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Elder J. L. Edgar

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 5, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 49.

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Elder J. L. Edgar

By A. J. Clark

Elder J. L. Edgar was born in Steuben County, New York, Sept. 13, 1827. Experiencing conversion at the age of twenty, he became a member of the Methodist Church, and for ten years acted as minister in that denomination. In 1856 the light of present truth came to him, and he cast his lot with this people. Soon afterward he began preaching the third angel's message, and for nearly sixty years was one of God's faithful ministers. His first ministerial effort in connection with Seventh-day Adventists was at Wright, Mich., in 1858, where he labored with Elder J. B. Frisbie. A church of more than fifty members was organized. As at this time no salary was paid our ministers, he would preach for a time, then return to his farm for a season. Soon he was ordained to the gospel ministry, Elder J. H. Waggoner offering the prayer, and Elder James White giving the charge. The Lord signally blessed his ministry to the salvation of souls, and many churches and companies are rejoicing in the truth today as the result of his untiring efforts. Elder Edgar was a personal friend of Elder and Mrs. James White, a member of the council which chose a name for this denomination, and also a member of the committee that planned for the first Seventh-day Adventist camp meeting.
His public labors were largely confined to his home State, Michigan, but there he held many places of responsibility. For six years he had charge of the mission at Kalamazoo. His last charge, which he held for eighteen years, was at Flint and its surrounding town and city churches. Always of a retiring disposition, he shrank from a leading position, but faithfully and humbly performed the tasks which fell to him. He had great power in prayer, and many were healed through his intercessions. The truth of God was the dearest thing on earth to him, and to uphold its honor his chief desire. He was quick to detect and denounce error.
In 1852 he was married to Mary Griswold, who died eleven years ago. He was cared for most tenderly by his youngest daughter until he fell asleep on Aug. 22, 1916. Three daughters — Mrs. C. N. Fox, of Cedar Lake, Mich.; Mrs. R. E. Tefft, of Flint, Mich.; and Miss Henrietta Edgar — are left to mourn, but they sorrow in hope of the resurrection morning soon to come.
A. J. CLARK.