However, after the death of his sister and uncle, he fell into a depression in which he was "alarmed by dreams, by sickness, and by various other means, which were sent by God, in his mercy, for my good.
[5] Gatch played an important role in the transitional years of American Methodism as it broke away from its British connection during the late eighteenth century.
He attended the Annual Conference of 1777 when increased responsibility was given to American-born preachers over the Methodist work in the States, a significant transition away from British oversight.
"[9] During his years of ministry, Gatch travelled throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland before he stopped itinerating in 1778 due to poor health.
He married Elizabeth Smith in 1778, and settled down in Powhatan County, Virginia,[10] and later moved to Ohio, where he was sold land near the town of Milford.