Arthur David Seeland

(Asbury Park Press)

ARTHUR DAVID SEELAND
AGE: 77 BARNEGAT
Arthur David Seeland, 77, of Barnegat died at home on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born and raised in Jersey City he graduated from Houghton College in New York state and Temple University School of Theology, Phil., PA, he was ordained a Methodist minister and served Tansboro/New Brooklyn, Groveville, Barnegat/Brookville and Eatontown, all in NJ. In 1964 he entered the US Navy as a Chaplain. Early he served with the 3/3 Marines in Vietnam. He was Naval Hospital Chaplain in St. Albans, NY, Phil., PA and at the National Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Other tours of duty were as Force Chaplain, US Middle East Force, headquartered on Bahrain Island; US Naval Station Rota Spain; and 1st Marine Air Wing, Iwakuni, Japan. He also served as Force Chaplain, Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet at Norfolk, VA; and as Base Chaplain, US Naval Station Indian Head MD. He graduated with Highest Distinction from Naval War College, Newport, RI. Along the way, he received a Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick seminary. He retired as Commander in 1987, settling in his long-time home in Barnegat, NJ. Later, he was ordained Deacon, Priest, and consecrated Bishop in the Anglican Catholic Church. His duties took him to PA, CA, Nev, Ariz. He retired in 2008 due to illness. In civilian life, earlier, he had volunteered at St. Francis Hospital, Trenton, NJ, was member and chaplain of volunteer Fire Companies and a volunteer 1st Aid Squad which he helped organize. He coached Little League and was busy in Boy Scouts and church camping programs. In mid - life, he was very active in the Masons as a 32nd degree member of Mt. Moriah Lodge, Bordentown, NJ and was a past Grand Chaplain of NJ, and of the French National Grand Lodge. In the 1970's he was active on the Alumni Board of Houghton College. Within and outside of his careers, he remained very generous and helpful to many people he met along the way.
Predeceased by his father, T. Arthur Seeland; two brothers, John C. of Montana and Robert M. of CA he is survived by his mother, Dorothea Thomas Seeland of Barnegat; his wife, MaryAnn (Hove) of Barnegat; four children, John of Stuart, FL, Eric of Chesapeake, VA, Tellef of Barnegat, Karen Zacca of Sellersville, PA; four grandchildren.
Viewing Friday 10-30-09 from 5 - 9 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Waretown on Sat. 11 AM by the Most Reverend Thomas Kleppinger of Quakertown, PA. Interment Barnegat Mem. Cem.