Jan Knost

Jan Knost

Jan’s work as a Unitarian minister took him to 8 cities in 6 states and to 16 foreign countries, but when he was looking for a place to retire, he chose Charlestown. Although Jan moved to Charlestown 16 years ago, he is not fully retired. He serves as Chaplain to the Masonic Lodge of St. Andrew in Boston, fills temporary vacancies as minister in Unitarian congregations throughout Rhode Island and neighboring states, presides at weddings and other important life events, and is a published writer. He will never stop working. Jan is not a newcomer to politics or activism. From the March for Social Justice in Selma, AL, to his work with Serbian women, and even to his work getting a road repaired, Jan is a man who gets involved and works for what he believes is right. Jan is also a man of words, with four published books of poetry and prose, many articles, and countless sermons. Jan consistently treats others with respect, even-handedness, and civility, regardless of differing opinions.

Jan V. Knost

Jan was elected to the Planning Commission in 2012 where he demonstrated calm temperament and integrity. He is fair, clear, organized, informed, and inclusive. Jan has the ability to chair complex meetings, the skills to assure the debate is open, and a broad knowledge of the major underlying issues.

Jan’s work as a Unitarian minister took him to 8 cities in 6 states and to 16 foreign countries, but when he was looking for a place to retire, he chose Charlestown. Although Jan moved to Charlestown 16 years ago, he is not fully retired. He serves as Chaplain to the Masonic Lodge of St. Andrew in Boston, fills temporary vacancies as minister in Unitarian congregations throughout Rhode Island and neighboring states, presides at weddings and other important life events, and is a published writer. He will never stop working. Jan is not a newcomer to politics or activism. From the March for Social Justice in Selma, AL, to his work with Serbian women, and even to his work getting a road repaired, Jan is a man who gets involved and works for what he believes is right. Jan is also a man of words, with four published books of poetry and prose, many articles, and countless sermons. Jan consistently treats others with respect, even-handedness, and civility, regardless of differing opinions.

Education

  • Post-graduate studies, Boston University, Boston, MA, and Brown University, Providence, RI
  • Master of Divinity, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY
  • Certificate of Study, Manchester College, Oxford University, Oxford, England
  • BS in Psychology, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY

Professional Experience

  • Former, Interim Minister, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, Peace Dale, RI
  • Minister to Unitarian congregations in Providence, RI; North Attleboro, MA; Dedham, MA; Summit, NJ; San Antonio, TX; and Houston, TX
  • Interim consulting ministries in Clearwater, FL; Santa Fe, NM; and Norwell, MA
  • Elected Trustee, Unitarian Continental Board of Trustees, Massachusetts Bay District, representing 67 congregations
  • Member, Ministerial Fellowship Committee, which credentialed all incoming ministers to the Unitarian denomination
  • Served on the denominational Continental Program Committee to raise its funds.
  • Minister to two “Partner Unitarian Churches” in Transylvania, Romania, including two visits to assist

Public Service

  • Member, Charlestown Charter Revision Committee (2008 – 2010 & 2018)
  • Member, Charlestown Planning Commission (2012-2014)
  • Chaplain, Masonic Lodge of St. Andrew, Boston, MA
  • Member, Regulatory Commission, RI Department of Environmental Management
  • Co-leader, Buckeye Brook Road Improvement Group
  • Co-founder, Music Serving the Elderly, Boston, MA
  • Co-founder, Houston Foundation for Contemporary Theology
  • Member, Industrial Areas Foundation, training and working in San Antonio, TX, to assist the poor
  • Board Member, Rotary Club of San Antonio & Houston, TX
  • Chairman of Public Relations, Houston Planned Parenthood, Houston, TX
  • Mayor’s Advisory Committee, supporting Serbian women
  • Participant, March for Social Justice, Selma, AL, 1967

Personal

Jan and his wife Lorna have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. When Jan is not working, he spends time fishing, gardening, golfing, writing prose and poetry, and music. He is the author of four books of poetry and various published articles and sermons in professional journals, including:.

  • The Invisible Sun (poetry)
  • Trilogy of sermons in verse (“Thanksgiving Saga”, “Canto to Christmas”, “Easter’s Epic Testament”)
  • Word Cairns, a collection of Jan’s writings published in 2015 and available via Amazon
  • Vertical Thoughts and Horizontal Comments (poetry and prose)