The Rev. A. Bertram Miller, 90, founding pastor of the Miami Lakes Congregational Church, passed away on June 22 after a tragic fall and resulting head injury while on his way north to Vermont for the summer.
The son of a Congregational minister, Miller grew up in South Dakota, New Hampshire and Connecticut. He was a veteran of the Navy V-12 program in World War II, followed by graduation from Harvard in 1947 and Yale Divinity School in 1950.
His ministry in the United Church of Christ spanned over 60 years from Coral Gables, where he met his wife, Mary Margaret Roberts, to Austin Texas, St. Johnsbury Vermont, Miami Lakes, and Church by the Sea in Bal Harbor, followed by interim work after his retirement at Key Biscayne Community Church, and Christ Congregational Church.
Miller was active in denominational affairs, community and ecumenical endeavors, and social justice projects, and was a founding board member of the Samaritan Counseling Center in south Florida.
Following his “second retirement” as interim minister, he sang in the choirs at Miami Lakes and Church by the Sea, greatly enjoying his trip with the latter to Carnegie Hall in January to sing the modern Requiem by Kim Andre Arnesen.
Miller is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Nestler and husband, Peter, of Lebanon, New Hampshire; grandson Michael Nestler, sister Marthajean Roberts, brother-in-law William Roberts and wife, Barbara, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his wife, Mary Margaret, brother Richard Miller, and sisters Mary Joan Vennart and Julia Merrill.
A memorial service will be held for Rev. Miller at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, at Miami Lakes Congregational Church, 6701 Miami Lakeway South. For more information, contact the church office at 305-822-4313.