Archbishop Lawrence J. Harms

Archbishop Lawrence J. Harms, D.D., 66, passed away peacefully at his home in Cottonwood, AZ on Saturday, April 28th.

Born April 3, 1946, he was the son of John F. Harms (deceased) and Florence E. Wamback-Wintjen of Hudson, NY.

He was the founder and Metropolitan Archbishop of theAmericanCatholic Church in the United States for the last 14 years, consecrated on 3/7/1998 in Frederick, MD. He was ordained a Catholic priest on Holy Thursday, 4/7/ 1977. He attended Christian Brothers Academy, Albany NY, graduating from Ockawamick Central HS in Philmont, NY. He began his spiritual dedication to the Lord at an early age; an altar boy with Sacred Heart Church, and at age 15, built a grotto to the Virgin Mary in his parent's back yard. He also served in the US Air Force before being honorably discharged due to medical disability at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL on 6/ 15/66 rank AFCT-A3C.

He loved travel, photography, his pets and bringing the love and compassion of Christ to all he met. His dream was to retire to AZ and enjoy the beauty of the Southwest, particularly Sedona, AZ where he had resided for the last year. He studied with the NY Institute of Photography, worked many years in the printing and graphics field beforebecoming Operations Manager at Jeanne Bussard Center in Frederick, MD, working with those with developmental disabilities. He was a member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for over 20 years, locally volunteered with Verde Valley Community Hospice, formed the Verde Valley Faith Communities ministerial association, and was actively involved in Our Lady of Guadalupe Pastoral and Outreach Center, along with Fr. Vincent W. Robinson.

He is survived by his lifepartner of over 25 years, Vince Robinson and their dogs Forrest, Lisel and Janie. His mother and Step-Dad, George Wintjen, sisters Maria A. Dowling, East GreenbushNYand Catherine R. Harms, Lake City FL, step-sisters Doreen E. Conner, Yuma AZ and Cheryl A Tanner, Zion IL, and his nephews: John, PeterandMatthew Dowling. He also is survived by Uncle Louis F. Wambach, wife Mary, and several cousins.

A Solemn Funeral Mass will be celebrated Sunday, May 6th at 11am at the Chapel at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD with the Most Rev. William A. Johnson presiding celebrant and Rev. Christopher Bisett, Chancellor as Master of Ceremonies. Viewings will be on Saturday, May 5th from 12-8 at the funeral home, also Sunday from 10- 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Verde Valley Community Hospice - 859 Cove Parkway, Suite #103, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 or The American Catholic Church in the United States - 2290 West Roper Ln., Cottonwood, AZ 86326.

Final Internment will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens 9501 US Route 15 N, Frederick MD, on Monday, May 7th at 1:30 PM.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.staufferfuneralhome.com.