Rev. Robert S. Harris

Rev. Robert S. Harris, 91, passed from this world into the gentle hands of Jesus on June 7, 2023. Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great great-grandfather was born in the year 1932 in Wade, Maine to Mabel and Fred Harris (predeceased). He married Vivian L. Hamill (predeceased) and they have four surviving children, Sharon Durand of Hayes, VA, David Harris (Ama) of Shrewsbury, PA, Paul Harris (Beth) of Yorktown, VA and Timothy Harris (Rita) of Berkeley Springs, WV. He has 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. We were all privileged to have him in our lives.

He has a beloved sister, Gaynel Tilley, who resides in Presque Isle, Maine. He is predeceased by his other brothers and sisters Kenneth Harris, Avis Nickerson, Carlton Harris, Cleo Minard, Lois Burden, Fred “Ted” Harris, Lona Parker, Merle Harris, Ruth Seward and Anna Maynard.

Robert became an accomplished pianist and musician at a young age and played for churches and ensembles. Initially he studied accounting but felt that God had called him to attend Bible School. He switched colleges and attended Zion Bible Institute in Providence, RI. Upon graduating, he married his beloved Vivian the next day.

Their first pastorate was in Charleston, WV. Robert supplemented his income by working as a tailor and worked for the local funeral home, playing the piano or organ, providing special music, and conducting the funeral. The church in Charleston thrived and he was also in charge of the district youth and camp meetings.

Lansdale, PA was the next pastorate. The church rapidly grew and moved due to its expansion. While there, he had a radio ministry. He also worked with the Assemblies of God Campground in Green Lane and served in many capacities at that facility. After nine years, they made another move.

The superintendent of the PennDel District contacted him and asked if he would visit a church in Western Pennsylvania, and upon preaching, the church voted him in and the family moved to Altoona, PA. During his time there, he helped build a new church. He continued his radio ministry while in Altoona and also served as a Presbyter for that area. He taught at a college in western Pennsylvania during his time there. He pastored the Pleasant Valley Assembly of God Church for 13 years.

In 1980, the door opened to go to Shrewsbury, PA and he embarked along with the congregation to build a new sanctuary. He ministered within that church for 33 years. He served as Presbyter during this time and was active with the ministerial group within the community. The church in Shrewsbury was a source of joy in his life. His ministry overall spanned 58 years.

He traveled to Africa several times to work with missionaries, and he stated upon his return, “if he had life to do over again, he would be a minister and doctor, as the spiritual and physical needs of people are so great”. When you mention the name of our beloved Father, the word “JOY” comes to mind. He was always filled with laughter and songs. His life affected so many people and many entered into ministry because of their interaction with him. Just recently, a missionary said to him, “Bob, I have preached a sermon that I got from you in 127 countries”. As a Father, he reflected the attributes of God to his children, and we are so fortunate to have him as part of our hearts and lives. We are also thankful to our precious sister-in-law, Ama Harris, who has taken such loving care of him over the past years.

As a family, we refer to the story of King David when he was so distraught over his dying son. Upon his son’s death, David states, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me”. The hope and one of the basics of Christianity lies within these words.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shrewsbury Assembly of God, Shrewsbury, PA or Grace Church Shrewsbury, New Freedom, PA. A viewing will be held at the Shrewsbury Assembly of God, 234 N. Main Street, Shrewsbury, PA on Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, June 16, 2023 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. followed by his celebratory service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow.