Roger Williams
1947 ~ 2014

Dear Friend of Mount Hermon,

I am writing to inform you that our beloved President/CEO, Roger E. Williams, has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 14, at 3:50 pm. As you know, Roger fought a valiant fight against a cancer that was diagnosed in March of 2012. Since then he has continued to provide inspirational and effective leadership to Mount Hermon even while waging his war with cancer. He so loved this ministry that he would not be put on the bench. He wanted to be on the field as much as his health allowed. This summer he was so delighted to be able to teach six of the family camp weeks on one of his favorite Bible passages, Luke 15, the three parables that reveal God’s tremendous love for us. Roger’s enthusiasm over this truth could not be contained. He loved to tell others about God’s bountiful, extravagant love. Chip Ingram joined all of Roger’s sessions one week, and exclaimed, “Roger was masterful!”

You will be reading and hearing more about Roger’s faithful legacy at Mount Hermon in the days to come as we celebrate his life and ministry. For now, be assured that our Executive Team is well equipped to continue the forward momentum at Mount Hermon. We are in a season of tremendous ministry impact, and on a positive trajectory. Roger has set us up well to thrive through the coming transition.

Our Board of Directors announced on September 3rd that we have begun the search process for the next President/CEO of Mount Hermon. We had hoped that Roger would be available to serve and support our new leader for a time, but that is not to be. Our search firm will continue that process with diligence, and our search committee is prepared to do the rewarding work of securing godly, capable leadership for the years to come. Meanwhile, Alden Johanson, our Chief Operating Officer, will continue to serve as Acting CEO until a new President is inaugurated. He has served in this capacity as needed during the last two years and has our full confidence. Please add Alden to your prayer list during this time.

On a personal note, Roger has been a close personal friend for many years and words cannot convey the grief that I, and many others on our board, will experience at this tragic loss. Roger’s visionary leadership, character and wisdom in his role as President are notable, but any who enjoyed his friendship know that his warmth, generous love for others, enthusiasm for life and sense of humor are what we will miss the most.

As soon as possible, information about a coming memorial service and other remembrances of Roger will be made available on our website at mounthermon.org/roger-williams. Please check there for further information.

— Robin Faisant, Chairman, Board of Directors