The Rev. Daniel Kilmer Sullivan, 81, of Bear Creek, Pa., retired rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, died Sept. 3 of a staph infection at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, Conn., where he had been visiting relatives.
For 23 years, Father Sullivan served Good Samaritan parishioners, who affectionately called him “Father Dan.”
When he announced his retirement in 1995, colleagues described Father Sullivan to a reporter as a charismatic minister who transformed a struggling church into a vibrant parish.
One of the great heroes of this very difficult time in the Episcopal Church. Read it all–KSH.
Fr Dan brought countless persons to a living relationship with Jesus Christ and inspired many–including myself–to respond to a call to ordained ministry. He is one of the great priests of our age–we are diminished, but heaven is that much more full.
Also within the same week we sent Fr David Lord of Central Florida on to be with the Lord as well. Two men with wide ranging and blessed ministries. The guard is changing.
Dr. Harmon:
Thank you for posting this. Fr. and Dr. Sullivan’s youngest daughter, Andy, is one of my closest friends (we are both graduates of Eastern College, where Andy’s mom, Dr. Sullivan was an adjunct professor). Andy called me last week to let me know that Fr. Sullivan had fallen sick and was close to going home…and among the first things I thought of was a plaque he had given me when he retired (which he, himself, had received at his ordination in in 1956), entitled “You Are Christians.” It remains one of my most prized possessions. Andy, Dr. Sullivan, Louise and Mark, I’m sure, would be touched to know that his passing was mentioned on your blog.
Blessings –
JW-M
Dan Sullivan was one of the greats of North American Anglicanism. He was a visionary with a pastor’s heart, a self-effacing man who knew how to build and lead, and above all, a wise counselor. He was one of those individuals I knew but wish I had known far better. Several pieces of advice that he gave me many years ago have stuck with me and proved valuable and serviceable over the long haul. Along with the likes of the late David Lord, he was one of the godly towering redwoods of the Episcopal Church. We will not see his like again — and we are poorer for it.