Ryegate, VT – On a stunning Vermont summers day, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the esteemed Rev. Dr. Melvin G. Bridge passed from this life to the next. He was born on January 27, 1938, in Providence, RI to Mildred (Sweeney) and George Bridge. He began his education at Central High School, graduating in June 1956, and went on to complete his initial training at The Salvation Army Officer's Training College in June 1958. Guided by a commitment to lifelong learning, he earned an Associate of Science in Business from CCRI in June 1988, studied at Wesley Theological School in June 1992, and completed a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Rhode Island College in January 1994. He pursued advanced academic work at the Andover/Newton Theological School of Yale University, earning a master’s in biblical studies in May 2002, followed by a Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity Theological School in Deerfield, Illinois, in 2002. His studies culminated at Newburg Theological School in Newburg, Indiana, where he completed doctoral studies to earn a PhD in Church History in 2020 and a Doctor of Theology in 2020. Melvin also expanded his intellectual horizons through summer studies at Drew Theological School, Gordon/Conwell Theological School, Mansfield College at Oxford University in England, and St. Mary's Theological School at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

Melvin dedicated many years of his life to military service, pastoral ministry, and industry. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Band, worked as a Civilian Chaplain to the Boston Naval Shipyard, and served as a Colonel and 5th Battalion Chaplain in the Vermont State Guard. In his corporate career, he spent 14 years with the Bostitch Division of Textron in the Material Control Department and 22 years in the Materials Department at General Dynamics Electric Boat Division. As a local pastor with the United Methodist Church and a founding member of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, Melvin ministered to communities across several states. He served Salvation Army Corps congregations in Homestead, Erie, and Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, as well as North Adams, Worcester, Hyde Park, Milford, and East Boston, Massachusetts. His pastoral service with United Methodist Churches included Cranston Street in Providence, Rhode Island; Centreville in West Warwick, Rhode Island; Grace in Westerly, Rhode Island; Wesley in Waterbury, Vermont; Miller Memorial in Bethel, Vermont; and congregations in West Burke and Walden, Vermont.

Throughout his life, Melvin remained active in fraternal and civic communities. Having attained the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, he was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. His extensive Masonic affiliations included Greylock Lodge AF&AM (North Adams, MA), Franklin Chapter (Franklin, MA), Milford Council (Milford, MA), St. John's Commandery (Boston, MA), King Solomon's AF&AM (East Greenwich, RI), Valley of Providence Consistory, Aleppo Temple Shriners (Boston), and Swords of Bunker Hill (Warwick, RI). Additionally, he was involved with the Biblical Archaeological Society, the Rhode Island Swedish Heritage Association, the Society of Ailbe, and served as Chaplain for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Anchored by a deep faith, Melvin held a special appreciation for Scripture, particularly Joshua 1:9, Joshua 24:14–15, and the Book of Job. He drew theological inspiration from scholars such as Frederick Buechner, Rudolph Bultmann, Reinhold Niebuhr, Jurgen Moltmann, Thomas Odin, Millard Erickson, Gregg Allison, and Wayne Gruden. In his personal time, he enjoyed reading works by Allistair Maclean, Clyde Kussler, and Tom Clancy. He held a deep love for music, cherishing hymns such as "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Hymn Tue, Hyfrydol)," and "Halsa Dem Darhemma," alongside classical compositions including Rimsky-Korsakov's "Russian Easter Overture," Rachmaninoff's "Symphony No. 2" and "Piano Concerto No. 2," and the works of Gustav Mahler, especially the "Resurrection Symphony."

Melvin was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marcia (Kollbeck) Bridge on October 10, 2024, his son, Daniel F. Bridge, his parents, George and Mildred Bridge, his sister Gail Graichen, and a son-in-law, Ronald Whited.

His memory will be cherished by his children, George W. Bridge, John W. Bridge and his wife Ahna, Catherine J. Whited, and Traci L. Rye and her husband Jason, and also by six grandchildren, two great grandchildren (with one more on the way).

There will be a calling hour on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the North Haverhill United Methodist Church, 2900 Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill, NH, from 2 – 3 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3 PM. Melvin will be laid to rest next to Marcia in the All Saints Cemetery in Warwick, RI, on Friday, July 31, 2026.