Reverend Ernest G. Batten, 87, of Sommerville, former resident of Holliston passed away Wed. April 17, 2024.  Born in Marshfield, VT, he was the son of the late Lewis and Alma (Orton) Batten.  He was the loving husband of the late Elsie (Peck) Batten who died in 2020.  Ernie attended Boston University, Philadelphia College of Bible, and Houghton College, where he met his wife.

Marrying Elsie Peck in 1961, they served in Germany as missionaries until 1964. After time in New Jersey and Maine, they settled in Holliston, MA, where Rev. Batten served as associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Holliston for many years.  After retiring from First Baptist Church in Holliston, he worked with Metro West Medical Center as a hospice chaplain before retiring to Sommerville.

For many years, while living in Maine and Massachusetts, he played the organ at Boston's Tremont Temple for John Debrine's, "Youthtime" teen outreach ministry, and was a regular guest and musical contributor on John's radio program, "Songtime".

Rev. Batten is survived by two children, Lynn Batten of Woonsocket, RI, and David Batten of Holliston, MA, three grandchildren, Ashley, Jay, and Tyler, one sister, Barbara Batten and one brother, Albert Batten, both of Colorodo Springs, CO, as well as many treasured nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday April 27th at 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, 40 High St. Holliston followed by A Life Celebration luncheon in Pastor Batten Hall at First Baptist Church.

Visiting hours will be held Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ernie's name to One For Israel, 2405 Mustang Dr, Grapevine, Texas 76051