Passed on Wednesday, 09 April 2014
The Rev. Mr. Robert Ripley ("Rip") passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 and is survived by his wife Connie, their children and grandchildren. Rip was the beloved pastor of First Congregational Church of Braintree for over 40 years, retiring from the position in 2001. His legacy is one rich in Christian faith and service, a legacy in which First Church proudly stands.
Rip had a heart for and deep call to youth ministry and established First Church as a primary member in the South Shore Congregational Youth Conference, a summer camp program for South Shore youth that he helped to found in 1958. Fifty-six years later, the South Shore Congregational Youth Conference supports a camp of over 400 campers and 80 staff for a week in August on Lake Ossipee, New Hampshire. It's motto, "A Vacation with a Purpose," holds true for all who participate, providing sacred space for meaning and connection with one another and with God for each and every camper, staff and clergy that attend. Rip's ministry positively affected the lives of countless youth and members of First Church's congregation over the years.
The visiting hours were held at McDonald Funeral Home in South Weymouth, 809 Main Street, South Weymouth on Sunday, April 13th from 2:00-6:00pm. The funeral service was at First Congregational Church on Monday, April 14th at 10:00am with burial at Milton Cemetery.