Dr. Harold G.S. King

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The Rev. Dr. Harold G.S. King, age 90, of Wayzata, on Jan. 25. Dr. King served as Senior Minister of the Wayzata Community Church, UCC, from 1957 to his retirement in 1977. He was widely known, beloved and respected as a pastor and preacher, and for his wise counsel. Dr. King was born in Randolph, ME on Jan. 2, 1912. He graduated from Olivet College, Olivet, MI in 1931 and from the Harvard Divinity School in 1938. He served the First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Farmington, CT from 1938 to 1957, and in 1941 married Shirley W. Smith of Farmington. During this time, Dr. King also served several years as chaplain to the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford (State Legislature). He was called to the Wayzata Community Church as Senior Minister in 1957, and through his years there greatly enlarged both the membership and physical facilities. He also became known as the ``Hugging Pastor'' for his warmth toward all. Dr. King possessed a very keen and insightful mind. He traveled in Europe and the Middle East, and served on the Board for World Ministries of the UCC from 1964 to 1972. For 10 years following his retirement, Dr. King served as interim minister in a number of Twin Cities area UCC churches. His great interest in history, the arts, and investments, and his appreciation of good humor, helped so many to connect their daily lives and work with the Christian faith. He had a very positive spirit. In 1990, following the death of his wife, Shirley, Dr. King married Estelle Noble. Dr. King enjoyed many summers in Harpswell, ME, where the family owned a summer home. Dr. King is survived by his wife, Estelle, and three children from his first marriage: the Rev. Stoddon King (Patricia) and their son, Stuart of Orange, CT; Avis Buchholz (Charles) of Minneapolis and their daughters, Sarah Olmsted (Duane) and Margaret Shilson (Chad); Lydia Botham (Brian) and their sons, Justin and James, of Wayzata; also survived by his brother, Col. George W. King (Anne) of Williamsburg, VA. He was predeceased by son, Jonathan, and brother, Dr. Stanley H. King. He has three great-grandchildren. Memorial service at Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata Blvd. and Ferndale Rd., Wayzata, Sat., Feb. 2, at 2:30 PM. Memorials preferred to the Harold G.S. King Scholarship Fund of the church. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577

Published on January 31, 2002