Community Corner

Former Leader Returns to Danvers as All Saints Transitional Priest

A former priest at the former Calvary Church, Danvers, is returning to All Saints Episcopal Church of the Northshore starting on Sunday.

Rev. Dr. Richard T. Loring is returning to the All Saints Episcopal Church of the Northshore (a merger of Calvary and St. Paul's) on Sunday as its "transitional priest."

The much-loved priest served as interim at the former Calvary Church, Danvers, from 2006 to 2007. He is also well-known and fondly remembered by parishioners at the former Saint Paul's Church, Peabody, for his presence there.

The Inter-Parish Council, which currently has governance oversight of the merged congregations, had requested Loring to serve until the appointment of a priest-in-charge, because of his long-term experience and skill working with parishes in transition. In particularl they value his pas "quiet strength and compassionate leadership" at both the Danvers and Peabody parishes the church said in an announcement.

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"He is a known and comforting presence who can help the new parish meld together and begin looking forward," the announcement read.

In Danvers and Peabody, Loring is remembered for his wry sense of humor and wonderful sermons. Often, after a service, parishioners would stand in the receiving line and ask him for copies of his words, which he readily provided.  

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 Loring recently completed an assignment as supply priest at St. John St. James Church in Roxbury. He is a third-generation priest in his family, following in the footsteps of both grandfathers, father, uncle and brother.

"It's the family business," he has joked.

Since retirement in 1995, Loring has been fully occupied with Sunday supply and interim work in churches seeking rectors. In his spare time, Loring enjoys heading down to his home in Westport, where his handy work maintains his beloved converted barn, and where he loves foraging for food in the wild, and making jams and jellies. 

All Saints invites everyone to join and welcome him at services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. A welcome reception will take place to greet Loring immediately after the 10 a.m. service on his first Sunday.


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