The Office of the Bishop has issued the following notice:
Dec. 15, 2017
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are saddened to inform you of the death of the Rev. Alden Besse on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on Dec. 13, 2017. Alden was active with the Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council, the Martha’s Vineyard Crop Walk, the Island Clergy Association and he provided pastoral assistance to Grace Church, Vineyard Haven. Over his 66 years of ordained ministry, Alden served at Grace Church, Vineyard Haven from 1990 to 2005 and several parishes in Western Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, at 12 p.m. at Grace Church, Woodlawn Avenue at William Street, Vineyard Haven and a reception will follow the service. Clergy are invited to vest (white).
May the soul of God’s faithful servant departed rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Faithfully yours,
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates
The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris
Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife:
Mrs. Barbara Besse
PO Box 4069
Vineyard Haven MA 02568
Memorial donations may be sent to:
Grace Church
Outreach Program
PO Box 1197
Vineyard Haven MA 02568