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Boyd Johnson Jr.

Rev. Boyd M. Johnson Jr., a beloved minister who devoted more than 65 years of his life to serving congregations across the world, passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2024, at the age of 93. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Boyd was born on Feb. 15, 1931, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He grew up in Metuchen, New Jersey, and attended First Presbyterian Church in Metuchen, where he was instructed and inspired by the Rev. Dr. Adolph Behrenberg. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Dartmouth College in 1953, he went on to obtain his Master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Master’s of Sacred Theology from Temple University. He was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in 1956. Boyd ultimately joined the United Church of Christ, one of the most diverse Christian denominations in the United States, founded to promote social reform, peace, human rights, ecumenism, and church autonomy.

During his more than 65 years of ministry, Boyd selflessly served congregations in Broomall, Pennsylvania; Paris, France; Woodbridge, New Jersey; Waban, Massachusetts; St. Petersburg, Florida; Woodbridge, and Madison. He was known for his welcoming and inclusive approach to ministry, his compassionate and caring counsel to congregants, and his unwavering commitment to social justice and advocacy for the underserved. Throughout his career, he was supported, sustained, and surrounded by the love of his wife, Barbara, his soulmate, best friend, and partner in all he did well.

Boyd’s kindness, openness, and youthful sense of humor inspired everyone he met. He was a mentor to young ministers and had a unique ability to connect across generations of clergy, including through his vigorous participation in a decades-long tennis game with three of his best friends and fellow ministers, John, Tod, and Scott.

Boyd is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 63 years; his three children, Katie, Tim, and Boyd; and his seven grandchildren who adored their “Poppy.” He always said that his and Barbara’s greatest achievement was their wonderful children and grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Boyd’s life and legacy will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the First Congregational Church of Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials please be made in Boyd’s honor to the First Congregational Church of Madison, Connecticut Memorial Fund or to the First Church of Christ of Woodbridge, Connecticut Memorial Fund. Arrangements are with the Hawley Lincoln Memorial, Guilford.

Boyd’s life was a life well lived. One friend recently remarked that he even hugged you with his words. His life was a gift to all of us.