Rev. David Beattie

He was the son of William Beattie and Sarah Belknap and was born at St. Andrews, Orange County, N.Y., Dec. 27th 1828. His college course was passed at Union College and his theological course at Princeton Seminary. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New York and was ordained to the ministry and installed pastor of this church Nov. 4th, 1852. The opening prayer was offered by the Rev. John Johnston, of Newburgh, and the prayer of ordination by the Rev. John H. Leggett. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. W. D. Snodgrass from John 18:34. The constitutional questions were proposed by the Rev. D. N. Freeland, the charge to the pastor was delivered by his brother, the Rev. Dr. R. H. Beattie, and that to the people by their former pastor, the Rev. Dr. E. D. G. Prime. His death occurred June 19th, 1894, in the sixty-sixth year of his age and the forty-second of his pastorate over the church, his pastorate extending over about the same length of time with the active ministry in the church of the Rev. Mr. Baldwin. In 1853 he married Isabella Cumming. After her death he married N. Jennie Comfort. The greatest revival during his pastorate occurred in 1869, when over one hundred professed their faith in Christ as their Savior.

Mr. Beattie’s departure has been so recent, comparatively, he was so well known to all here present and so highly esteemed that but little need here be said concerning him. As in the case of his predecessor we can say that the church was favored in securing so faithful and devoted a pastor, one so well qualified in every way to take the spiritual oversight of the flock. Having a well balanced mind, well trained by education, and stored with information; a most acceptable preacher; of sound judgment; frank and open countenance; familiar and free in his intercourse with his people; often found at their homes and especially in seasons of trial and affliction, sympathizing with them in every trouble and imparting advice and counsel as needed; giving his ministrations to all classes alike, rich and poor, high and low, he won his way to the hearts of all and gained a hold upon them which could never be broken. His labors were abundant and unremitting in season and out of season for forty-two years, until his work was finished and the summons came from the Master to “Come up higher.”