REV. GERALD SWETNAM

Perham Baptist Pastor Accepts Call To Topsham

PERHAM, Jan. 17 [1956] -- The Rev. Gerald W. Swetnam resigned the pastorate of the Perham Baptist Church of Perham Sunday to accept a unanimous call as pastor of the United Baptist Church at Topsham beginning February 19.

Son of the Rev. and Mrs. John A. Swetnam of East Machias. Mr. Swetnam came to Perham from Brockton, Mass., in May 1952. He is a graduate of Gordon College of Theology and Missions, Boston and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, Pa., holding degrees of bachelor of Arts and bachelor of divinity.

He has served as vice moderator and in other capacities for the Perham Baptist association; is a member of the department of Christian education of the United Baptist Convention of Maine; is president of the Washburn Ministerial association; and has served four years as director of the dining hall at the Mapleton camp of the Baptist School of Christian Training.

During Mr. Swetnam's ministry of the Perham church, many improvements have been made, including renovation of the building and erection of additional Sunday School space. A new organ was purchased and a sound system installed in the belfry. Membership was increased.

Mr. Swetnam married the former Ina True of Pittsfield, a graduate of Gordon College with a bachelor of art's degree who has also taken music courses at the seminary. The couple has three children, John, 9, Joyce, 6, and Joan, 3.

Two brothers of Mr. Swetnam are ministers, the Rev. Hubert Swetnam of the First Baptist Church, North Uxbridge, Mass., and the Rev. Theodore Swetnam of Sanbornton, N. H.