Mills, Howard, 1935-1993

Rev. Howard (Howie) M. Mills (1935-1993) was born in Toronto to Thora R. and Ralph S. Mills. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1956 with a B.A. in Philosophy, and Emmanuel College in 1959 with a B.D. and Masters of Divinity. After ordination in 1959, he went on to study at Union Theological Seminary in New York where he earned a second masters degree in Marriage and Family Ethics in 1960, and a Doctorate in 1970 in Theological Ethics and Economics.

Mills was a minister to congregations in Lac Jeannine United Church in Gagnon, Quebec, 1960-1963. He was University Chaplain at Mount Allison University from 1965-1968 and from 1969-1972 was Associate Professor of Christian, Social Ethics at St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton. He was pastor at St. James-Bond United in Toronto from 1972-1974. He was Executive Secretary of the Division of Ministry, Personnel and Education from 1974-1982; President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 1983-1987and General Secretary of the General Council from 1987-1993 when he died suddenly of a heart attack. He was a dedicated supporter of interfaith dialogue, social justice and activism, and ecumenical work, and was Chair of the World Council of Churches Program on Theological Education for many years.

Mills married Virginia (Geegee) Lee Epes in 1961 and they had three children.