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With the Lord

Larry Rowland, Pastor

By September 19, 2014September 22nd, 2014No Comments

ROCKFORD, Mich.—Larry Dean Rowland, a pastor in Michigan, died on Sept. 11. He was 66.

Larry was an incredible man of God, a devoted husband, and celebrated father. He dedicated his life to the proclamation of the gospel and ministry of others. He was pastor of Rockford (Mich.) Baptist Church. He was previously pastor of churches including Grand Ledge (Mich.) Baptist Church and Trinity Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, and was youth leader at Kentwood (Mich.) Baptist Church.

Larry is remembered “for his fun-loving ways, his great talents, and brilliant mind,” says one person whose grandchildren attend Awana at Rockford Baptist Church.

John Greening, national representative of the GARBC, says, “The outstanding athlete I knew and admired in my college days I came to know as an exceptional student of the Word, an effective communicator, a loving husband and father, and gifted pastor. Larry was always a man of God that I aspired to emulate. My heart is heavy for Sandy and the family in their time of loss.”

In addition to his role as a pastor, he was a teacher and soccer coach at Grand Rapids Baptist College. One former student says, “I thank God for the impact Larry had on my life as a teacher at Grand Rapids Baptist College and pastor at Grand Ledge Baptist Church. His understanding of the Old Testament and his enthusiasm for the Scripture still inspires me to deepen my understanding.”

Another says, “My wife and I attended Grand Rapids Baptist College when Larry was teaching. I will never forget how his classes filled up first before the others . . . and I was grateful to have him in my life.”

Larry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra; five sons, Justin, Augustin, Chrysostom, Simeon, and Hudson; and five grandchildren.