Breaking barriers and forging loving partnerships: Two servants of God are remembered

This Eastertide, the United Church of Christ remembers the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell and the Rev. Dr. Stuart Campbell Haskins, Jr., two individuals whose lives and ministries exemplified the barrier breaking and renewing love of God, and who left behind legacies of a God who does make all things possible.

On April 27, a memorial service will be held at Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, Ohio, for the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, former General Secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ (NCC). Joan died peacefully on March 29. She was 93.

The service starts at 4 p.m. EST and will be live streamed from the church’s website at plymouthchurchucc.org/livestream and available on YouTube at youtube.com/@PlymouthChurchUCC.

On May 10, a memorial service will be held at First Plymouth Congregational Church, Englewood, Colorado, for the Rev. Dr. Stuart Campbell Haskins, Jr.

Stuart pastored First Plymouth UCC from 1967 till 1993. In his retirement, he served as an Associate Conference Minister for the Rocky Mountain Conference UCC. Stuart died on March 19. He was 96.

An ‘extraordinary ecumenist and activist’

Those who knew Joan agree that her life was a story of remarkable firsts. She was woman, they say, whose name was synonymous with “trailblazer.”

“She was a woman of faith who broke barriers,” wrote Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President/ General Secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, at the time of Joan’s death.

Not only did Joan become the first woman to serve as the U.S. Executive Director of the World Council of Churches. She later made history as the first ordained woman to lead the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Joan was also the first woman to serve as the director of religion at the Chautauqua Institution.

“She was an extraordinary ecumenist and activist. Her vision was always forward-thinking, and her energy was contagious. Whether it was journeys to Switzerland or experiences at Chautauqua, Joan’s enthusiasm and dedication to the cause inspired all who worked alongside her. She served with grace, and she lived with purpose. Joan honored the Lord throughout her life,” wrote McKenzie.

At age 49, the National Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s denomination, was first to ordain Joan to ministry. Soon after, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) recognized her ordination. She was later also ordained by the American Baptist Church.

Her activism and love for justice extended beyond religious institutions, and was handed down. Joan’s daughter Jane Campbell was a dedicated politician and public servant, and was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, in 2001. Another trailblazing moment as she was the first female to hold that position.

“Joan’s legacy of leadership, and commitment to visible unity will continue to inspire us today as well as future generation of faith leaders,” said McKenzie.

You can read the full obituary here.

Loving always — and in all ways

In 2000, Stuart, then retired from First Plymouth Congregational Church after 25 years of serving as senior pastor, found himself co-officiating a unique ceremony for two senior citizens who wanted to make a commitment without the legalities of a marriage license.

At the time, such ceremonies were emerging as a trend among seniors. When a local Denver, Colorado paper picked up on the story, it was Stuart they interviewed.

The pastor, who was known for his wit as well as intellect, simply replied that he had no qualms doing such a ceremony. “It’s no big deal to me,” he told the reporter.

“That was Stuart,” said the Rev. Jocelyn Emerson, noting how he was known not just for his excellent preaching, teaching and admirative skills, but for his “compassionate pastoral care.”

While still new to the First Plymouth congregation, Emerson says Stuart’s “sense of impact” continues to be strong. “He is the first pastor to be named pastor emeritus in the history of this church,” said Emerson.

One such impact was the way Stuart paved a path toward stronger interfaith relations, inviting a local Jewish community years ago to use First Plymouth’s chapel for worship.

“They then later built their own temple down the street from us,” said Emerson.

Today, that relationship with Temple Sinai continues strong.

Stuart, who served in the U.S. Army in Japan, received his Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity and was ordained in 1955. He served congregations in Connecticut before moving West to Colorado — a state in which would steal his New England heart.

When not reaching out to help those in the greater Denver community, Stuart, who friends say was an “eternal optimist” could be found hiking, fly fishing, and gardening. And while he and he wife, Kat, stayed in the area after his retirement from First Plymouth, he maintained healthy boundaries with the congregation.

“He was really good at stepping aside and letting new leadership flourish,” said Emerson, who met with him upon joining First Plymouth as its new senior pastor.

“While he took his ministry seriously, he also had a great sense of humor,” they recall.

One memory Emerson will always be grateful to have in their heart is how Stuart and his family were invited to light the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. The decision was made to have the pastor emeritus participate in the service as First Plymouth was celebrating its 160th anniversary.

“I am so glad Stuart was there. We didn’t realize that would be his last Christmas with us,” said Emerson.

You can read more about Stuart’s ministry here.

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