By:
NEWS
From the Archives… 1925… What's Going On? (Part 2)
After completing nearly 35 years as our pastor from 1917 – 1951 that included comforting the people of Brunswick through two World Wars, the Depression, and the Spanish Flu, Dr. Thompson Ashby retired and settled in Brunswick. Our sanctuary archive display contains photos, newspaper clippings and other information about the many ways that he contributed to our church, community and history. Picking up from last month’s article about his early years with us, Dr. Ashby was fascinated with history and was active with our local historical society and also spent a lot of his time writing our church history that was shared each week over a 3 year period in our church newsletter. This church history was later published in 1969. In 1930 Bowdoin awarded him an honorary doctorate for his inspirational work educating the students during their weekly services at First Parish Church.
Below are two articles that include his many contributions to our church and community during those 35 years. A farewell reception with nearly 200 people was held in the parish house; remember that Pilgrim House was built four years later in 1955.
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This was Rev. Ashby’s letter about his approaching retirement to help people know that he would not be doing any marriage and funeral services after September 1, 1951.
Rev. John Arthur Samuelson of Norfolk, MA, succeeded Rev. Ashby as it was his wish that Rev. Samuelson arrive while he was still present so he could introduce him to the congregation and help to create a smooth transition.
Unfortunately, only a year and a half later, in 1953, Dr. Ashby died. His service was held at First Parish and he and his wife are buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Brunswick.
(Click any of the above images for an enlarged version)
CHURCH BULLETIN – FEBRUARY 1, 1925:
(Click the arrows to scroll through images. Click images to see an enlarged version)
CHURCH BULLETIN – February 2, 1975:
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Happy February!