Rowan, Stephen, Dd

Rowan, Stephen, D.D., a (Dutch) Reformed minister, was born at Salem, N.Y., 1787. After having graduated at Union College in 1804, he studied theology with Drs. J.H. Meyer and Jeremiah Romeyn, and then entered the ministry in 1806. He was a popular preacher of the Reformed Church settled in the then suburban village of Greenwich, now in Bleecker Street, New York. His labors were much blessed, until difficulties arose which led to his leaving the denomination and the establishment of the Eighth Presbyterian Church in Chrystie Street in 1819. Here he ministered until 1825, when he became secretary of the American Society for Meliorating the Condition of the Jews. He visited Europe in this behalf, and was an efficient officer. His fine pulpit abilities and winning manners made him many warm friends, and great success attended his pastoral labors. But his trials were oppressive, and overclouded his work sadly. He died in 1835, chastened in spirit, in firm faith, and leaving rich testimonies for the grace that supported him. See Corwin, Manual of the Reformed Church, p. 192. (W.J.R.T.)