Rev. Harvey J. Meppelink, 87, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at Dodge Park Rest Home in Worcester, MA. Funeral service was Thursday, Nov. 21, at Living Word Church, Worcester, MA, followed by a private burial.
He was born in Lynnville, the son of Henry E. and Wilhelmina Veldheuizen Meppelink and grew up in Lynnville.
Pastor Harvey's life was centered around his strong faith in God, family, and service to others. As a young man, he chose to study God’s Word by attending Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. He put himself through college while working and singing in a quartet. While at Bible school, F. Jean Hussey caught his eye, and she quickly became his “honey.” The couple shared 59 years of marriage. Their years together were full of starting new churches and years of ministry. During this time, Harvey and Jean participated in mission work abroad including Kenya and Mexico.
Pastor Harvey was ordained as a Minister with the Assemblies of God. He served as associate pastor, planted a church in Chelsea, MI, until he was appointed the first pastor to be supported by the National Office of the Assemblies of God to plant a church in New England - Norwalk, CT, to be exact. Church planting was Harvey’s passion. He taught a “boot camp” to train young pastors how to plant new churches. He later served as associate pastor at New Life Assembly of God in Leominster, retiring in 2010. Pastor Harvey also served on the New England Regional Board for Teen Challenge, to aid in the rehabilitation of drug- affected teens. In his later years he attended church with his daughters being involved in senior small groups. He was a gifted woodworker and was known for building his trademark pulpits for each new church he helped to establish.
Pastor Harvey was predeceased by his wife, F. Jean Meppelink in 2012; and his son, David J Meppelink in 2014.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Denise K. (Donald) Larson of Summerville, SC, Deborah Kerr of Westborough, and Pamela Meppelink of Arlington, MA; his grandchildren: Melissa, Rebecca, Virginia, Deborah, Craig, Curt, Carissa, Amanda, and Douglas; 20 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and his sister, Joyce (Charles) James of Sully.
