Rev. William John Monroe, 1929 – 2025
Rev. William John Monroe, 95, known affectionately to many as Bill, fell asleep in Jesus on January 27, 2025.
Bill was born on June 21, 1929, in Torrington, Connecticut to Hubert R. and Mildred Gallagher Monroe of Morris, Connecticut. He along with his six sisters grew up on a small dairy farm where he learned the value of hard work and ingenuity. He often described himself as learning to be a jack of all trades, being able to fix most things. Under the guidance of his Uncle James (Jim) Monroe, he also developed skills in carpentry.
He attended James Morris School in Morris, Connecticut, graduating in 1947. He then worked at the Torrington Company as a finish tumbler and later in the Drafting and Engineering department for six years. In 1959, he pursued his calling to ministry by enrolling at Berkshire Christian College, where he graduated with honors in 1963 with an A.B. in Theology.
On June 10, 1961, he married Margaret E. Shaw, and together they embarked on a lifetime of ministry and service. He was ordained into Christian ministry at the Advent Christian Church of Torrington, Connecticut, on September 16, 1963. Hoping to serve as a missionary in India, he and Margaret attended Missionary Internship in Detroit, Michigan, in 1963-64, but their visas were denied.
He pastored Advent Christian churches in Augusta, Maine (1964); Bear Point, Nova Scotia, Canada (1964-1970); North Springfield, Vermont (1970-1984); and Friendship, Maine (1985-1996). He played a key role in leading church building projects at each location. In retirement, he continued to serve in various capacities, including as interim pastor in Eliot, Oxford, and Goodwins Mills, Maine, and as a deacon and Chairman of the Board at Goodwins Mills.
Beyond pastoral ministry, he contributed significantly to the Advent Christian denomination serving as Chairman of the Eastern Regional Ministerial Committee in the 1970s and 1980s. He was instrumental in developing the Manual of Ministerial Office and Procedure, which was adopted by the Eastern Region in 1982. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of Vernon Advent Christian Homes from 1972-1992 and again from 1998-2010, later being honored as Board Member Emeritus.
His servant heart was known to all. For example, he served in the volunteer fire department in Morris, Connecticut and was a volunteer on the Friendship, Maine Ambulance team.
In retirement, Bill and Margaret established a home in Waterboro, Maine where Bill singlehandedly built a two-car garage and addition on their house. After losing his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret, in 2016, he moved to Vernon, Vermont in 2017.
He cherished time spent with his sons and their families and found joy in working with his hands—fixing things, woodworking, and maintaining his own vehicle. He also enjoyed helping others, fishing, hunting, and gardening.
Those who knew him well know that he loved to tell stories and “dad” jokes, play home-made board games and dominoes, and was always up for an adventure—whether climbing up a tree to prune it, or shooting a squirrel with one shot as it jumped around on the rafters. He never met a snowstorm he wasn’t willing to drive through, especially if someone was counting on him. And most importantly, if you knew him, you knew you were remembered in prayer during his daily devotions.
He is survived by his sisters, Ruth Schnell and Hope Lyon, his sons, William John Graham (Lydia) and Philip Gallagher (Kim), as well as their families, including grandchildren, Abigail (Zachary) Monroe-Hardy, Aaron, Samuel, Jared, and many nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, dedication, and service.
His funeral service was held at the Vernon Advent Christian Church, 4554 Fort Bridgman Rd., Vernon, VT on February 1, 2025 at 1 pm. Interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Morris, CT in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Vernon Homes, 61 Greenway Dr., Vernon, VT and will be applied to the Monroe Family Fund.
