POTSDAM -- Potsdam United Methodist Church, 26 Main St., will mark Memorial Day Weekend with a celebration of the lives of 19th and 20th century pastors who served the church and other area Methodist churches.

The community is invited to share in the deceased pastors service at 9:30 am on Saturday, May 23, at Bayside Cemetery. The pastor of the church, Rev. James E. Barnes II, will lead worship.

The church’s eighth annual service will begin at the graves of three infant children of 19th century pastors and proceed to the graves of the seven pastors who served the Potsdam church between 1855 and 1976.

One of the best known, Rev. Samuel Marsh, (1856) was a physician and a school teacher in Potsdam. He was converted by Rev. Peter D. Gorrie, who is buried quite near him. Although admitted on trial, his other activities kept him busy and he was never ordained.

He left the ministry for a few years and then returned. He enlisted when the Civil War began and was selected Lt. Colonel of the Sixteenth NY Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

He was shot at Gaines Mill (Hill) (apparently on June 27, 1862 when the battle was fought and as many sources say, rather than on July 1 as his stone says.) He died from that injury on July 4 of that year. The local GAR unit and its auxiliary as well as the Civil War veterans section of Bayside was named for him even though he is not buried in that section.

Those who served the Potsdam church and are buried at Bayside are: Rev. William H. Hawkins, (1855); Rev. Samuel Call, (1863-66; 1884-87); Rev. Samuel Marsh, (1856); Rev. Peter D. Gorrie, (1849-51; 1858-60); Rev. Jabez Stallwood (1906-1912); Rev. William Caldwell, (1961-76); and Rev. Wendell Carter, (1948-53).

In addition, seven other Methodist pastors: Elbert Felton, Rufus E. King, Albert Page, Charles C. Townsend, Charles Hawkins, David Robson and Aaron B. Corbin, are also buried at Bayside.

For more information call the church office, 265-7474.