Gladys Ferger Howard died on May 23, 2025, at the age of 78 (1946-2025). She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Mitchell Gwilym Howard, her son Theodore Howard, and sisters Kathy and Carol. A memorial service will be held on September 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at the UU Congregation of Whidbey Island WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island, 20103 State Route 525, Freeland WA, 98249 or to Heifer International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock AR, 72203. UURMaPA will contribute in her memory to the UU Church of Whidbey Island.
Notes of condolence can be sent to mgh63bhss@gmail.com or to: Rev. Mitch Howard, 1837 Schooner Lane, Oak Harbor WA 98277
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. The obituary will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries, and will be available on the UURMaPA website. If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s partner obituary editor, Eleanor Richardson, grandmoot@aol.com
Carl Herbert Haag died at home on April 23, 2025, in Princeton NJ, 71 days shy of turning 97. He is remembered as being intelligent, kind, generous, humorous, creative, quirky and caring of everyone he met. He had a prodigious memory of people, places, food and factoids. He is survived by his wife, The Rev. Carol Haag, children Cindy and Ken, daughter-in-law Nikki and two grandchildren.
Carl was born July 3, 1928 in Cleveland OH, the only child of Anna and Albert Haag. He explored the city and the surrounding area with his mother and his childhood friend Herb Field. He and Herb spent a summer with a Mennonite family in Virginia that was a treasured memory. One of his delights as a child was becoming a magician. His mother and he were avid bicyclers. Later he led cycling trips with Canadian Youth Hostel in Canada and Europe. He took his wife and children on a cycling trip through the Canadian Rockies.
Carl was bright and attended accelerated classes. Following graduation, he enrolled in the US army knowing that the GI bill would help him go to college. Following WWII, he was sent to Japan in the Quarter Master Corp and loved exploring the country and learning about the culture. He chose Antioch College, graduating in 1952 after studying philosophy. Antioch was a significant influence and he took seriously Horace Mann’s challenge to “win some victory for humanity” before he died.
Following a stint in the admissions office at Case Tech, he achieved a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan. While teaching there, he responded to a job offer at Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton NJ. He was so intrigued with the Advanced Placement Program that he took the job. He worked as the Director of the AP program for 27 years.
ETS brought many good things into Carl’s life including his wife Alice Carol Schwartz. He saw her in a play as Mommy in the “American Dream” and thought she was dreadful, but when they took a walk at ETS and he saw her take her shoes off in the mud he fell in love with her. They were married on his birthday in 1965 at the Unitarian Church and made their life in Princeton for the next 60 years. They built a house in the woods and raised their two children in that house. Cindy Lara was born on New Year’s Day in 1968 and Kenneth Alan was born November 8, 1970. Carl created a magical, loving environment for them to grow up in. Long before he died Carl wrote a note for his family to find saying: “You were the best things in my life and I loved you deeply.”
Carl was an avid photographer, capturing his life experiences through photos from an early age. He photographed people, the natural world, every family occasion, and his many travels around the world.
Unitarian Universalism was very important to Carl, coming from a non-religious background. He was engaged at local, district and continental levels. He was president of the church, committee member, teacher, historian, library creator and welcomer. He was president of the Metro NY District and served on the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. As a board member of the Universalist Retreat Center Murray Grove, he helped save 200 acres of New Jersey shoreland. He also helped create and lead a men’s group that lasted for decades and continues on.
Carl was an avid collector and was fascinated by tools and antiques. He said he traveled to 3 corners of the world. He loved camping, canal barges, home exchanges, cruises and bicycle trips.
He was a great listener, asking engaging questions to draw someone out and learn about them. Carl’s creative way of seeing the world made him a great story-teller, talented historian and playful companion. He cared about the environment and social issues. He was a deeply loyal and caring friend, father and husband. Carl was a gentle, loving soul who made an indelible impression on the earth and will be deeply honored and missed.
There will be a memorial service later this summer at the Unitarian Church of Princeton NJ. Send inquiries to: susan@uuprinceton.org
The Rev. Harry H. Hoehler died on December 3, 2004, at the age of 95 (1928-2024).
Harry was born on December 5, 1928, in Philadelphia PA, to Harry G. Hoehler and Dorothy Heyden Hoehler. He pursued his education at Haverford College PA, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts, following which he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in 1954. From 1955–1958, Harry worked as an Assistant Dean of Freshmen at Harvard University MA. During this time, he met Judith Anderson, who was working in Cambridge and would later attend Harvard Divinity School herself. The couple married in 1956. In 1984, Harry was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School.
The Rev. Dr. Hoehler was ordained on June 6, 1954, by the First Parish in Cambridge MA. Following his ordination, he began his career in the UU ministry, first serving as an assistant minister at the First Parish in Milton MA (1955–1958) and then as a minister at the First Parish in Beverly MA (1958–1964). Thereafter, in 1964, he accepted a call from the First Parish Church in Weston MA.
After Judith was ordained in 1975, the two forged one of the first co-ministries in the country, jointly serving the Weston church until their retirement in 1995. During their ministry, significant changes took place in the worship life of the church. While Sunday morning remained the central event, worship services became more varied and dynamic. Regular Thursday vespers and morning prayers were introduced, along with the addition of special days and celebrations to both the Sunday morning calendar and the church calendar of special occasions. The church members became more involved in the organization and operation of the church. There was also considerable growth in the adult education offerings and Sunday School and youth programs flourished, with enhanced curricula and increased participation.
The Revs. Hoehler played an outstanding role not only within the congregation but in the wider community and beyond. In 1994, the UUA honored them with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Cause of the Unitarian Universalism. The following year, in 1995, the First Parish Church in Weston honored the Rev. Dr. Hoehler as their minister emeritus.
Throughout his career, the Rev. Dr. Hoehler was deeply engaged in various leadership roles within the denomination serving on the board of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (1958–196) and the Unitarian Sunday School Society (1959). He was a member of the Committee on Theological Education (1960–1962) and held positions such as President of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association of Essex County (1960–1961) and President of the Unitarian Christian Fellowship.
In addition to his contribution to the denomination, Harry was known for his leadership in social justice issues. He was active in the civil rights movement, joining the 1963 March on Washington and answering Martin Luther King’s call to northern clergy to come to Selma.
Fostering links between his own congregation and various interfaith organizations, Rev. Hoehler dedicated himself to promoting ecumenical understanding and cooperation. In this vein, he served as President of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, President of the Massachusetts Bible Society, denominational representative to the Greater Boston Church Leaders’ Covenant for Urban Justice, Official Observer at the World Council of Churches in Uppsala, Sweden, and Member, with Judith, of the U.S. Interreligious Committee for Peace in the Middle East. In 1996, he and Judith jointly received the Forrest L. Knapp award for Ecumenism from the Massachusetts Council of Churches.
His leadership extended to youth programs as well, where he directed the Rowe Senior High Camp in 1962. He participated in desegregating the Boston public schools and oversaw the founding of Roxbury Weston Preschool, housed in First Parish to this day. He was a part of the delegation that traveled to California to meet with Cesar Chavez in support of the grape workers’ strike in 1973.
In his writings and public talks, such as the UUA Minns Lectures of 1968 and 1975, Harry developed his ideas on interreligious dialogue, an intellectual trajectory that culminated in his book, Christian Responses to the World Faiths. In addition, he published numerous articles in theological journals, as well as two books of sermons, co-authored with Judith.
Harry had a deep love for classical music and possessed a prodigious command of American and European history.
Harry is survived by his wife of 68 years Rev. Judy Hoehler; his daughters Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton (Robert), and Kristen Hoehler (Spencer); three grandchildren, one step grandchild, and one step great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter Carolyn Hoehler, and his sisters Mary Hoehler Thompson, and Bonnie Metz.
A memorial service was held at 11 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the First Parish Church in Weston, 349 Boston Post Road, Weston MA 02493.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolences may be sent to Judy Hoehler at hoehlerjudith@gmail.com.
The Rev. Carl Arthur Hover died on August 15, 2024, at the age of 88 (1936-2024).
Arthur is survived by his wife, Ellen Dionna; his two children: Carla Hover and Carl Hover; and five step-children: Jonathan Wolf, Carol Wolf, Pamela Wolf MacMahon, Adam Wolf, and Franklin Wolf. He was preceded in death by his two sons: Kenneth Arthur and Carson Monroe.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the UU Congregation of York, 925 S George St, York PA 17403.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UU Congregation of York PA, or the Unitarian Universalist Society for Ministerial Relief, c/o Rev. Susan Suchocki Brown, 80 Mill Glen Rd., Winchendon, MA 01475.
Ann Howe, 99, of Raleigh and spouse of the late Rev. Dr. Charles A. Howe, died peacefully on August 14, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Ann Elizabeth Clark was born in Richmond VA on October 18, 1924, to the late William Baker Clark and Louise Graham Clark.
Ann grew up on the family farm in Buckingham County VA. She entered college at age 16 and graduated from Westhampton College, University of Richmond, Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She also earned a master’s degree in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Ann & Charles Howe, mid-1980s
She met Charles Howe at UNC after he returned from service in WWII and they were married in 1947.
Ann was an instructor in chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, worked as a research assistant at UNC, and then spent a decade at home with her children. She was an elementary science teacher at the Lab School at the University of Chicago while her husband was a seminary student.
Ann then received a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970. She was a Professor of Science Education at Syracuse University, the head of the Department of Math and Science Education at North Carolina State University, and the head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland. She was the first woman to hold a faculty position in her department at both Syracuse and N.C. State.
Her professional accomplishments are too numerous to detail here but included leadership roles in professional organizations, including President of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (1983–84), a Senior Fulbright Scholar in Chile, editorial roles with professional journals, and the author of numerous journal articles and two books. In retirement, Ann became a painter and was a member of Cary Gallery of Artists.
She was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh NC, where she served in various leadership roles. A person of great energy, curiosity and optimism, Ann balanced her professional achievements with a full family life, a love of travel, nature and gardening, and enjoying her many friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, and her brother, William B. Clark Jr. She is survived by daughter Judy Howe (Robert Harangozo) of Yonkers NY, daughter Margie Chenery of Raleigh, and son David Howe of Albany NY; grandchildren Patricia Chenery, Sally Howe, Nora Howe, and Caroline Harangozo; her sister, Martha Bell; her sister-in-law, Jean Clark; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the UU Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Avenue, Raleigh NC.
The Rev. Dr. James ‘Peter’ Hughes died on April 17, 2024, at the age of 71.
Peter was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on September 29, 1952, to Arthur A. Hughes and Joanne Little Hughes. He was the eldest of seven siblings and attended churches of the Anglican religion in childhood. He went to various grade and elementary schools in multiple cities in Canada, ultimately graduating from Macdonald High School in St. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. In 1973, Peter received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge MA. In the same year, he married Lynn Gordon, a fellow student at M.I.T. He then worked as a computer programmer for eight years before following his call to ministry.
In his late twenties, Peter began to explore the spiritual and intellectual horizons to find an institutional home. He felt that there was a need for a religion that could bring together ancient wisdom and modern knowledge; one that would respect people’s varying strengths, needs, and dispositions in a true religious pluralism. He became involved as a layperson in the UU Society of Stamford, CT from 1980 to 1982, immersing himself in the history and culture of Unitarianism and Universalism. He began to see the church in a more critical light. He wanted to develop plans for helping liberal religion explore new areas, and help religious liberals more fully live their religious principles. This vision kindled his thoughts of ministry. In 1984, he earned his Master of Arts in Divinity from the University of Chicago IL, following which he received his Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1986.
Rev. Dr. Hughes was ordained by the First Universalist Church, Woonsocket RI on April 26, 1987, where he served for 13 years (1986–1999). During his tenure, in addition to his pastoral duties, he was instrumental in the transcription of documents in church history and wrote a history of the period of the church’s first minister, John Boyden (1840–1869). He wrote, directed, and participated in several services that consisted of the congregation members’ dramatic performances. Rev. Hughes, along with his wife Lynn Gordon Hughes, were the founders of the First Universalist Food Pantry, and their work sustained this effort for over 10 years. In 1999, he retired from the ministry on disability, due to post-polio syndrome. In 2000, the First Universalist Church honored him as their minister emeritus.
After retirement, Rev. Dr. Hughes focused on research projects, mainly on the history of American Universalism and the Reformation roots of Unitarianism. He launched the Dictionary of UU Biography and served as its founding editor for nine years. He was a frequent contributor to the Journal of UU History and other publications. He also helped the UU Historical Society to develop a publishing program and an online discussion list. Furthermore, he was president of the Universalist Church of Rhode Island and vice-president of the UU Historical Society.
Always active in community service, Rev. Hughes was on the boards of Adopt-a-Family, Woonsocket Shelter Community Action Program, and Family Resources. He was also active in the Greater Woonsocket Clergy Association. He received the Paul Dempster Award in 1997 for contributions to community service. He was a champion for the rights of the disabled. In 2008, he was forced to crawl downstairs to a polling station in a church basement. This motivated him to take on Elections Canada where he won in a landmark Canadian Human Rights Case in 2010, Hughes v. Elections Canada. The result was nationwide changes to all Canadian polling stations to ensure accessibility for disabled voters.
In his leisure time, Peter enjoyed listening to music and collecting records (classical and film music), playing the recorder and other woodwind instruments, watching old movies, going to the opera, reading, and reading aloud. He enjoyed the challenge of arranging music for unusual combinations of instruments and was usually involved in some sort of music ensemble, often as a leader.
Peter is survived by his wife Lynn; children Paul (Caolan) and Logan (Jae); grandchildren Jane and Alice; as well as his siblings: Jan, Kate, Mary Jo, William, and Sarah Beth. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wendy.
A memorial service was held on June 8, 2024, at the University of Toronto, Canada. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Center <https://www.uhn.ca/OurHospitals/PrincessMargaret>, 610 University Ave., Toronto ON, M5G 2M9.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Lynn Hughes at lynnghughes@gmail.com or mailed to Lynn Hughes, 312-24 Wellesley St. W., Toronto ON, M4Y2X6, Canada.
The Rev. Olivia Holmes died on December 11, 2023, at the age of 79 (1944-2023).
She is survived by brothers Sidney Holmes (and spouse Ruth) and Leonard Holmes (and spouse Louiselle), nephew, Nicholas Holmes and spouse Mary Katherine, nieces: Sarah Tucker, Danielle Gianesgro, Melissa Holmes, several grandnieces, and her beloved cat, Wiley.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Peterborough UU Church, 25 Main Street, Peterborough NH. Information on a celebration after the service will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UUA Living Tradition Fund, P.O. Box 843154, Boston, MA, 02284. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Sidney Holmes, 2344 Hunt Club Drive, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. James “Jim” Alfred Hobart died on May 2, 2023, at the age of 88 (1935-2023).
Jim is survived by his wife Nan Hobart; children: Robin, Peter, and Christopher Hobert; stepchildren: Suman and Janak Paranjape; grandchildren: Ezequiel, Lucille, Sarah, Sumana, Morgan, and Connor; sister Barbara Hobart Mathews; and his former wife Rosamond Williams Hobart.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago IL 60637.
Memorial donations may be made to The Living Legacy Project <https://www.livinglegacypilgrimage.org/donate.html>, 1248 CarMia Way #1015, Richmond VA 23235. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Notes of condolence can be sent to Nan Hobart at nanhobart@gmail.com or at 5201 S Ingleside Ave, Chicago IL 60615.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Blaine Francis Hartford died on December 16, 2022, at the age of 91 (1931-2022).
Blaine is survived by his wife, Marie Gorman; daughters, Sally Kirby, Jennifer Hendry, and Deborah Williamson; stepbrother C. Robert Hartford; as well as five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; spouses: Lorraine Fagerholm, Sharon Hartford, and Clarinda Hartford; brother Joshua Hartford; stepbrother Stewart Hartford; and daughter Tamara McFall Eddy.
A memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolence can be written here. A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.
The Rev. Manuel R. Holland died on August 2, 2022, at the age of 92.
Manuel was born on May 9, 1930, in Hazleton PA to Raleigh Lee Roy Holland and Pearl Shook Holland. He spent his early childhood in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and California. When he was nineteen, he received his local preacher’s license from the Methodist church and later had a Methodist charge consisting of four small rural churches in western North Carolina. For a year and a half (1949–1951), Manuel assumed responsibility for the complete programs of these churches, preached an average of three times a Sunday, conducted funerals, marriages, and baptisms as needs arose among the parishioners, and at the same time carried a full course at college.
Subsequently, Manuel served as a Youth Counselor for six months at the Congregational Unitarian Church, Littleton MA, working with Rev. Palmer Clarke. Since then, his pulpit experience changed. Theologically, he could no longer agree with the Methodist Church; he had found a spirit of freedom, a dedication to truth, and a concern for the welfare of humankind in the Unitarian Church. He soon realized that the kind of ministry he wished to pursue would be most meaningful and successful among the Unitarians.
In 1951, Manuel left for the Army. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1954, he went to college graduating with two degrees in 1960: a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology of Religion from Boston University, MA, and a Bachelor of Divinity from Tufts University, MA.
Rev. Holland was ordained by the First Parish Unitarian, Groton MA on June 17, 1956. His tenure at First Parish (1955–1960) marked increased Sunday morning service attendance and growth in the religious programs. With the new facilities of the Youth Center and the installation of a library and bookstore, excellent education programs were developed. The new youth choir was added to the worship service.
In 1960, Rev. Holland accepted a call from the First Parish in Framingham MA where he would serve until 1966. He played the most active role in the support, growth, proliferation, and maturation of the congregation. Under his leadership, a series of adult courses were offered, and the church school enrollment increased. People looked to the church for leadership in Education, Social Action, and Service.
From 1966 to 1970, Rev. Holland served as the first District Executive of the Thomas Jefferson District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. These years were formative in establishing the identity and functional character of the district of 47 churches and fellowships. His responsibilities included extension ministry, ministerial settlements, religious education, fundraising, communication media liaison, pulpit supply, and many others.
Thereafter, Rev. Holland served the UU Church of Greensboro, Jamestown NC (1971–1973); the UU Fellowship of Winston-Salem NC (1973–1974); and the UU Congregation of the Lowcountry, SC (1981–1986). His ministry and endeavor made churches a dynamic force in the community, as he was passionate about social justice and strove to uplift the oppressed, impoverished, and voiceless. He helped strengthen the moral and spiritual needs of the members of the parish and community. His genuine and dynamic concern for the welfare and well-being of his fellow human beings made him one of the truly outstanding ministers.
In 1986, the Lowcountry congregation honored Rev. Holland as their minister emeritus. His last message to the congregation and the community asked that we love one another, for, in the end that is all we have.
Rev. Holland’s integrity, industry, loyalty, devotion, and dedication to the UU movement were of the highest caliber. He was the winner of the Clarence R. Skinner award (1958) for the best sermon that most expressed the social implications of Universalist principles. Furthermore, Rev. Holland took an active role in the Central Massachusetts District of UU Churches serving as Vice President and Chairman of Denominational Affairs. He was a member of the UU Committee on Camps and Conferences and chaired the UUA Committee on Lay Leadership.
He also served on the board of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (1958–1962); was Chairman of the Star Island Religious Education Institute (1961) and Southern N.E. Social Relations Committee (1961–1962). From 1962 to 1965, he provided his services as Vice President of the Central Massachusetts District, and as Chairman of the Southeast UU Summer Institute in 1968.
In Framingham MA, Manuel served as Vice President of the Framingham Ministers Association, as a founding member and Director of the Framingham Fair Housing Practices Committee, and as a member of the Framingham Chapter. He was an executive committee member of the Framingham-Ashland United Fund (1962–1966).
He had a broad range of interests, some of which included woodworking, biking, camping, and graphic arts. He also had several of his works published including, “If We Had Given a Damn” (Universalist Leader, Sept. 1959) and the UUA Pamphlet, “Salvation From What?”
Manuel is survived by his stepson David Lowe; his granddaughter, Jessica Lowe; and his three children from a previous marriage: Charles Holland, Elizabeth Holland, and Robert Holland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Olive Holland.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the UU Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910. Memorial donations can be made to The International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 6068, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9847, or Feeding America. Notes of condolences can be sent HERE.
