The Rev. Theodore "Ted" Poland passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, in Portland, Maine.

Born on March 4, 1942, in Claremont, New Hampshire, Ted graduated from Stevens High School in 1960 and earned his bachelor's degree from Keene Teachers College in 1964. He began his career as an educator, teaching for one year in Pembroke, New Hampshire, before answering a call to ministry. He attended the Boston School of Theology, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1981, and was ordained as a minister.

Throughout his ministry, Ted faithfully served congregations in North Anson, Old Orchard Beach, and Peaks Island, Maine, before retiring in 2003. Retirement marked not the end of his service, but a new chapter of faithful involvement at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Portland. There he sang in the choir, served on the Haiti Committee and the Flower Guild, and was a devoted lector during worship services.

Ted also served as chaplain to the Pine Community in Ocean Park, offering pastoral care through home and hospital visits and leading seasonal worship services for residents.

In 1992, Ted married the Rev. Sally Perkins, who shared his calling to ministry. Together they built a life centered on faith and service until Sally's passing in 2019.

Ted embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He was an avid reader, especially enjoying the works of Jane Austen, and was a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. He loved to travel and visited many countries throughout his life. Music was another of his passions, and he found great joy in singing with the church choir. Ted also volunteered for many years as a docent at the Portland Museum of Art and pursued lifelong learning through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), where he especially enjoyed courses on Middle Eastern history and contemporary issues.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Roosevelt Poland and Rosa Tenny Poland, and by his beloved wife, the Rev. Sally Perkins Poland.

He is survived by his sister, Ellen Barrows of Windsor, Vermont; his sister-in-law Dorothy Perkins of San Francisco, CA; his niece, Heather Morse and her husband, Tyler; and his three grandnephews, Dyllan, Clayton, and Benjamin, all of Windsor, Vermont.

A private burial was held in the Parish Memorial Garden at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Portland, Maine on Saturday June 13th, 2026.

Ted will be remembered for his gentle spirit, steadfast faith, love of learning, and lifelong commitment to serving others. His kindness, compassion, and quiet dedication touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.