Aug. 6, 2010

Sources: HCJB Global, The Miami Herald (written by Harold Goerzen)

Describing himself as one of HCJB Global's "unofficial missionaries," Charles Oxford Morgan Sr. died in Florida Friday, July 30, just four days after his 97th birthday.

A descendant of U.S. President Grover Cleveland, Charles was born in Murphysboro, Ill., on July 26, 1917. After graduating from Plant High School in Tampa, Fla., he studied business education for 3½ years at the University of Florida where he was a pole-vaulter on the track and field team. He also studied at Miami Bible College for 1½ years and served as a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army.

In 1936 Charles and his mother, Eunice, founded the Morgan Piano Company. The business started in the Mayfair Theater building in Miami, the place where he met Corabel Klefeker who was taking opera voice lessons on the second floor. They married on April 20, 1937.

Throughout the years, Charles was involved in numerous civic and Christian organizations. He was a founding director of Industrial National Bank (now City National Bank) and Goodwill Industries of Miami. He was also a director of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, National Association of Music Merchants, Florida Orchid Society, Civic Music Association and Lighthouse for the Blind.

Charles was an elder at the Miami Beach and Key Biscayne Presbyterian churches and was a founding director of Christian Youth Ranch, Miami Bible College (now Miami Christian University) and the South Florida Jail Ministry.

His greatest passion, however, was worldwide missions. Although he never actually served as a missionary with HCJB Global, he helped the organization in various capacities for more than 45 years. He was instrumental as a member of the candidate committee, influencing hundreds of potential missionaries to join the mission, and he recruited numerous financial supporters via mission tours and personal contacts.

The Morgans made their first trip to the mission's facilities in Ecuador in 1954, and they hosted annual Vision Journeys to Ecuador for 10 years. In an interview several years ago, Charles said using tours to "introduce people to the mission" was one of his most rewarding experiences at HCJB Global.

He said another highlight was being "influenced and trained" to work with missionary candidates by HCJB Global co-founder Clarence Jones. His decades of service on the candidate committee including 15 years as the committee's secretary.

"It was my pleasure to work with Mr. Morgan at HCJB Global when he served as candidate secretary and tour director," said retiree Lois Taggart. "He worked with missionary candidates as they sought God's direction for their lives. The Morgans were gracious hosts on the early mission tours to Ecuador so that people could witness the ministry firsthand."

"For 10 years I was privileged to work with Charles on the candidate committee," added retiree Doug Peters. "Together we interviewed prospective missionaries in the areas of spiritual preparedness and financial management."

John Adams, staff and office care manager at HCJB Global Ministry Service Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., said the "two words that sum up my knowledge of this fine man of God are generosity and jocularity. His servanthood attitude touched many candidates seeking service with the mission. He and Corabel complemented each other so very well in making the 'newbies' in the HCJB Global family feel both at home and at ease."

The Morgans were also known for entertaining guests, and Charles made countless airport runs to help HCJB Global missionaries traveling to and from Ecuador. Visitors enjoyed viewing his extensive orchid and postage stamp collections.

"Charles was the consummate gentleman, a true man of God whose heart was always on his sleeve," said Dick Jacquin, vice president of mobilization. "Charles and Corabel's investment in HCJB Global over so many years will only truly be known in heaven. Pat and I were privileged to know this great friend and model of Christ our Savior."

"Charles left a huge legacy of influence on HCJB Global," added HCJB Global President Wayne Pederson. "He was a key influencer in missionary selection and stayed engaged with the worldwide impact of HCJB Global until the very end. He has a big place in our hearts."

In addition to his wife of 73 years, he is survived by sons Charles Jr. and Raymond, four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held at Granada Presbyterian Church in Coral Gables, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 4.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Christian Foundation for the Morgan Charitable Fund. For more information, send an email to laura@ccfsf.org. Messages of condolence may be left at www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.