In Memory of Walter Braman (February 12, 1942 – August 24, 2021)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Walter Braman, who died on August 24, 2021, at the age of 79.

Walter was born on February 12, 1942, in Hartford, CT to the late William B. Braman and Margaret E. Barber. His family moved to Dalton, MA when he was twelve. He attended Dalton High School and graduated in 1960. That year, he entered the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. During his years at William and Mary, the college moved from a segregated institution to an integrated school, he watched and participated in the debates and process of integration. He learned to appreciate the incredible work and sacrifice that goes into social and moral change. In 1964, he earned his Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient Greek. A classics education at William and Mary opened his mind to differing perspectives in thought and religion. The challenges by religious fundamentalists on campus sent him to seminary with many unanswered questions worth pursuing.

Walter joined Andover Newton Theological School, MA and began to form his theological leanings toward Unitarian Universalism. In 1969, he received his Master of Divinity. After Andover Newton, he had serious questions about the ministry and did not pursue it. Instead, he earned a Master of Education (secondary education) from the State College at Boston, MA. Though his teaching career was short, it was long enough to make him appreciate the need for a mind to be free if it is to learn. After he left teaching, he worked in the fast-food industry for twelve years. During this time, working with teens and young adults, he found himself more interested in counseling and advising individuals. He realized that his original call to ministry was a valid one and it needed to be revisited. He made his first visit to a UU church and knew that he could bring his questions there. He then finalized his decision to enter the ministry.

Rev. Braman was ordained on January 6, 1985, by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marlboro and Hudson, MA. He served the All Souls Universalist Church, Oakland, ME from 1986 to 1989. In 1989, he accepted a call from the First Parish in Kingston, MA where he would serve until 1998. During his tenure at First Parish, the church attendance doubled, a ramp for the physically challenged was added, he developed an adult education program, taught new member classes, and held a joint program with the Plymouth Church.

Following First Parish, Rev. Braman served as interim minister to various congregations. From 1998 to 2000, at the UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg, VA, he worked to develop the mission statement and helped the fellowship move from a line budget to a program-based budget. He then served the UU Church of Roanoke, VA (2000-2001) helping the transition from a twelve-year pastorate to a newly called minister. He actively participated in the adult education and new member program. From 2001 to 2003, at the Mt Vernon Unitarian Church, Alexandria, VA, he created small groups to discuss relationships in the church, started work on covenant of right relations and worked with the Board of Trustees on the final adaptation of a church policy manual. Subsequently, Rev. Braman provided his services as an interim minister at the UU Church, Greater Bridgeport, Stratford, CT (2003-2004); the UU Church of Lancaster, PA (2004-2006); the UU Congregation of Frederick, MD (2006-2007); and the UU Church in Cherry Hill, NJ (2007-2009). He retired from his active ministry on June 30, 2009. After retirement, he served as a consulting minister at the UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg, VA (2010-2015). On May 7, 2015, the Fredericksburg congregation honored him as their minister emeritus.

Rev. Braman’s interim ministry helped the congregations in the areas of growth, conflict management, organization, and pastoral counseling through community building. He renewed and developed the congregation’s vision through discussion, adult RE, and preaching on covenant and congregational polity. He worked in close relationship with the Director of Religious Education offering himself as a resource and strong advocate.

In addition to the parish and interim ministries, Rev. Braman served the UUA as Vice President of the Northeast District (1987-1989) and the Ballou Channing District (1993-1995). From 1995 to 1997, he was President of the Ballou Channing District. Furthermore, he provided his services to the Search Committee for District Executive of Ballou Channing (1996-1997).

In his spare time, Walter enjoyed photography. He took great joy in the printed word, his favorite subjects were poetry (Whitman, Frost, cummings), biography, and history.

Walter is survived by his wife of almost 38 years, The Rev. Cathie Fisher Braman, daughter Amie Catherine O’Donoghue (Erik); and sons, Benjamin J. W. Braman and Frank M. Braman. Four grandchildren: Tynan Robert and Shauna Catherine O’Donoghue, and Ezekiel and Kiki Jubilee Braman. Also, his brother Howard (Rose), sister Kathie, brother-in-law Robert Rivers, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Matthew Royce Braman, and sister Anne Braman Rivers.