Dr. Benjamin Judson Browne, 84
Pastored churches in Sebago, Vinalhaven
Dr. Benjamin J. Browne of Lyman passed away peacefully, Aug. 3, 2006, during a moment of prayer surrounded by his devoted wife and children.
He was born in Rockland, Dec. 19, 1921, to Pastor Benjamin P. and Rachel Browne, and grew up in Maine and Massachusetts with his three sisters, Rachel, Priscilla and Marcia.
Ben received his education at Boston University, Duke University, and Newton Seminary. He received his BA and Doctoral Degree in Divinity at Boston University, and Masters Degree in divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York. Mr. Browne did his graduate work at the Sorborne in Paris, France and Harvard University added to his education.
Ben held positions in higher education and executive administration at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Edninboro State in Pennsylvania, St. Anslems in New Hampshire, Lancaster Seminary and the University of New Hampshire. He was also the Vice President of Development at Lakeland College in Lakeland, Wis., directorships in such organizations as The National Conference of Christians and Jews. Also, at Independent college and Universities of Washington and Big Brothers and Sisters of Biddeford.
He followed his father’s footsteps as a Baptist Minister and author. He served pastorates for 25 years with his wife Laurel Browne in Sebago and Vinalhaven; Fitzwilliam, N.H.; Boca Grande, Fla., and Harrisburg, Pa., where he retired from Colonial Park Community Baptist Church in 1994. He retired to his favorite state and lived in Lyman.
Ben was most proud of his children; Mark, Nina and Matthew. His childlike spirit would draw the neighborhood children to his yard to come out and play football, basketball or ice skating. He remained a fan of his alma mater football team, The Boston University Terriors, until the late 90s, when the school discontinued the program. His love of the ocean brought his children to reside in Maine, also. On his last visit he was able to crawl to the waters edge to catch a wave.
Dr. Browne is survived by his wife Laurel Rand Browne of Lyman; two sons, Mark and his wife Pam of Alfred; Matthew and his wife Jessica of Pennsylvania; and his daughter, Nina M. Browne of Alfred; two grandsons, Philip and Ben M.; two sisters, Priscilla Wagner of Laguna Hills, Calif.; and Marcia Hoff of West Chester, Pa.; and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service celebrating his life was held at Autumn Green Funeral Home, Alfred. Committal Prayers and interment followed at Chadbourne Cemetery in Waterboro.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 901 Washington Ave., Portland, Maine 04103 or New Life Christian fellowship Building Fund, 547 Alfred Road, Biddeford, Maine 04005.
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