James Gower facts for kids
Reverend James Gower (born August 17, 1922 – died December 17, 2012) was an American Roman Catholic priest and a peace activist. He is best known for helping to start the College of the Atlantic in Mount Desert Island, Maine. He co-founded this private college in 1969 with his friend, businessman Les Brewer.
Early Life and Becoming a Priest
James Gower was born in 1922 in Noank, Connecticut. He went to high school in Bar Harbor, Maine, and graduated in 1940. After high school, he attended the University of Notre Dame. During World War II, Gower joined the United States Navy. Later, in 1953, he became a Catholic priest.
Helping Others and Starting a College
Father Gower served as a Catholic chaplain at several colleges, including Bates College and the University of Maine. He also worked as a parish priest at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish in Waterville, Maine, for fifteen years. He served in many other towns in Maine before he retired from full-time parish work in 1992. Even after retiring, he continued to help out as a priest when needed.
Father Gower was also known as a peace activist. He was part of Pax Christi, which is an international Catholic group that works for peace.
In 1968, Father Gower and his old high school friend, Les Brewer, had an idea. They wanted to create a new college on Mount Desert Island. They thought a four-year college would help the island's economy, especially during the colder months when fewer tourists visited. So, in 1969, Gower and Brewer officially founded the College of the Atlantic.
Father Gower had a different name idea for the school at first, "Acadia Peace College," but it was not chosen. The College of the Atlantic opened its doors in 1972 with only 32 students. Today, it has about 300 students. This college is unique because it offers only one main area of study: human ecology. This field looks at how humans interact with their natural, social, and built environments. Father Gower played a big part in creating the school's courses and programs.
Later Years and Legacy
Father Gower passed away on December 17, 2012, at the age of 90, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Darron Collins, who was the President of the College of the Atlantic at the time, said that Father Gower was a "moral and inspirational beacon" for the college, especially during its difficult times. His vision helped create a unique and important college.
