achieve anything. (Arcana Coelestia 4197:7)
Following this interlude, the Rev. Eric Carswell used this passage as the
text for a sermon on “Good Things From a Harmony of Many.”
a place in history
The Rev. George Dole, a longtime minister in the Convention
Church, is a good friend to many
in the General Church, known
for his doctrinal scholarship,
his wise demeanor and his kind
presence. But he also had a role
in a momentous event – running
in the historic race 60 years ago
Roger Bannister is third from the left at the start of
when Roger Bannister broke the
this historic race. George Dole is the runner at the
four-minute mile. Following
far right. (Photo courtesy of The Messenger)
are excerpts from an article by
Jonathan Crowe in the May 2014 Messenger:
“The weather in Oxford, England, was less than ideal for a record-breaking
attempt. Fifteen-mile-per-hour winds, with gusts up to 20 miles per hour,
had 22-year-old George Dole wondering if the race at the Iffley Road Track
would be cancelled. But the man who was to create history on May 6 had been
training in high winds, and he was determined.
“Ten minutes before the gun went off, the flag on top of St. George’s tower
fell limp. George took the pole position at 6 p.m. and exactly three minutes and
59.4 seconds later Roger Bannister accomplished his goal of becoming the first
person to break the four-minute mile, a record that had previously seemed
unattainable. This incredible event is still celebrated 60 years later.
“While he did not win that day, the Rev. Dr. George F. Dole has led a
life of useful service as a pastor, an author, and Director of the Swedenborg
Foundation. He continues to win the hearts of his students, parishioners,
colleagues, countless friends and community members. George returns
to Fryeburg (Maine) every August to lecture at the Fryeburg New Church
Assembly on the banks of the Saco River. At 82 years old he continues to run
on Haleytown Road, and more recently on the new Rail Trail.”
Friends at the Fryeburg New Church Assembly plan to celebrate his
achievement with a special three-mile race August 9 on the Rail Trail, for
runners and walkers of all ages. Proceeds will support the Assembly, the
Fryeburg New Church and the Mountain Division Rail Trail.
The night before this memorial race, Mr. Dole will present a free talk in
the Assembly lecture hall about his 1954 race with Roger Bannister.
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