September 6, 2007
Mrs. L. Lorene Minder, the wife of pioneer U.S. Alliance church planter John Minder, died August 27, 2007, in DeLand, Florida.
Lorene joyfully served as her husband’s partner until his death in 1980. She remained active in ministry and authored John’s biography, A Man Sent From God.
John was a key associate of Dr. W. T. Watson in founding the Florida Bible Institute (Trinity College) in 1932. He was college dean when student Billy Graham arrived. John gave Graham his first preaching opportunity at Lake Swan Camp, an Alliance outreach, and also officiated at the wedding of Graham and Ruth Bell.
At General Council 2007 in Orlando, Florida, The C&MA Archives exhibit booth hosted a display of Minder and his work. Lorene made the trip from DeLand to share in the display presentation and speak with Council attendees about her husband’s ministry.
Family and friends celebrated Lorene’s life on August 30 at the Alliance Chapel in DeLand. A second memorial service was held on August 31 at Lake Swan Camp, which was founded by Lorene’s husband.