Rev. Dr. F. Jay Deacon, 75, died at home in Forrest Park in western Massachusetts in late July. Rev. Deacon served as minister of Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation from 1993-2002. The congregation was named the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Park when he began. Before the end of his first year, he had overseen consolidation with Beacon Unitarian Church which created Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
He led UTUUC through the challenges that come when two congregations come together, and under his leadership the congregation creatively dealt with the conflicts and prepared the congregation for significant growth.
Known for his inspiring sermons, Rev. Deacon was a gentle soul who touched many hearts and minds. One of his memorable quotes was, “It is not given us to live lives of undisrupted calm, boredom, and mediocrity. It is given us to be edge-dwellers.”
He will be dearly missed.
A Gathering of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. for the UTUUC community and all who wish to participate. The Zoom Meeting ID is 949 8501 2210; password: 875875.
A memorial service planned with the family will be held Sept. 26 by Channing Memorial Church of Newport, Rhode Island. Details on how to participate will be shared at a later date.
