Educator, writer Margaret Rowland Post, wife of former UCC president, dies at 85

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Educator, writer Margaret Rowland Post, wife of former UCC president,
dies at 85

> Written by Jeff Woodard
> November 10, 2010

Margaret Rowland "Peg" Post, a long-time UCC educator and writer, died
last weekend in her Hanover, N.H., retirement residence after
suffering a severe stroke.

Remembered as the one-time "first lady who was always there" for the
UCC, Post, who was 85, was the wife of the Rev. Avery D. Post, UCC
president from 1977 to 1989.

"She was very unassuming and gracious, yet very, very theologically
perceptive," said the Rev. J. Martin Bailey, former editor of "United
Church Herald" and "A.D. Magazine," predecessor publications to
"United Church News."

"She wasn't formally trained theologically, but she certainly absorbed
it along the way," said Bailey. "She was a real lay theologian."

Post put her theology to good use when writing one of the defining
publications of the UCC. "History and Program," first published in
1982 by United Church Press, became known as "the little blue book"
because of its first cover. The book, which covers the history,
mission and structure of the United Church of Christ, is still in
print today in its 5th revision, and is required reading in many
polity courses taught at UCC-related seminaries.

"History and Program" was just one of the many avenues Post pursued
during her professional career in education and publishing. She worked
at various times with the Wellesley Press, "Discovery Magazine"
(Westminster Press), United Church News, and for the Central Committee
of the World Council of Churches.

The Posts, who had been married for 65 years, received a visit from
Bailey and his wife, Betty, just last month.

"It was a wonderful visit in which both Peg and Avery were in lively
conversation," recalled Bailey. "Clearly, they both relied heavily
upon one another for intellectual and emotional support. Both of them
were eager for conversation about the United Church of Christ."

"We are saddened by her death and will find ways to be supportive of
Avery, not only just now, but in the weeks ahead," said Bailey.

Peg Post is survived by husband Avery, four daughters and their 
children.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Norwich
(Vt.) Congregational UCC. Condolences may be sent to the family at 80
Lyme Road, #246, Hanover, N.H. 03755.