An Anniversary of 45 years

It seems hard to believe but 45 years ago on this day, June 10, 1973 I was ordained at my home congregation (Epiphany Lutheran) in Brooklyn, New York. I posted the anniversary on my Facebook page and there were a number of comments. Certainly more than I expected. In ministry, Word and Sacrament or Word and Service, there are always ups and downs, but the ups outweigh the down times. I have been blessed by family, congregants, students and colleagues who inspired and supported me over the years.

Prior to this 45th year, I had two significant events that occurred in April. On April 29th my portrait was unveiled in the Wentz library. I was the first African American to be tenured at Gettysburg...I must also say I will be the last since Gettysburg Seminary no longer exits. It is now the Gettysburg campus of United Lutheran Seminary. On April 18, I was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for service in ministry but the Alumni Association. My classmate, Bob Musser nominated me. I was certainly humbled by these two events. When I arrived in Gettysburg as a student in September 1969, I never imagined that Gettysburg would play such an important part in my life. I am thankful.

Changes and memories

Last Friday I attended the last hours of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. At the stroke of midnight it became United Theological Seminary - (ULS:the merger of Gettysburg and Philadelphia seminaries). With the stories that were told at three of the buildings on campus noting its context with the history of the seminary, the encounters with former and present staff members, and a service of the Word in the chapel, and the tolling of the bell, I couldn't help but note that life has changed on the campus. I spent more than half of my years in ministry on that campus. That is a significant amount of time and memories. But change happens. My prayers for the faculty, students, and staff at ULS.

On Sunday, July 2, I received notice of the death of Earl Werdelin. He was my internship Pastor supervisor when I was a seminarian at Gettysburg. What memories! I am also godfather to David, his youngest son who is now a father of three. I am embarrassed to say just how long it has been since I had seen David but it was so good to be with him and his wife during the funeral. I hope we can build on the few hours we spent at the funeral and luncheon afterward at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Manchester, Connecticut.

I acquired a tremendous amount of pastor skills under Werdelin. My life in the theological academy certainly was nurtured and honed during that internship year. For Earl, the intern/vicar was an integral part of the ministry. When I returned to St. Croix as co-Pastor with him at Lord God of Sabbaoth Lutheran Church, I continued to hone those skills. Little did I know where those initial years would lead.