Coming to the Parson Sculpture by John Rogers. It portrays a shy young couple approaching a country parson to make marriage plans. The parson is seated and holding a newspaper titled The Union, a detail inspired by a paper Rogers read while working in New Hampshire. Coming to the Parson is the most successful and popular plaster sculpture grouping created by American artist John Rogers. Patented on August 9, 1870, it became a quintessential middle-class American status symbol, selling over 8,000 copies during his lifetime. It is in good condition overall with wear that is consistent with antique usage.