Reverend Harold James Harter passed away peacefully at age 95 on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Elite Elder Care in Newport News, Virginia.

Pastor Harold “Hal” Harter was born in Hicksville, New York in 1928 to Hedwig and Neclessen Harter. Hal had been active in the church since his youth. Throughout his life he was steadfastly devoted in his love of God, love of his family and his love of music, which added much joy to his life.

As a youth, Harold was a drummer in his High School band, sang in church choirs and played piano. In college, as a member of the renowned St Olaf’s Choir, he traveled on a twenty-six-day tour with the group, including a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. He was also a member of the Hamma choir.

After graduating from Hicksville High School in 1946, he went on to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota where he majored in History and graduated in 1951. Then he attended Seminary at Hamma Divinity School in Springfield, Ohio and graduated in 1954. He was ordained to the Lutheran Ministry at Johnson City, New York in June 1954.

His faith led him to several states in the Northeast: Beginning ministerial duties as assistant pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Rochester, NY (1954-1957). He served as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Canajoharie NY (1957-1962), the Lutheran Church of Concord, West Greece suburban Rochester, NY (1962-1966), then Christ the King Church, Windsor, CT (1966-1970). He served as pastor for two churches: Christ Rupp Lutheran Church in Kittanning, PA and Emmanuel Heilman Lutheran Church, Ford City, PA (1970-1974). He was called north to minister at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Manchester, NH (1974-1987).

Hal met his wife Gloria at a Church Convention in 1957 where she was a Youth Group Leader. After a whirlwind romance, they were married on October 12, 1957, and Canajoharie became their first home. Hal loved to reminisce about their courtship and the wonderful times they spent together during their 63 years of marriage.

Reverend Harter and wife Gloria returned to life on the East coast with their Evangelical ministry at Reformation Lutheran Church, Newport News, VA (1988-1995) and Grace Lutheran Church, Courtland, VA (1996-2005). Pastor Harter retired in 2006 but continued to practice his faith within the community.

Hal shared his lifelong love of music, especially playing the piano with great enthusiasm, and always found a Baby Grand piano to play wherever he lived. After a stroke in 2014, he became an inspiration to others when, after re-learning how to play the piano, he would return to the rehabilitation center and play impromptu concerts and sing-alongs as encouragement and fun.

As owner of Elite Elder Care, Toni Sturdevant says, “What an honor and privilege it has been for me and my staff to care for Reverend Hal in the last season of his life. Never in my life have I met a more positive person. He taught by example, what seeing the world through the lens of “the glass is half full” really looks like. “Wonderful” he would say!

“Often in the wee hours of the morning Hal was seen and heard to be praying in the spirit. I personally rested better each night knowing that Hal ‘had my back’ in the spiritual realm. I can truly say Hal gave us more than we could ever give him.”

“Remember … in the end … we win! We are God’s dearly loved children.” –Hal Harter, 1928-2023

His final days were spent worshiping at World Outreach Worship Center (WOW), where he shared his love of divine readings with his faith community.

Hal is survived by his son Donald Roy Harter; his daughter Susan Lynne Bennett (Karry); his daughter Sandra Grimsley (Ian); and his beloved grandsons Joshua Montour and Keith Harter. He was pre- deceased by his wife, Gloria Zellman Harter, his brother Reverend Robert Harter and two sisters, Irma Harter and Juanita Hart.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to World Outreach Worship (WOW) Center, 1233 Shields Road, Newport News, VA 23608. A Memorial Service at the World Outreach Worship Center is planned for Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 5:45 pm in the main Sanctuary and streamed online.

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