Bigger than Life - "Dr. Mac" (Merrill McFall)

Dr. Merrill McFall, FUMC lead minister, 1939-58

This popular and dynamic minister was fondly known to our congregation as Mac or Dr. Mac.

Like the fictional Forrest Gump, Dr. Merrill B. McFall—in his real life—encountered many people who inspired him and whose lives he inspired in return. They include some well-known names like John F. Kennedy, John Dillinger, Louie Zamperini (subject of the book and movie “Unbroken”), Ross Lockridge Jr. (author of the great American novel “Raintree County”), Methodist bishop Richard Raines, psychologist B. F. Skinner, sexologist Alfred Kinsey (of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University), Herman Wells (past president of Indiana University) and the Honorable Lee Hamilton (former congressman and Medal of Freedom recipient from President Barack Obama), among others.

The book “The Calling” is based on the promise of the abundant Christian life, all fueled by the power of faith and channeled through one minister’s devotion to his flock and to his beloved congregation. This book can be found in our church library. It can also be purchased at the Monroe County History Center, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.