Thursday, March 28, 2024

Charles D.H. Barton, 89

WILMINGTON — Charles D.H. Barton was born at home in Wellington, New South Wales, Australia, to Denis and Mary (née Wilson) Barton, who were graziers on a 6500-acre sheep station 200 miles northwest of Sydney. He was the third of four children. Charles left the rural life behind at the age of 14 and entered the Royal Australian Naval College, first entering as a young student, then officially joining the Australian Navy serving at sea during the Korean War, and eventually leaving as an officer (qualifying as a “Surveyor 1st Class”). Following his military career, at the age of 27 he entered seminary training at Moore College in Sydney receiving his graduate degree in theological studies and officially began ministry at Holy Trinity Church in Adelaide, Australia, in 1964. He remained there for four years until he felt led to seek further training in the U.S. in the area of Pastoral Counseling. 

By this point he was married to Margaret (née Buchan) and they had two sons. The four of them left the shores of their homeland in January 1968, relocating to the Boston area, entering a graduate program in the Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care. He was awarded a master’s degree followed by further studies which eventually led to completion of a PhD from Boston University Graduate School. During this lengthy season of academic pursuits, he served local Episcopal churches in Arlington, MA, and Groveland, MA. It was in Groveland that the majority of his pastoral career would take place. Two more sons joined the family on American soil, and it was there they raised their family. Reverend Barton remained the rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Groveland until 2002 when he retired from that position and he and Margaret relocated to Wilmington, NC. Though officially retired, Charles quickly found opportunities locally to serve both in churches in various staff positions as well as community efforts such as a children’s home, day of prayer, and pro-life advocacy, often alongside other clergy with whom he enjoyed many congenial friendships over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret, a sister Judith Heath, a brother John Barton, (preceded in death by a brother Michael); his four sons, Andrew (Sandy) of Wilmington, NC, John (Marlene) of Cincinnati, OH, Peter (Laura) of Boise, ID,  and Adam (Amanda) of McBain, MI; 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church at 4pm.  (Located at 800 Piner Road, Wilmington, NC).

Related Articles