Twenty years ago, I first encountered Brother Max Lynch, preaching on the University of Illinois quad.
Max always drew a crowd on his weekly visits, and from 1980 to 1983 I was usually a part of it. Some people - usually, other Christians - were deeply offended by his theology, and had angry words for him; others aimed for more intellectual debates. Myself, I merely tried to make the crowd laugh, usually at Max's expense. I'm embarrassed now to think of my behavior then; but Max never seemed to hold it against me.
After I graduated, it was increasingly rare for Max and me to find ourselves on the quad at the same time, but it did happen, occasionally. He always recognized me, and greeted me with a smile.
For a quarter-century, Max stood up for what he believed, in the face of vehement - sometimes violent - opposition. I have to respect that.
Max Lynch died on August 24th, 2000.
| A few pictures of Max Lynch | ||
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Listening to a question from the audience. | |
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Making a point. (Note the satchel by his feet. Max kept two things in it: a supply of Chick tracts, and a large bottle of orange juice.) |
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The following message was posted to alt.brother-jed.
From: "Bro Jed" Subject: Max W. Lynch, RIP Date: Saturday, August 26, 2000 8:57 AM I regret to inform you that Brother Max W. Lynch quietly passed away Thursday 8/24, he had been ill for some time. Visitation 8/27 4-8 PM at Roselawn in Terre Haute, IN. Visitation 8/28 9-11 AM at Roselawn Funeral at 11 AM at Roselawn, I have been asked to deliver the eulogy. Many of you will remember Brother Max who preached on the campuses for over 25 years. Max was a former mathematics teacher at Indiana State University who was fired in the early 70's for opening his classes each day with a brief Bible reading. Max and I regularly preached together for many years. Since I moved to Ohio 12 years ago, Max and I only preached together on occassion. Because of failures in his health, for the last several years his ministry has been mostly limited to passing out tracts on campus. Brother Max did most of his preaching at Purdue, IU, ISU and U of ILL. He loved college students and devoted his life to reaching them with the gospel. He was instrumental in the conversion of my wife, Sister Cindy, and many others. For any of you that are in the vicinity of the Wabash Valley, I would hope that you could attend his service. If any one has any positive stories or memorable sayings of Bro Max, that I might use in my eulogy preach post the information. I am sure his family and friends would be especially encouraged of any report of a student who was influenced to follow Christ as a result of Max's ministry. Jed Smock
The following obituary appeared in the Terre Haute Tribune-Star on August 27th, 2000.
Max Lynch
Max W. Lynch, 70, of Terre Haute died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000, in Royal Oaks Health Care & Rehabilitation Center. He was an evangelist and a former teacher at Indiana State University's Laboratory School. He was born Sept. 25, 1929, in Midland to Fred Lynch Sr., and Belle Lind Lynch. Survivors include his wife, Delora M. Pershing Lynch; three sons, Brad A. Lynch of Indianapolis, John K. Lynch of Holley, N.Y., and Kenneth M. Lynch of O'Fallon, Ill.; two daughters, Beverly A. Jordan of Nashville, Tenn., and Jeanne K. Nestler of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; two sisters, Katie Row of Flora and Naomi Summerlot of Terre Haute; four brothers, Sam Lynch of Elizabethtown, Pa., Freddie Lynch of Fairborn, Ohio, Fred Lynch Jr., of Jasonville and Donald Lynch of Sullivan; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harold Lynch; and one sister, Virginia Gwinnup. Services are 11 a.m. Monday in Roselawn Funeral Home. Burial is in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. today.
Goodbye, Max.
The current generation of quad preachers isn't half as good as you
were.