The Rev. Dr. John David Schule died March 12, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He was 89.

Reverend Schule had served as pastor of the Federated Church from 1978 through 1998. He was an integral part of the Island community, helping to bring Hospice to the Island, establishing an interdenominational youth group that made numerous off-Island outings, bringing together year-round and seasonal parishoners, and growing church membership.

He continued to serve as pastor emeritus as needed and performed weddings and memorial services until failing health forced him to stop his calling. He was devoted to serving the Island residents during his 44 years in Edgartown.

He was a longtime board president of the Union Chapel. He brought many diverse ministers, teachers, political leaders and dignitaries to the Island to preach.

Later in life, he was called to build a small chapel near the meadow at his longtime home. As far as is known, it was the only consecrated private chapel on the Island. He held many services there for family and friends, and Christmastime gatherings for the church choir. The chapel is now open to the public at Featherstone Center for the Arts.

He is survived by his wife, Elyse Kraf;, daughters Katrina Daigle, Heidi Schule-Lewis and Elizabeth Schule; sons Hans Schule and Patrick Schule; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also leaves his sister, Barbara Howland, and two brothers, Robert and Donald. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene Schule.

Because of Covid, his memorial service was delayed until Sunday, Sept. 12. It will be held at the Federated Church in Edgartown at 1 p.m. The service will be limited by invitation to friends and family.

A celebration of his life will be held on the Mayhew Parsonage lawn at 75 South Water street at 2 p.m.. The public is invited to share memories and stories. Everyone is urged to be vaccinated and adhere to mask and social distancing guidelines for unvaccinated or at-risk individuals.

Donations can be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.