Baptist Church History AdminTop contributor  · 29m  · Daily Baptist Encyclopedia Post by Jim Curran

Burchard, Hon. Seneca B., was born at Granby, Mass., Oct. 7, 1790. At seventeen he was converted, and united with the Baptist church of that place. IIe came to Hamilton, N. Y., in 1825, where he united with the Baptist church, and identified him- self with the institutions of learning in that place. In 1826 he became a member of the executive committee, also treasurer, steward, and agent. In 1834 he was the building agent for the erection of East College. He continued treasurer for twelve years, a member of the Education Board for thirty- nine years, president of said board seven years, and twenty-five years vice-president. In 1846, the date of the charter of Madison Uni- versity, he was made by the Legislature one of the original corporators, and was elected vice-president. He died at Hamilton, February, 1861, at about seventy-one years of age, his mind still strong and vigorous, and his faith in God and the educational enterprise at Hamilton unyielding. He was one of those stalwart men whom, in those early times, Dr. N. Kendrick drew around him when he was the energizing spirit at Hamilton. _ Deacon Burchard was no ordinary man. [He was massive and solid in every direction. He could endure great physical exertion as well as mental strain. Not easily discouraged or thwarted in his plans, slow in deliberation, wise in counsel, prompt in execution, when he had received an appointment he did not rest till he was sure of its accomplish- ment. As amember of the State Legislature, asa citizen, as a church member and deacon, as treas- urer, executive officer, counselor on the board, he was highly respected, honored, and trusted till the end of his life. To the close of his life he was a remarkably dili- gent student of the Scriptures, He either taught a Bible-class or was a member of one till near the eternal rest, and he used to tell how the Bible, as he re-read it, kept opening its truths to his heart. From the Baptist Encyclopedia by William Cathcart