In Memory of Rev. Carl “Arthur” Hover (May 12, 1936 – August 15, 2024)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Carl “Arthur” Hover, who died on August 15, 2024, at the age of 88.
Arthur was born on May 12, 1936, in Medford, OR to Carl Arthur Hover, Sr. and Ruth O. Hover. He was raised in the religious tradition of the Disciples of Christ and attended Sunday School. During his junior and senior years in high school, as his ideas began to liberalize, he became interested in philosophical and religious notions. After graduating from Crater High School in Central Point, OR Arthur attended Northwest Christian College, Eugene, OR earning his Bachelor of Theology in 1958. Following that, he completed his studies for a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History from the University of Oregon (1962). During this time, he became aware of the Unitarian Church in Eugene, OR, and dug into the historical background of Unitarian and Universalism. He felt that he was Unitarian in his theology; and the concepts of the liberal movement, and free expression of ideas and doctrines appealed to him. He admired the ideas and ideals of the Unitarian and Universalist traditions and wanted to serve as a UU minister. He applied and was accepted at Crane Theological School, Tufts University, MA. In 1966, Arthur received his Master of Sacred Theology. Later in 1968, he earned his Master of Education in the field of Guidance and Counseling also from Tufts University.
Rev. Hover served the Sanford UU Church, Sanford, ME from 1967 to 1976. He was the district executive for the Northeast District, Portland, ME from 1972 to 1976. In 1976, he accepted a call from the Valley UU Congregation, Chandler, AZ where he would minister for three years. Thereafter, he served the First Congregational Society Unitarian, Chelmsford, MA (1979-1992). In his thirteen years, the church grew to have a strong sense of community and transitioned to a unified, welcoming, growing, and more inclusive congregation that appreciated the differences in lifestyles, sexual orientation, interests, and views of a diverse congregation. He strengthened the Religious Education Program and unified the lay leadership. The liveliness and the spirit of the congregation increased. In 1992, Rev. Hover retired from his active ministry. Upon his retirement, the First Congregational Society Unitarian honored him as their minister emeritus. From 1996 to 2000, he served as consulting minister for the Washington UU Congregation, Brookfield, VT.
After his ministry in Chelmsford, he and his wife, Ellen Dionna, moved to the wilderness in Vermont where together they built a home and his ministry continued with the establishment of Blessingwood, a retreat center where they offered weekend wilderness experiences to UU children and youth, and adult programs such as Soul/Vision Quests and personal guided wilderness retreats. Thirteen years living in remote wilderness magnified his reverence for nature, and deepened his experience of the mystical. He had a passion for gardening which was a form of meditation for him throughout his life. He was as much at home in the rugged life of wilderness living as in the refined world of philosophical scholarship and the arts.
Rev. Hover had a sincere and sensitive concern for all people. He could draw youngsters out, helping them express themselves and focus their thinking. He had an innate quality of getting along with all sorts and ages of people in an entirely natural and straightforward manner. He showed leadership in various aspects of the denomination. He served as a member of the Northeast InterDistrict Religious Education Committee (1969-1972); the Northeast District board; and the UUMA. He also provided his services as a treasurer for the Northeast Chapter (1970-1972); and as a Settlement representative for the Central Mass District (1988-1990).
In Chelmsford, MA Arthur served as vice president of the Chelmsford Interfaith Association (1980-1981); a chairperson of Chelmsford Community R.C. Blood Program (1980-1982); and a conveyor of the Chelmsford Cultural Support Committee (1980-1982).
In his leisure time, he enjoyed camping, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Ellen Dionna; his two children: Carla Hover and Carl Hover; five step-children: Jonathan Wolf, Carol Wolf, Pamela Wolf MacMahon, Adam Wolf, and Franklin Wolf. He was preceded in death by his two sons: Kenneth Arthur and Carson Monroe. He was a beloved Grandpa to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on October 12, 2024, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York, 925 S George St, York, PA 17403.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UU Congregation of York, PA or the Unitarian Universalist Society for Ministerial Relief, c/o Rev. Susan Suchocki Brown, 80 Mill Glen Rd., Winchendon, MA 01475.
Notes of condolences may be written here.