The Rev. David Phillips
By Fields Hermance
David Phillips was born in Modena, Ulster County, New York, January 11, 1840. He was the son of John and Rachel Phillips, was one of four sons and two daughters, all of whom have passed to their reward except Mrs. J.T. Edwards, of Marlboro, New York. His father and mother were Methodists in their religious affiliations, and David no doubt received his early religious impulses from his mother, who was an earnest christian, and of whom he frequently spoke in his public ministrations.
Brother Phillips received his early education at the Modena public schools, but at the age of twelve he left home and went to live with Mr. Nathaniel Barnes, a prosperous farmer of Middle Hope, New York, and with whom he remained for three years, assisting in the farm work. At the age of sixteen or seventeen he was converted under the preaching of the Rev. Uriah Messiter, who was the preacher in charge of the Modena and Plattekill Circuit.
The date of his call to preach the gospel is unknown, but he laid aside the implements of agriculture and declared with a strong emphasis his determination to prepare himself for the ministry. All of his leisure time was spent in study. He obtained a local preacher’s license, he taught school in Middle Hope and New Hurley and was able to attend the seminary at Charlotteville and later the Fort Edward Collegiate Institute. During his vacation he usually spent his time at Mr. Barnes’s home at Middle Hope, assisting with farm work.
During the summer of 1864, while he was at work in the harvest fields, the presiding elder came to him and urged him to take a regular preaching charge. Responding to the call, he was sent to Canaan Center and Ashley Falls, where he remained one year, his labors resulting in a gracious revival.
He joined the New York Conference in 1866. In 1868 he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Clark. On April 16 of the same year he was married to Miss Augusta Hogle, of Albany, New York. The Rev. A.M. Osborn performed the ceremony. Miss Hogle was the only daughter of John and Melinda Hogle; the latter is still living at the age of ninety-eight. Miss Hogle was a member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, but became a member of the Methodist Church after her marriage, and traveled with her husband, a faithful wife and common-sense assistant, for thirty-nine successive years. In 1870 he was ordained an elder by Bishop Janes. His appointments were as follows: Esopus, Milton, Sugar Loaf, Walden, Eddyville, Monticello, Canaan Center and Ashley Falls, Hillsdale, Lakeville, Red Hook, Wappingers Falls, Haynes Falls, Middle Hope.
He superannuated in the spring of 1907, and died in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Mount Vernon, New York, at the close of the Watch Night service, January 1, 1910. His funeral was held in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Mount Vernon, New York, January 3. Addresses were delivered by Dr. Bartholow, his pastor, and by Drs. Hermance and Belcher. The superintendent of the New York District, Dr. P.M. Watters, had direction of the funeral services. Dr. George P. Eckman, the Rev. T.S. Bond, and A. Ostrander, participated in the services.
Brother Phillips is survived by his wife, Augusta, two sons, Fred M. Phillips, M.D., of Newburgh, New York, and David H. Phillips, of Mount Vernon, New York; and two daughters, Mrs. Mae A. Hutchings, of Mount Vernon, New York, and Mrs. Jennie E. Decker, of Germantown, New York.
Brother Phillips, by his habits of industry, amicable disposition, unselfish ministry, deep sincerity, moral strength, unfailing generosity, habitual kindness, and his marvelous power to love, was a living example of the Golden Rule, and is enshrined for all time in the hearts of those who knew him best and loved him most.
Brother Phillips was a master in the arts of conciliation and construction; moderation and patience were his masterful virtues. He was not excitable, he was without vanity or egotism; a light always seemed to shine in his face, and many who saw it could understand better the expression of Holy Writ where it declares that the face of Moses shone.
His approaches to people had in them the a kindliness of manner and speech that made them feel he took a peculiar interest in their welfare. In this there were no affectation; it was a natural expression of his character. He glided into the hearts and affection of those with whom he came in contact and imperceptibly, almost without volition on their part, he took up his abode in their hearts, and they loved him. He was thus enabled to do much good, behold the work of his Master prosper in his hands, and rejoice with the many who by his prayers and labor were born into the kingdom of his Christ.
Time will not permit us to speak of the quiet, courtly life he lived among us, of the helpful assistance of his ready hand, the gentle and gracious words he so often spoke to us, which linger in our hearts this hour and will be kept in our memories while life so lasts. He was a plain preacher, a biblical student, a faithful pastor, a true friend, a devoted father, and affectionate husband. After his superannuation he lived with his daughter, Mrs. Hutchings, in Mount Vernon, and became a regular attendant at the First Methodist Episcopal Church, but he did not cease to do the work of a minister. He was happy in his home and church relations, greatly beloved by Dr. Bartholow, his pastor, and the members of the congregation. He was always ready to assist the pastor whenever he desired; he visited the sick, buried the dead, and comforted those who were in sorrow.
During the Watch Night service on December 31, 1909, he was one of the most hopeful and bright of those who were present, speaking in the following words: “I do not remember the first Watch Night service I attended. I was too young, but I have enjoyed about a half a century of them since. I believe all the years of my ministry have been blessed of God in saving souls and lifting me to higher grounds, but I am sure that the year just passing has been to me the most blessed of all. I thank God that my lot has been cast where I have enjoyed such sweet Christian fellowship with pastor and people, and, Doctor (here addressing the pastor), I am looking forward to the revival services with faith, believing they are going to be greatly blessed of God in the saving of souls, and I shall be with you, as I believe your church will, to help carry on this blessed work.”
At the close of the service, he greeted his friends smilingly, passing the compliments of the season, when he was suddenly stricken by the hand of death, and died without a word in the arms of those near him.
Source: Official Journal: Minutes of the New York Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Methodist Episcopal church, New York Conference, 1910; Pgs. 94-96
