The Rev. Frank Hare of Amesville was among those honored recently at the sixth annual Jenco Awards in Athens.
The awards go to residents of the Appalachian corridor of West Virginia and Ohio who are instrumental in improving the quality of life for those living in the area.
Hare was recognized with the Inspired Community Service Award for his local and international ministries, advocating for the poor in the area and service work.
Catherine Hare received the award in 2005. Both were nominated by a member of the Amesville / New England Parish.
The Father Martin Lawrence Jenco Foundation was established in 2001 by Athens resident Terry Anderson, Associated Press correspondent, to honor the priest who was imprisoned with him in Lebanon for 19 months until 1991.
A second Presbyterian honored this year is retired India Medical Mission worker Dr. Ronald Seaton who with his wife continues to provide medical service in the Hinton WV area.
Frank Hare began his Athens County ministry in 1967, serving The Athens Area Ministry of congregations at New England, Amesville, Doanville and Alexander.
He has been minister of the Amesville-NewEngland Cooperative Parish since 1981 while serving with the Coalition for Appalachian Ministry. He has also served as Mayor of Amesville since 1992.
Hare and his family took this ministry to Nicaragua beginning in 2002 helping low-income families improve their food supplies and nutrition levels through agricultural training.
Son Mark Hare continues as a MIssion Worker for the PCUSA now in Haiti. The Hare family is known in the Presbytery for their work with Geneva Hills Camp and in particular with specialty camping experiences.
(Sources: Some portions from Athens Messenger Oct. 8, 2007 : Frank Hare, phone)
See also: Amesville / New England Parish celebrates 20 years.
On Sunday, October 7, the Amesville Presbyterian Church held a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the formation of the Amesville/New England Cooperative Parish in Athens County.