Miami, Florida, United States…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
On September 9, church leaders from throughout the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America gathered at the Inter-American Division (IAD) headquarters in Miami, Florida, for a special ceremony to celebrate the life of Pastor Bender L. Archbold. Pastor Archbold, who served as IAD president from 1970 to 1980, died Aug. 12. He was 98.
Special guests at the Sabbath afternoon service, which was held in the auditorium bearing his name, included Pastor Archbold’s two daughters, Elizabeth and Ruth, granddaughters, friends, former co-workers and representatives from the unions throughout the territory.
“The world church and especially the Inter-American Division cannot and should never forget one of the main heroes of this division,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America. “We recognize the fact that if it was not for the Holy Spirit, none of his exploits could have been possible. However, Elder Archbold has had lasting effects on several generation of Adventists and workers in this division,” he said.
“His dynamic leadership, his firm adherence to principle and his total commitment to God and the total commitment to God and his work of this church have placed him in a position in our lives that makes it impossible to forget him,” said Pastor Leito.
Among church leaders present to pay homage was Pastor Orville Parchment, who, on behalf of Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the world church, expressed appreciation to Pastor Archbold’s daughters for their father’s contribution to the world-wide church.
Church leaders representing nine church regions of the division territory spoke on behalf of their territories on the contributions of Pastor Archbold’s leadership and service. A group of office staff who served with Pastor Archbold also had the opportunity to speak.
Pastor George W. Brown, who succeeded Pastor Archbold as IAD president from 1980 to 1993, was the featured speaker. Pastor Brown reminded the gathering why we as Christians should celebrate the life of a Christian servant. Pastor Brown was a close friend of Pastor Archbold.
Known as “Mr. Evangelism,” he became the first Inter-American to become the president of the region, and was instrumental in leading the church to become the largest division in the Adventist world church during his years as president.
Pastor Archbold was born in 1908 on Providencia Island, a tiny Caribbean Island off the Nicaraguan Coast. He married Frances Burke in 1937 and had three children. He touched the lives of many who were influenced by his strong leadership since entering into service to God in 1927. He began as a colporteur, and later moved into the position of teacher, dean of men, department director, conference president, college president, executive secretary of the IAD, and finally president.
“He has inspired thousands and his words still ring in our ears with wisdom, with love and with instruction,” said Pastor Leito.
Pastor Archbold is survived by his wife, two daughters, three grandchildren and one great grandchild.
The Archbold family has established the B.L. Archbold Scholarship Fund to benefit needy students at the University of Southern Caribbean in Trinidad. Any donations to this fund can be sent through the Inter-American Division. For more information contact the IAD Office at 305.403.4700.
