The Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Lamar, HR has passed away at the age of 96. He served as a pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany for 35 years before retiring and was a member of Albany Presbytery for 60 years.
Locally, Bob served as a leader in both ecumenical and interfaith circles, and was instrumental in the formation of the FOCUS Churches. During the turbulent 1960’s he played a major role in spearheading church involvement in inner-city ministry including opening interracial dialogue with many of the African American pastors and congregations, as well as ecumenical dialogue with the Roman Catholic community. In retirement Bob became the part-time Executive of the Capital Area Council of Churches and in that capacity continued to be a leading voice in all things ecumenical and interfaith. He served in many roles in Albany Presbytery, including moderator. Throughout his life in ministry, Bob was an excellent preacher and community activist and served as an officer and board member for many organizations.
Within the PC(USA), Bob was elected moderator of the 186th General Assembly (GA) of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. in 1974, and was co-chair of the Joint Committee on Presbyterian Reunion from 1969-1983, when the Southern and Northern Branches of the Presbyterian Churches were reunited.
“I was Moderator of Albany Presbytery the year we nominated the Rev. Bob Lamar to be Moderator, 186th General Assembly. We spent quite a bit of time working with him, asking questions so he could practice answering any questions the GA Commissioners might put to him. He was a fabulous GA Moderator,” Rev. Peggy Howland, HR, Hudson River Presbytery.
“Bob and I were fellow Pastors for almost seventeen years. He was at one end of State Street and I was at the other. Bob was a faithful presbyter, an ecumenical champion, a caring Pastor, a loyal friend. I remember Bob loved to sing. He not only preached the sermon, he sang in the choir. Music was in his heart, mind and soul. Bob loved children. Together we worked in an Inner City program for children and he would get on his knees to be with, cheer, and care for God’s children. Beyond “well done, good, and faithful servant,” Rev. Al Newman, HR – previous pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church and member, Albany Presbytery.
He received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from both Tarkio College and Centre College, as well as a doctor of humane letters from Siena College.
Calling hours:
Thursday, January 24, 2019
4:00 – 7:00 pm
Tebbutt and Frederick Memorial Home
633 Central Ave., Albany, NY
Funeral:
Friday, January 25, 2019
11:00 am
First Presbyterian Church of Albany
362 State St., Albany, NY
Officiating: The Rev. Dr. Glenn Leupold and the Rev. Dr. Miriam Lawrence Leupold
You can read more about the Rev. Dr. Robert Lamar in these areas:
- Rev. Robert C. Lamar, ecumenical and Presbyterian leader, dies: Times Union, January 11, 2019
- Rev. Dr. Robert Lamar Obituary: Times Union
- Rev. Dr. Robert Lamar Memorial prepared by the Rev. James Miller, HR for Albany Presbytery meeting, January, 26, 2019
- Rev. Dr. Robert Lamar Memorial prepared by the Rev. Earl S. Johnson, Jr
- PC(USA) – Moderator of the 186th General Assembly passes away
