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Annuity Board’s Frank Schwall retiring with 27 years of service

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DALLAS (BP)–Frank G. Schwall Jr., managing director for special services with the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, has announced his retirement, effective Oct. 1.

“Twenty-seven years of service through the Annuity Board has been a rich, exhilarating, fulfilling experience,” Schwall, 63, said. “Being able to minister to people who serve the Lord is a great privilege, and it has brought many, many blessings my way.”

Schwall began his service with the Annuity Board in August 1973 as a field representative in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland. He moved to the board’s Dallas headquarters in July 1976 to become the assistant to the Annuity Board president. He later became senior vice president for marketing and executive officer for denominational relations and public relations.

In reviewing his years of service with the Annuity Board, Schwall stated, “It is gratifying to know that while many changes have taken place at the board over the course of these 27 years, the spirit has not changed. Having worked with four of the board’s seven presidents, it has been my experience that each one has had a unique contribution to make. As in the past, the board’s current leadership continues to take very seriously its task of serving all people in the spirit of Jesus Christ.”

O.S. Hawkins, president and chief executive officer of the Annuity Board, affirmed Schwall’s service to Southern Baptists, noting, “Frank Schwall has exemplified the spirit of our motto, ‘serving those who serve the Lord.’ His heartfelt concern for ministers and their families has permeated every hour of his ministry.”

Curt Sharp, executive officer for denominational and public relations services, expressed his appreciation for Schwall, “Frank has been my personal mentor. His leadership and insights into the needs of Southern Baptist ministers and denominational employees has enabled many to enjoy a retirement that allows them to continue to minister.”

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Ordained to the gospel ministry in 1961, Schwall served churches in the state of Virginia before accepting joining the Annuity Board staff. He has served in various capacities in denominational service and he has authored numerous articles for Southern Baptist publications. Along with his ministerial service, he has also been active in his community, having served on the boards of civic and charitable organizations.

While his retirement from the Annuity Board closes the door on a chapter of his life, Schwall affirmed his plans for the future, saying, “I look forward to new fields of service with enthusiasm, so that expectancy about tomorrow looms larger than nostalgia about yesterday.”

Schwall and his wife, the former Margaret Elizabeth “Bette” Williams, have two married sons, Frank George III and Bradman Weber, and three grandsons.
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