Rev. Leonidas Rosser

AN outline is drawn by these lines of a remarkable man—an editor, author, orator, and evangelist. His books have been read by thousands; his voice is familiar in many States; his converts number twice ten thousand. A man of culture and energy. He has been honored repeatedly by a seat in the Methodist senate, and time and again as an adviser of the Bishops. His tall figure, full flowing gray locks, patriarchal beard, face of intense gaze, bring to mind the picture of an old prophet, who, with "wild hair floating on the eastern breeze." beholds

"In outline dim and vast
Their fearful shadows cast,
The giant forms of empires on their way
To ruin."

Leonidas Rosser was born in Petersburg;, Virginia, July 31st. 1815. His parents were Thomas and Christina Elizabeth Rosser. He was converted on the pulpit steps in the old Methodist church on Union street. Petersburg, in October, 1828. Called to preach in 1831; was, preparatory to preaching, immediately sent to Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Having spent a year and three months, entered Wesleyan University, Middletown. Connecticut, Dr. W. Fisk, President. 1835, and graduated in full course in 1838, putting the collegiate course into three years. After graduation joined the New York Conference on trial, had charge of Weathersfield. Connecticut, and remained nearly two years, and was transferred home to the Virginia Conference in 1840; having had about fifteen hundred souls converted under his ministry at the North.

In 1841 and 1842 he was junior preacher on Charlotte Circuit, and had in his own meeting in two years one thousand souls converted. In 1843 he was Chaplain to the University of Virginia, and at same time was pastor of our church in Charlottesville. In 1844 with one hundred members from Trinity church he organized and had charge of Union Station, in Richmond; preaching first in a school-house on Union Hill, then built a church, which was afterwards sold, and the present house of worship erected. In 1845 and 1846 he was pastor of Trinity church, where he had extensive revivals each year. In 1847 and 1848, he was pastor of Warrenton Circuit. Here he had extensive revivals, and built several churches. In 1819 was pastor of Bedford circuit, healed a difficulty of years' standing and restored the grand old circuit to harmony. In 1850 and 1851 he was pastor of our church in Alexandria, and built the present church edifice there. In 1852 he was pastor of our church in Washington City. In 1853 Presiding Elder of Fredericksburg District. In 1854, 1855, and 1856, Presiding Elder of Norfolk District. In 1857 and 1858 Presiding Elder of Lynchburg District. In 1858 he was elected Editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate, resigned in 1860. In 1861 was pastor of Union Station, Richmond. In 1862, 1863, and 1864, was general Missionary to Ewell's corps, in the Confederate army, and within the fortifications around Richmond—during which time he had two hundred soldiers converted under his ministry. In 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, he was Presiding Elder of the Richmond District. In 1869, 1870, 1871 and 1872, he was Evangelist, by Vote of the Conference, and appointment of the Bishop, under cover of Sunday School Agent of the Virginia Conference. In 1873 Presiding Elder of the Randolph Macon District. In 1874. 1875 and 1870, Evangelist again by authority as above. In 1877, 1878, and 1879, Presiding Elder of Randolph Macon District, where he is now.

Up to the present time, he numbers about twenty thousand souls converted under his ministry, including about five thousand while Evangelist. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Emory and Henry College in 1858. He is the author of six works: "Baptism," "Experimental Religion," Reply to Howells Evils of Infant Baptism," "Class Meetings," and "Open Communion," The first, "Baptism," has reached its fourth edition; the second its sixth edition; the third the seventh edition. He is now preparing one hundred of his revival sermons for the press, and has ninety ready for publication. His chief delight is in revivals. Ile was elected to the General Conference of 1850. 1854, 1858, 1862, and 1860. He was offered charge of one of the principal churches in New Orleans, which he declined. In 1860 he was offered by Bishop Pierce the superintendency of Missions in California, which he accepted, but which in consequence of the impending war he afterwards declined.

Source: Sketches of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South. by Rev. John J. Lafferty Richmond, Va., Christian Advocate Office 1880.

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