William Menzies Passes Away at 80

Dr. William (Bill) W. Menzies—Assemblies of God pastor, educator, missionary and author—went to be with the Lord shortly past noon on Aug. 15.

Born on July 1, 1931, Menzies earned a B.A. at Central Bible College (Springfield, Mo.) and a M.A. at Wheaton College, where he met and married Doris Dresselhaus in 1955. He was ordained in 1956.

Menzies held teaching and administrative positions at Central Bible College, Evangel University, the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, California Theological Seminary, and Asia Pacific Theological Seminary.

Menzies completed his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. His dissertation became the benchmark history of the Assemblies of God, “Anointed to Serve” He was a prolific author, authoring or editing standard textbooks such as Understanding the Times of Christ, Bible Doctrines: A Pentecostal Perspective and Spirit and Power.

Menzies is widely known in Pentecostal and evangelical circles as a statesman, building bridges across denominational and racial divides. He was one of the organizers of the Society for Pentecostal Studies and was the first editor of the society’s journal, Pneuma. He was also one of the editors for the Full Life Study Bible and a consulting editor for Christianity Today.

“Dr. Menzies has influenced generations of students,” states Dr. George Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God. “His textbook, Anointed to Serve, told the history of the Assemblies of God in a way that informed and inspired. He led an exemplary Christian life, and was a model of Pentecostal scholarship and the Spirit-filled life. He always inspired me to do my best to serve the Lord with heart, mind, soul and strength. We have lost a pillar of the faith and heaven has gained a saint whose rest is won.”

Menzies’ two sons, Glen and Robert, went on to earn their doctoral degrees and have become respected educators in the Assemblies of God. Menzies’ wife of 55 years, Doris, passed away on May 28. Menzies is survived by two sons and two daughter-in-laws, Dr. Glen and Donna Menzies of Minnetonka, Minn.; and Dr. Robert and Joanne Menzies, of Kunming, China; and four grandchildren.

In place of flowers, it is requested that memorials be sent to either North Central University, 910 Elliot Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404, or to the China Training Network, 2087 S. Celebration, Springfield, Mo. 65809. Visitation will be on Friday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Greenlawn North in Springfield. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Central Assembly of God, 1301 N. Boonville, Springfield.