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From 1864 and
continuing through the
present day, a period of thirty years, the Presbyterian Church at
Succasunna New Jersey has been privileged to have been under the
Pastoral leadership of The Rev. Elijah W. Stoddard. During these years
of Gospel Ministry Dr. Stoddard has overseen the growth of this
church, even as he and Mrs. Stoddard resolutely bear the pain of the
loss of Eliza
"Linnet" Platt Stoddard, the daughter of Mrs. Eliza A.
Stoddard and the late Professor John F. Stoddard, and Step-Daughter of The Rev. Elijah W. Stoddard.
In this space we desire to familiarize our readers with this remarkable young Christian, at birth named Eliza, but when she was a month old she smiled as her cousin called her a "Linnet", a delicate finch-like bird, and thus she received her pet name. She was born on July 21, 1869 and was a member of the household at the Succasunna parsonage for the final eight years of her earthly sojourn. Everyone remarked that she was of bright, intellectual and beautiful Christian character. She was an enthusiastic member of "The Young Girls Mission Band" and its' prayerful support of Missionaries across the seas. Even as she struggled with illness, she read the stories of Gospel Workers in far flung lands who shared the story of Jesus and wondered if that was God's call on her life. As an outward sign of her personal Christian faith, Linnet presented herself for believers baptism by immersion a year before her passing. The Memorial Chapel, standing near the Presbyterian church, erected by Mrs. Stoddard's family in 1887, is her most fitting monument. So long as this chapel can do service in the worship of God, it will emphasize her words, "You need Christ and Christ needs you to work for Him." As Linnet said: "I want to do real work for Christ." Linnet passed from this world into one infinitely better on May 19, 1886. Though illness unto death has separated her from us now, we know she rejoices in the presence of the 'Lover of her Soul' and one day we will be reunited with her. Mrs. Stoddard's family sought to have the words of Linnet echo through the ages by issuing a Silver Service, portions of which have been distributed as gifts to the young Ladies of the Churches of our community, much treasured by them, and which are illustrated in the photo engravings which appear below. Her Memorial Book, also seen below, was recently (1893) re-issued due to popular request in the community, and will acquaint a new audience with this unique and beloved daughter. contemporarily written by the Editor |
