The Reverend Jacob A. Longacre

A life well-lived is a precious gift of hope and strength and grace from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. The Reverend Jacob A. Longacre, 85, of Battlecreek Road, Athens, Pennsylvania went home to be with his Lord, on Monday evening, April 18, 2011. Jacob was born on February 4, 1926 in Reading, Pennsylvania a son of the late Rev. David Longacre (who served at St. John's Church in Boyertown) and Clara (Andrews) Longacre. He was a graduate of Boyertown High School. Following high school, Jacob enlisted into the US Army and proudly served his country in Europe with the 1257 and 138 Engineer Combat Battalion. Jacob graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Haverford College. He continued his studies and graduated from the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg and Temple School of Theology where he received his Masters. Upon graduation from seminary he was called to Lancaster where he and Marguerite served the Lord for five years. (1952-1957) In 1957, they were called to serve St. Stephen's Church in Bethlehem, where they served the remainder of his ministry, until his retirement in 1987. In 2001, Jacob and Marguerite moved to Windham Township, to be near family and enjoy retirement. Dedicated to serving his Lord, Reverend Jacob would serve as a substitute at the St. John Lutheran Church in Sayre. He enjoyed reading, traveling, photography and being surrounded by those he loved. Reverend Jacob is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Marguerite Longacre; their children: Suzanne Perry Bachman; Greta (Bob) Larkin; Barbara (Jeff) Wiseman; Helene Longacre (Andrew) Price; Jacob (Elizabeth) Longacre; Mark Longacre; twenty grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; a great great grandson; a brother and sister-in-law: David and Chloe Longacre; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Donald and May Leister; sister-in-law Pauline Kline; several nieces, nephews and their families survive along with a host of many friends he made over the years. He was predeceased by his parents; sons-in-law: Scott Bachman and Thomas Price; and a grandson Steven James Wiseman. Funeral and a celebration of Pastor Jacob's life will be held on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 1 pm at the St. John Lutheran Church, 207 South Hopkins Street., Sayre, Pennsylvania with The Rev. Richard Mowry, officiating. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held at the church from 11 am until the time of the service. Memories and condolences for Pastor Jacob's family may also be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Friends who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to St. John Lutheran Church, 207 South Hopkins Street, Sayre, Pennsylvania 18840 in loving memory of The Reverend Jacob A. Longacre. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley Family of the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols.