Reverend Dr. Duncan McIntosh, 92, of Worcester, passed away Friday, June 20, 2025. Born in Philadelphia on March 18, 1933, to Duncan Sr. and Catherine Mulhern McIntosh, Duncan grew up in a home rooted in Christian faith. That early foundation led him on a lifelong journey of ministry, global service, and scholarship.

After serving in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957 — stationed in Germany during the Korean War — Duncan met Mary Helen Dobson, the woman who would become his partner in life and ministry. They were married on October 20, 1956, beginning a beautiful and enduring partnership of love, faith, and shared calling.

Following his military service, Duncan pursued his call to ministry with great conviction. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Houghton College, followed by both a Bachelor of Divinity and a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He later completed postgraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh and received his Doctor of Ministry from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1978.

Ordained in 1963 at First Baptist Church in West Covina, California, Duncan’s early ministry included time as a music teacher and Minister of Music and Education. In 1965, Duncan and Mary Helen answered the call to international service and were appointed by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS) on May 14, 1965. Duncan and Mary Helen embarked on a transformative decade of service as missionaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire) from 1965 – 1975. Duncan served as Director of the Evangelical School of Kinshasa and later as Director of Development for the National University of Zaire.

Upon returning to the U.S., Duncan pastored Geneva Road Baptist Church in Wheaton, Illinois. He then served as Director of Evangelism and Church Planting for American Baptist Churches, USA. From 1981 to 2004, he was a professor of Church Leadership at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, shaping the lives and ministries of countless students. He then served as an Urban Consultant and interim Executive Minister for the District of Columbia Baptist Convention. In the final decades of his ministry, he pastored First Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland — retiring from formal ministry in 2017.

Duncan’s scholarship was as impactful as his preaching. He authored The Everyday Evangelist and Planning Church Growth in Your Church, both published by Judson Press in 1994. His life’s work consistently reflected a ministry of humility, thoughtful engagement, and servant leadership.

In retirement, Duncan remained deeply engaged in his faith community. At Meadowood Senior Living, he served on the Worship Committee, taught Bible study, and regularly preached at Friday worship services. He was also an active member of the Meadowood Residents Association, continuing to offer leadership, care, and encouragement to his community.

Beyond ministry, Duncan found joy in life’s simple pleasures: time with family, cruising vacations, shared meals, theater outings, and game nights with close friends. He was an avid reader of many genres and a quiet presence of strength and warmth.

A life defined by faith, purpose, and unwavering service. Duncan McIntosh was a man of intellect, humility, and deep compassion. Known for his gentle wisdom, his dedication to ministry, and his profound love for his family, Duncan’s legacy is etched in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Duncan is survived by four devoted daughters: Heidi Clayton (Greg) of Carol Stream, IL; Cathy McIntosh of Harleysville, PA; Bobbie Monaco (Paul) of Schwenksville, PA; Sarah Lawrence of Byron, GA; and Ada Martin (David Escobar) of Plymouth Meeting, PA. Ada and her husband joined the McIntosh family after immigrating from Cuba in 1998, and she quickly became like a fifth daughter to Duncan and Mary Helen. He was a proud and loving grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Helen McIntosh (née Dobson), his partner in life and ministry, as well as by his parents and brother, William McIntosh.

In his own words, Duncan wished to be remembered as someone “blessed by Godly parents, a loving wife, children who taught him life’s most important lessons, grandchildren who gave him a glimpse of immortality, and friends who filled his life with adventure.”

And, as he always did, he offered all credit to the One he served his whole life: “To God be all the glory.”

A memorial service celebrating Duncan’s life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Strasburg Auditorium at Meadowood Senior Living Center, 3205 Skippack Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446. The family will receive guests from 10 -11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the MREA Fund at Meadowood (please make checks payable to MREA), which supports the dedicated employees who cared for him with such compassion.