Another Pioneer Fallen by W. B. White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 7, 1912

Another Pioneer Fallen

By W. B. White

WITH SORROW we announce to the readers of the REVIEW the death of Elder J. B. Goodrich, of Blaine, Maine, which occurred Oct. 9, 1912, at the home of his son near Pittsfield. The subject of this sketch was born in Canaan, Maine, Sept. 24, 1839, being in his eighty-third year at the time of his death. His religious experience began when he was fourteen, at which age he yielded his heart to God, and united with what was then known as the Christian Baptist Church, of which he was a devoted member through the years of his young manhood. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda J. Gower, to which union were born seven sons, two of whom died in early life. Five—R. J. Goodrich, F. B. Goodrich, Dr. M. S. Goodrich, J. A. Goodrich, and Dr. E. E. Goodrich—are now living. A brother, Noah W. Goodrich, resides in Palmyra, Maine, and a sister, Mrs. M. E. Salisbury, resides in South Lancaster, Mass.

When about thirty years of age, Brother Goodrich felt called of God to enter the gospel ministry, and in the year 1861 he began preaching for the church of which he was a member. In 1864, at Palmyra, Maine, he attended a series of meetings held by Elders J. N. Andrews and M. E. Cornell, and became convinced of the truthfulness of the positions held by Seventh-day Adventists. He immediately embraced the Sabbath and kindred truths. Having received the light of present truth, he felt that it was his duty to give it to others, so a little later he began proclaiming the truth in his State; and to him probably more than to any other is due the early development of the work in Maine. He loved pioneer work, and his chief delight was in going to a new field, proclaiming the truth to those who had never heard it, and developing a company of believers. For fifteen years he was president of the Maine Conference, and also served four years as president of the Quebec Conference. During the last years of his life, though not bearing official burdens, his strength was given wholly to the work, and he traveled as much as he was able among the churches, strengthening the believers and improving every opportunity to get the truth before those who knew it not.

On June 4, 1900, he married his second wife, Mrs. Phebe A. Clough, who survives him. In many respects Elder Goodrich was a remarkable man. His Christian experience was strong and deep, and from him went forth a spiritual life which all could feel who were with him. He was a man of sound judgment and a good financier; and through the years of his ministry his counsel has always been highly regarded by both the General Conference and the union conferences. He was a reliable man, and one who could be depended on. He possessed a hardy constitution, a fine personality, with a heart as tender as a child's, but withal as strong as a rock for the right. He had a genial disposition, and was highly respected and loved by all who knew him. His last days were especially marked by faith, courage, and confidence in God. His faith in the message never wavered, and he died in full assurance of a part in the first resurrection.

So falls another standard-bearer, another faithful builder of this cause. He rests in a bright hope of life immortal when Jesus comes. The funeral services were conducted Sabbath afternoon, October 12, by Elder J. F. Piper, president of the Maine Conference.

W. B. WHITE.