August 14, 2019

MALCOLM D. GORDON

Former President of Florida Conference

Malcolm D. Gordon, 85, born on May 10, 1934; passed to his rest on May 12, 2019, in Paramus, New Jersey. He knew early in his life that he wanted to be a minister, and the fulfillment of this desire encompassed 47 years of service working for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

After graduating from Cedar Lake Academy, Malcolm attended Emmanuel Missionary College (now Andrews University) in Berrien Springs, MI. He wisely sought someone to be a helpmate for him, and Malcolm and Hazel were married in June of 1954. Following his undergraduate degree, Malcolm also received a master’s degree in theology in 1958.

While still in graduate school, he became a ministerial assistant for the Michigan Conference and later pastored a church in the Upper Peninsula. He also pastored churches in North Dakota before taking on departmental responsibilities including conference evangelist, education director, and youth director.

Accepting a call to Southern New England Conference, Malcolm served as director of youth, ministerial, temperance, and religious liberty. He then served three years in Carolina Conference as executive secretary and ministerial secretary.

Whether at home or in his work, Malcolm lived by the motto, “What would Jesus do?” He adopted this maxim as an expression of his guiding principle that propelled him into leadership as Carolina Conference president, Florida Conference president, and, ultimately, during the General Conference Session in Indianapolis in July 1990, Malcolm was elected Southern Union Conference president.

  Malcolm was, “characterized as approachable, a motivator, team leader, and proponent of positive thinking,” said George Powell, former Communication director for Southern Union. Under the blessing of God, the Southern Union grew under his tenure of 13 years to become the largest union in the North American Division, both in tithe and membership.

After 47 years of dedicated service to their Church, the Gordons retired and settled in Apopka, Florida, where they continued to be ambassadors for the Lord wherever they were needed. They moved to New Jersey in February of 2014 to be with their daughter, Merrilee (George) Miller; daughter, Melodee Oster; and their three grandchildren.

Even though they moved north, they continued to hold their membership in the Southern Union at the Kress Memorial Church in Winter Park, Florida.

Through the years, Hazel not only stood by Malcolm’s side, but she had a burning desire for the women of the Church and worked tirelessly for women’s ministries. The Gordons had celebrated 63 years of marriage when Hazel passed away on October 9, 2017. Malcolm followed three and one half years later on May 12, 2019, just two days after his 85th birthday.

Malcolm had a great burden for his constituents. Many years ago, he penned the following words that are still relevant today: “When all of God’s people will be welcomed home by our Savior and the unnumbered multitude of angels, let’s determine, by the grace of God, that we will be a part of that welcoming ceremony!”

Recent Posts

Hurricane Idalia Relief Efforts

Hurricane Idalia Relief Efforts

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm early Wednesday morning, August 30, 2023. It was reported to be the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend region in more than 125 years. We are saddened to hear reports of flooding in many...

Altamonte Springs Commissioner Visits Adventist Food Drive

Altamonte Springs Commissioner Visits Adventist Food Drive

Helping hands: (Right to left) Volunteer Michael Dada, Commissioner Bob O’Malley, community service leader Sonya Pusey, and Pastor Dion Henry at Altamonte Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church food drive. Photo: Carlos Medley When one offers a cup of water to a thirsty...

Follow Us

About Us


Shop online at AdventistBookCenter.com

A Better Choice
Books • Deli • Natural Foods

351 S. State Road 434

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714-3824

Phone: (407) 644-4255?•?Fax: (407) 618-0274

View a virtual tour of this store

Store Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Deli Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Camp Kulaqua General Store (ABC Branch)
23400 NW 212 Ave.
High Springs, FL 32643
Phone: (386) 454-7956?•?Fax: (386) 454-7976

Hours*:
Sunday: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am -7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday: Closed

*open for special events as needed

Express Delivery Schedule
Avoid shipping costs by placing an ABC order to be delivered to a location as scheduled below. Orders must be made by phone or e-mail before 5:30 p.m. on the Thursday before a scheduled Sunday delivery: (407) 644-4255  or FloridaABC@floridaconference.com

This will close in 0 seconds

About Us


The Adventurer Club is a Seventh-day Adventist Church-sponsored ministry open to all families of children in grades 1-4. Our mission is to support parents and caregivers in leading and encouraging their children in a growing, joyful love relationship with Jesus Christ.
The first few years of a child’s life sets the stage for their future.  For parents/families of pre-K through fourth grade children, our Adventurer Clubs provide a safe place to encourage the development of the necessary social and interpersonal skills they need, in an environment that promotes Christian values and responsibilities.
Families will learn a variety of topics together, from character building, nature, hobbies, safety, and much more. This club also has parenting tips and resources through the family network and is designed to help you be the best parent/caregiver you can be as you partner with your child and other families to grow your kids to be the best they can be. Most clubs meet twice a month.

This will close in 0 seconds