Bridgeton pioneer., 1896-12-03
REV. JOHN S. HEIsLER,
next.


The announcement came in the nature
of big surprise to the congregation, who
expected and desired his return to the
charge for the third year, but the rev.
erend gentleman deems it advisable to
bring his active mininstry to close with
the conclusion of his second years labors
in his present field
MIR. Heisler some two years ago had
severe attack of the grippe, and, although
he recovered sufficiently to prosecute his
work i'll the ministry with old time vigor,
yet his throat and head have at times oc-
casioned him trouble, and, with the con-
stant strain and weight of years on his
shoulders, he is advised that a rest from
active ministerial life would be at this
time opportnne and beneficial. He will
not, however, sever his connection with
the New Jersey Conference, but only de-
sires to be released from the cares that
devolve upon the pastor in charge of a
church.
His health is not impaired sufficiently
to compel his retirement, but continua-
ton in pastoral life, it is feared, would
probably incapacitate him for the success
full carrying out of his life's work, and in
his remarks to a Ledger reporter yester-
day he said he hoped his days of spread
ing the Gospel were not nearly over.
Brief Sketch of Mr. Heis1er.
Mr.. Hesler is one of the best known
clergymen in the New Jersey Conference,
where for forty-six years he has been in
the midst of religious work, and has al
ways been recognized as man of true
Christian type, ready to perform any SER
vice for the uplifting of Gods Kingdom
He is an earnest exhorter, q man of deep
spirituality, and minister who has al
ways been beloved by his congregations
for his sympathetic nature, logical preach
ing and kindly counsels.
He is descendant of one of the pioneer
Jersey families and was born in March,
1881, at Heislerville, Cumberland county.
When a mere lad his fathers home was
the meeting place of the itinerant minis
teri of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He was privileged to mingle and familiar
ize himself with them, and from their
wise counsels he gained a rudimentary
knowledge of clerical life. He received
his educational training in the public
schools at his home, and, when II years
OF age, took course at a select academy
at Cape May Court House.
Under the careful tutorship of the Rev.
A. X. Street, the venerable father of the
New Jersey Conference, he received in
structions in theology. and at the age of
10, he secured license to preach and for
a few months afterwards taught school,
In 1851, although he had not yet reached
his majority, he was admitted into the
New Jersey Conference, which then en-
braced the entire State, but has since
been apportioned off into two separate
Conferences.
He has filled many pulpits, and was es-
pecially well-known here. He was a
resident of Bridgeton four years while
Presiding Elder of this District, and was
four years pastor of Central M. E. Church
and left here after most successful work
and much regret was expressed at his de-
parture, the congregation urging him to
continue here.
Mr.. Heisler will take up his permanent
residence in Camden, and at the next ses-
sion of Conference he will ask for
change from the effective to the super
numerary relation.
In 1868 he represented the New Jersey
Conference in the General Conference,
and was for many years Chairman of the
Board of Stewards of the Conference.