John J. MacCormack

Rev. John MacCormack, age 79, of Sanford, died March 15, 2015. He was born in Sanford, Maine on February 21, 1935, to Pearl MacCormack Cimino. After graduating from Sanford High School in 1954, he went into the military and was a signalman in the Korean Conflict 1954-1958. In 1961 he workd at Jagger Mills in Springvale. From 1970 to1974 he worked as a shipper-receiver for Universal Shoe Corporation.Rev. MacCormack entered the Stevens School of the Bible in 1975-1978. After graduation he pastored a church in Torrington, Conn. In 1979 he was asked to go to a church in Brockton, Mass., to be the business manager and associate pastor. He was ordained in 1980. While in Brockton he became the director of an extension school. He was overseer for eight satellite study groups in the area surrounding Brockton.Rev. MacCormack earned an Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies. He studied Christian Doctrine and New Testament Word Studies. He would study six to eight hours daily. He placed doctrine in categories to get the full meaning of the doctrines he was studying.In 1982 Rev. MacCormack returned to Maine to recuperate after spinal surgery. He decided he would study at the University of Maine extension school in Sanford. He took courses in psychology both at the university and the seminary. In 1988 Rev. MacCormack was asked to run for the Maine State House of Representatives. He was invited, among 129 other candidates from across the country, to meet with President Reagan's cabinet members to discuss political affairs. He was also invited to Gov. McKernan's birthday party, and took the opportunity to discuss affordable housing with the governor.Also, in 1988 Rev. MacCormack was host of "York County Forum", a public service program, for ten weeks on local access TV. He financed the program out of his own pocket. He would call the governor's office and request that the governor send someone to discuss issues like the "Prison Bond Issue". Both Republicans and Democrats were invited to appear on "York County Forum".Rev. MacCormack's family tree goes back to the time of William the Conqueror, in 1066 A.D. He was of English and French nobility, a descendant of the Most Ancient Family of Oughtibridge. The name "Oughtibridge"descends from one of the Anglos-Saxon lords who owned the manor called "Oughtibridge", which is still there, six miles outside of Sheffield, England. He was a descendant of French nobility through his great-grandfather William Oughtibridge of eight generations ago who married Sarah De La Pryme, September 1696, sister of the Rev. Abraham De LaPryme, the diarist. Also, Rev. MacCormack was a descendant of Sir Thomas Ughltred whose name appears among the early Knights Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. Sir Thomas was at the Siege of Calais in 1935-1348. Rev. MacCormack often spoke of his rich heritage.He was predeceased by a brother, Malcolm Lee MacCormack and survived by his brothers David L. and Richard M. MacCormack. Rev. MacCormack was a member of the Bible Speaks Church. There will be a graveside service in the spring at Oakdale Cemetry in Sanford.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave an expression of sympathy click tab at left.