News

In Memoriam 

Rev. Harry Hoehler

Minister Emeritus, First Parish Church in Weston

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Dear Members and Friends of First Parish Church,

It is with a heavy heart and profound appreciation that we announce that the Rev. Harry Hoehler died earlier today, a few days short of his 96th birthday.  He had gone on hospice the week before last and passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife, Judith (Judy) Hoehler, and their family.  We should all be so fortunate.

Harry Hoehler served as the 12th Minister of this church for 30 years, from 1964 to 1994.  A graduate of Haverford College and Harvard Divinity School, he began his ministry in Weston during the Civil Rights Movement.  He was joined by his wife, The Rev. Judy Hoehler, as Minister in 1975, making them one of the first  married couples in the UUA to serve as full-time ministers of the same church.  Harry and Judy have served as the Ministers Emeriti of this congregation since 1996.

Rev. Hoehler will be remembered best for the quality of his preaching, his personal leadership, and his persuasiveness on issues of social justice and ecumenical understanding.  He also fostered a vital link between First Parish and denominational, interfaith, social service, and educational organizations.  Under his watch the Church School wing was built and the Roxbury Weston Preschool was founded.  Outside Weston, Mr. Hoehler was recognized for his involvement in organizations such as the Massachusetts Bible Society, the Jewish-Christian Dialogue, the U.S. Inter-Religious Committee on Peace in the Middle East, the Church Leaders Covenant for Urban Justice, and Harvard Divinity School.

Harry and Judy’s successor here in Weston, the Rev. Dr. Tom Wintle offered this statement this week:

“On my first Sunday in Weston (in 1995) I said ‘Lest anyone be confused, I should say that I am not Harry Hoehler. Though I admire the way he can tell a joke and I’m fast approaching his waist line, I am thankful for his mentorship and his Christian witness these many long years.’  Now he belongs to the ages. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

There will be a memorial service for Rev. Hoehler here at First Parish Church on Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 am in the morning.  A reception in the Parish Hall will follow.  Please note the new time, moved from the afternoon.

During this holiday season, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Rev. Judy Hoehler and her daughters Cynthia and Kristen and their families.  Harry Hoehler leaves a legacy of thoughtful ministry, dynamic leadership and genuine kindness that will long be remembered and cherished.

Jeff Barz-Snell

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