Florence Grace Taylor

Florence Grace Taylor was born October 31, 1926, to Andrew Edwin and Grace S. (Cramond) Taylor in Dumfries County, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Florence was predeceased by her parents and four brothers Robert (Alice) Taylor, David Taylor, George Taylor, and Kenneth Taylor. Florence made many friends at home and abroad, many of whom counted her as family.

Florence received her formal education at Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School (Galt, Ontario) 1939-1943, Lorne Park College (Port Credit, Ontario) 1945-1949 (graduated from Bible School 1949) and Greenville College (Illinois) Bachelor of Arts degree, 1949-1952.

Florence began her career while attending Greenville when she worked as a secretary for Bishop L. R. Marston. She then moved to Winona Lake, Indiana in 1952 to serve as secretary for the Board of Bishops. In 1975, she was named Administrative Assistant to the Board of Bishops. She served at least 15 bishops and calmly assisted with eight General Conferences (six in Winona Lake, one in Indianapolis, and one in Seattle).

She received a 25-year service award citation which was signed by the sitting bishops. They wrote, “We honor you for your professional skills, your quiet, calm attitude, your kind and considerate spirit, your prayers which follow us in all our travels and for your joyful acceptance of the ministries which God has led you.” She retired after 39 years of service on October 31, 1991.

Lloyd E. Ehmcke, Director of Finance, in a letter of congratulations to Florence wrote, “… you have served with distinction the Board of Bishops. You could have made much more money out in the business world; however, your desire to serve your church has risen above your desire for personal gain, and it is indicative of a strength of character which you possess.

“Finally, but not least … I see you as a Christian through and through and really, when all the wrappings are torn away, this is what life is all about.”

Florence faithfully attended the Winona Lake Free Methodist Church when she lived in Winona Lake. When the FM Headquarters moved to Indianapolis in 1990, Florence moved to Indianapolis and transferred her church membership and support to the John Wesley Free Methodist Church.

She also served the church in other areas. Publisher John Van Valin in a letter of appreciation wrote, “Your expertise, faithfulness to the task, heart for the story and love for the church have combined to aid in this finished product (David L. McKenna’s book A Future with a History: the Wesleyan Witness of the Free Methodist Church – a history of the denomination from 1960 – 1995).”

Florence, as a life-long Canadian citizen resided in the United States under a resident VISA. True to her roots, she loved to watch hockey, especially the Canadian teams. She also enjoyed genealogy, was a lover of literature, art, travel, and music. She had a beautiful laugh and a grace giving spirit. She loved Jesus. She loved His church. She was a wonderful friend and a shining Christ-follower all her days. She was welcomed into the presence of Jesus and a great cloud of witnesses on October 23, 2024.