Roland was born on February 20, 1935 to Nathaniel and Ruth (Vincent) Batchelder in Piermont,
New Hampshire. Roland graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, Vermont, then served
his country for two years during the Korean War stationed in Germany. He earned a bachelor's
degree in Education at Boston University where he met Barbara Lancaster, the love of his life.
They married September 10, 1960, went on to have five children, and worked as a team for their
entire life together.
He was a Red Cross Director in Water Safety and First Aid, and was proud to have also
trained USMA West Point cadets in that capacity. After working in education for a few years,
Roland felt the call to serve God in the ministry. He obtained a Master's of Divinity at Gordon
Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. Upon graduation the family moved to Wilton,
Maine where, with the constant support of his wife, he established Calvary Hill Baptist Church
and Christian School. He dedicated his life to serving his Lord, church and family, and was
known as "Pastor" to many hundreds over his 34 years in the ministry. He had a special place in
his heart for the folks in Wilton and the surrounding areas.
After his retirement in 2004, Pastor Roland and Barbara spent several years in Summerfield,
Florida before moving to The Pines in Whiting, NJ where he was deeply loved by staff and
residents. He participated in many activities there, and particularly enjoyed beating his friends at
bocce ball, and teasing others in the exercise classes.
In his younger years he was an Allstate Allstar football player and a golden glove boxer. He was
an AA competitive swimmer. He was a beekeeper for many years starting at an early age. He
shared his beautiful singing throughout his life in many choruses, churches, and was honored to
have been a soloist on one occasion at the West Point Chapel while his son was a cadet.
He was known as a man of honor, for his integrity, distinctive voice, beautiful singing, infectious
laugh, and mischievous twinkle in his eye. But most of all, he was known for his heart for God
and unwavering faith which he consistently shared with everyone he encountered.
Roland was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert, and sisters Madeleine, Marian, and
Joyce. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara, and by his children, Rebecca (Joel) Chandler,
Roland Batchelder Jr, Charles(Julie) Batchelder, Barbie (Peter) Dow, John (Jennifer) Batchelder,
and Brendon (Kristin) Batchelder who was loved as a son, 20 grandchildren, and 4
great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Whiting Bible Church on Monday, May 24, 2021 at
10:00 until the time of service at 12:00. The service will be live streamed from the church on
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wbcnj/ Burial will follow at Brigadier General William C.
Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightsville, New Jersey.
The Batchelder family would like to extend their gratitude to Holisticare Hospice services, to
Julie Batchelder for her invaluable assistance, and to the many others who cared for him. His
heart, strength, wisdom, and love will be desperately missed. But we know he is breathing
freely, singing Glory to God, and will meet us "just inside the Eastern Gate over there."
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