From 1969 to 1990, the Rev. Jim Haddix served as the pastor for the Congregational Church of Temple.
This weekend, 32 years after his last service in Temple, he is returning to preach in Temple once again. Haddix, who now lives in Bangor, Maine, will be a guest minister at the church Sunday, June 5, to perform baptisms, followed by a service. Congregational Church of Temple Secretary Peter Allen said this service is highly anticipated in the community, and called it a “prominent and historically significant event.”
“Haddix is highly educated and very knowledgeable,” said Allen. “His services are extraordinary to see. We expect a full house.”
Before the church service, on Friday, June 3, Haddix is partnering with the Historical Society of Temple to host an educational meeting titled “Stars, Charts and Journals: Navigating Temple’s History Toward a Humane – Because Genuinely Social — Common Life.” The event will begin at 7 p.m.
During his 21 years living in Temple, Haddix served on multiple town committees and helped publish the book “Bicentennial Temple History.” In addition, Haddix often spent time in the ConVal School District to help educate students about the drug crisis in the 1970s.
“He was incredibly influential,” said Honey Hastings, president of the Historical Society of Temple. “His role was huge in the history of Temple. He was a major person in a small town.”
Haddix’s philanthropic efforts stretched beyond town affairs, schools and the church. He served as a member for the Souhegan Lions Club and the American Cancer Society, where he provided beds, wheelchairs and other necessities to cancer patients in the Monadnock Region.
“My involvement with cancer care has remained a constant for me,” said Haddix.
Haddix’s 21-year dedication to the Monadnock Region as a first-responder and a public servant resulted in his receiving the first Miller Grange Community Citizen Award.
“[It’s] an award I most treasure,” said Haddix.
After leaving Temple in 1990, Haddix moved to Bangor to continue his mission to serve the church and the community. In 2012, Haddix helped establish Sarah’s House, a nonprofit organization that provides free housing for cancer patients in northern Maine. It is the region’s only cancer hospitality house, and he is president of the organization.
“Sarah’s House changes lives. It is a privilege to serve as a volunteer with other volunteers to see the mission of this House embrace so many with hope and care,” said Haddix. “It is certainly one of the finest institutions with which I have been associated.”