Big role change has priest leaving small town for Louisiana prison

The Rev. Joshua Davis with his wife, Margaret and their children, Paul, 4 and Grace, 11 months. Davis has been serving as minister of the First Congregational Church, and will soon be moving with his family to Louisana.">

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSBURG - Longtime First Congregational Church minister Rev. Joshua Davis will soon be leaving his small-town parish behind in exchange for the confines of a Louisiana prison, where he will assume the role of correctional chaplain.

In addition to the stress that comes with moving his family to a different part of the country, Davis is also facing a daunting transition from ministry in a small New England town to service behind the locked doors of a correctional facility in the deep south.

"I was born in Suffield, Conn., which is just south of Agawam and I have lived most of my life in either Massachusetts or Connecticut," said Davis. "So I'm sure there will be some culture shock, but my wife is from Bangladesh, so I think the warm weather and spicy food will be to our liking."

Davis, who has been the minister at the church since he was ordained five years ago, said his interest in pursuing a prison ministry came after learning of a preacher who had devoted his life to working with inmates.

"The interesting thing about prison ministry is that it enables the minister to put his learning into practice by giving inmates wisdom and praying with them," said Davis. "Like all ministries, the true joy comes after you have prayed and ministered with someone and you realize that you have learned so much about yourself."

God's grace in jail

In addition to conducting weekly services at the church and acting as chaplain to the local public safety departments, Davis has worked with inmates at the Hampshire Jail and House of Correction.

"I have ministered to a few young men in prison, and the peculiar thing is that I have always sensed God's grace within the confines of jail," said Davis. "It is a difficult day we live in, and it is so gratifying to be with people who have made some bad decisions along the way but are in need of God's help."

Although he said he is excited to start a new chapter of his life at U.S.P. Pollock in Pollock, La., Davis said the decision to leave the small town was a difficult one, particularly because he has such a great relationship with his parishioners.

"These past five years really have been a wonderful ride, and it wasn't without its turbulence," said Davis. "Both of my children have been born during my tenure in Williamsburg, and my family has made so many great memories here. It truly has been such a blessing to live with the people of this town."

After completing his final service at the church Sunday, a dinner was to be held in his honor, featuring a baked potato bar and presentation of a certificate recognizing his years of service to the community.

The church has yet to announce a full-time successor for Davis.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com.