William P. Showalter

The Rev. Dr. William Showalter died peacefully at his home in Orleans on Friday, February 23. Dr. Showalter was born in West Chester, PA on March 21, 1930, the third son of David Norman and Elizabeth (Strong) Showalter. He was raised in a Christian home and made his own profession of faith in Jesus Christ at age six.

Bill and his wife, Carol, were married for fifty-six years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister Nancy Dowdy; his five children and their spouses, Timothy and Natalya (Bagrova) Showalter, Elizabeth, and Peter, Helen (Showalter) and Peter Bonney, and Brian and Chris (Schmidt) Davidson; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and, numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was a graduate of Wheaton College (BA) in Wheaton, IL, Temple School of Theology in Philadelphia (BA), and Colgate-Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, NY (DMin). As an ordained Presbyterian minister, he served as pastor at the Presbyterian Church in Minoa, PA, United Presbyterian Church in Whitinsville, MA, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport, CT, and Parkminster Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, where he was remembered for his strong preaching, his insightful counseling, and his ecumenical outlook.

Bill and Carol became vowed members of the Community of Jesus in Orleans in 1976 and became resident members in 1984 where he was on the clergy staff for over thirty years. Bill served the Community of Jesus on the Board of Directors, as sub-prior, as ecumenical visitor and traveled extensively as a representative of the Community. He was an active fund-raiser and continued his counseling ministry.

Bill was a member of the US Air Force Reserves, serving as a chaplain for twenty years. His involvement in other Christian organizations was extensive. In his denomination he served as moderator of the Genesee Valley Presbytery and as treasurer of the Presbytery of Southern New England, where he carried many other responsibilities. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Mass Council of Churches and the Cape Cod Council of Churches. His professional involvement was with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Christian Association of Christian Therapists, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. He was active in other social and civic minded organizations.

Bill’s viewing will be held from 4-6 pm on Monday, February 26, followed by his funeral service at 11 am on Tuesday, February 27. Both will be held at the Church of the Transfiguration at the Community of Jesus, Rock Harbor, Orleans. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Orleans Church Building Foundation, P.O. Box 700, Orleans, MA 02653, or Arts Empowering Life Foundation, 1732 1st Avenue, #27457, New York, NY 10128.