One hundred years ago this month, Boys Life magazine, March 1915, reported that scout J. Stanley Light of Boston had completed the rank of Eagle Scout. This was regarded as a remarkable achievement, since Scout Light had been deaf from a very young age. Despite his disability, he did well in school, and in 1911 became a member of Troop 1, Boston. After earning the rank of First Class, he transferred to Troop 36, which was closer to his home. He was elected patrol leader and became an Eagle Scout on January 19, 1915, having earned the following merit badges: Chemistry, Civics, Personal Health, Public Health, Swimming, Forestry, Camping, Cooking, Pathfinding, Pioneering, Athletics, Handicraft, Business, Firemanship, Scholarship, Astronomy, Craftsmanship, First Aid, Art, Electricity, Masonry, and Life Saving.

Rev. J. Stanley Light, 1963. Photo, New England Homes for the Deaf

Boys’ Life reported that Mr. Light was then attending Galludet College in Washington.  He went on to become ordained in the Episcopal church.  In 1963, he was the founding pastor of St. Andrews Mission for the Deaf, Brookline, Mass., which later became St. Andrews Episcopal Church of the Deaf. Sadly, he died two days after the dedication of the new mission.