South Berwick, Maine
Arnold, the Rev. J. William (“Bill”), of South Berwick, ME, January 12, 2008, at the age of 83. Survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Joan Peck Arnold; sister Shirley Bonawitz, niece Elizabeth, and nephew John and family; Arnold children Shirley, William, Kathryne, and Timothy; and Sherbahn step-children Richard, Jeffrey, Edward, and James; and by 17 grand-children and 5 great-grandchildren. Bill served the United Church of Christ (Congregational) in pastoral ministry for 50 years, after graduating from Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster Theological Seminary, and Yale University. Bill first served in the Nescopeck-Mt. Grove area of Pennsylvania, ministering at 4 small congregations from 1949-1952, before founding the Church of the Manger in Bethlehem, PA in 1952, where he served until 1961. He also served as Pastor of First Church in Carlisle, PA (1961-1966), and St. Peter’s Congregational Church in Lancaster, PA (1967-1972). Bill pastored at Trinity Congregational Church in Gloucester, MA (1973-1980), and Bethany Congregational Church in Quincy, MA (1980-1990), and formally retired from the ministry in 1990. After retirement, he served as interim minister at West Gloucester Congregational Church, Pilgrim Congregational Church in Merrimac, First Congregational Church in Saugus, First Congregational Church in Rowley, and Church-in-the-Cove in Beverly, MA. A memorial service honoring Bill’s life will be held at 2 PM on January 26 at First Federated Church, 4 Academy St. in So. Berwick, ME. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for contributions to be made in his name to the Caring For All Program at York Hospital, 15 Hospital Drive, York, ME, 03909.
I met Mr. Arnold in the 1980's when he served at Bethany Congregational Church in Quincy. I met with him privately on several occasions and I appreciated his wisdom and kindness. He taught me so much through his sermons! I remember one in particular entitled "The Aroma of Christ." It has always stayed in my heart, even after 30+ years.
Jackie (Gould) Dufield
February 24, 2024 | Henderson, NV | Friend
He was a great inspiration a young boy while pastor a church of the manger. wished he could have been officiating the 1962 confirmation class. Missed thanking him but I am certain he knows. As an adult I think I can be allowed to say "thank you bill"
George w myers
September 06, 2021 | Allentown, PA | Acquaintance
One may never know how much they have helped another’s soul. God works through people and Reverend Arnold was one of those people who helped me change my life
Kevin Wallace
January 16, 2021 | Quincy, MA | Friend
I met Reverend Arnold several years ago when I was searching for the church & pastor that could make a difference in my life.One day I stopped and visited the West Gloucester Congregational Church and there he was. I faithfully attended his weekly services for the remainder of the time that he spent at that church. My grandaughter was baptised by Reverend Arnold and several years later I contacted him and asked him if he would marry my husband and I. He immediately said yes. He was an...
Maureen & Melvyn Hidalgo
January 26, 2008 | Gloucester, MA
Joan and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you for the loss of Reverend Arnold. Our fondest memories at Trinity Congregational Church in Gloucester, were when Rev. Arnold was there. Such a caring man. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Ann and Karen Murray
Ann and Karen Murray
January 26, 2008 | Gloucester, MA
My husband Kevin and my family send to you our deepest condolences on the loss of Pastor Arnold. I had started going to Bethany Church many years ago. I was then a lost and broken person and Pastor Aronld reach out to me with the Word of God. I know today it is by the Grace of God and Pastor Aronlds love that I was saved. Through the Word and by example he showed me what a Christian is. I joined the church and started to build my faith. My husband joined and we were married there. Both our...
Pamela Wallace
January 24, 2008 | Quincy, MA
Rev. Arnold was a real servant of God, with strong feelings toward others. He will be missed.
Donald McCarthy Deware Funeral Home
January 23, 2008 | Quincy, MA
I AM very sorry for your lost
Joseph " the mailman' Favaloro
January 22, 2008 | Gloucester, MA
