St. John's Chapel welcomes minister Neil Wilson July 10

MEREDITH — St. John’s-on-the-Lake Chapel on Bear Island welcomes guest minister the Rev. Neil Wilson on July 10. There will also be a time for a Blessing of the Animals.

Neil and his wife Donna both grew up in Maine. Although they left New England, they have never waivered from their faith as members of the Congregational Church. (Their allegiance to New England professional sports teams has also remained intact!) They have a son with a family in Indiana and a daughter whose family lives outside of Portland, Maine. Moving to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire feels like a return home.

Before entering ministry, Neil spent some time with the Maine Forest Service; he was also the owner of a successful logging business. Early in his ministry he served part-time as a licensed pastor while completing his undergraduate degree from Granite State College and his Master’s Degree in Divinity from the Earlham School of Religion (Religious Society of Friends) in Indiana.

Services are held at 10 a.m. Well behaved dogs are always welcome at St. John's. Sneakers or sturdy shoes are suggested.

The chapel is located on the highest elevation of Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith. It can be reached by a short walk from the church docks located in Deep Cove on the west side of the island, as well as by other marked paths. In addition, there is a “taxi” service from Meredith Neck; email the church at bear.island.church.ferry@gmail.com. For more information, see: stjohnsonthelake.com.

Signed and numbered prints of the chapel are for sale this summer, with proceeds to be added to the Preservation Fund, intended to be an insurance for the building in case of major damage.