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Rollin Heber Neale (February 13, 1808 – September 19, 1879) was an eminent American Baptist minister known for his influential pastoral work and eloquent preaching. Serving as the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Boston for nearly forty years, he was a prominent figure in 19th-century American religion and education.

Rollin Heber Neale
Southworth & Hawes: Rollin Heber Neale (ca. 1850)
Born	(1808-02-23)February 23, 1808 Southington, Hartford County, Connecticut, USA
Died	September 18, 1879(1879-09-18) (aged 71) Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA
Occupation	Baptist minister
Children	Melissa Yale Neale, Augusta Ann Neale, Jemmette Plumb Neale, Rollin Heber Neale and Anna Fuller Neale
Parent(s)	Jeremiah Neal (1757-1827) and Anna Neal (born Fuller) (1764-1823)

Early Life and Education

Rollin Heber Neale was born on February 13, 1808, in Southington, Connecticut, to Jeremiah Neale (1757-1827) and Anna Fuller (1768-1823). He graduated from Columbian University in Washington, D.C., in 1830. Neale continued his studies at Newton Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1833, making it America’s oldest graduate seminary.

Career and Ordination

Neale was ordained to the ministry while studying at Newton Theological Seminary. In 1834, he became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Needham, Massachusetts. In 1837, he was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church in Boston, a position he held for nearly forty years. Neale was celebrated for his eloquence and success as a preacher.

Neale was also involved in various educational committees, including those for Harvard University, Townsend Female Seminary, and Charlestown Female Seminary. He was awarded honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees by Brown University in 1850 and by Harvard University in 1857. His published works include "The Burning Bush" and numerous sermons and addresses.

Personal Life

Neale married Melissa D. Yale (1814-1855) on September 26, 1833. The couple had at least five children, Melissa Yale Neale (1835-1883), Augusta Ann Neale (1837-), Jemmette Plumb Neale (1840-1863), Rollin Heber Neale (1846-) and Anna Fuller Neale (1848-1892). After the death of Melissa D. Yale in 1855, Neale married Annie E. Bacon (1825-1864) on June 26, 1861.

After the death of Melissa D. Yale in 1855, Neale married Annie E. Bacon (1825-1864) on June 26, 1861.

He was an Abolitionist

Later Years and Death

In the latter part of his career, Neale’s health began to decline. He faced a series of health challenges, including recurring bouts of illness, which impacted his ability to perform his ministerial duties. Despite his health issues, he remained active in his pastoral role until his condition worsened.

Rollin Heber Neale died on September 19, 1879, in Boston, Massachusetts , at the age of 71.

Burial

Rev. Neale was buried in Mount Auborn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Legacy

Rev. Rollin Heber Neal is remembered for his significant contributions to his congregations and his broader community. His work in religious education, social justice, and charitable activities left a lasting impact. Neal’s ministry was characterized by a commitment to both spiritual and social upliftment, and his legacy is honored by those who continue to benefit from the institutions and initiatives he helped to establish.

See also

• First Baptist Church (Boston, Massachusetts)