Reverend Aiden C Ward

Aiden Cleophas Ward was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on June 19, 1924 to the late Reverend Gordon and Fredrica (Lynch) Ward. He was the fourth of seven children born of this union. He was educated in the Cambridge Public School System and graduated from Rindge Technical School. In 1943, Aiden was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in World War II until 1946, stationed here in the States as well as in Naples and Rome, Italy.

Prior to going into the Army, Aiden worked for the Liggett Rexall Drugs in Boston, MA. When he returned home, he was reemployed at Liggett’s, where he worked for 37 years before retiring in 1979.

Aiden gave his life to the Lord at an early age and became a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church (APC) in Cambridge, MA, where Bishop Conrad Dottin was the founder and Pastor. After returning from the war, he became a Sunday School teacher at APC, where he was able to share his wartime experiences with the young people. Aiden also served the church in the Youth Department, on the Deacon Board, and as Director of the Vacation Bible School. It was at APC that he met his bride, Gwendolyn Parris. They were married on October 16, 1954, and from this union raised three children: Jacqueline, Sharon, and Lawrence. 

On March 8, 1964, Aiden was ordained as a minister. Reverend Ward answered the call to shepherd the people of APC and became the Pastor in June of 1966. Under his leadership, the church grew and met the needs of people both spiritually and naturally. During his tenure, Rev. Ward had a vision to remodel the church to better meet the needs of the people. He was well known in the community and had a heart to reach families. In 1994, Rev. Ward retired from pastoring after 28 years of service, and proudly passed the leadership baton to his son, Bishop Lawrence A. Ward. Bishop Larry continues to lead as Senior Pastor.

Reverend Aiden Ward not only served in the local church, but also in many other organizations. He was the First Vice President of both the United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God Inc. (UPCAG) and the New England District of UPCAG. He often traveled abroad to Barbados and Trinidad as a liaison for the UPCAG. He served with the Cambridge Black Pastors Conference and was a Chaplain for the A.J. Spears Funeral Home of Cambridge.
Aiden loved people and loved to travel around the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Israel. In his 80’s he had a desire to learn to play the piano and became a piano student in the Abundant Life Music Instruction (ALMI) music program. He was an avid Red Sox fan and attended many games, including the ring ceremonies.

Pastor Ward was not only a minister but was a father figure to many, and was often referred to as “Dad”, “Grandpa”, “Pops”, “Pastor E”, “Rev”, “Uncle”, or “Cousin A”.

On June 9, 2019, Reverend Ward took his Savior’s hand and went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 49 years, Gwendolyn L. Ward; and his siblings: Clara, Allan, Rev. Clayton, Sr., Ella, and William Ward, Sr.

Aiden Cleophas Ward leaves to cherish his memory his devoted children: Jacqueline Cooper, Sharon Ward, Bishop Lawrence Ward; son-in-law, Nathan Cooper; daughter-in-law, Rev. Dr. Virginia Ward; adoring grandchildren: Carl Cooper, Marissa Cooper, Paul Ward (Chalyse), Mark Ward; great-grandchildren: Daeja Cooper, Cassidy Cooper Stanley, Cody Crosby; beloved sister, Winifred Sisco; sisters-in-law: Phebe Ward, Elaine Parris (Darnley) Brown, Francia Parris; brother-in-law, Ervin (Jane) Parris; and godson, Kevin Greene. Rev. Ward also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends.

He fought a good fight; he finished his course; he kept the faith!

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