BATAVIA, IL (January 14, 2011) – A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, January 29, for retired Evangelical Covenant Church minister E. Lincoln Pearson, 93, who died January 8.

The service will begin at 2 p.m. in the Ahlstrand Auditorium at The Holmstad, 700 West Fabyan Parkway in Batavia.

Pearson was born January 27, 1917, in Ashtabula, Ohio, where he grew up attending the Swedish Mission Church.

He received an associate’s degree at North Park College, a Bachelor of Arts from St. Anselm’s College, a master’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University, and graduated from North Park Theological Seminary.

Pearson married Dorothy Carlson on November 24, 1945. He served as a public school teacher in Loves Park, Illinois, for 21 years.

He served as pastor at churches in Manchester, New Hampshire; Rush City and Harris, Minnesota; Shenandoah, Iowa; and Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. He also served as visitation pastor at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford, Illinois, and assistant pastor at North Park Covenant Church in Rockford.

Pearson wrote 12 articles for The Covenant Companion and authored a book of essays, Beyond Church – The Gospel in American Life, published in 2004. He also translated several Swedish hymns, including “Great Hills May Tremble” (#416 in The Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook). He was known during his life for his musical abilities, his creative woodworking, and for visiting those in need.

Pearson was preceded in death by his wife. Survivors include two daughters, Melody Pearson and Jocelyn Garner, and two sons, Mark Pearson and Joel Pearson.

The family suggests memorials be directed to The Holmstad Benevolent Care Fund.