Reverend James Morgan Melhorn

Jim Melhorn, 49, of Rindge, entered into rest on Thursday May 21, 2009 at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. after suffering a stroke. He became ill while traveling to American University in Washington, D.C. Rev. Melhorn was born in York, P.A. on March 25, 1960, the son of the late Fred and Agnes Melhorn. He graduated from Central York High School in 1978 and Millersville University in 1982. Following graduation, he worked at Fort Detrick in Frederick Maryland as a Lab Manager in a cancer research facility. In 1997, with the support and encouragement of family and friends, he answered Gods call to ministry and enrolled at Lancaster Theological Seminary, graduating in 2000. He was ordained and called to serve the First Congregational Church and Society in Rindge, New Hampshire. He loyally served the church for nine years and considered the members a part of his extended family. The church community would describe him as a devoted servant, down to earth, a people person, and an intelligent and gifted orator. Rev. Melhorns primary passion in life was his family. He was married for 25 years to Cynthia Davis-Melhorn, and had three children: Emily, 20, Jordan, 19, and Melissa, 19. His children lovingly describe him as stern on the outside, soft and squishy on the inside and their phone-a-friend when they needed help or information. To his wife he was a devoted husband, soul mate, and best friend. To his family, he had a great sense of humor, was a good cook, and had a wide scope of knowledge. He enjoyed the company of his two dogs Hank and Maggie and his cats Pudding and Tibbs. He also served as a mentor to many young people in the church and the community. In 2006, his family hosted an exchange student from Germany, Jonas Wengenroth, who is fondly remembered as his German Son Music was another of his passions. He founded and operated Common Grounds Coffeehouse in Rindge, where his mission was to provide a venue for singer-songwriters and emerging artists and to share his love of music with the community. He also enjoyed playing the mandolin, auto harp and drums as well as listening to music of all genres. He was devoted to the town of Rindge and his wide circle of friends, and enjoyed being involved with Destination Imagination, the Conant High School swim team and the Jaffrey-Rindge Marlins swim team. He also loved the outdoors and spent time every summer as a chaplain, unit leader, and volunteer at Horton Center, a camp affiliated with the United Church of Christ located on Pine Mountain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He would describe Horton Center as his favorite spot on earth, and over the years he formed a profound relationship with the camp community. He was also a member of the New Hampshire Conference Outdoor Ministries Board of Directors. Survivors include his immediate family, a brother John Melhorn and his wife Anna of New Jersey, mother-in-law Grace Davis of Jaffrey, and the Hildebrand family of York, P.A.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Horton Center, c/o Rev. Robert W. Vodra, Director of Outdoor and Education Ministries, NH Conference United Church of Christ, 140 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, NH 03275.



A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 30 at the First Congregational Church in Rindge, New Hampshire.
A reception will immediately follow at the familys home. Attire is casual, and all musicians are welcome to share their gifts at the reception.