OBIT: John M. SCHICK, Rev., 1913, formerly of Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Keith Petenbrink.

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Rev. John M. SCHICK

DEATH OF REV. JOHN M. SCHICK Was Hit by an Automobile in Washington, D. C., and 
Died From the Injuries, Was Pastor of the Reformed Church Here for a Number of 
Years, As Pastor and Citizen He Is Kindly Remembered by Many. The community was 
shocked yesterday when news was received in town that Rev. John M. Schick, D. 
D., formerly pastor of the Amity Church, had died at his home in Washington, D. 
C.. Dr. Schick had spent a number of years here as the devoted and beloved 
pastor of the local church, and had endeared himself not only to the people whom 
he served as pastor but to the community as well. He was a man of fine spirit, 
of broad attainments, and liberal views. Last fall when "Old Home" week was 
ushered in he visited Meyersdale and preached at the morning service and 
delivered an address at the Union service in the evening. As a pastor, he 
exemplified the life of a shepherd, in a most beautiful and becoming manner.  He 
was intensely interested in behalf of his flock, and consequently he was much 
beloved by his people. As a scholar he stood high, noted for his clear thinking, 
and as a writer he frequently contributed to the periodicals of his church. As a 
preacher, he preached in a simple heart to heart manner, conveying the deep 
spiritual truths in a way understood by all. Not as an orator did he address his 
people but as a preacher of the word of God. As a man, he was a man among men, 
sympathizing with men in their hopes, struggles and aspirations, interested in 
the general welfare of the community, broad in his views, firm in his beliefs 
and fearless in advocating the right, so that his friends and his influence 
extended far beyond the lines of his congregation. As a counselor he was always 
safe and wise. Rev. John M. Schick was born in Richmond, Va., November 8, 1848, 
and at the time of his death he was aged 64 years, 8 months and 14 days. At the 
time of the breaking out of the Civil War he was a boy of about 12 or 13 years. 
In those exciting times in Richmond, his people were northern sympathizers, and 
it is the impression of those who are in a position to know that his father had 
been arrested and imprisoned and while incarcerated he died. All union 
sympathizers were commanded to leave Richmond. His mother and children started 
on foot towards the north. His mother and sister carried their luggage across 
the railroad bridge of the Rappahannock River while he carried his younger 
brother across the river on his back. At that place they entered the Union lines 
and were transported to Washington. From there they went to Philadelphia and 
from there to Pittsburg. John learned the broom making trade and in this way 
helped to support his mother and family. The family attended services in the 
Grace Reformed Church, where the honesty, loyalty and intelligence of the young 
man attracted the favorable allertion (?) of some of the leading members, who 
came forward in aiding the boys in procuring an education. He entered old 
Mercersburg College and in due course of time graduated under the presidency of 
Dr. E. E. Higbee, later state superintendent of the public schools. Immediately 
after finishing his college course he entered the Theological Seminary at 
Mercersburg and completed his course in 1876. He at once entered in to the 
active work of the gospel ministry in a mission at Orbisonia. There he was 
married in the fall of 1881, and then came here and served Meyersdale and 
Greenville congregations. Later he was pastor of Meyersdale alone. He labored 
here for a small salary and lived in a small house. He left Meyersdale in the 
spring of 1888, but he left behind him also a monument to his zeal, energy and 
ability, the new edifice of the Amity Reformed Church, which in its day was the 
finest and best appointed church in this section of the state. From Meyersdale 
he moved to Greenville, Mercer Co., and served the Shenango charge, consisting 
of Greenville and surrounding congregations. While there Heidelberg College 
conferred the title of Doctor of Divinity. From Greenville he went to Tiffin, 
Ohio, where he was for several years pastor of the First Reformed Church. In 
1900 he went to Washington, D. C., and became pastor of Grace Mission. During 
his pastorate at Washington, a beautiful church was erected. The church-at-large 
contributed liberally to this enterprise Amity Church contributed $500 to this 
fine church which now has a large congregation. Dr. Schick was the pastor of ex-
President Roosevelt. Four children were born in his family, and one died during 
his pastorate at Greenville. He is survived by his wife and the following 
children: James, married, and practicing law in Washington, Mary, single, at 
home librarian at Solders' Home, John, married about a year ago, living in 
Washington. The funeral will be held tomorrow (Friday) and interment will take 
place in the Roar Creek Cemetery. Dr. Schick was struck about ten days ago, 
while hurrying to catch a street car, by an automobile. An ambulance from the 
Emergency Hospital was summoned. It was found that his hips were dislocated and 
that he had been otherwise bruised. (Wells the man who drove the automobile was 
not arrested at the time of the accident.) At first the chances for his recovery 
seemed favorable, but the shock was too great for him to bear, and he died on 
Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. For some years he had been suffering of heart 
disease. Dr. Schick had at one time been Chaplin of the Grand Chapter, Royal 
Arch Masons. He was an active member of the Benjamin B. French Lodge No. 15 F. & 
A. M. and Columbia Chapter No. 1 Royal Arch Masons. He had intended to visit at 
the home of C. W. Truxal during the month of August, when his many friends hoped 
to greet him. The sad intelligence of his death consequently brings much sorrow 
to this community.

Meyersdale Commercial, July 24, 1913