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| In Memoriam |
His biography reveals a life of impressive, even heroic accomplishment. But far more impressive are the tributes from his colleagues and other admirers in the next column.
The Rev. Dr. Erwin A. Britton, 86, died on October 30. He was born in Ohio, was a graduate of Oberlin College and of the Oberlin Graduate School of Theology. He served as minister of the First Congregational Church of Wayne, Michigan, 1941-1964, and of the First Congregational Church of Detroit, Michigan, 1964-1975, where he was named Minister Emeritus after his retirement. Following those ministries he became Executive Secretary of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, 1975-1981. Following his retirement, he became assistant to the president of Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan, of which he was a long time trustee. During the summers from 1981-1985, he served as minister of the Union Congregational Church ("Little Stone Church") on Mackinac Island. In 1986, he moved to Winter Park, where he became active in community affairs and served as president of the University Club of Winter Park. He held honorary degrees from Olivet College and from Piedmont College.
His first marriage was to Carolyn Herron Britton, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Alice Schriver Britton and his daughters, Margaret (Penny) Kolloff of Bloomington, Illinois, Elizabeth Quick of Detroit, MI, Constance Britton of Wooster, Ohio, and two grandchildren, Amanda Quick and David Quick.
A memorial service was held at the University Club of Winter Park on Sunday, November 18. The family requests that friends wishing to do so may make gifts to the Educational Assistance Fund of the University Club of Winter Park, or the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
He was everything that a Congregationalist should be. He made me proud to be a Congregationalist because of the example he presented to the world.
–The Rev. Dr. Mark Jensen
I remember his excellent writing and speaking skills and his willingness to offer advice to young clergy (of which I was at the time he was NACCC Executive Secretary). He came to us at the right time and served with distinction.
–Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Richard
We should always remember that this new generation would not have the Congregational Way to live in and preserve today were it not for the Erwin Brittons of old.
–Rev. Dr. John H. Alexander
Erwin was a man of integrity, decency, patience, and gentle humor. He respected the dignity of his office (NACCC Executive Secretary) but retained the common touch. An intellectual with a wide range of interests, he had the innate humility to put people at ease even in small talk.
–Rev. Dr. Ray Applequist
And how did Dr. Britton view the Congregational Way? The Rev. Dr. George Brown reminds us of what he said in the Silver Anniversary Yearbook in his Executive Secretary message:
"Our Congregational freedom is a hard-won, precious gift. It ought not to include freedom to ignore the fellowship and if it does, we need to inquire as to where we have failed.
"My continuing hope and prayer is that what we are doing may be worthy not only of the approbation of men, but, more important, of the blessings of God."
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