Rev. Dr. William H. Simpson, 100, of Nahant, MA, passed away on October 9, 2025.

"Rev. Bill" was born in Frederick, MD, the son of the late Walter A. and Leah (Horgan) Simpson. He was raised on a farm in Emmitsburg, MD. He graduated from Emmitsburg High School (1941), Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in 1951 with a BA in Music Education, Lancaster Theological Seminary (1955) with a M.Div, Boston University (1968) with a PhD in Biblical studies. Further graduate studies were pursued at several colleges and universities in theology and psychology. He served in the US Army from 1946-1948. During his lifetime, he was employed as a farm operator, a music teacher in Westminster Jr., Sr. High School in Maryland, an Army Bandsman, a Guidance Counselor in the Lynn School Department and the Lynnfield School Department. He served several churches as pastor at St. Andrews Church in Lancaster, PA, Bethany United Church of Christ for over 40 years in Lynn and Central Congregational Church in Lynn. His final assignment was as Community Minister of First Church in Swampscott.

Throughout his life, he was active in numerous religious, educational and community organizations and activities in Maryland, Scotland, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. His long association with Rotary International began in 1952 when he was selected to be a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in Scotland. He counted it a privilege in later years to serve as a Chaplain at Union Hospital and for the Lynn Police Department. Locally, he has been honored by the Wyoma Lions Club, The Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, The Family and Children Service, The City of Lynn, The Boy Scouts of America, and the Rotary Club.

As Community Minister at The First Church Swampscott, Rev. Bill continued his broad ministry to the people of Lynn and surrounding towns.  Even as Peg maintained her own ministry on the staff of Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home funeral homes, Rev. Bill supported countless families at graveside services, or funeral home services across the North Shore.   Even in his 80's, he performed as many as 50 such services a year for families with no church home, but who needed pastoral care; many of whom he knew from his work in the school system, or as pastor of Bethany, many others he did not know beforehand except through referral by family friends or funeral home staff.  Frequently, he returned any payment received into food he purchased for the food pantry, or as help to others in need.   He also had a busy schedule of visitations to nursing homes, assisted living complexes, or the homebound,  often offering worship services or an enthusiastic hymn-sing in common areas.  Rev. Bill loved to sing, in churches and outside of churches, in choirs and choruses. He had a wonderful voice.

Rev. Bill and Peg maintained an enthusiastic eccumenical minstry as well; fully participating in the Lynn Council of Churches (when it was operating), interfaith clergy organizations, as well as an active participation in the parish of St. Pius V catholic church in Lynn.  He was a faithful participant in the regional associations and gatherings of the United Church of Christ, regularly participating in all the formal meetings of the wider UCC church, including annual meetings, ecclesiastical councils, ordinations and installations.

Dr. Simpson is survived by his wife Margaret "Peg" Simpson of Lynn, his son Timothy Simpson and his wife Cheryl of North Andover, and their three grandchildren Jonathan, Kaitlin, and Ryan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dr. Simpson is predeceased by his first wife Martha, his brothers Richard Simpson and his wife Lucille, Dr. Robert Simpson and his wife Ruth, brothers-in-law Lt. Col Parker and Steven Smith.

The greatest desire of his life is for everyone to know the Christ, and to live with Him forever.

A Celebration of Dr. Simpson's Life will be held at 12:30pm on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the First Church in Swampscott Congregational, 40 Monument Avenue, Swampscott, 01907. Light refreshments will be served following the Celebration of Life service.

In lieu of flowers donations could be made to First Church in Swampscott Congregational, Camp Rotary or the Compassionate Care Hospice organization.