Rev. J. N. ROACH, President of Bethel College, died at his residence in McLemoresville, Tenn., at twenty minutes of 9 o'clock,
on Friday evening, the 19th of November.

His end was calm and peaceful. He retained the full possession of his faculties to the last. After embracing his family and giving
them counsel and encouragement in this hour of trial, he remarked, "I must sleep now." These were his last words--he fell
asleep and quietly went down to the waters of death, and crossed the fearful stream without a struggle. O, the triumphs of
grace.

The funeral services took place on Sabbath morning. A large number of the Masonic Fraternity assembled to perform the last
sad rites in honor of a departed, worthy brother. They went in solemn procession to the late residence of the deceased, where
the services began at 10 o'clock, conducted by D. G. M. John Gilbert. In the meantime a procession, consisting of the Faculty
and Students of Bethel College, was formed at the College Chapel, and proceeded also to the residence of the deceased, and
joined the procession of the Masonic Fraternity. Ten pall bearers bore the corpse to the Chapel, accompanied by the family
and friends of the deceased. The procession was joined by the citizens generally. The church was crowded to its utmost
capacity, and numbers could not gain admission. The services at the church were conducted by Bro. A. E. Cooper. His sermon
was founded on St. John 17: 24. He paid a just and eloquent tribute to the memory of departed worth. The speaker correctly
remarked, that "the deceased shared the fate of all bold and fearless minds, determined on doing good--

Envy heard his fame, and saw his works of love with envious eye;
Slander at him hurled her poisonous darts; but all in vain.
In conscious rectitude he stood, and defied the storm, and labored on,
As though he thought each day might be his last.'"

Like the pure gold tried in the furnace, he passed the fiery ordeal unhurt. The poisonous shafts of calumny and persecution fell
harmless at his feet, and he has gone down to his grave in peace and full of hope of a glorious blissful immortality. He has left a
rich legacy to his bereaved family and friends in his good name, and in his noble deeds and labors of love. The memory of the
just is blessed.

The large auditory was melted to tears. Each one doubtless felt that he had lost a brother.

After service, the procession was again formed, and the corpse was borne to its last resting place, where, in the presence of the
assembled crowd, the body was consigned to the earth, by the solemn and imposing ceremonies peculiar tot he Masonic
Fraternity.

The following preamble and resolutions were adopted by the McLemoresville Lodge, No. 117, and ordered to be published:

Whereas, It hath pleased the Almighty Disposer of all things, again to visit this Lodge by death, and to remove from our midst
our beloved and faithful brother, J. N. Roach, by whose death we all feel an irreparable loss; and
Whereas, Bro. Roach had endeared himself to us by the many virtues which ennoble his character. Strictly upright in his
deportment, open and frank in hi manners, honest and faithful in all the varied duties which he was called to perform in life,
exercising charity and benevolence towards all, he devoted his life as a minister of the Cross of Christ, an instructor of youth,
and a worthy and faithful Brother of the mystic tie. His hand and heart were ever open to the calls of suffering humanity. And
Whereas, The broken column in our Mystic Temple admonishes us that a good and great has fallen. Therefore,
Resolved, That while we bow to this sudden and afflicting dispensation of Providence, we commingle our tears with the
bereaved widow and family, and that we sincerely sympathize with them in this, our mutual affliction.
Resolved, That in the death of our esteemed Brother, our Fraternity has lost one of its brightest ornaments--a most zealous,
devoted and efficient patron--our community one of its best citizens; Bethel College, an able and indefatigable President, and
the church one of her ablest and most eloquent ministers.
Resolved, That we bear our united testimony to the upright deportment, gentlemanly bearing, and spotless character of our
revered brother.
Resolved, That while we cherish in our minds the memory of departed worth, we will emulate his noble example, and like him,
prepare in life, for that solemn change which awaits us all.
Resolved, That, as a token of respect for the memory of our deceased Brother, we will wear the badge of mourning for thirty
days.
Resolved, That the family of the deceased be furnished with a copy of the above preamble and resolutions.
Resolved, That Bro's. J. L. McDowell and J. T. Mathis be, and they are hereby appointed a Committee to embody the above
proceedings, together with a synopsis of the funeral services, for the public papers.
J. L. McDOWELL,
J. T. MATHIS,
Com.
[Source: Banner of Peace, and Cumberland Presbyterian Advocate, December 17, 1852, page 3]

Inscription on Monument at McLemoresville, Tennessee

In memory of whose many excellent virtues and distinguished abilities as an eloquent, divine and able instructor of youth, and in
admiration of whose character as a patriotic citizen, a kind neighbor, a devoted husband, and affectionate father, this marble
statue is erected by his beloved pupils and friends. He was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, May 15, 1816, embraced
religion and entered the ministry at a very early age, consecrated his life to the great interests of education and religion and died
a martyr to his calling November 19, 1852, aged 36.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their
works do follow them."--Rev. 14:13.