The Reverend Eckart Horn

PORTLAND - The Reverend Eckart Horn, 49, Vicar of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church of Scarborough, died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, November 17, 2010, following a heart attack. He was born in Rotenburg on the Fulda River in Germany, a son of Gerhard Friedrich Horn and Friedhilde Katharina Orth. He earned his B.A. in Protestant Theology from the Kirchliche Hochschule in Wuppertal in 1985, and his Master in Logotherapy in 1989.

While studying Logotherapy in Hamburg, Germany, he met his future wife, Mary Mitchell (Molly) Flagg. She was on a one year exchange program from Smith College. They had two years of numerous transatlantic trips until he decided Maine would be a very fine place to call home. He immigrated on July 3, 1990, just in time to celebrate his first Independence Day. They were married July 29, 1990 at the First Parish Church in Portland.

He worked at various jobs in his adopted home, as he improved his comfort with the English language. He joked that his former English teachers would be astounded at their formerly undistinguished student. After some time, he resumed his studies, earning a Master of Divinity and a Master in Theology from Bangor Theological Seminary and become an active member at the church introduced to him by his grandmother-in-law, Mary Flagg. That church was St. Luke's Cathedral where he was ordained into the Transitional Diaconate on St. Columba Day in June of 2007 and as an Episcopal Priest on December 15, 2007. Rev. Horn celebrated his first service on Christmas Eve in 2007 and was named Vicar of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church of Scarborough in January 2008.

He loved his adopted state of Maine. His pioneering spirit was evident as he faced huge changes and challenges of residency, nationality, and language. He loved walking on the beach, no matter the season. He loved sitting in the screened in porch, either deep in conversation with a friend, or enjoying some moments of peace, precious indeed, in a busy family life! He was active in many community organizations, serving as president of the board of the First Radio Parish Church, working with Hospice of Maine, and Maine Medical Center's CPE program.

It was at St. Nicholas Church in Scarborough that he truly felt his calling, with the church and the people who meant so much to him. He felt so much excitement as the church came together and began to forge a new path for their future.

Rev. Horn is survived by his wife, Molly, and their four children, Mira, Jessie, Theo and Phoebe Horn, all of Portland; his parents, Gerhard Friedrich Horn and Friedhilde Horn of Germany; three sisters, Cornelia Bischoff of Germany, Annette Stroehla and her husband Gerhard of Germany and Hiltrud Horn of Switzerland; a brother, Dietrich Horn and his wife Kornelia of Germany and his broader, beloved family.

The Burial Office and Celebration of the Holy Eucharist was held on Saturday, November 27, at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 143 State Street in Portland. The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane, Bishop of Maine, officiated.

Those desiring to do so may make donations in his memory to The Center for Grieving Children.

Arrangements are being respectfully handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 172 State Street, Portland. On-line condolences may be sent to www.ctcrawford.com.