The Rev. Edward “Ted” B. Anderson died on February 18, 2025, at the age of 90 (1934-2025).
Ted was born on April 22, 1934, in New Haven CT, to Carl E. Anderson and Frances Burton Anderson. He grew up alongside his parents, grandmother, and his brother John. Raised in a New England Congregational church, he attended his senior year of high school in England. From 1954–1957, Ted served in the United States Army on outpost duty in Alaska. Following his military service, he earned his Bachelor of Arts with a major in English from Yale University CT in 1959, and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University MA in 1960. He then taught secondary school English at Cheshire High School CT, from 1960–1963.
Motivated by a deep concern for the spiritual welfare and development of young people, Ted returned to Yale and earned his Master of Divinity in 1966. That same year, he accepted a position as a chaplain/teacher at Millbrook School in Millbrook NY. There, he taught English, History, Ecology, and Religion, coached hockey, and directed the environmental studies program and ornithology research station. This experience shaped his thinking in a liberal direction. In 1970, he resigned from Millbrook School to seek employment more aligned with his theology. He moved to Nantucket MA, where his parents lived, and worked as a carpenter while discerning his next steps.
Ever since moving to Nantucket, Ted served as a guest minister at the Second Congregational Meeting House Society, UU, in Nantucket MA, several times during 1970 and 1971. As he continued his interim service with the congregation, he became increasingly delighted by the parishioners and their religious thinking. He felt he had found a community whose values were compatible with his own. In 1971, he accepted a call from the Second Congregational Meeting House to become their pastor and served until 1999.
Under Rev. Anderson’s leadership, the congregation experienced a renewed spirit, a new attitude, and a new sense of direction. The religious education program expanded significantly. The Rev. Anderson took on the role of R.E. director, teaching Sunday School and leading the youth group himself to help revive both programs. The church grew in both size and attendance, drawn by the content and intellectual depth of his ministry. New residents, as well as long-time community members who previously had no church affiliation, became a part of the church family. Inspired by his leadership and example, the church trustees became more engaged and assumed greater responsibility in the church’s affairs. Younger members also began to participate more actively, served on committees, and were elected to the board. The Rev. Anderson’s ministry also brought greater volunteer involvement in the church program. Upon his retirement in 2000, the Second Congregation Meeting House Society honored him as their minister emeritus.
In addition to his parish ministry, the Rev. Anderson was a recognized leader in the Nantucket community. He served as an elected member of the community school board, where he was known as a concerned, informed citizen and a compassionate realist. He volunteered at the Nantucket Fire Department as a fireman, a chaplain, and an aerial ladder man.
Ted was a vigorous and lively presence. His candor and honesty allowed others to invest their trust and confidence in him. Deeply passionate about Chaucer, he spent much of his life studying The Canterbury Tales in depth. He could recite a verse in Old English, sing a folk song in Russian, reference teachings from ancient religions, and was interested in the politics of 14th-century Europe.
After retirement, Ted and Gretchen traveled the world, studying art history, and continued to tend their gardens, bees, and hens at their beloved home, Two Sheds Farm.
Ted is survived by his wife Gretchen Anderson; children Kathy Caldwell, Candee Adams, and Roger Anderson; and grandchildren Doug Caldwell, Rachael Caldwell, and Eric Adams.
A memorial gathering will took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Second Congregational Meeting House Society, UU.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Second Congregational Meeting House Society, UU, 11 Orange Street, PO Box 1023, Nantucket MA 02554. Notes of condolences can be sent to Gretchen Anderson, 31 Somerset Rd, Nantucket MA 02554.