The Republican journal., 1918-12-26
Rev. John Alexander Ross.


9th has an appreciative notice OF the late
Rev. j. A. Ross in which all who remem-
Der him in Belfast will read with unusual
interest. While the beloved pastor of
the Belfast and North Belfast Congrega-
tional churches he was most loyal clti-
zen entering with energy and good will
into the life of the schools in the capacity
of school committeeman and its social
reforms and charities. He was always
kind and pleasant with children and
young people especially:
On Thanksgiving afternoon Rev. John
Alexander Ross, the pastor emeritus OF
the Congregational Church; very suddenly
and peacefully passed away into the great
beyond. So quiet was his going that
those at his bed side hardly knew when
the end cane.
The day before he complained of not
feeling well and physician was called,
bat aside from slight cold no bad symp-
toms were discovered, and he was around
the house as usual and partook OF the
evening dinner.
The life of Mr.. Ross has been long
and useful one to the church which he
served as pastor for Is years, coming to
town in 1887.
During the 81 years of his life here, he
has been valued citizen, serving on the
school board of education and president
of the board of trustees of Hampton
Academy for many years. In all his re-
lations in the home church and town he
was man to pattern after, carrying
Christian principles in all his activities,
and by his immaculate moral manhood
he commended religion to all he met. 1t
can truly be said of him that he did just
ly, loved kindness and walked humbly be-
fore God.
Under the is years of his preaching
we found his abilities far above the aver
age preacher. He had a vigorous and
sangune temperament, and his sermons
were strong and sound; he was a bold
and fearless thinker, searcher after
truth and as one who found new treasures
he was anxious to display them for 9TH
ers to look upon and accept. Love OF
books made him their reader and master
and he was the possessor of large IL
brary He had studied and Travelled
abroad, he read widely the best literature
and kept himself in close touch with the
varying phases of present day thought.
By his courtesy and kindness he had the
esteem and affection of all the school
children and teachers through the many
years he served on the board of educa-
ton.
His devoted and gifted wife passed be-
fore him into the unseen world four years
ago and since then he has made his home
with his eldst son, William I. Ross, and
wife. who have bestowed upon him care
and affection.
Two other children, Mrs. Ellen Camp
bell, of Holyoke, Mass, and John A.
Ross, Jr., professor in Potsdam Acad-
envy, New York, are left; also one grand
son, Ross Campbell.
Funeral services were held on Sunday
afternoon from the church he SO greatly
loved. Scriptures were read by Rev. Mr..
Rand, of Seabrook; prayer by Rev. F. M.
Buker; remarks by DR.. Dana and benedc-
ton by Rev. Mr.. Burrill. The former
quartette of the church sang two selec-
tons and beautiful solo, "Abide With
Me-" was sung by Mrs. Edith Long. DR..
Dana referred to the first time he met
the deceased, which was when he was
seven years old and Mr.. Ross was enter
tanned at his fathers home during the
meeting of the American Board in Port
land The poem, Crossing the Bar" was
read by the request of Mr.. Ross.
After such life and home going we
felt there should be mo sadness of fare
WELL" The memory of such man is
benediction. Glad we are to have had
his friendship here, gladder still to have
it renewed in the greatness of light.
Beautiful pieces of flowers surrounded
the altar. On top of the casket was
spread silk American flag, the deceased
being an honorary member of the G. A.
R. The honorary pail bearers were men,
bers of the post and acting bearers were
members Of the church and Mr. Charles
M. Batchelder with whom Mr.. Ross had
served on school boards for many years.
AS friends looked upon the peaceful
face of the deceased the organist played
"He Giveth His Beloved Sleep"
Mr.. Ross was born in Nova Scotia,
June II, 1882, of Presbyterian parentage,
and received a college and theological
training in that country, also took post
graduate course in Andover Theological
Seminary Upon the expiration of that
course he accepted call to the church in
New Gloucester, Me-, remaining four
years. From there he held pastorate of
nine years in Marion, Ia, thence he was
called to Belfast, where he remained Is
years. After a year of rest in Boston,
where he awaited himself of its libraries
and other educational opportunities, often
supplying city churches, he was called to
Hampton, remaining as pastor for Is
years. At the close of his ministry Mr..
and Mrs. Ross spent one year Michigan
and Seattle, Wash, returning to town to
spend the remainder of their lives.
In 1860 he married Louise T. Todd,
daughter of Hon. William Todd, of Mill
town, N. B., and their golden wedding
anniversary was celebrated in the chapel
of the church. Upon his rounding out
his 10th year he resigned from the minis
try and was made pastor emeritus. L.