Stephen Mason Merrill
1825–1905 (age 80)
Biography
Stephen Mason Merrill devoted himself to ministry from a young age, rising through the ranks of the Methodist Episcopal Church with a pastoral heart and a steady intellect. As a pastor, he guided congregations with empathy and a clear sense of duty, drawing members into prayerful service and social uplift.
Consecrated as a bishop, he led the church through the postwar years, strengthening its missions, promoting Christian education, and encouraging clergy to address the needs of the working class. His commitment to spiritual discipline and compassionate outreach left a lasting imprint on Methodist communities across the Midwest.