In Memoriam - Rev. Dr. Malcolm Shotwell

 

The Rev. Dr. Malcolm “Mac” Shotwell, 90, entered his eternal home Sunday, April 23 at Memorial Hospital.

Born August 14, 1932, in Brookneal, VA to John and Ada Puckett Shotwell, he married Pauline LaVerne Brown on June 19, 1954.

Mac graduated from Brookneal High School, the University of Richmond (BA), Colgate Rochester Divinity School (MDiv) and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (DMin). He was also honored with a Doctor of Divinity from Judson College.

An ordained American Baptist pastor, Mac served as pastor of First Baptist Churches in Cuba and Olean, NY and Galesburg, IL. His ministry was extended to being an Area Minister for American Baptist Churches in PA and DE; and Regional Executive Minister for churches in IL and MO.

He authored Creative Programs for the Church Year; Renewing the Baptist Principle of Associations; Memoriae Gratae; a chapter in The Baptists in the Balance, and two dramatic monologues: “Our Neighbors, the Lincolns: A Clergyman Remembers” and “Mrs. Lincoln, a Vindication”. Most recently, he authored Come, See…Go, Tell, a study on the final sayings of Jesus after Easter.

Since “retirement” Mac has served area churches as interim and supply pastor, disaster relief coordinator for American Baptist Men, volunteer at the Old State Capitol and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, mentor of living history projects with students from Iles School, and as volunteer congregation care pastor at Springfield First United Methodist Church. Mac is preceded in death by his parents, wife, oldest daughter, Donna, and three brothers. He is survived by his daughter, Paula.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Springfield First United Methodist Church, the Mark Didier/Donna Shotwell student scholarship at Judson University, or to any of the churches he served. Mac can be further honored by small group studies of his last book, Come, See… Go, Tell (available on Amazon and B&N). His prayer was that his book would “help you find ways of discovering direction and good in the midst of life’s situations.”

A visitation reception will be on May 13 from 9-10:30 at Springfield First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd. A service to celebrate Mac’s faith and life will follow, Reverends Roger Grimmet and Justin Snyder officiating. Cremation rites by Lincoln Land Cremation Society, with remains buried in Cuba NY Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to:
Ms Paula Shotwell
600 Timberhill Road
Chatham, IL 62629