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AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 1998

 American Baptist News Service Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
  (E-mail: RICHARD.SCHRAMM@ABC-USA.ORG)

UPDATE: September 4, 1998

WILLIAM COBER, NATIONAL AND REGIONAL AMERICAN BAPTIST 
LEADER, DIES
 Word has been received of the death Aug. 23 of Dr. 
William K. Cober, who served as executive director of 
American Baptist National Ministries from 1977 to 1989.
Prior to joining National Ministries Cober served 
five years as executive minister of the Kansas Baptist 
Convention, and from 1989 to 1992 he served as 
executive minister for American Baptist Churches of 
Metro Chicago.
 During Cober’s tenure with National Ministries the 
Board of National Ministries adopted a mission 
statement to guide American Baptist mission in the U.S. 
and Puerto Rico into the 21st century.  “Encouraging 
Life in Christ” reaffirms the founding goals of The 
American Baptist Home Mission Societies to ministry 
through persons, faith communities and social systems.
 Among many denominational and ecumenical 
activities, Cober was a member of the Presidential 
Panel of the National Council of Churches in Christ in 
the U.S.A.
 Earlier in his career Cober served as pastor of 
three churches: First Baptist Church, Westfield, N.J.  
(1960-72), Memorial Baptist Church, Dayton, Ohio (1950-
60) and Blackstone Federated Church, Blackstone, Mass. 
(1947-50).
 Cober held a bachelor of arts degree from Colgate 
University with honors in sociology and a bachelor of 
divinity degree in theological education from Andover 
Newton Theological School.  In 1975 he received an 
honorary doctor of divinity degree from Ottawa 
University.
 Reflecting on Cober’s commitment to the whole 
mission of American Baptist Churches USA, National 
Ministries Executive Director Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins 
III said, “Bill Cober was a leader who never stopped 
listening, caring and guiding.  He directed the 
denominational emphasis on Grow By Caring, which 
continues to be evidenced in the renewal of local 
congregations across the U.S.  We will miss his 
presence among us.”
 Millie Myren, executive minister of the American 
Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago said, “The American 
Baptist family in Chicago will remember Bill for his 
visionary leadership, his sense of justice and his 
great integrity.  He led in difficult years and his 
wise counsel and great friendship will be deeply 
missed.”
 American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary 
Daniel E. Weiss, in assessing his career of service to 
American Baptist Churches, noted that Cober “fulfilled 
his calling in so many ways: as a student, as a pastor, 
as a regional executive minister and as a national 
secretary.  Our denomination has benefited richly 
because of Bill’s faithful response to God’s call.”
 Cober is survived by his wife, Edith, and their two 
sons.  Condolences may be sent to the family at 163 
Cedarwood Court, Palatine, IL  60067-2702.  Memorial 
gifts may be sent to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 
410 S. Hager, Barrington, IL 60010 or The Community 
Church, 407 Grove Ave., Barrington, IL  60010.

BARBARIN APPOINTED M&M ASSISTANT TREASURER
 Louis Barbarin, treasurer of the American Baptist 
Churches Board of Educational Ministries, has been 
appointed assistant treasurer of The Ministers and 
Missionaries Benefit Board (M&M).  The Rev. Sumner 
Grant, M&M executive director, announced the 
appointment, which will be effective Oct. 1. 
 Barbarin will be nominated for the elected position 
of treasurer at the meeting of M&M’s Board of Managers 
Nov. 17-18, 1998.
 Barbarin has served in his present position with 
Educational Ministries since 1992.  While continuing to 
serve as treasurer, he was appointed deputy executive 
director of Educational Ministries in 1994.
 Dr. Jean Kim, executive director of Educational 
Ministries, said that Barbarin has made significant 
contributions to the support of the ongoing ministries 
of that organization.  “Louis has enabled staff and 
Board members to focus on possibilities rather than 
limitations.  He has been the central person in our 
acquisition and use of current computer hardware and 
software.  His work on the Board of the American 
Baptist Foundation and the AB Computer Center has been 
invaluable.  We will miss Louis’s competence, his 
collegial spirit, his commitment to ministry, and his 
laugh.  We wish him God’s blessings as he moves on to 
serve another part of the ABC family.”  
 A certified public accountant, Barbarin has served 
as acting vice president for finance and administration 
and controller of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania; 
senior accountant at KPMG Peat Marwick, Philadelphia, 
Pa.; and accounts payable specialist for International 
Business Machines, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.  He holds a 
bachelor of science degree in accounting from 
Pennsylvania State University.
 In commenting on Barbarin’s appointment Grant said, 
“Louis Barbarin is eminently qualified to serve as M&M 
treasurer.  His financial expertise coupled with his 
ABC experience make him an ideal choice.  He will be a 
great asset to our Board of Managers, M&M members and 
staff.” 

AMERICAN BAPTIST-RELATED SCHOOLS RANKED 
IN U.S. NEWS ANNUAL SURVEY
 Many of the colleges and universities related to 
American Baptist Churches USA through Educational 
Ministries have been ranked by U.S. News and World 
Report in its 1999 edition of "America's Best 
Colleges." 
 In the U.S. News report Kalamazoo College, 
Kalamazoo, Mich. (second tier), Franklin College, 
Franklin, Ind. (fourth tier), and William Jewell 
College, Liberty, Mo. (fourth tier) were rated among 
the best national liberal arts colleges in the country.  
Among best regional universities U.S. News again 
cited the University of Redlands, Redlands, Calif. (4), 
and Linfield College, McMinnville, Oreg. (6), in the 
West.
 Other American Baptist-related schools were ranked 
in the regional liberal arts institutions category: 
Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, W.Va. (top tier, 
South); Benedict College, Columbia, S.C. (second tier, 
South); Florida Memorial College, Miami, Fla. (third 
tier, South); Judson College, Elgin, Ill. (third tier, 
Midwest); Keuka College, Keuka Park, N.Y. (second tier, 
North); Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kans. (third tier, 
Midwest); Shaw University, Raleigh, N.C. (third tier, 
South); University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, S.D. 
(third tier, Midwest); Virginia Union University, 
Richmond, Va. (fourth tier, South).
 Eastern College, St. Davids, Pa. (second tier, 
North), was ranked among regional universities.   
 In assessing 1,400 four-year schools in the U.S. 
the magazine considered factors such as
selectivity, faculty resources, financial resources and 
graduation rate.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: MISSIONARY UPDATE 
 As social volatility continues in the war-torn 
Democratic Republic of the Congo, American Baptist 
International Ministries officials here reported Aug. 
25 that all International Ministries missionaries who 
had been evacuated from that country are now in their 
temporary locations.  
 The group that had been in the Republic of the 
Cameroon, including Nobantu Addis-Carter, Wendy 
Bernhard, Valli Howard and two of her children and Jill 
Lowery and her three children arrived in Durban, 
Republic of South Africa, Friday morning, Aug. 21.  
That group joined Rita Chapman and her three children 
and Ann Clemmer and her four children, who arrived in 
Durban Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20.  The Chapmans and 
Clemmers had been in Bangui, the capital of the Central 
African Republic.   All of them now are in an apartment 
complex in Durban.   Dan and CaSandra Cole, 
International Ministries missionaries based in Durban, 
are acting as hosts for the group.
 Tom Howard remains in Bangui, where he is 
coordinating Mission Aviation Fellowship operations.  
George Win has moved on to Lesotho, where his wife, 
Teddy, is a doctor in a hospital.  Mike Lowery flew to 
the United States to be with his brother, who is 
critically ill.
 Bill Clemmer still is in Vanga and Glen Chapman 
remains in Kikongo.  While Vanga is peaceful, Clemmer 
reported to the Mission Center via e-mail that the 
conflict is having an effect.  “There is a mixture of 
discouragement and anger [here],” he wrote.  “Already 
there is nothing to buy in local stores and prices for 
the few remaining goods or food products in the outside 
market are skyrocketing.  For instance, there is no 
salt in town.  Those who have been able to find some in 
Kikwit are selling it here for US$5 a small bag, or 
four times the average daily wage!  Even at that our 
own workers could find none this afternoon.”
 Clemmer continued: “We are able to operate the 
Vanga hospital due to reserves of fuel and medicine, 
but we know how hard this new crisis will hit other 
hospitals who function month-to-month with no reserves 
on hand.  I need to remind our staff that we are their 
fellow brothers in the Lord, in a word, partners and 
not overseers.  Partners can sometimes only share the 
burdens, no more, but certainly no less.  I know the 
Lord has placed us here and now for a purpose.  I may 
not be able to stem the tide or rebel warfare or affect 
the price of salt in Vanga, but if I can encourage our 
coworkers and continue to teach and work at the 
hospital, if we can stay open, yet another day, that 
will suffice.”  He added that the Baptist-related 
hospital in Sona Bata, in rebel-controlled territory, 
recently received a large shipment of medicine and 
supplies from Protestant Solidarity, which is sponsored 
by White Cross.  They are thankful for the support of 
American Baptists.
 Chapman reported that in Kikongo “The population is 
pleased that I am here….  I am well stocked with 
supplies, have plenty to do, and am among friends.  I 
am proud and honored to stand in solidarity with our 
Baptist brothers and sisters by representing American 
Baptist Churches in this part of the world that so 
desperately needs a touch of the Prince of Peace.”
 “This shows that war has an effect on everyone,” 
said Dr. John Sundquist, executive director of 
International Ministries.  “We must pray for our 
Congolese brothers and sisters, and for Bill and Glen.  
We also thank God for His deliverance of our other 
missionaries and their families to Durban.  They need 
our continued prayers as well, as they face separation 
from their loved ones and uncertainty about what they 
will be doing.”

MARGARET BOLLINGER, FORMER MISSIONARY TO JAPAN, DIES
 Margaret D. Bollinger, who with her husband, 
Edward, served as an American Baptist missionary in 
Japan for 34 years, died Aug. 30 at age 78 in 
Sacramento, Calif.
 The Bollingers were appointed for service in Japan 
in 1950 by the American Baptist Foreign Mission 
Society.  They first served in evangelistic work in 
Osaka, and then relocated to Okinawa in 1955.  Among 
other activities she was involved in ministries of 
education and in organizing small group and Bible study 
programs.
 The Bollingers retired in 1985, and became active 
members of First Baptist Church in Sacramento, Calif.
 Condolences for her husband and four children may 
be sent to: Dr. Edward E. Bollinger, 2616 Argolis Way, 
Sacramento, CA 95826.

KENNETH MAXWELL, AMERICAN BAPTIST ECUMENICAL LEADER, 
DIES
 Dr. Kenneth L. Maxwell, an American Baptist pastor 
and ecumenical leader, died Aug. 15 at age 85 in 
Scottsdale, Ariz.
 Maxwell served 11 years as executive director of 
the Department of International Affairs of the National 
Council of Churches of Christ.  In the late 1940s and 
early 1950s he represented American Baptists in the 
National Council’s Department of Racial and Cultural 
Relations, which was instrumental in the success of 
Brown v. Board of Education and subsequent civil rights 
actions.
 Maxwell also served American Baptist pastorates in 
Granville, Ohio, and Hartford and Stratford, Conn.  A 
founder of the Green Lake Conference Center/American 
Baptist Assembly in Green Lake, Wis., Maxwell will be 
honored there in a memorial service Oct. 3.
 Long active in the work of the United Nations, he 
helped develop the United Nations Association of the 
USA and served as president of the Greater Phoenix 
(Ariz.) and New Jersey chapters of that 
organization.  He also edited the Dag Hammarskjold 
Memorial Lecture Series, “Paths to World Order,” and 
authored Seek Peace and Pursue It.
 To commemorate his career in ecumenical ministry 
Maxwell was the recipient of American Baptist Churches’ 
Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award in 1991. 
 In recent years he was an adjunct professor of 
political science and international relations at 
Arizona State University and taught at several other 
institutions in the Southwest.

MINISTERS COUNCIL SENATE ADDRESSES ‘JUBILEE’; 
NOYES HONORED WITH SCHELL AWARD
 In sessions focusing in part on the biblical 
concept of Jubilee, 70 members of the American Baptist 
Ministers Council gathered for their annual Senate 
meeting at Green Lake, Wis., Aug. 15-18.
Dr. G. Daniel Jones, pastor of Grace Baptist Church 
of Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., presided at the 
Senate, which met under the theme “We Are Not Alone.”
 The concept of Jubilee, a major denominational 
emphasis during the millennial shift, was addressed by 
Dr. Richard Middleton, professor of Old Testament at 
Colgate Rochester Divinity School.  He presented the 
biblical background and major elements of the concept 
as recorded in Leviticus 25 and Deuteronomy 15.  The 
thrust of his paper and the focus of the discussion 
that followed were reminders that we are entering a 
time of jubilee--a period of forgiveness, renewal, 
justice and ultimately resurrection.
 In her presentation to the Senate on “Worshipful 
Work,” Sister Ellen Morseth, of the Heartland 
Presbyterian Center in Kansas City, Mo., called the 
church to conduct its business in a more spiritual way,  
using theological reflection and striving for spiritual 
discernment.
 This year’s Ralph Garfield Schell prize, presented 
to an outstanding American Baptist pastor, honored Dr. 
William G. Noyes, pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church in 
Lakewood, Ohio.  Under Noyes’ leadership over the past 
decade, Lakewood, a suburban church, has maintained a 
strong mission link to the city and its urban needs.

1999 EDITIONS OF PLANNING CALENDAR AND POCKET PLANNER 
AVAILABLE
 The 1999 editions of the American Baptist Planner 
Calendar/Directory and the American Baptist Pocket 
Planner now are available from the Office of 
Communication.
 The 1999 American Baptist Planning 
Calendar/Directory contains 19 months of essential 
American Baptist information--names, phone numbers, 
addresses, fax numbers, e-mail addresses--for national 
and regional programs and institutions.  Also included 
is information on American Baptist emphases, the latest 
Revised Common Lectionary, and a condensed, 
photocopyable version of the We Are American Baptists 
brochure.  Copies are $8.95 each plus shipping (single 
copies $11.70 postage paid).
 The 1999 American Baptist Pocket Planner/Diary is a 
compact resource containing national and regional 
denominational contacts and important American Baptist 
dates, with space for phone numbers, appointments and 
other personal information.  Copies are $4.95 each plus 
postage.
 To order either or both resource contact the Office 
of Communication by phone: 1-800-ABC-3USA/ext. 2246; by 
e-mail: InMission@abc-usa.org; or by writing: Office of 
Communication, American Baptist Churches, P.O. Box 851, 
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851.  Orders will be billed.

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