Rev. David R. Carter, 85
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Rev. David R. Carter, 85, of 76 Berkshire Drive died early Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at Williamstown Commons.
Born in Hyde Park, Ontario, on Feb. 5, 1923, son of Henry A. and Anna Yott Carter, he graduated from the College du Sacre Couer in Sudbury, Ontario, and began his theological education with the French Order of Jesuits in Montreal until 1948. He later returned to his studies and was ordained in the Episcopal Church. He moved to Williamstown in 1987.
Father Carter was pastor of St. Andrew's Chapel in the Blackinton section of North Adams for 14 years. He had been asked to take the position in 1989 by his parishioners after serving as a supply priest for several area churches.
Prior to that, he was first employed as a bilingual announcer for the CBC in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after leaving the Jesuits. He began acting and directing in amateur and community theater at this time.
In 1953, he moved to Rochester, N.Y., where he was employed by Delco Corp. and then worked professionally with the Arena Theatre and the Putnam County (N.Y.) Playhouse for several summer and winter seasons. After moving to the New York area, he did graduate work at Fordham University and, as a member of Actors' Equity, continued his professional theater work in off-Broadway plays, including a 1957 production of the classic farce "The Beaux' Stratagem" for which he received a positive review in The New York Times. He also appeared in a few movies during this period.
Throughout these years, the importance of his early theological training never left him, and gained in significance as time went on. Father Carter was accepted as a postulant in the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and entered the General Theological Seminary (Episcopal) in New York City. He was ordained to the deaconate in 1961 in Webster, N.Y., and to the priesthood in September of that year at Christ Church Corning (N.Y.), where he was employed as curate.
In 1963, he was called as rector to Grace Church in Scottsville, N.Y., and, in 1965, the Monroe County Clergy Association called him to be ecumenical chaplain at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Father Carter worked with several diverse groups who were able to maintain stability on campus during the troubling times. At the time of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Father Carter's radio addresses received a statewide honor. During his years in Geneseo, he also assisted at St. Michael's parish.
From 1970 to 1972, he was pastor at St. Mark's in New Milford, Pa., and received a scholarship appointment to continue his graduate work in Lancaster, Pa. In addition to theology courses, he trained in clergy counseling and hospital chaplaincy and was a chaplain in Churchtown, Pa. In 1975, he became rector of Emmanuel Church in Norwich, N.Y. He had a fulfilling ministry in this parish for many years until his retirement in 1987.
He was beloved by his parishioners for his compassion and humor and, say friends, was well-known among patrons of several local coffee shops and restaurants for his curmudgeonly wit.
He enjoyed golfing and fishing, and was a avid reader of Patrick O'Brian's books of sea adventures, as well as mysteries and historical Westerns. A proud Canadian and former hockey player, he was a lifelong supporter of the Montreal Canadiens. He was a loving husband and father.
He and his wife, the former Joan Victoria Mark, who had been a teacher in Rochester, were married in 1954 at First Presbyterian Church in Mineola, Long Island, N.Y.
Besides his wife, he leaves his daughter, Paige Carter of Williamstown; his son, Timothy Carter of Williamstown; his "beau-fils" (son-in-law), Peter Rogers of Williamstown; a sister, Eleanor Hind of Blenheim, Ontario, and his many wonderful Canadian nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Ralph "Nick" Carter and Eric Carter, and a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Miers.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for the Rev. David R. Carter will take place Thursday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. from St. Andrew's Episcopal Chapel, 1438 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetary in Williamstown. There will no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Chapel or to the David and Joyce Milne Public Library in Williamstown in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.