Rev. James Robert Hartland, 92, of Lebanon, OH, who was ordained in the Methodist Pittburgh Conference and served churches there from 1950-58, died Sunday, February 10, 2013 in Lebanon, OH. A minister for over 40 years, he served at 17 different Methodist churches through Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Born June 21, 1920 to Walter Daniel and Alice Maud (nee: Wilson) Hartland in Johnstown, PA, he earned his Bachelors degree from Mt. Union College, his STM degree from Boston University School of Theology and M. Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh in Religious Education.
Admitted to the Methodist Pittsburgh Conference in 1949, Rev. Hartland became a full member in 1951 when he was ordained an elder. He transferred to Methodist North-East Ohio Conference October 1, 1958 and retired in 1986.
In Western Pennsylvania, he served as pastor of Circleville/Miller churches from 1950-1952; Concord in Beaver Falls from 1952-1954; Whitaker from 1954-1957 and Rochester from 1957-September 30, 1958. He was Concord's first full-time pastor.
In Ohio, besides serving as a pastor, Rev. Hartland was the secretary and chair of the West Ohio Higher Education Conference and was on the board of trustees for Mt. Union College. He was active in the Tipp City Rotary and served as President.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Jane (nee: Croft) Hartland in 1997, one son, Gregory Croft Hartland, two brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his son Joel Richard (Joleen) Hartland of Sleepy Hollow, IL, daughter Marilee Alice (Richard) Lake of Tipp City, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Rev. Hartland was a graduate of Mt. Union College and earned masters' degrees at Boston University School of Theology and the University of Pittsburgh.
A memorial service was scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at the Otterbein-Lebanon United Methodist Church. Also, a service was scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, May 18, at the Grove Avenue United Methodist Church in Johnstown, PA. Inurnment will take place in Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James Hartland’s name to Hospice of Warren County, Otterbein United Methodist Church, Otterbein Benevolent Care Fund and United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Arrangements made by Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon. Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.hoskinsfh.com.