PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, celebrated the ministries of their longtime pastor, the Rev. Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood, and music director, Susan Grove-Markwood, at events held Sept. 8 and 9. The couple is relocating to Bangor as Robert Grove-Markwood has been appointed president of Bangor Theological Seminary (BTS) after serving as its interim president from July 2011 to June 2012.
On Sept. 8, friends and family greeted the Grove-Markwoods at the UMPI campus center. Following dinner and remarks, the church’s moderator, Kim-Anne Perkins, presented the couple with a painting entitled “The Teacher Returns” by local artist and friend, Raphael Gribetz. During the evening, Presque Isle Rotary Club representatives presented Paul Harris fellows to both Bob and Susan. The Rev. Dr. Ansley Coe Throckmorton, former BTS president and friend, preached at the Sept. 9 worship service, which included two infant baptisms and a special service of closure.
Robert Grove-Markwood started his ministry at the Presque Isle church in September 1987 and was called as the settled pastor of the church on April 1, 1988. His tenure at the church is the longest in the church’s 147-year history. In addition to his local and wider church responsibilities with the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ and Aroostook Association of the United Church of Christ, Grove-Markwood has been very involved in the Presque Isle community.
A former Mark and Emily Turner Library Trustee, he was also the coach of the UMPI women’s soccer team from 1992 to 1997.
His 24-year membership in the Presque Isle Rotary Club included leadership of two of the club auction’s special projects, co-chairing the club’s auction for two years, serving as the club’s president, and chairing its world community service committee.
He also chaired Rotary District 7810’s world community service committee, which included representing the district on two trips to South Africa. Grove-Markwood has been recognized as a Paul Harris fellow on two occasions.
Susan Grove-Markwood served as the church’s music director from September 1988 to September 2012. While in Presque Isle, she enjoyed a 22-year career in banking and was one of the original employees of First Citizens Bank.
She also worked at the University of Maine at Presque Isle from September 2010 to May 2011. Her community involvement included the TAMC Health Group board, Aroostook Partners in the Arts, the Presque Isle Rotary Club, the UMPI Board of Visitors, and Wintergreen Arts Center board of directors.
The Presque Isle Congregational Church, UCC, located at 27 Church Street, was founded in Presque Isle in 1865.
