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The United Church of Christ this Easter season is paying tribute to two of its distinguished members, the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell and the Rev. Dr. Stuart Campbell Haskins, Jr. These individuals are remembered for their contributions to faith and their impactful ministries.
A memorial service for Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell will be held on April 27 at Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Campbell, who passed away on March 29 at the age of 93, was the former General Secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ (NCC). The service begins at 4 p.m. EST, with live streaming available at plymouthchurchucc.org/livestream and YouTube.
Rev. Dr. Stuart Campbell Haskins, Jr., who died on March 19 at age 96, will have his memorial service on May 10 at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Englewood, Colorado. Haskins served as pastor at First Plymouth UCC from 1967 to 1993 and later as an Associate Conference Minister in retirement.
Joan Brown Campbell was recognized for her pioneering achievements in religious leadership. She was the first woman to serve as the U.S. Executive Director of the World Council of Churches and the first ordained woman to lead the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President/General Secretary of the NCC, described her as a "truly extraordinary ecumenist and activist," praising her forward-thinking vision and contagious energy.
Campbell's activism extended beyond religious circles, exemplified by her daughter Jane Campbell's election as the first female mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, in 2001. McKenzie emphasized Joan’s leadership legacy, promising continued inspiration for future generations.
Stuart Haskins, known for his intellect and compassion, facilitated a commitment ceremony for senior citizens seeking partnership outside the legalities of marriage. His openness was characteristic, as noted by the Rev. Jocelyn Emerson. Haskins was the first pastor emeritus at First Plymouth, remembered for fostering interfaith relations, particularly with the Jewish community of Temple Sinai.
Haskins, a U.S. Army veteran and Yale Divinity graduate, served in Connecticut before relocating to Colorado. His diverse interests included hiking and gardening, balancing his dedication to his ministry with personal pursuits. Emerson appreciated Haskins’ ability to step back and allow new leadership to emerge, maintaining a supportive role post-retirement.
One poignant memory Emerson shared was Haskins lighting the Christ candle on Christmas Eve during the church's 160th anniversary, marking his final Christmas with the congregation.
Both Campbell and Haskins have left lasting legacies that continue to inspire their communities.
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