Dr. Myron Houghton, Beloved Professor and Theologian, Passes Away at Age 78
July 14, 2020
The entire Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary family is grieved by the passing of Dr. Myron J. Houghton last night at the Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa. We rejoice in knowing that he is now with the Lord. Dr. Myron accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of nine in a weekly neighborhood Bible club in Schenectady, New York.
Dr. Houghton was born on July 26, 1941. He and his twin brother, George, were set to celebrate their 79th birthday together in less than two weeks. Dr. Myron had recently retired from Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in May of 2019 after nearly 50 years of teaching. He began his ministry in 1971 at Denver Baptist Bible College as head of the Theology Department and joined the faculty at Faith in 1983, where he would spend the rest of his teaching career impacting the lives of thousands of young men and women.
Dr. Myron was Chair of the Theology Department at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary for the first 33 years of its existence. The July-September issue of the 1989 Faith Witness described Dr. Myron’s unique approach to teaching:
“His provocative teaching methods, coupled with his zest and interest in students, makes classes in the Seminary and College both educational and entertaining.”
Upon his retirement from Faith, Dr. Myron said his favorite memory was the “incredible privilege” he had to teach all who have entered the ministry as missionaries, pastors, and other roles as Christian leaders.
Dr. Myron was well-known for his knowledge of Scripture, theology, and other religions. His fondness for puns was legendary, and the relationships he formed with his students, often over meals at the local Village Inn, made lifelong impacts that cannot be measured.
There aren’t enough puns, metaphors, or words in the English language to properly describe Dr. Myron’s impact on the history of Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary. He was a favorite of many students over the years—irreplaceable, as one Faith administrator stated. His legacy was, perhaps, best described by Pastor Lance Augsburger, a former student and dear friend of Dr. Myron’s, who penned these words in last spring’s issue of the Faith Pulpit:
“When considering his legacy, it may be that many will remember the things he enjoyed. From maple-glazed, old-fashioned donuts, to Sherlock Holmes, he enjoyed many things. Many will remember his generosity. Only he and the Lord truly know how many student mission trips, financial needs, building projects, crisis aid, and outstanding debt repayments he funded…But I think most will conclude that his legacy consists of his love for the Lord, his love for His Word, and his love for students of the Word. His legacy is seen in the hundreds, even thousands, of God’s servants who love the Lord, love His Word, and study His Word accurately, all the more for the time they spent with Dr. Myron J. Houghton.”
Arrangements are being made for a memorial service, and we will share those details on our Facebook page when they become available. Please be in prayer for the entire Houghton family, for those in charge of funeral details, and that Dr. Myron’s testimony and legacy will continue to impact those who need to hear the gospel’s message.