to be sure to meet you in heaven. Live henceforth for Christ. Make religion the first object in life.' He urged upon his brethren in the clergy with great earnestness, the awful responsibility resting upon the ministry, and seemed anxious that they should realize its fullest extent. Thus he continued speaking as his strength permitted, when after a pause he inquired of the attending physician how much longer he thought he could last, and when told 'About an hour,' he exclaimed, 'One hour, and then amid the glories of heaven! Oh what glory! glory! -- Christ is here. Can't find a thorn, nor a terror, nor a ??? -- Peace -- joy -- blessedness. Christ is with me.' After quite an interval -- 'Soon, soon, soon, soon I shall be there forever, forever! Farewell to this world, a long farewell. Poor sinner saved by grace alone. Peace! Peace! Death by sin--life in Christ--Christ--the grace of Christ--Life in Christ!' These were his last words, and he continued to sink gradually for several hours, until he rested peacefully in the arms of death. When Mr. M. had concluded, the Rev. Mr. Gray made a few remarks, after which the Rev. Mr. Emerson made the closing prayer and benediction.
Nothing which we might say, could exalt the deceased in the love of the people with whom he sustained the pastoral relation, or the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. And yet we cannot let this mournful occasion pass without giving expression in words to the regard in which we held him, and our grief that an eminently christian and good man has passed from among us. It was our good fortune to be well acquainted with him--an acquaintance that was the basis of our respect and esteem. For him we entertained a warm friendship, and the hope that he reciprocated that friendship to the extent of our poor deserts is a source of pleasure and pride to us, and a consolation to the bereavement which we feel in common with all at the loss of a good man. We met him frequently in the social circle, and could not but observe his suavity of manner, and the genial christian influence which he exercised there. His influence in the social circle was great, and contributed in no small degree to the success of his ministry.
As a zealous laborer in the Lord's vineyard, his works testify abundantly for him. It was stated at the funeral solemnities that during his ministry there was but one communion Sabbath in which new converts were not added to the church of which he was Pastor, and on that occasion a storm delayed the candidates. He had great executive ability; and being devoted, assiduous and energetic in his work, the prosperity of the church over which he ministered is a living witness of his efficiency. Under his solicitous care and untiring zeal, it has become one of the most prosperous societies in our city. He was strong in the strength of his Lord to do good. When we look back upon the success which has crowned his labors here, we feel that it has been happy for his church that such help was vouchsafed to it in its struggling infancy, and its members reason for thankfulness to the Lord whom they love and serve that His providence so supplied its needs. That same providence will temper the winds to his bereaved family, who have the deepest sympathy of our entire community in their sudden affliction.
[Rock River Democrat, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 1859, pg. 3]
Other Notes:
In 1838 Morrison Huggins opened a select school in the upper part of the stone schoolhouse which stood on the Bilby site. There was also a select school at the Young's home taught by ladies. Rev. Huggins was the first pastor for the Westminster Presbyterian Church erected at South Second and Oak Streets in Rockford, IL. He and his family moved from Catherine, Chemung County, New York. The church was dedicated on Dec 20,1858. Shortly after he became ill with pneumonia and died just 47 days after the dedication. Rev. Huggins was only 42 at his death...the new church was draped in black to mourn the loss.
[History of the Town of Marion, Wayne County, State of New York; by Vera Curtis (1795-1937)]
Obituary:
OBITUARY OF REV. M. HUGGINS. Rev. M. Huggins of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, of East Rockford, died yesterday morning about 5 o'clock, after a brief but painful illness. Although the Rev. gentleman had been unwell for a couple of weeks past, his death took his friends by surprise, as they had no idea his illness was of so serious a character, it at first being but a slight cold which finally resulted in inflammation of the lungs, the immediate cause of Mr. Huggins' death.
Rev. Morrison Huggins was born in Marion, Wayne County, State of New York, and was a School-mate of the Doctors Clark of this city. Mr. Huggins' first ministry was in Havanna, New York, where he preached for fourteen years, and succeeded in building up a prosperous and thriving Church, and was held in high repute for his ability and eloquence. Soon after the Presbyterian Church of East Rockford was organized, now some three years since, Mr. Huggins received a call to assume its pastoral charge, which he accepted, and came to this city in May 1856. At that time the Congregation assembled in the Old Seminary Building, but subsequently removed into their Lecture Room, which becoming too small, they again removed into Metropolitan Hall, from whence they removed into their new Church a few weeks since. On the 30th of December last, the new and handsome Brick Church was formally opened and dedicated to its divine uses. During all these changes Mr. Huggins attended diligently and faithfully to the interests, both spiritual and temporal, of his flock, and has left behind him an enviable reputation for purity, ability and zeal in the service of his Congregation and the sect with which he was associated.
The deceased leaves a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He was 41 years of age at the time of his death. The funeral will take place from the late residence of Mr. Huggins, to-morrow at 2 1/2 P.M. [Rockford Daily News, Wednesday, February 16, 1859, pg. 2]
Obituary:
In our issue last week we had barely time to announce the unexpected decease of the REV. MORRISON HUGGINS, Pastor of Westminster Church of this city. His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of our citizens, last Thursday afternoon, at the church edifice of the Society over which he ministered, anxious to pay this respect to the memory of a departed christian whom they had known only to love and esteem. The remains were borne from the residence of the deceased by the brother clergymen of the city, who officiated as pall bearers upon the mournful occasion.
The solemn and impressive exercises were conducted in the opening by the Rev. Mr. VanZandt, of Freeport, and the Rev. Mr. Bush, of Beloit; after which the Rev. Mr. Holmes, of Belvidere, made some very impressive remarks, with a brief statement of the life and services of the deceased, who was born at Marion, Green Co., N.Y. August 3, 1817. He graduated at Union College in 1837, at the age of 20, and finished his theological course in 1842, and in September of the same year he was called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church in Havana, N.Y., over which he ministered fourteen years, when he removed to this city, and entered upon his ministry the first Sabbath in May, 1856. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Goodwin in some very feeling and religiously practical remarks.
The Rev. Mr. Mitchell, of the State Street Baptist Church, then gave a very affecting description of the last hours of the deceased, which drew tears from many eyes. His death bed was an eminently christian one. He met death calmly and without fear--it had no terrors for him. He retained his faculties clearly till near the closing hours, and employed the time in words of religious joy, and peace, and confidence, and consolation to those who attended upon his last hours. As the service of his God and the salvation of souls had been the labor to which he had sincerely and joyfully devoted himself from early boyhood, so this was his great concern as he was passing down the valley of death; and he urged upon those who stood around his bed to examine themselves thoroughly, and see that their faith was well founded. He said to his sorrowing wife, 'Make a thorough re-examination of the ground of your hope in Christ. Not that I doubt you in the least, but I want to be sure to meet you in heaven. Live henceforth for Christ. Make religion the first object in life.' He urged upon his brethren in the clergy with great earnestness, the awful responsibility resting upon the ministry, and seemed anxious that they should realize its fullest extent. Thus he continued speaking as his strength permitted, when after a pause he inquired of the attending physician how much longer he thought he could last, and when told 'About an hour,' he exclaimed, 'One hour, and then amid the glories of heaven! Oh what glory! glory! -- Christ is here. Can't find a thorn, nor a terror, nor a ??? -- Peace -- joy -- blessedness. Christ is with me.' After quite an interval -- 'Soon, soon, soon, soon I shall be there forever, forever! Farewell to this world, a long farewell. Poor sinner saved by grace alone. Peace! Peace! Death by sin--life in Christ--Christ--the grace of Christ--Life in Christ!' These were his last words, and he continued to sink gradually for several hours, until he rested peacefully in the arms of death. When Mr. M. had concluded, the Rev. Mr. Gray made a few remarks, after which the Rev. Mr. Emerson made the closing prayer and benediction.
Nothing which we might say, could exalt the deceased in the love of the people with whom he sustained the pastoral relation, or the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. And yet we cannot let this mournful occasion pass without giving expression in words to the regard in which we held him, and our grief that an eminently christian and good man has passed from among us. It was our good fortune to be well acquainted with him--an acquaintance that was the basis of our respect and esteem. For him we entertained a warm friendship, and the hope that he reciprocated that friendship to the extent of our poor deserts is a source of pleasure and pride to us, and a consolation to the bereavement which we feel in common with all at the loss of a good man. We met him frequently in the social circle, and could not but observe his suavity of manner, and the genial christian influence which he exercised there. His influence in the social circle was great, and contributed in no small degree to the success of his ministry.
As a zealous laborer in the Lord's vineyard, his works testify abundantly for him. It was stated at the funeral solemnities that during his ministry there was but one communion Sabbath in which new converts were not added to the church of which he was Pastor, and on that occasion a storm delayed the candidates. He had great executive ability; and being devoted, assiduous and energetic in his work, the prosperity of the church over which he ministered is a living witness of his efficiency. Under his solicitous care and untiring zeal, it has become one of the most prosperous societies in our city. He was strong in the strength of his Lord to do good. When we look back upon the success which has crowned his labors here, we feel that it has been happy for his church that such help was vouchsafed to it in its struggling infancy, and its members reason for thankfulness to the Lord whom they love and serve that His providence so supplied its needs. That same providence will temper the winds to his bereaved family, who have the deepest sympathy of our entire community in their sudden affliction.
[Rock River Democrat, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 1859, pg. 3]
Other Notes:
In 1838 Morrison Huggins opened a select school in the upper part of the stone schoolhouse which stood on the Bilby site. There was also a select school at the Young's home taught by ladies. Rev. Huggins was the first pastor for the Westminster Presbyterian Church erected at South Second and Oak Streets in Rockford, IL. He and his family moved from Catherine, Chemung County, New York. The church was dedicated on Dec 20,1858. Shortly after he became ill with pneumonia and died just 47 days after the dedication. Rev. Huggins was only 42 at his death...the new church was draped in black to mourn the loss.
[History of the Town of Marion, Wayne County, State of New York; by Vera Curtis (1795-1937)]
OBITUARY OF REV. M. HUGGINS. Rev. M. Huggins of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, of East Rockford, died yesterday morning about 5 o'clock, after a brief but painful illness. Although the Rev. gentleman had been unwell for a couple of weeks past, his death took his friends by surprise, as they had no idea his illness was of so serious a character, it at first being but a slight cold which finally resulted in inflammation of the lungs, the immediate cause of Mr. Huggins' death.
Rev. Morrison Huggins was born in Marion, Wayne County, State of New York, and was a School-mate of the Doctors Clark of this city. Mr. Huggins' first ministry was in Havanna, New York, where he preached for fourteen years, and succeeded in building up a prosperous and thriving Church, and was held in high repute for his ability and eloquence. Soon after the Presbyterian Church of East Rockford was organized, now some three years since, Mr. Huggins received a call to assume its pastoral charge, which he accepted, and came to this city in May 1856. At that time the Congregation assembled in the Old Seminary Building, but subsequently removed into their Lecture Room, which becoming too small, they again removed into Metropolitan Hall, from whence they removed into their new Church a few weeks since. On the 30th of December last, the new and handsome Brick Church was formally opened and dedicated to its divine uses. During all these changes Mr. Huggins attended diligently and faithfully to the interests, both spiritual and temporal, of his flock, and has left behind him an enviable reputation for purity, ability and zeal in the service of his Congregation and the sect with which he was associated.
The deceased leaves a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He was 41 years of age at the time of his death. The funeral will take place from the late residence of Mr. Huggins, to-morrow at 2 1/2 P.M. [Rockford Daily News, Wednesday, February 16, 1859, pg. 2]
Obituary:
In our issue last week we had barely time to announce the unexpected decease of the REV. MORRISON HUGGINS, Pastor of Westminster Church of this city. His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of our citizens, last Thursday afternoon, at the church edifice of the Society over which he ministered, anxious to pay this respect to the memory of a departed christian whom they had known only to love and esteem. The remains were borne from the residence of the deceased by the brother clergymen of the city, who officiated as pall bearers upon the mournful occasion.
The solemn and impressive exercises were conducted in the opening by the Rev. Mr. VanZandt, of Freeport, and the Rev. Mr. Bush, of Beloit; after which the Rev. Mr. Holmes, of Belvidere, made some very impressive remarks, with a brief statement of the life and services of the deceased, who was born at Marion, Green Co., N.Y. August 3, 1817. He graduated at Union College in 1837, at the age of 20, and finished his theological course in 1842, and in September of the same year he was called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church in Havana, N.Y., over which he ministered fourteen years, when he removed to this city, and entered upon his ministry the first Sabbath in May, 1856. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Goodwin in some very feeling and religiously practical remarks.
The Rev. Mr. Mitchell, of the State Street Baptist Church, then gave a very affecting description of the last hours of the deceased, which drew tears from many eyes. His death bed was an eminently christian one. He met death calmly and without fear--it had no terrors for him. He retained his faculties clearly till near the closing hours, and employed the time in words of religious joy, and peace, and confidence, and consolation to those who attended upon his last hours. As the service of his God and the salvation of souls had been the labor to which he had sincerely and joyfully devoted himself from early boyhood, so this was his great concern as he was passing down the valley of death; and he urged upon those who stood around his bed to examine themselves thoroughly, and see that their faith was well founded. He said to his sorrowing wife, 'Make a thorough re-examination of the ground of your hope in Christ. Not that I doubt you in the least, but I want to be sure to meet you in heaven. Live henceforth for Christ. Make religion the first object in life.' He urged upon his brethren in the clergy with great earnestness, the awful responsibility resting upon the ministry, and seemed anxious that they should realize its fullest extent. Thus he continued speaking as his strength permitted, when after a pause he inquired of the attending physician how much longer he thought he could last, and when told 'About an hour,' he exclaimed, 'One hour, and then amid the glories of heaven! Oh what glory! glory! -- Christ is here. Can't find a thorn, nor a terror, nor a ??? -- Peace -- joy -- blessedness. Christ is with me.' After quite an interval -- 'Soon, soon, soon, soon I shall be there forever, forever! Farewell to this world, a long farewell. Poor sinner saved by grace alone. Peace! Peace! Death by sin--life in Christ--Christ--the grace of Christ--Life in Christ!' These were his last words, and he continued to sink gradually for several hours, until he rested peacefully in the arms of death. When Mr. M. had concluded, the Rev. Mr. Gray made a few remarks, after which the Rev. Mr. Emerson made the closing prayer and benediction.
Nothing which we might say, could exalt the deceased in the love of the people with whom he sustained the pastoral relation, or the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. And yet we cannot let this mournful occasion pass without giving expression in words to the regard in which we held him, and our grief that an eminently christian and good man has passed from among us. It was our good fortune to be well acquainted with him--an acquaintance that was the basis of our respect and esteem. For him we entertained a warm friendship, and the hope that he reciprocated that friendship to the extent of our poor deserts is a source of pleasure and pride to us, and a consolation to the bereavement which we feel in common with all at the loss of a good man. We met him frequently in the social circle, and could not but observe his suavity of manner, and the genial christian influence which he exercised there. His influence in the social circle was great, and contributed in no small degree to the success of his ministry.
As a zealous laborer in the Lord's vineyard, his works testify abundantly for him. It was stated at the funeral solemnities that during his ministry there was but one communion Sabbath in which new converts were not added to the church of which he was Pastor, and on that occasion a storm delayed the candidates. He had great executive ability; and being devoted, assiduous and energetic in his work, the prosperity of the church over which he ministered is a living witness of his efficiency. Under his solicitous care and untiring zeal, it has become one of the most prosperous societies in our city. He was strong in the strength of his Lord to do good. When we look back upon the success which has crowned his labors here, we feel that it has been happy for his church that such help was vouchsafed to it in its struggling infancy, and its members reason for thankfulness to the Lord whom they love and serve that His providence so supplied its needs. That same providence will temper the winds to his bereaved family, who have the deepest sympathy of our entire community in their sudden affliction.
[Rock River Democrat, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 1859, pg. 3]
Other Notes:
In 1838 Morrison Huggins opened a select school in the upper part of the stone schoolhouse which stood on the Bilby site. There was also a select school at the Young's home taught by ladies. Rev. Huggins was the first pastor for the Westminster Presbyterian Church erected at South Second and Oak Streets in Rockford, IL. He and his family moved from Catherine, Chemung County, New York. The church was dedicated on Dec 20,1858. Shortly after he became ill with pneumonia and died just 47 days after the dedication. Rev. Huggins was only 42 at his death...the new church was draped in black to mourn the loss.
[History of the Town of Marion, Wayne County, State of New York; by Vera Curtis (1795-1937)]
Inscription
First Pastor Westminster Presbyterian Church; Aged 42 Ys 6 Ms 12 Ms
Gravesite Details
The stone now lies on the ground and the edges are overgrown with grass and weeds
Family Members
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