AUBURN – Lawrence W. Hathorne, 92, of Auburn, died Monday, April 16 at Clover Manor after a brief illness.

He was born in Auburn, February 17, 1915, the son of Oliver S. and Ethel L. (Hodgman) Hathorne. On November 24, 1944 he married Jean F. Corey who survives.

He was educated in Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High

School in 1933. He then attended the Auburn Maine School of Commerce. For 35 years he worked for the United Shoe Machinery Corp. in Auburn in the Order, Machinery and Sales departments. For six years he worked for the American Shoe Machinery Corp. of Massachusetts serving as sales representative for the State of Maine.

He received his Layman’s Preaching License from the Methodist Conference and was pastor of the Long Island Methodist Church in Casco Bay for seven years, the Minot Corner and Mechanic Falls Methodist Churches for 22 years, and the Sixth Street Congregational Church in Auburn for 25 years, while serving the West Minot Union Church for 21 years. He joined the Auburn United Methodist Church, formerly the High Street Methodist Church, on January 21, 1932 making him a 75-year member.

During his lifetime, he officiated at 1604 weddings and over 3000 funerals. His favorite hobby was visiting and being with people.

His local activities included serving as Past President of the Washburn School PTA, Past Noble Grand of Abou Ben Adhem Lodge of the Odd Fellows, Past Chairman of the local branch of the American Red Cross, Past Secretary of the Auburn Exchange Club, Past Secretary of Boy Scout Troop 106, and as a corporator of the Auburn Public Library. He was also Past Secretary of the Lewiston-Auburn Clergy Association.

His Masonic activities including serving as Past Secretary of Tranquil Lodge #29, AF and AM, Past Secretary of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Past Assistant Director of the Greeters of Kora Temple Shrine, and Past Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Maine. He was also a member of the Maine Council of Deliberation.

On September 29, 1992 he was coronated a Sovereign Grand Inspector’s General 33-degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Federation of the United States of America. Coupled with that honor, in 1984 he served as Imperial Chaplain of the Shrine and preached from the Old North Church in Boston, the proudest achievement of his adult life.

Survivors include his wife, Jean, of Auburn; three children, James C. Hathorne (Susan) of Lyman, ME, Nancy Hathorne Walker (Peter) of Ft. Morgan, CO, and William L Hathorne of Prairie Village, KS; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.