Stewart Hild
The Rev. Stewart E. Hild, who devoted a life of service to parishes, local communities, and the wider UU movement, died on July 12, 2014 at the age of 90, after a brief illness.
Stewart E. Hild was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on March 3, 1924 to Edward and Grace Hild. He earned a B.S. degree at the University of Delaware in 1948 and an M.Div. degree at Drew University in 1951. He served in the Army Specialized Training Program during World War II.
Mr. Hild was ordained to the Methodist ministry in 1952 and served the Community Methodist Church in Massapequa, Long Island, from 1951 to 1956. After shifting to Unitarian ministerial fellowship in 1956, he filled two long pastorates, first at the Unitarian (now UU) Congregation of Franklin, New Hampshire (1958-75) and then at All Souls UU Church in Watertown, New York (1975-89), where he was named Minister Emeritus upon retirement in 1989.
The Rev. Mr. Hild served the larger UU movement in several capacities: on the board of the UUA’s New Hampshire/Vermont District, as chairman of that district’s Extension Department, and as Selma Presence Representative for the UUA.
During his parish ministries, Mr. Hild was actively devoted to the work of many local and regional agencies. While in Franklin, he served as vice president of the New Hampshire Council on World Affairs, co-chair of the Mayor’s Committee on Drugs and Drug Abuse, director of the Lakes Region Mental Health Association, and assistant at the Peabody Home for the Aged. In Watertown he served on the boards of the Family Counseling Service of Jefferson County, the Women’s Center of Jefferson County, Project Children North in Watertown, the Urban Mission, and as president of the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County.
Stewart enjoyed travel, reading, and sports. While living in New Hampshire, he taught several classes in the History of Religion at Proctor Academy.
He is survived by his wife, Alma H. Hild, sons Edward and Thomas, grandchildren Jared, Cora, and Wyatt, and many cousins.
Notes of condolence may be sent to Alma H. Hild, 274 Schley Drive, Watertown, NY 13601.