VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 03/18/08) - The Rev. Dr. Glenn H. Asquith Sr. died February 29 in Dover, Tenn. He was 103. An American Baptist pastor, editor and noted authority on church life, Dr. Asquith authored 14 books, including "Church Officers at Work," published by Judson Press.
He was a graduate of Eastern Baptist College and earned his Doctor of Divinity degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ordained in American Baptist Churches USA, Dr. Asquith pastored American Baptist churches in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Dr. Asquith was named pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church in Haddonfield, N.J., where, as interim pastor at age 86, he helped lead the church through an arduous building and renovation project. He retired from pastoral ministry in 1970.
Recalling his father's ministry, Dr. Glenn H. Asquith Jr. said, "I remember him as a builder and convener of people. Everywhere he went he united people and focused [them] on a common purpose. He was also an evangelist. Two weeks before his death, he was evangelizing the staff and residents at the nursing home [where he lived] because he said that he wanted as many of his friends as possible in heaven with him."
During his many years of service to the denomination, Dr. Asquith served as executive minister of both the American Baptist Churches of New York State and the Philadelphia Baptist Association. Also, he oversaw development of a new Sunday school curriculum as editor-in-chief with the American Baptist Board of Education and Publication, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., from which he retired in 1967. Today this board's work of discipleship, education and publishing is carried on by National Ministries.
Dr. Asquith is remembered by many as having "lived a long, fruitful earthly life, untiringly to the glory of God."
He is survived by his wife, Helen; two daughters, Nancy Asquith and Helen Lawrence; a son, Dr. Glenn H. Asquith Jr.; and four grandchildren.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Pleasant Hill F.W.B. Church Building Fund, 800 Blue Creek Lane, Dover, TN 37058.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/