Dr. Millard C. Reed

November 19, 1933 - December 27, 2012

For 31 years, Millard C. Reed was a servant-leader in Nashville. From 1974 to 1991, he served as senior pastor at Nashville's First Church of the Nazarene, the mother church of the South; from 1991 to 2005 he was President of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. In both capacities, he served the people of the greater Nashville community. As pastor of one of Nashville's larger churches, "Pastor" Reed (as he was and is still lovingly called) served the people of his church and any others who needed a pastoral visit, an ear that could listen, and a friend. His ministry was characterized by his concern for his flock—a concern that was demonstrated by his rigorous visitation schedule to hospitals, nursing homes, and in any other location where he was needed. As President of Trevecca Nazarene University, President Reed served and led in a different area—mostly the scholarship needs of students. Under his leadership Trevecca gained recognition for its innovative degree-completion program that allows students to earn an undergraduate degree while they continue in their careers. Trevecca's education programs expanded, and for some years Trevecca had more graduates teaching in Tennessee public schools than did any other school in the state. Under his leadership, the institution moved from Level III to Level V being the first Nazarene College/University to offer the Ed.D. doctoral program. The accomplishments of his presidency included the achievement of a much stronger financial foundation, initiation of a $3-million campus improvement plan that included a new main entrance to the university, and the successful completion of its largest ever capital campaign that raised $28 million for the Waggoner Library, an increased endowment, and additional operating funds. He received an A.B. From Olivet Nazarene College in 1955 and Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, 1961. He had two years of doctoral work at the University of Chicago from 1961-63 and Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt University in 1979. He served as Chaplain for Nashville Optimist Club, was a member of the Rotary Club, and was on the Board of East Nashville Cooperative Ministry and the Board of Directors for Tennessee Preparatory School. He was the first recipient of Operation Andrew's Pastor of the Year Award (2007), a member of Billy Graham Committee for Nashville Crusade, and Czar Palaver Club. Included among Dr. Reed's many honors are Tennessee's Outstanding Achievement Award-given by the Tennessee governor, the alumni award from Olivet Nazarene College, and an honorary doctorate from Trevecca. Dr. Reed's writings have been published in several books and journals. Additionally, he has written several books, including Improve Your Serve, Consider the Lilies, and From a Pastor's Heart. On June 16, 1951 he was Saved and acknowledged call. On June 17, 1951 he was Sanctified wholly. On June 26, 1951 he preached his first sermon. In that service, Barbara Cunningham was converted. She later became his wife. From September of 1951 through May of 1955 he trained at Olivet Nazarene College. From September of 1955 through May of 1956 he took first pastorate in Oregon, Missouri (part time). From September of 1955 through May of 1957 he trained at Nazarene Theological Seminary. From July 1957 through July 1961 he served as pastor of the Page-Warson Church of the Nazarene , St. Louis, Missouri. On August 7, 1958 he was ordained at Pine Crest Camp in Fredericktown, Missouri. From September of 1959 through June of 1961 he worked toward and earned a Master's of Divinity at Eden Seminary. From August of 1961 through April of 1966 he served as pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From September of 1961 through June of 1963 he took additional graduate work at the University of Chicago. From April of 1966 through July of 1974 he served as the Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, Overland Park, Kansas. From August of 1974 through July of 1991 he served as the Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, Nashville, TN. From September of 1977 through June of 1979 he completed his Doctorate in Ministry at Vanderbilt University. On August 7, 1988 he celebrated his 30th anniversary of ordination. In March of 1991 he was elected President of Trevecca College. In July of 1991 he became President of Trevecca Nazarene College. He retired from that position in June of 2005. Dr. Reed married his high school sweetheart, the former Barbara Cunningham. He is survived by his four children, Stephen Reed (Diane), Deborah Reed, Paul Reed (Lisa), and John Reed (Heather Lose);grandchildren, Rebecca Derchy, Sarah Moore, Sarah Anna and John Mark Reed, Jr., Ashley Dean (Tyler), and Elizabeth Reed; great-granddaughter, Gabriella Derchy; sister, Martha Garvin (George). Funeral services will be Sunday at 5pm at First Church of the Nazarene, 510 Woodland St. Nashville, TN. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the Millard and Barbara Reed Scholarship Fund at Trevecca Nazarene University or Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms.