NAHANT — Jesmond Nursing Home was proud to celebrate the birthday of resident the Rev. Bill Simpson, who officially turned 100 on Friday.
Born in Maryland in 1924, Simpson was raised on a farm where he spent his childhood. He first came to Boston to attend Boston University, where he received a P.H.D. in Theology. Following his education, Simpson enlisted in the army, serving his country for two years.
Simpson also celebrated the milestone with his wife, Margaret (Peg), who have been married for 40 years.
“It’s so exciting being here with Bill and Peg,” said longtime friend and neighbor Andrea Dupuis. “We’ve been friends for years. He’s one of these people where you never hear anyone say anything bad about him, and that’s rare.”
“[Bill] is the kind of guy that would help any of his friends,” said David Roy, who treasures a long friendship with Simpson. “Whether it was money, food, clothes, Bill would be the guy to give you the shirt off his back.”
After returning home, Simpson became a pastor for Bethany United Church of Christ in Lynn, where he served his community for more than 40 years. Aside from his duties as pastor, Simpson also assisted the Lynn Police Department as their Chaplin, where he acted as a support system for law-enforcement during times of crisis.
Simpson has a lengthy history volunteering. He dedicated his time and efforts to the First Church in Swampscott Congressional, as well as catholic charities such as My Brother’s Table, a service that provides meals to people in need. He was also a longtime member of the Lynn Rotary Club.
Among those in attendance for Simpson’s birthday party was Massachusetts State Rep. Brendan Crighton. To honor Simpson’s legacy and lengthy contribution to the community, Crighton presented a citation on behalf of the Massachusetts Senate in recognition of his birthday.
“I’ve known Reverend Simpson for many years, it’s an honor to celebrate his birthday with him,” Crighton said. “He’s been a vital part of the community, always offering words of wisdom, and he’s an incredibly selfless and community-oriented individual.”
