My husband and I built our retirement home in Rangeley because it is the most beautiful place on earth. With its tranquillity, wildlife, artistic scenery and townspeople, Rangeley is the closest anyone can call God’s country.

After having a pastor who disliked the area with its cold and snowy winters and the miles involved in traveling between Stratton and Rangeley, Father Harris was a welcome sight. Even with all the psychological luggage he carried, there were members of our parish who stood by him and welcomed him.

Father Harris brought life to the parish. With his music, singing, laughter, sermons and gently ways, he became the cornerstone of our parish.

He was always open to suggestions and changes. Like the time I invited him to coffee at the Gingerbread House in order to discuss the Christmas decorating crew. It wasn’t hard to convince him that the wonderful volunteers who decorate the churches, year after year, are getting older and they are not quite as steady on a ladder anymore. He agreed that we should lower the decorations.

I am not alone when I say that Father Harris is sorely missed, and we will welcome him back with the same open hearts and minds as we have done in the past. I feel that if anything, Father Harris has taught me that the act of forgiving, taught by Jesus Christ Himself from the cross, is the most unselfish and loving act a human being can perform.

Sandra A. Dumont, Rangeley