Category: Uncategorized

The Rev. Dr. James “Peter” Hughes

J. Peter Hughes

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. David O. Rankin

The Rev. David O. Rankin died on April 5, 2024, at the age of 86 (1937-2024).

David is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ginger Rankin; his sons: Mark Rankin and Oran Rankin (Sara); grandchildren: Jim Minor Rankin, David Rankin (Jessica), Emily Rankin, Seneca Wainright (Justin); as well as his great-grandchildren: Liam and Clara Wainright.

A private memorial service is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ginger Minor Rankin Scholarship Endowment. This can be done at the University of Idaho’s web page: Donation Annual Giving. GiveCampus. Please choose Ginger Minor Rankin Scholarship Endowment in the Designation box and enter “In Memory of David O. Rankin” in the In Honor of box. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence can be sent to Ginger Rankin at Gingerrankin@moscow.com or mailed to Ginger Rankin, 312 North Garfield St., Moscow ID 83843.

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.

Service of Remembrance Notes

In the third session of the first day of our spring 2024 conference, the Service of Remembrance will focus on three elements from service leader Rev. Lilia Cuervo’s Hispanic culture: presence, honoring, and healing.

An ofrenda (altar) will hold pictures of the ministers and spouses whose presence we yet feel. In front of each picture, a votive candle is lit, which flame signifies and celebrates their lives and the examples they give us.

As in past conferences, we will honor them in four segments with eulogies and roses. Reflective, healing interludes of poetry and music help us to remember them, and perhaps, ponder our own lives.

Honoring the lives and legacies of

Treva Frank (widow of Rev. Vance Frank)
Rev. Lewis Dunlap
Rev. Joel Baehr
Anne Clarke (widow of Rev. Robert Clarke)

Rev. Susan Weickum
Rev. Carolyn Owen-Towle
Rev. Dori Somers
Rev. Cynthia Johnson

Rev. David Maynard
Rev. Olivia Holmes
Rev. Patience Gardner
Rev. Ronald Marcy

Rev. James Grant
Rev. Steven Protzman
Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs
Rev. Rick Koyle

Membership Coordinator

Job Description
(approved by the Board on 3/21/24)

Rationale:  The Membership Coordinator performs important functions for UURMaPA in keeping membership and communication lists current and accurate. They manage posting and use of the membership list for communications and serve as primary administrator for the UURMaPA Announce list-serve provided through UUA.org. 

Expectations:  Basic duties of this job include the following:

  • Maintains current membership information using an Excel spreadsheet and two  Directories (Membership and Connections) as Word documents or in whatever format the membership database management system requires.
  • When a minister retires, the Intent to Retire form is sent from the UUA to the Membership Coordinator, and the minister (and spouse if any) are added as new members. This includes adding the email address to the Announce-List.
  • Updated Directories (saved as pdf documents) are sent monthly to the Webmaster to post on the website. The Announce-List is also updated with any changes. 
  • Other duties include preparing extracts of the Excel data to send to the printer for mailing the newsletter, the appeal letter, or other needed mailings.

This is an appointed position with Board liaison that begins or may be renewed annually each July.

Proposed by Marcia Olsen, Membership Coordinator as of March, 2015. 
Edits by Judy Gibson, March 2020. 
Suggested revision – Susan V Rak December 2023.

UURMaPA Historian

Job Description
(approved by the Board on 3/21/24)

Rationale:  The Historian works with other leaders to assure that important UURMaPA documents are preserved, including publications such as newsletters, directories, brochures and guides produced by the organization since its beginning in 1985. The UURMaPA website (uurmapa.org) serves as a site for reference and preservation of many recent past and current public items, including Elderberries (since beginning in 1985), Board minutes (since 2014) and obituaries (since 2004).

Expectations:   The duties of the Historian include the following:

  • The Historian may be provided with documents and asked to assess their value for historical purposes. 
  • The Historian maintains a relationship with the Archivist at Andover-Harvard Library and ensures that selected UURMaPA papers and records are filed there, as appropriate. (Note: Any documents sent to Andover Harvard Archives become their possession and UURMaPA no longer retains any copyrights.)
  • The Historian updates UURMaPA’s history so that the organization has an accurate record of its early history and progress since 1985. A version of the most current history may be posted on the website under RESOURCES.
  • The Historian may research member obituary information prior to 2004 to help build the online website archive of obituaries for ministers and partners.
  • On their own initiative or as requested, the Historian may assist with UURMaPA historical projects and prepare historical articles for Elderberries or other outlets.

The Historian is appointed for a one-year term by the UURMaPA Board and reports to the Board. The Board President is the liaison for the Historian to the Board. The term may be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

Originally created Fall, 2011. 
Revised by Judy Gibson, Nominating Comm member, with Susan LaMar, current Historian, June 2020.

At-Large Member for UUMA/UUA Relations

Job Description
(approved by the Board on 3/21/24)

Rationale: This at-large Board position was created in 2013 in order to implement a recommendation of the 2012 Task Force on Retired Ministry (a joint task force representing UURMaPA, the UUMA, the UU Interim Ministers Guild, and the UUA). The report from this Task Force is recommended for review, and is available for reference as a guideline for this job — see the UURMaPA website under PUBLICATIONS – “Best Practices in Right Relations.” Since this At-Large position involves coordination between the UUMA and UURMaPA, it should be filled by a retired minister.

Expectations:  Several current duties include the following, and the Board may define others as needed:

  • Serving as the Good offices person for UURMaPA andas a resource for UUMA Good Offices persons who will work particularly with situations involving retired ministers and/or partners.
  • Participating in the UUMA Good Officer training (held periodically on Zoom)is expected. 
  • Serving as our liaison to the UUMA and the UUA — typically to the Office of Church Staff Finances regarding concerns related to all things retirement, and sometimes to the Professional Development Director.
  • Serving as a liaison to other UU professional organizations:  Liberal Religious Educators Association, Association of UU Administrators, Association of UU Musicians.  
  • Communicating with the leadership of the UUA and the UUMA regarding mutual concerns, invitations to participate in conferences, and shared program ideas.

As part of the UURMaPA Board, this person will attend monthly Board meetings (online via ZOOM, and in-person if required annually at a conference), participate in decision-making and accept other duties as needed.

Revised by Wayne Arnason 3/16/23
Updated 9/7/23

Christopher B. Nelson

‎ Chris Nelson

Christopher B. Nelson died March 28, 2024, from Parkinson’s disease.  He was born in Winchester MA, June 16, 1936, the son of John and Kathleen Nelson. He grew up in Quincy and earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1958. Family friends set him up with (later Rev.) Roberta “Bobbie” Martin. She was the love of his life, and they married in June 1960. 

Chris retired in 2001 after 36 years of service with the federal government, first at the Lexington Lab (HHS) and then with the newly established EPA in Washington D.C. In its Department of Radiation Programming, he was an expert in modeling radioisotope transport and estimating radiation dose and risk from exposure. His work provided an important basis for EPA’s radiation protection regulations. He was also an integral part of Bobbie’s ministry, from co-writing curricula to teaching Sunday school.

In 2001, he and Bobbie built their dream home on the Bagaduce River (Maine). Chris volunteered at the Sedgwick Elementary School, and sang with the Bagaduce Chorale, their treasurer for several years. He was active in town meetings.

Chris enjoyed sailing, kayaking, traveling, reading and keeping up with the news. He and his wife were lifelong proponents of social justice.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. As the disease progressed, he moved to Parker Ridge Assisted Living, where he received wonderful care and support from the staff.

Chris was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, and is survived by their daughters Heather of Surry, Jennifer of Portland ME, and Joy and her husband John Saams of Gambrills MD; his brother John Nelson (Irene) of Amherst MA, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Peter and Mark.

A memorial service was held April 6, at the UU Church of Ellsworth ME.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: The Bagaduce Chorale (bagaducechorale.org) and Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).

Elderberries Editor

Job Description
(approved by the Board on 3/21/24)

The editor creates a 16-page newsletter printed in black and white four times each year. Issues are currently sent to the printing service during the last week in January, April, July and October. The editor may use any suitable software program for newsletter creation. The editor is encouraged to ask multiple volunteer proofreaders to review each issue before it is printed.

The newsletter is sent in electronic format to a printing service for printing and mailing. The editor asks the Membership Coordinator to send a file containing recipient names and addresses to the printing service. The printing service is currently Minuteman Press in Portland, Oregon.

The newsletter is sent by USPS to all members, except those who have opted out of receiving a paper copy. Copies are also sent to the UUA, to the UUMA, and to the Andover Harvard Library for the archives. The editor sends an electronic copy of the newsletter to the UURMaPA webmaster, who posts it on the website. UURMaPA members are notified by email that the newsletter has been posted on the website.

At the discretion of the editor, a longer color version of the newsletter may be created and posted on the UURMaPA website. The longer electronic version allows for content with more depth to better support the goals of the UURMaPA Board, as well as allowing for greater creative expression by members. Typical content includes, but is not limited to, business of the Board, a periodic list of recently retired ministers and partners, updates concerning the UUA retirement plan, and obituaries as provided by the clergy obituary editor and the partner obituary editor.

The editor may develop an informal network of advisors to generate content ideas or to review the ideas. The editor will encourage the Board to weigh in on the suitability of potentially controversial content in advance of publication.

The editor will prepare detailed notes for the successor editor.

Draft prepared by Ann Schranz, March 14, 2023
Revised at the Board meeting, February 15, 2024, and modified by Ann Schranz February 20, 2024

Most Recent (21st C.) Editors:

George Buchanan, Summer 2024 –
Anne Schranz, Summer 2022 – Summer 2024
Jaco ten Hove, Summer 2018 – Spring 2022
Nancee Campbell, Summer 2017 – Spring 2018
Judy Welles, Summer 2013 – Spring 2017 
Eleanor Richardson, Spring 2013
Chuck Campbell, Fall – Winter 2012 – 13 
Chris Lilly Backus, 2008 – Fall 2012
Eleanor Richardson, 2004 – 08 
Ed Lane, 2000 – 2004

The Rev. Frederick “Rick” Koyle

The Rev. Frederick “Rick” Turner Koyle died on March 15, 2024, at the age of 79 (1944-2024). Rick is survived by his cousins: Alice Kaseberg and Pete Bluett; Deerfield Academy classmates; as well as his colleagues and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Elmhurst Cemetery, 1510 Dale St N, St Paul MN 55117.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry. Notes of condolence can be written here.


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. Elizabeth Boyd Stevens

The Rev. Elizabeth “Betsy” Boyd Stevens died on March 14, 2024, at the age of 91 (1932-2024).

Elizabeth Boyd Stevens

Betsy was born on November 29, 1932, in Boston MA to Elizabeth Bigelow and Robert St. Barbe Boyd. She was raised in Milton and Duxbury MA, and attended Milton Academy through elementary and high school, graduating in 1950. Her family were life-long Unitarians. Betsy led an active extracurricular life, but her prime goal was to get to college. On a part-time basis, she taught sailing and worked in a camp for children with cerebral palsy. She entered Smith College (MA) in 1950 and married in her junior year to a cadet from West Point, who was assigned to Korea after his graduation. During this time, Betsy remained in college and graduated with a major in Sociology (1954). She worked at Jordan Marsh as well as volunteered at Peter Bent Brigham. 

For the next twenty years, Betsy and her husband lived in varied Army installations throughout the world. They had a son and a daughter and in 1966, returned to the United States and lived in Alexandria, VA.

After re-locating in Alexandria, Betsy got an opportunity to become active in a parish. From 1971 to 1983, she served the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, Alexandria VA first as the 2nd grade teacher, then the interim DRE, and then the DRE. She restructured the church’s youth programs, put Unitarian Universalism in the curriculum, and organized bi-yearly trips to the Boston area to teach the youth about their religious heritage. She served the Mt. Vernon church for thirteen years as a strong leader in the intergenerational forums. In 1981, she completed the UU Independent Study Program.

Rev. Stevens was ordained to the ministry of religious education by the First Church and Parish in Dedham MA on February 24, 1985, where she served as a Minister of Religious Education from 1984 to 2003. She helped plan and carry out a well-balanced RE program that enriched the church. The church became more vibrant and caring with a fine RE program. Rev. Stevens equally paid attention to the people of the church, their growth in RE skills, and their growth as individuals in the community. She was an excellent group leader in adult and youth education programs, facilitating discussion, exercising initiative, and interacting effectively. 

She retired from her active ministry in the parish in 2003. That year, Meadville Lombard Theological School honored her with a Doctor of Divinity, and in 2004 the First Church and Parish in Dedham honored her as their minister emerita.

Rev. Dr. Stevens was active on the denominational level serving as a designated legal resident for LREDA, MRP advisor, and MRE Focus Group convener. Furthermore, she provided her services to the Continental Women and Religion Committee, the Council on Church/Staff Finances, Good Offices for LREDA and UUMA, the District Minister Advisory Committee, the District Safe Congregation Outreach Team, the UU Historical Society board, and many more. Additionally, she served the Ballou Channing District, Brockton MA from 2001 to 2003.

Rev. Stevens received the Larry E. Axel Award, Modified Residence Program, Meadville Lombard Theological School (1977); and the Angus H. Maclean Award for Excellence in Religious Education, UUA (2001).

In Duxbury, Betsy served as chairperson of the Water Activities Committee for their 350th Anniversary celebration. She was a volunteer for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School “Women Under Way” program, a trustee of the Duxbury Cemetery, and a board member at the Council of Aging. In 2013, she was awarded the Duxbury Community Volunteer Award.

Betsy’s passion was sailing. She won her first season trophy in 1946 at the age of 14. She enjoyed sailboat racing in Duxbury Bay for many summers and received many South Shore trophies through the years. In 1979 and 1981, she won the Massachusetts Bay Women’s Championship.

Betsy is survived by her husband Frederick A. Stevens, Jr., and her two children: Wyatt Stevens (Giselle) and Elizabeth (Lisa) Giannechini (Tony). She also leaves her two granddaughters, Alice Stevens and Libby Giannechini; her sister, Alexandra (Sandy) B. Earle, and one great-grandson.

A memorial service was held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the First Parish Church UU, 842 Tremont St.(Rte. 3A), Duxbury MA 02331.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Duxbury Bay Maritime School, 457 Washington St, Duxbury MA 02332. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be written here.