Bill Mathews

January 1, 1934 – September 14, 2003

Rev. Dr. William “Bill” Mathews, 69, died Sept. 14, 2003 at home in West Newfield.  Born in Lima, Ohio on Jan. 1, 1934, he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1956; Andover Newton Theological Seminary in 1960; and received his doctorate in 1983 from Boston University School of Theology.  He served numerous United Church of Christ churches for over 40 years in New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio.  He was also a counselor and therapist, and worked in the El Salvador sanctuary movement and with many other peace efforts.  He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Carol S. Shelton or West Newfield; a son, John of Providence, RI; two daughters, Sara Stuart of Concord, NH and Martha Libster of Thornton, CO; two grandsons; and a large extended family.

Bill was a member of the Ecumenical Institute Boston Regional Council in the 60s and member of the New England Regional faculty of the Ecumenical Institute.  He was part of an edge, ecumenical parish in Lunenburg, MA and hosted many 5th City Youth Emissaries, one of whom he was still in contact with as recently as this year.  He knew and worked with Fred and Judy Hess in their early days in the ministry in New England and attended several summer programs.

In the past few years we have known Bill as a generous spirited, passionate man, larger than life in his energy and continued drive to bring about social justice.

Bill’s wife:  Rev. Carol Shelton, Libby Road, West Newfield, ME 04095.

          ~~  Joe and Marilyn Crocker