In Memory of Charles Reinhardt (March 20, 1927 – August 9, 2021)
Rev. Charles “Chuck” A. Reinhardt died on August 9, 2021, at the age of 94.
Chuck was born in St. Paul, MN on March 20, 1927, to Herman A. Reinhardt and Helen Lund Reinhardt. He was raised in St. Paul/Minneapolis area and did not
leave home until graduating from college. While in high school he considered becoming an architect and worked as a draftsman in a local firm. Likewise, he maintained his interest in writing and in the arts. When he entered Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN in 1944, he had already decided to prepare for the ministry. He majored in religion and philosophy and was exposed to radical political thought that provided a foundation for his emerging liberal beliefs. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1947. While in college he married his first wife and worked in a variety of social service agencies and had responsibility for a country parish. He graduated with his Bachelor of Divinity in 1952 from Harvard Divinity School, MA taking many secular courses in history, philosophy, and music, in addition to his theological studies.
Rev. Reinhardt was ordained on June 1, 1952, by the First Parish Church (Universalist), Saugus, MA where he carried out his ministry from 1949 to 1952. At First Parish, he set up adult education programs and forums on psychological studies, political and social relations, and the arts and improved teaching methods. He strengthened the congregation by helping to set up a departmentalized Board of Trustees. Following First Parish, Rev. Reinhardt served the Universalist Churches of Redhill and Clinton, NC (1952-1954), and then the Unitarian Church of Staten Island, NY (1955-1962). In 1962, he accepted a call from the Morristown UU Fellowship, NJ and served until 1967. Thereafter, he became minister of the East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue, WA (1967-1975). His ministry at East Shore was lively, stimulating, and productive. He supported the choir and music, there was more active congregational participation in the service, and music rose to a higher level with his involvement. Rev. Reinhardt was an inspiring leader at East Shore who made the church a true philosophical center. Subsequently, he served the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, GA (1975-1976) and the First Parish in Cambridge UU, MA (1978- 1979).
From 1979 to 1992, Rev. Reinhardt served the Winchester Unitarian Society, MA. In his thirteen years the congregation grew steadily. He demonstrated extraordinary politic, and served as a pastor, as a preacher, and as a counselor. His interest in music, poetry and drama enlivened the sanctuary on many Sundays. He launched a ministerial intern program at the church, and guided students who in turn increased programming for youth, women in life transitions and men. He preached about the need to promote peace in the world and the UU Peace Network was born. He also worked to establish UU churches in nearby towns. On August 31, 1992, he retired from his active ministry leaving Winchester as a strong institution. Upon retirement, the congregation honored him as their minister emeritus. Later he served as an interim minister at the South Church, Portsmouth, NH (1996-1997).
Rev. Reinhardt was caring and wise in leading a congregation and created an atmosphere of openness to innovation. His sermons revealed his deep conviction in the humanist tradition, his appreciation of beauty in nature and in arts, and his long experience in ministering to people. He had various denominational and community involvements. Within Unitarian Universalism he served as President of the Boston Area Universalist Ministers Association (1951- 1952) and as a Dean of the Shelter Neck (North Carolina) Universalist Youth Institutes (1953-1954). He was Regional VP of the Unitarian Fellowship for Social Justice (1959- 1960); Board member of the Mid-Atlantic State Region and Metro N.Y. District of UU Churches (1961-1964); President of the UU Ministers Association of Metropolitan N.Y. (1961-1962); Trustee of the Unitarian Universalist New York Metropolitan District (1962-1964); and Co-founder of the Princeton Group of Unitarian Universalist Ministers (1962). Furthermore, he was a member of the UUA Special Committee on By-laws (amendments) (1964); the Continental Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (1965); and the UUA ad hoc Committee on Congregational Polity (1966). In 1965, he provided his services as a Consultant to the Unitarian Fellowship of Athens, GA for the Mid-South District Project. From 1977 to 1979, he served as an editor of the UUMA newsletter. Moreover, he served on the board of the Starr King School for the Ministry, CA.
In the community, Chuck provided his services as an education program director of Radio Station WRRZ, NC (1953). He served as a board member (1955-1962) and as President of the Staten Island Family Service (1960-1962). He was one of the Board Members of the Morris County Urban League and the Morris County Family Service. He was Co-founder of Staten Island Citizens Planning Committee. Additionally, he served the Morris County Fair Housing Council, NAACP, ACLU, New Jersey Committee for the Right to Red, and Morris Township Juvenile Conference Committee. Furthermore, he was a leader in the efforts to organize all the Massachusetts churches together to provide healthcare to ministers and other employees.
In his spare time, he enjoyed family camping, boating, photography, reading and music. He also loved hiking, paddling, and sailing.
One of the family members shared: “I remember Chuck as a deeply kind and engaging man with a resonant voice, a rich laugh, and a strong, warm presence – and as a really great father.”
Chuck is survived by his wife Eunice – with whom he shared the last four wonderful years, his six children, thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Cascade Manor 65 W. 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405, with a family burial at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery.
Memorial donations are encouraged to: Food for Lane County, Cascade Manor Foundation 65 West 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405 or the Native American Rights Fund. s
Notes of condolences can be sent to his daughter: Sigrid Jones, 63 W. 22nd Avenue Eugene, OR 97405.