The Reverend Voigt Day Archer passed away on Dec. 1, 2020. He was predeceased by his father, Voigt Day Archer, Sr., his mother, Erma Bahler Archer, and his sister Patricia Trescott (Gene). He is survived by his wife of 65 years Beverly Nason Archer, children Stephen Day Archer and Amy Elizabeth Caccia (Randall), and grandchildren Jessica Guy (Kevin), Amanda Archer, Emma Caccia and Anna Caccia.
Voigt was born in Rochester, N.Y., in 1933. He graduated from East Rochester High School in 1951 and Syracuse University in 1955. He attended Boston University School of Theology where he received his Master of Divinity.
He was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1959 and began his ministry in Clockville, N.Y. Other pastorates included Ithaca (State Street), Homer, Skaneateles, Elmira (Centenary), Sodus, and Syracuse (Bellevue Heights). He retired from full time ministry in 1999 but was called back into service several times as an interim pastor. His final ministry was as associate pastor at Baldwinsville First UMC from 2004 to 2014.
In addition to a local parish, Voigt held several Central New York Conference positions including chairman of the Board of Pensions and Coordinator of the Ordination Service. For over 30 years he served alongside Rev. Warren Covell as co-director of older elementary camps at Casowasco.
Voigt remained concerned about social justice throughout his life. He felt fortunate to have participated in the 1963 March on Washington as well as the 1970 Churchman’s tour of Eastern Europe and the USSR during communist rule.
The principle Voigt lived by was, “Goodness is something so simple – always to live for others, never to seek one’s own advantage.” [Dag Hammarskjold] Those who knew him remember his humility, wisdom and kindness.
A service of life celebration will be held at a later date. Gifts in memory may be made to Casowasco c/o Upper NY Conference of the United Methodist Church, Baldwinsville First UMC or any other church Voigt served.
