By Gretchen Goodine
On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Church of the New Jerusalem in Bath, Maine, held an Installation Ceremony for Rev. Alison Lane-Olsen. Alison began preaching at the church as an interim minister beginning in October of 2024. While the congregation endeavored to search for a permanent minister, the desire to find a replacement began to wane. We didn’t want to lose our Rev. Alison! The overall feeling of the congregation was one of healing, renewal, and replenishment. Our cups were running over. Discussions were had, meetings were held, and the overwhelming opinion was that we approach Alison to see if she might be open to the idea of a permanent residency. Divine Providence continued to shine upon us, and she agreed to apply. We held a rather lengthy interview to allay any doubts about the authenticity of this gift. There was no doubt: Rev. Alison was our clear choice. We have been grateful and blessed for the past year to have her as our full-time minister.
Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence performed the Installation Ceremony. First, he shared with the children that speaking with God was just like making a call, which he then proceeded to demonstrate. This was very impactful, even for adults. He spoke about experiences he had with Alison at seminary, and on the tennis court. He talked about ministers being shepherds to their congregational flock and then moved right into his main message, “An Interpretation of the Swedenborgian Spiritual Sense of Psalm 23,” including a list of fourteen key correspondences within the psalm. The six members of the executive board came forward and laid hands upon Alison while she received the Rite of Installation. It was a moving and powerful experience for all. The final hymn, “She Walked in the Summer,” selected by Alison, was the perfect ending not only for the service, but also for our final service before going on our annual summer hiatus.
Guests included Rev. Alison’s family, former congregants from the Fryeburg New Church, and three first-time attendees. All were invited to stay for a luncheon given in Alison’s honor. There was a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sweets. Balloons and flowers in purple and white decorated the entrance and the sanctuary. A sparkling cider toast was given, and Alison was presented with a framed church silhouette showing a map of Bath with a heart at the location of the church. It included the date of the installation and a quote used by Alison at the beginning of all her services, “This is the day the Lord has made. This is the day love has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Amen to that.
Read the full September 2026 issue.
Meet Gretchen Goodine
Gretchen is a lifelong member of the Bath New Jerusalem church and sixth-generation Swedenborgian. She is currently serving as the church secretary, and will be assuming the role of president this fall.
