BIDDEFORD — Pastor Joel McLain Sr., 77, of Biddeford, was loved by his parishioners of the Victory Chapel on Hill Street, said one of his followers.
Parishioners are saddened with McLain’s death, along with his wife Maxine, 77, said church member Diana Cote.
Joel McLain, pastor for the Pentecostal chapel, “was a wonderful, fantastic pastor,” she said. “You couldn’t ask for anyone better.”
The couple were killed as the result of a motor vehicle crash on Aug. 31 in Barrington, N.H.
The accident occurred as the McLain’s were driving home from a convention at Beulah Fellowship Camp in Canterbury, N.H., where Joel McLain was president. They were to be back in Biddeford for Sunday services, said Cote.
“He was supposed to return Sunday morning,” she said, adding that she wasn’t sure why the husband and wife left earlier.
At about 11:35 p.m., Saturday, a pickup truck driven by 48-year-old John Shaw of Barrington crossed the center line on Route 202 in Barrington and struck the McLain’s car, according to New Hampshire State Police.
Joel McLain died at the scene, said police. His wife was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.H., where she later died of her injuries.
Shaw has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide, one count for each victim. He was arrested Sept. 1 and arraigned in the 7th Circuit Court, Dover Division on Tuesday.
Shaw was held at the Strafford County Jail in Dover, N.H. from the time of his arrest until he was released on $25,000 cash bail on Thursday, according to a spokesman from the jail.
According to police, Shaw had alcohol in his system, however the results of a blood alcohol level test have not been released yet.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, said police.
His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 12, at 1 p.m., at Rochester Circuit Court.
Both of the McLain’s were predeceased by the first spouses. They married a little more than one year ago, on Aug. 18.
Maxine McLain had worked at St. Andre’s Healthcare as a certified nurse assistant.
Joel McLain was a pastor at Victory Chapel for 31 years. He was ordained as a minister in 1963, and worked most of his life in the food service business.
The pastor, who had a doctorate, was “humble and compassionate,” said Cote.
“If he found someone in need, he would give them food and money,” she said. “They might not even be a member of the church.”
“He loved the lord first and others next,” said Cote
“The church is totally devastated,” she said. “We’re all shocked, but we’re all pulling together.”
She said church members will take their time choosing a new pastor for the chapel.
“I know one thing,” said Cote about McLain, “we’re really going to miss him.”
Visiting hours will be from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. A funeral service will be on Monday at 11 a.m., at The Victory Chapel, 67 Hill St., Biddeford.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
