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Elder Judson B. Beckner

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 35.

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Elder Judson B. Beckner

By A. N. DURRANT

Among the heroes of the cross who have recently fallen asleep, was the late Elder Judson B. Beckner, who fell asleep May 9, 1916, at the home of his son, George Beckner, in Athol, Mass., aged 65 years, 3 months, and 3 days. He died of heart failure after some time of patient suffering and declining strength. He left his wife, Mrs. M. E. Beckner, and four children,—George, of Massachusetts, U. S. A.; Harry, of South Africa; Robert, of India; and Mrs. Dr. Otis, of Santo Domingo, British West Indies,—to mourn their loss, but surely not as those who have no hope.
Elder Beckner accepted the third angel's message thirty years ago, and within six months began to engage actively in its promulgation. In 1897 he was made president of the Arkansas Conference, and afterward labored in Texas. In 1901 he with his wife went to Jamaica, British West Indies, where he labored most faithfully as president until the year 1907, when he went to British Guiana, South America, to labor in the same capacity. Here his stay was short, as his once robust health gave way to an attack of malaria, which forced him to go to Trinidad to recuperate. There, as president of the South Caribbean Conference, he labored in spite of failing strength, until 1913, when he returned to this country.
No pen can truly chronicle the faithful labors and self-sacrifice of this man of God. The writer, who, with the exception of two years, was associated with him in labors during those years that he spent in the tropics, can never forget his earnestness and his devotion to the Master's cause. Brother Beckner was a real father in Israel, a man of sound judgment and unruffled temper. He was truly one of those who met God's requirements of his "rulers." See 2 Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21. He sleeps, but his works follow him, and it will not be long before we shall meet our brother again. May God comfort the hearts of his bereaved ones.
A. N. DURRANT.