Messinger, Silas Lockard (1858-1941)

Silas Lockard Messinger was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on February 21, 1858 to parents Elias and Euphemia (Lockard) Messinger. He graduated from Ursinus College in 1885 and Ursinus School of Theology in 1887. While he was a sturdent of theology he was a teacher in the Ursinus Academy. He was licensed by Philadelphia Classis May 21, 1887, then ordained by a committee of Carlisle Classis, Potomac Synod, June 13, 1887 at Ickesburg, PA. At the time of his ordination he was installed as pastor of Zion's Charge, Blain, PA., consisting of four congregations in Perry County. He served there until July, 1892 when he became pastor of Pleasantville Charge in Bucks County. On January 1, 1897 he began his pastorate at St. Luke's Church, Trappe, PA. in Montgomery County. During his service there he taught at Ursinus College and served as a Director of the College from 1906 to 1926. In 1903 he received the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology from the American University of Harriman, Tennessee. In 1908 Ursinus College conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He resigned his pastorate at Trappe in 1923 and moved to Allentown, PA. where he supplied several Charges, including Freemansburg Charge where he became pastor in 1926. He served there until he retired in 1933 because of his health. He then moved to Lansdale, PA. and resided there until March, 1941 when he spent about a month in the Somersville, NJ Hospital. In April, 1941 he entered a nursing home in Haddonfield, NJ and died there August 9, 1942 at the age of eighty-three. He was buried August 13 at St. Luke's Church, Trappe. Mr. Messenger was married October 27, 1877 to Laura Bechtel of Schwenksville, PA., who died in May, 1925. Sources: Fathers of the Reformed Church, v.12, p.218-219; personal vertical file.