FRYEBURG — Fryeburg New Church Assembly is celebrating the Roger Bannister race of May 6, 1954, when he broke the 4-minute mile. Rev. Dr. George F. Dole, a member of the Fryeburg New Church Assembly, was in that race.

Dole, a young native of Fryeburg, was fortunate to be a part of the historic moment in 1954.

The weather in Oxford, England, was less than ideal for a record breaking attempt. Fifteen mile per hour winds with gusts up to 20 miles per hour had 22-year-old Dole wondering if the race at the Iffley Road track would be cancelled.

But the man who was to create history on May 6 had been training in high winds and he was determined. Ten minutes before the gun went off, the flag on top of St. George’s tower fell limp. Dole took the pole position at 6 p.m. and exactly 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds later, Roger Bannister accomplished his goal of becoming the first person to break the 4-minute mile, a record that had previously seemed unattainable. This incredible event is still celebrated 60 years later.

While he did not win that day, Dole has led a life of useful service as a pastor, a professor, an author and director of the Swedenborg Foundation. He continues to win the hearts of his students, parishioners, colleagues, countless friends and community members.

Dole returns to Fryeburg every August to lecture at the Fryeburg New Church Assembly on the banks of the Saco River. At 82 years old he continues to run on Haleytown Road and more recently on the new Rail Trail.

The inaugural Rev. Dr. George F. Dole Celebration 3 Mile Road Race is planned for Aug. 9, when his friends at the Fryeburg New Church Assembly will celebrate his achievements by hosting a three-mile race on the Rail Trail. The race will begin at 8 a.m. at the Visitors Center near the state line.

Registration and sponsorship information can be found at www.dole3miler.com. Proceeds will help to support the camp, the Fryeburg New Church and the Mountain Division Rail Trail. On Friday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m., Dole will present a free talk about the 1954 race with Roger Bannister at the lecture hall of the Fryeburg New Church Assembly. All are welcome.