The Rev. Dr. Paul C. Klose, 94, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home, under the wonderful care of Hospice, on February16, 2009. He was born on April 15, 1914 in Roslindale MA, the son of the late Paul and Sarah E. Klose.

     He attended the Boston public school system in Roslindale, graduating from Hyde Park High School in 1935. He then spent one and a half years at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, and then transferred to Gordon College Wenham Mass, then on the Fenway, where he graduated in 1943. He pursued further theological training at Gordon Divinity School, now Gordon-Conwell. He completed his ministerial studies at Northern Baptist Seminary, earning a master’s degree in theology in 1953, and a doctorate in 1956.

     Dr. Klose had both pastured and interim-pastored several American Baptist Churches in 5 different states touching the lives of many. These include The 1^st Baptist Church of North Uxbridge, MA, where he was ordained into the Christian Ministry on April 5, 1946, The 1^st Baptist Church of Momence Illinois from 1950-1957; Bethany Baptist Church of Presque Isle, Maine, from 1957-1964; The 1^st Baptist Church of North Adams, Mass, from 1964-1977; the 1^st and 2^nd Baptist Church of Sanbornton, NH from 1977-1987; the First Baptist Church of Belmont, NH from 1987-1993; and The 2^nd Baptist Church of Sanbornton from 1998 to 2003.

     Twice, Dr. Klose had the honor of being elected to the Presidency of the United Baptist Convention of Maine, and then the Massachusetts Baptist Convention. While in Presque Isle, he was one of the recipients to receive from the U.S. government, a patriot award citation. Also, at his ministry there, he started a Dial-a-Prayer Ministry which has continued for many years. While ministering in North Adams, he served as chairperson of the Salvation Army Board. During his service in NH he was president of The American Baptist Churches of NH in 1989.

     Following retirement, he enrolled in the New Hampshire Technical College in Laconia, NH and graduated with a certificate in Gerontology. He then began a senior ministry with the emphasis on “Better Health-Better-Living”. This includes a spiritual under girding.

     Finally, Dr. Klose was named Pastor-Emeritus of the 2^nd Baptist Church of Sanbornton on September 19, 2004 and honorary Senior Pastor of The 1^st Baptist Church of Sanbornton on September 11, 2005.

     “Pastor Paul” made an impact on all he met through his positive upbeat spirit, sense of humor, and gentle, loving and humbling ways. His poetry and music were an inspiration to many.

  Dr. Klose leaves his wife, Madelyn, to whom he was married for 63 years, 4 children and their spouses: Curt and his wife, Ellie, from Suffield, CT; Carol and her husband, The Rev. George Norton of Montour Falls, NY, Cherryl and her husband, the Rev. Charles Boucher of Antrim, NH and Clinton and his wife Susan, of Concord, NH; 16 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The rich legacy of love and faith, which he imparted to these loved-ones, will always be a part of their lives, and be handed down for generations to come.

     A memorial service celebrating and remembering his life will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 11:00 am at the Antrim Baptist Church in Antrim, NH. Gifts may be made in his honor to the Antrim Baptist Church, PO Box 206, Antrim, NH  03440. 

     The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements.

     For more information log onto www.holtwoodburyfh.com

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