By Karenlyn Barone
"He was revered by so many people," said Rev. Christine Bohr, the current pastor of the parish. "He was a top-notch, excellent pastor."
A true son of the congregation, Arnold was baptized, confirmed and married at St. John's Church. A graduate of Lynbrook High School, Arnold earned a degree from Wagner College in Staten Island and went on to study at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. He entered the ministry as an ordained reverend in 1947.
Married to his wife, Geraldine, since 1946, Arnold served in churches in New Jersey and Texas, before settling into parish life at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmond Hills, Queens, where he ministered for the next 23 years.
In 1975, Arnold returned home to Lynbrook and St. John's, this time as church pastor. "He came at a time when the parish really needed him," said Bohr. "He pulled everyone together and reminded them of their purpose to serve God and this community."
One of Arnold's proudest moments came in 1970, when New York City Mayor John Lindsay appointed him a police department chaplain. Arnold also served as chaplain for the Lynbrook Village Police and Fire Departments and with such fraternal organizations as the Nassau Police Chiefs and Shields. He retired to Southampton in 1986, but was often active as pastor emeritus.
"This is an honor not given to every parting pastor," said Bohr. "He maintained all his rights and privileges and even officiated at his grandson's wedding this year."
In addition to his wife, Arnold is also survived by his two daughters, Charleen Mann of Westbury and Claire of Bayside, his brother Earl of Baldwin, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
