Gerald Mills

Rev. Dr. Gerald S. Mills
Theologian and retired senior pastor
The Rev. Dr. Gerald S. Mills joined his beloved wife on Saturday, July 18, 2020.
He was born on Aug. 25, 1932, to Mildred Minette Mills and Sanford Charles Mills in Cleveland, Ohio. He was predeceased by his sister, Dianalynn Ruth Mills.
Called to ministry when he was nine years-old. The basis of his life was Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." This verse was the theme of his life: "Cause God Joy." His life's desire was to have God sing over him.
Dr. Mills first saw Judith Agnes Kiss when he was eight years-old and then again when he was 10. The next time, he saw her, he was 17 and a sophmore at The Ohio State University. After three days together, he proposed and she accepted. They are the parents of Judith Elizabeth Mills and Deborah Johanna Mills Scofield, and grandparents of Joshua and Chana Scofield.
Dr. Mills graduated The Ohio State University 1953 with a B.A. He received his B.D., Masters of Divinity and Doctorate in Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. During his ministry he then served as Sr. Pastor, St. Cloud Presbyterian Church in West Orange, N.J.; Sr. Pastor, New Providence Presbyterian Church at New Providence, N.J.; Sr. Pastor, Tower Hill Church, (First Presbyterian) Red Bank, N.J., and Founding Pastor, Providence Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island, S.C., before retiring in 1998.
In addition to these pastorates, Dr. Mills was one of the first six nationally chosen to inaugurate Princeton Seminary's Continuing Education Program; one of 24 nationally chosen to inaugurate Princeton Seminary's Doctor of Ministry program; taught for 10 years in Princeton's Continuing Education Program on Hebrew Insights into Christianity and on Session administration; served terms as a Class Steward and Alumni Representative for Princeton Seminary; served several terms on National Assembly's Committee on Theological Education; served various positions in Presbytery; served on Board of Groff Foundation; Theologian in Residence in Bay Village Presbyterian Church and an Interim in Dalton, Ga.; aas a program preacher for "Presbyterians for Renewal,"spoke and held conferences in over 70 churches on Hebrew Insights into the Christian Faith and Non-pledging stewardship.
Dr. Mills' faith enabled him to live over, instead of under, circumstances. He took charge of his life and his death. His life was not a quest for identity but an exercise of it. He knew who Jesus is, He knew who he was, and he lived to "Cause God Joy" ............... and he still does.
Memorial gifts may be sent to either the Presbyterian Church at New Providence, 1307 Springfield Ave., New Providence, N.J. 07974, or Providence Presbyterian Church, 171 Cordillo Pkwy., Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29928.