The role of Conference Chancellor is to serve as an advisor to the Resident Bishop and Cabinet. Louise Hutchison has served tirelessly as our Interim Chancellor for years following Robert Knupp’s retirement, offering excellent counsel whenever called upon. As of October 1, attorney Hutchison’s season as Interim Chancellor came to a close and we thank her for all she has done for the Susquehanna Conference.
After a time of transition, it is now my joy to announce that The Honorable Ray Hamill, an active member of our Central Honesdale United Methodist Church has agreed to serve as the Interim Chancellor for the Susquehanna Conference. Judge Hamill officially began serving on Monday, November 12, 2018.
Judge Hamill has served both The Church and The Court with distinction, integrity, and with a willing Christian spirit. He was elected four times as a delegate to General Conference from the Wyoming Conference and one time as alternate delegate. Two of the four times, Ray chaired the delegation. He has also served on the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee, eight years on the Connectional Table and ten years as the Conference Lay Leader for the Wyoming Annual Conference.
Ray and his wife Donna are very active in their home church, Central Honesdale. In 2016 both Ray and his wife received the Harry Denman Evangelism Award. Ray has taught Disciple Bible study and has served on most committees in his local church including SPPRC, Chair of Ad Council and the Church Visioning Team.
Ray’s law practice was in Wayne County PA. In 1984 he was elected District Attorney of Wayne County and served in that capacity until 1991. In 2007 Ray was elected Common Pleas Court President Judge and served in that capacity until 2017. Ray is currently serving as Senior Judge and he is semi-retired. Ray’s passion and compassion is shown in his work with convicted persons who are addicted. He has developed ground breaking work with persons with addictions and the way convicted persons receive treatment.
Ray has been married to Donna for 38 years. They are the parents of two children, James and Meredith. James and his wife Melody are the parents of Ray and Donna’s grandchildren Cagney and Prudence.
I give thanks to God that Ray has said yes to work with the Susquehanna Conference in this capacity. Ray brings enormous legal skill, a passion for the Church and a love for our denomination. Ray brings resourcefulness, legal expertise and compassion to his role particularly as we face General Conference 2019 and beyond. Indeed, God has provided our conference with a chancellor for just such a time as this!
As we welcome Judge Hamill to this special ministry with our conference, I would like to ask that you lift Ray, his wife, Donna, our conference and our beloved denomination up in prayer.
In Christ’s ministry with you,
Jeremiah J. Park
