Our First Chaplain

By Shannon Finley

On August 21, 1978, Reverend R. Donald Clare of Orange City was appointed as the first chaplain of John Knox Village of Central Florida.

The Reverend Clare moved to Orange City in 1974. For a year and a half prior to joining John Knox Village, Reverend Clare was the interim pastor of Pilgrim Community Church in Orange City.

He was a graduate of Gettysburg Lutheran College and Seminary, and received his bachelor's degree from Union Seminary, New York City. Reverend Clair served churches in New Jersey, Maryland, and Maine. His first pastorate was at the Gatun Union Church, Panama Canal Zone.

Chaplain Clare made his first appearance in his role as chaplain at the newly inaugurated Vesper service held on Sunday, July 16, 1978. As a vital member of the John Knox Village staff, besides coordinating the Vesper services, Chaplain Clare worked with the Residents’ Advisory Committee on Religious Activities to arrange for Bible study hours and mid-week services, and made home and hospital visits as well as personal counseling.