In Memory of Rev. Robert J. Lewis (July 25, 1931-September 6, 2023)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Robert J. Lewis, who died on September 6, 2023, at the age of 92.

Robert was born on July 25, 1931, in Heltonville, IN, to the Rev. Paul S. Lewis and Lillie Lewis. Raised in the household of a fundamentalist Hoosier minister, he attended DePauw University in Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (1953). He then pursued a Master of Divinity at Drew University in New Jersey, graduating in 1956. Following graduation, Robert served as a Methodist clergy member from 1956 to 1958. However, he soon realized that the Methodist Church was not the best fit for the development, application, and expression of his theology. Consequently, he transitioned to a role as a junior executive at Indianapolis Goodwill Industries (1958-1959). 

During his college and seminary years, Robert was introduced to the Unitarian and Universalist theologies through books and encounters with Unitarian Churches. While living in Indianapolis, he began attending All Souls Church. This deepened his connection to Unitarian Universalism. It was there that he met Sylvia Kelsey while singing in the church choir. In 1959, he married Sylvia, and the couple moved to Hagerstown, MD, where Robert ran the Goodwill Industries Office and served as a part-time minister of the Unitarian Fellowship of Hagerstown. Under his leadership, the fellowship grew, added new activities, and experienced renewed vitality. In 1960, Robert was welcomed into fellowship, paving the way for his ministry in the Unitarian Universalist tradition.

In 1961, the Rev. Lewis accepted a call to become the first minister of the River Road UU Congregation, Bethesda, MD. He served the congregation until 1968, with his inspiring leadership from the pulpit drawing people to church and fostering a growing community. During his tenure, the church building was built, the Religious Education program expanded, and active and effective leadership flourished within the congregation. Following his time at River Road, the Rev. Lewis served the UU Church of Silver Spring, MD, from 1969 to 1973. His ministry there was marked by profound empathy and compassion, and his sermons moved many, leaving a lasting impact on the church community. 

The Rev. Lewis held leadership roles within the broader denomination, serving as Chairman of the Greater Washington Association of Unitarian Universalist Churches and the Joseph Priestley District Annual Meeting Planning Committee.

In community, Robert served on the board of the Citizens for Clean Air, Greater Washington Area, and the Community Psychiatric Clinic in Bethesda, MD. He was an active member of the ACLU, Maryland Suburban Fair Housing, Planned Parenthood, and the Association for Humanistic Psychology.

While he was not ministering to a congregation, guest preaching, performing weddings or memorial services, Robert occupied himself in many and varied jobs: employment counselor, cab driver, marketing bricks, as a night watchman at Maryland Clay, selling fish at Eastern Market, and day laborer, helping build Eleanor Roosevelt High School.

Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sylvia; his children: Janet Lewis (Wayne) and Drew Lewis; grandchildren: Kelsey Strouse (Andrew), Lily and Lanni Solochek; great granddaughter: Samantha Joy Litwin; brother: Wilford Lewis, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service was held on October 26, 2023, at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing or the Greenbelt Community Foundation or Unitarian Universalist for Social Justice.

Notes of condolences may be written here.