Biographies

First Congregational Church UCC Wiscasset Maine

Biography

Pastor

The Reverend John P.Potter, Jr

I was raised in a minister's family. My father was a UCC minister and served churches throughout New England. My grandfather was a missionary to India. I had an uncle in ministry as well and presently have a cousin who graduated from Divinity School. I went to Amherst college and graduated in 1968. I graduated from Andover Newton theological School in 1971. My first position was Campus Minister at the Berkshire School . I was there from 1971-1975. In 1975 I was called to the Greenland community Church, UCC in Greenland, N.H. In 1980 I was called to be Senior Minister at the First Congregational Church UCC of Manchester New Hampshire. I was there until 1992 when I became Senior Minister of the First Church of Christ UCC "Old North Church" of Marblehead, MA. After a year sailing in the Caribbean I became the interim minister at the South Freeport UCC Church in South Freeport, Maine. I was called to Wiscasset in the spring of 2003.

My wife's name is Marcia and we have three children and five grandchildren. A sixth grandchild is due to arrive in early spring. Outside the church I enjoy sailing and doing just about anything on the water. I also am a rabid Yankee fan. My wife and I live in Harpswell, Maine.

Organist/Choir Director

Arthur G. Hosford, Jr

On July 11th 2004, Arthur G. Hosford, Jr. joined us as our Organist/Choir Director. Arthur Hosford is a resident of Augusta, and works as an Attorney for the State of Maine in Gardiner. He is a native of Vermont, and grew up not far from where our organ was restored. Beginning his piano studies at age 5, he began studying organ in high school, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Hartt School of Music in W. Hartford, CT. with a major in Piano and Instrumental/Choral Music Education. He worked as Music Director in several schools before coming to Maine to attend Law School, and has been the Organist/Choir Director in several churches in Vermont and Maine. Arthur loves church music, especially in the UCC, and also indulges a number of other musical interests, including jazz guitar.

Arthur's wife Katie is involved with artwork, gardening, sewing & knitting, and is also an accomplished musician who studies the cello, sings, and plays keyboards and guitar. She is also a stay-at-home Mom to their son Arthur, who is attending school in Augusta and also loves music. The younger Arthur studies piano and percussion, and performs on the saxophone and the drum set with the school jazz band. Their family also includes Bentley, a Maine Coon Cat, and a pair of Lhasa Apsos - Tashi and Yoba.