The family man and long-time pastor,
known for opening his heart and home to friends and history lovers, Donald Prescott
Dickinson, 85, died this week following a battle with dementia and declining
health.
His wife, Elaine, noted how it seemed
almost fitting that her husband’s passing occurred around Thanksgiving.
“He had a forgiving heart and was always
thankful for what was, particularly in prayer. She said he never failed to
express thanks, even for the slightest act of kindness, and even during his
recent illness “Don would express his gratitude to family, friends and his
hospice nurse.”
Donald Dickinson was born on February 1,
1931, and grew up in Salem, Massachusetts.
“He may have developed his interest in
history from that town which was steeped in history.” observed Elaine.
Don felt his spiritual calling early on
while attending summer bible camp as a child. Later, while caring for his aging
mother in Wales, Massachusetts, he preached in the local Baptist Church while
studying for his divinity degree. Following graduation from Gordon College
& Divinity School in 1961, he served as minister of Charlestown, Massachusetts
Baptist Church, where his future wife was among the congregants.
After nearly 10 years in Charlestown,
Don and Elaine settled in Lawrence, where Don served First Calvary Baptist
Church. While active in numerous social and charitable organizations, Don’s
administration and leadership abilities would be challenged when, in 1988, fire
destroyed the church building. Undaunted, he secured temporary worship space by
sharing ministerial duties at a church in nearby Methuen, and leading a
re-building effort in North Andover where he continued a successful ministry
until 1993.
He had a saying, a motto, if you will,
said Elaine, “Whatever you’re called to say or do, say and do it.”
After more than 30 years in the ministry
and raising two children, Holly and David, Don and Elaine move to Ocean Park in
Old Orchard, Maine. Elaine continued her work as a registered nurse.
“And he went looking for his dream: An
18th century house. His dream, not mine,” said Elaine, casting a sardonic
smile.
The two settled in Windham’s historic
Parson Smith House on River Road, a 1764 Georgian style “mansion” first
occupied by Windham’s second settled minister, Rev. Peter Thatcher Smith. The
house and adjacent carriage shed, then over 225 years old, had been a house
museum and was in need of repair, particularly the interior. Elaine slowly
warmed to their new home, and following a few years of historically correct
restoration, opened their living history property to the community. Over many
years, thousands of local residents, including school children, toured the
house, guided by the two enthusiastic docents.
Don granted the Eagle and other news
outlets many interviews during the house tour years.
“Houses can’t talk,” he once said, “but
they can tell stories.”
Daughter Holly noted her parents never
were lonely in the big house.
“Being in this house has been wonderful.
The world came to him – he loved entertaining people.”
But just as history informs the present
and helps guide the future, so did Don’s earlier life in the ministry. Many
congregants from the Charlestown church, many of them children in poverty at
the time, remained in touch with their former beloved pastor.
“He taught them how to be parents,” said
Elaine. “They returned to say thank you for his influence on their lives.”
Holly said her father provided them with
a template for life.
“It had an effect through generations.
(My dad) characterized it as being a ‘watch care pastor’ – his own term.”
Elaine shared a parting thought as this
tribute interview to her husband came to a close.
“It will be a long time before we meet a
man as sincere and dedicated to his church and community as was Rev. Donald P.
Dickinson.”
His legacy: Whatever you’re called to
say or do, say and do it.”
Donald
P. Dickinson
Where I go,
there you will be
gently woven
into the text
of my being
one continuous strand
threaded through the
weft of my memory.
There you will live,
Forever
tucked into the folds
of heart
until we meet again.
Holly Dickinson Amidon - 2016
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