101 Ways, Part 32: Joined the Congregation of the Dead

For a brief intro to the "101 Ways to Say 'Died'" series, click here.

This monument to the Rev. Ebenezer Bridge stands in Chelmsford, MA:

By the Church of 

Christ in Chelmsford. 

In Testimony of their Esteem and Veneration

this sepulchral Stone was erected, to stand as a

sacred Memorial of their late worthy Pastor,

the Reverend Ebenezer Bridge,

who after having officiated among them,

in the Service of the Sanctuary,

for more than a year above half a Century,

the Strength of Nature being exhausted 

sunk under the Burden of Age,

and joined the Congregation of the Dead,

Oct. 1 1792. Age, 78 yrs.

 

"Joined the Congregation of the Dead" is an unusual way to say, "died," particularly in light of the text of Proverbs 21:16:

• The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead (KJV).

• A man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom, shall remain in the congregation of the dead (Geneva).

My Bible skills may not be top-of-the-line, but that sounds bad to me. Do you really want your minister to be a member of the "congregation of the dead"? The only way I can put a positive spin on this is to say that perhaps Rev. Bridge is currently among the "congregation of the dead," but will rise on judgment day, while others will "remain" there. Any ministers/seminary students out there who want to tell me how this is an appropriate reference for a pastor's gravestone?

Thanks to RJO for the tip on this one.