In Memory of Dr. Harold T. Commons
Dr. Harold T. Commons, the first full-time president of ABWE, peacefully entered the presence of His Lord Jesus on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at 101 years of age. Dr. Commons was once the pastor of First Baptist Church in Johnson City, New York, and he also served as president of Baptist Bible Seminary then located in Johnson City. His relationship with ABWE began in 1931 when he attended the board meetings by special invitation. God raised up Dr. Commons in a crucial period of the mission’s history, while it was still called the Association of Baptists for Evangelism in the Orient, and he became president of the mission in 1935. He guided ABEO through many difficult years, including the Great Depression and World War II. When Dr. Commons assumed the office of president, ABEO was ministering in only one country (the Philippines) with 18 missionaries. As he championed the cause of missions among churches across America, the scope and vision expanded beyond the Philippines, thus causing the Board to change its name to the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism. In 1971 when he retired, ABWE was ministering in 11 countries with over 300 missionaries. God blessed his able leadership over a period of 36 years. Dr. Commons once wrote, “The Lord brought us through many trials, both internal and external, and proved His faithfulness many times over.”
Dad and Mother together led me to Christ when I was a boy. Dad’s godly influence shaped my life. He was always the same person—in the pulpit, in the ABWE president’s office, and at home. I never knew a kinder, humbler, more genuine person. He consistently loved God, his family, ABWE, and people from all countries and walks of life. His caring and character continue to impact us all. —Dr. Bill Commons, on behalf of the family
Dr. Commons assumed his role of leadership during a time of religious apostasy and controversy. He therefore took a very firm stand on the Word of God and pursued doctrinal integrity with passion, grace, and love. He was considered by the world of missionaries as a man of God and a gentle servant.
—Dr. Wendell Kempton, President Emeritus, ABWE
Dr. Harold Commons was very generous in his encouragement to me as a much younger man who succeeded his role in ministry. He was like a spiritual great-grandfather to our entire mission family. We all loved him and we will miss him very much.
—Dr. Michael Loftis, President, ABWE
Dr Harold Commons was a gentleman among gentlemen, who handled difficult and awkward situations adroitly. Over the years he demonstrated a sincere and personal interest in the challenges and problems of missionaries probably far more than they ever knew. —William M. Pierson, Vice-President, ABWE
Read a biography of Dr. Commons.
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