In Memory of Rev. Harry C. Green III (1943-2025)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Harry C. Green, III, who died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 82.
Harry was born on January 19, 1943, to Harry C. Green, Jr., and Penelope B. Green, in West Point, NY. He attended Lanier High School in Montgomery, AL, graduating in 1961. Following high school, he went to Centre College in Danville, KY, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Government in 1965. His experience at Center College was a turning point in his religious growth; through the required religious courses, he learned for the first time that it was not only acceptable but valuable to think critically about religion. During this time, he discovered Unitarian Universalism and became a UU in 1969.
From 1972 to 1978, Harry worked as an administrator at All Souls Church in Washington, D.C., a role that allowed him to put into daily practice his concern for people and his commitment to helping others fulfill their potential as unique human beings. After two years in this position, he was motivated by a desire to pursue ordained ministry grounded in the humanistic goal of self-actualization and growth. He entered Wesley Theological Seminary and graduated with his Master of Divinity in 1978.
The Rev. Green was ordained on May 14, 1978, by All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, D.C., where he served as an assistant minister from 1978 to 1980. In 1980, he accepted a call from All Souls UU Church in Colorado Springs, CO, serving until 1986. From 1986 to 1994, he was District Executive of the Prairie Star District, MN, focusing on helping congregations attain the highest level of institutional health possible through creative positive visions for the future.
In 1994, the Rev. Green became Director of Church Staff Finances in the Department of Ministry at the UUA. After two years, he felt drawn back to parish ministry and transitioned to interim ministry. He completed a two-year interim ministry at the UU Fellowship of Corvallis, OR (1996–1998), and the Community UU Congregation at White Plains, NY (1998–2000), followed by one year at the UU Congregation in Stamford, CT (2000-2001).
After 2000, the Rev. Green served as a congregational stewardship consultant, providing services to numerous congregations, including the Central Unitarian Church, Paramus, NJ; the First Parish in Concord, MA; Champlain Valley UU Society, Middlebury, VT; Channing Memorial Church, Newport, RI; the First UU Church of Columbus, OH; Mattatuck UU Society, Woodbury, CT; Second Unitarian Church, Chicago, IL; Towanda UU Fellowship, PA; the UU Church of Roanoke, VA; the UU Church of the Shenandoah Valley, Stephens City, VA; the UU Congregation of the Hudson Valley, Croton-on-Hudson, NY; and the UU Fellowship of Plattsburgh, NY.
He also served as a consulting minister for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland, Pomona, NY, from 2006 to 2012. The Rev. Green brought an adventuresome spirit to every ministry along with a very wide body of experience in all aspects of congregational/denominational life. He was widely appreciated for his approachability, sincerity, and responsiveness, as well as for the care and compassion he showed. His leadership in worship and in preaching was equally admired.
He was also deeply committed to the growth and health of the denomination. He held various leadership positions within the UUA, serving as a board member and treasurer of the Mountain Desert District (1982–1985); a member of the UUA Board of Trustees (1985–1986); and a board member of the UU United Nations Office (1984–1986). In 1996, he accepted an invitation to become a Consultant with the UUA Congregational Fundraising Office.
In Oregon, Harry chaired the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and served as a board member of the Pastoral Counseling Center. In Colorado, he was chair and treasurer for the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission. Additionally, he volunteered as a minister for the Colorado State Prison and as a chaplain for the Police Department. From 2001 to 2006, he worked as office staff for the Metro New York District.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed writing, playing golf, softball, and tennis, attending the theatre, collecting stamps and postcards, studying history, and antiquing.
Harry is survived by his partner, the Rev. Linda Hart Green; his children, Christine Green LeLait (Alain) and Harry C. Green IV; and his grandson, Samuel Pitts (Abby). He is also survived by his sister, Penny Green Reid; and by his nieces, Kate Weidenbenner (Barry), Megan Nelson, and Emily Routt. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, James Bradshaw Green.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro / Center for Arts and Culture, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amelia Island Museum of History, or Doctors without Borders.
Notes of condolence may be written here.