The Reverend Dr. Arthur Bowler, Sr., retired pastor of First Congregational Church, Randolph died Christmas morning after an extended illness. Arthur and his wife Ruth Anna served First Congregational for forty years as pastor and organist/ choir director. Arthur’s first and only other church over a fifty year ministry was at South Congregational Church of Peabody, where he served for 10 years.

Arthur’s ministry included not only increasing the membership and improving the building at First Congregational Church, but also addressing the changing racial concerns of the community as well as working for AIDS awareness and education.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Bowler received his early education in the Winchester, Massachusetts public schools, graduating with both an A.B. and BD from Gordon Conwell College and a Master’s of Arts in philosophy from Boston University. In 1975, Arthur received a Doctorate of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological School.

Memorial Services for Reverend Bowler will be held at the First Congregational Church at Randolph, Saturday, January 3rd at 11AM.