COLUMBIA 
THEOLOGICAL 
SEMINARY 



Vantage 



SPRING/SUMMER 1999 



Six new professors 
join Columbia faculty 



Six new faculty members are joining 
the Columbia community, filling both 
vacant and new positions. These 
professors come from as close as 
Woodstock, Georgia, and from as far 
away as Gottingen, Germany. They are 
Mark Douglas, instructor of Christian 
ethics; Margit Ernst, assistant professor 
in systematic theology; William Harkins, 
instructor of pastoral care and theology; 
Sharon Mook, assistant professor of 
pastoral care and theology; Rodger 
Nishioka, associate professor of 
Christian education; and Charles 
Raynal, director of advanced studies 
and associate professor of theology. 

Mark Douglas moves to Decatur 
from Crozet, Virginia, where he 
has served as co-pastor of Tabor 
Presbyterian Church. He received a 
bachelor's degree from Colorado 
College and the M.Div. degree from 
Princeton Theological Seminary. He 
also holds a Th.M. from Princeton 
Seminary and is a Ph.D. candidate in 
religious ethics at the University of 
Virginia (UVA). He has taught at UVA 
and Virginia Commonwealth 
University and is a member of the 
American Academy of Religion and 
the Society of Christian Ethics. 



Margit Emst has served as research 
assistant in the Karl Barth Institute. 
She worked with Professor Eberhard 
Busch, chair of Reformed theology at 
the University of Gottingen and Karl 
Barth's last Ph.D. student. She has also 
assisted in research in the Archives for 
Feminist and Liberation Theologies at 
the University of Kassel, Germany. 
Ernst completed the Ph.D. in system- 
atic theology last year from the 
University of Gottingen and has served 
there as an instructor on the faculty of 
theology She has been active in lead- 
ership and in teaching and preaching 
in the Reformed Church of Germany. 

Bill Harkins, a licensed marriage 
and family therapist, joins the faculty 
from Candler School of Theology, 
where he has served as an adjunct 
instructor of pastoral care and coun- 
seling, and the Georgia Baptist Health 
Care System, where he was a clinical 
seminar instructor. Harkins holds a 
B.A. from Rhodes College, the M.Div. 
from Vanderbilt University Divinity 
School, and is a Ph.D. candidate in 
religion and personality at Vanderbilt. 
He is a member of the vestry of the 
Episcopal Church of the Annunciation 
Continued on page 3 





Mark Douglas 



Margit Ernst 



William Harkins 




Sharon Mook 



Rodger Nishioka 



Charles Raynal 



Columbia awards 
degrees to 97 students 



Meda Stamper, recipient of the Wilds Book Prize and several other awards, is 
congratulated by her father, Robert Stamper '43 (Th.M. '49), who from 1955 to 1964 
was vice president for development at Columbia. 



Diplomas and memories were 
bestowed during Columbia's 1999 
commencement activities. Seniors were 
celebrated with degrees, faculty donned 
their academic regalia, and friends 
and families were feted with parties 
and receptions. 

Graduation weekend began on 
Saturday, May 15, with a reception for 
graduates, faculty, families, and friends 
at the home of President and Mrs. 
Douglas Oldenburg. After a dinner 
for graduates and guests in the semi- 
nary's refectory, the entire seminary 
community was invited by the Class 
of 1999 to enjoy ice cream and enter- 
tainment on Columbia's beautiful 
quadrangle. 

The senior class presented as a gift 
to the seminary a set of paraments. 
The pulpit hanging, table runner, and 



bookmark were embossed with the 
"children of the world" design. This 
design is commemorative of President 
Oldenburg's year as moderator of the 
Presbyterian Church and his commit- 
ment to the Year of the Child. 

Columbia's 1999 commencement 
ceremonies took place on Sunday, May 
16, beginning with a baccalaureate 
morning worship service at Clairmont 
Presbyterian Church in Decatur. 
Barbara Lundblad, associate professor 
of preaching at Union Seminary in 
New York, delivered the sermon. 

In Lundblad's sermon, "Still There 
After All These Years," preached from 
Acts on the ascension of Jesus, she 
urged worshippers to help in passing 
on the story and traditions. "The Spirit 
of God which moved over the deep, 

Continued on page 4 



The glut is over 



James Hudnut-Beumler, Acting President, Dean of Faculty, and Professor of Religion and Culture 



Just last year I was challenged by an 
Episcopal priest at a conference. When, 
he asked me, was I going to do the 
decent thing and stop producing so 
many candidates for ministry? He 
went on to state his concern for how 
low clergy salaries were and his belief 
that the principal cause of the problem 
was an oversupply of ministers com- 
peting for positions. Recent news made 
me think back to that earlier discussion 
of the so-called "Clergy Glut." 

Whatever the cause is of low clerg) 
salaries, it cannot be the oversupply of 
ministers. In fact, in the Presbyterian 
Church (USA) alone, after years of 
more persons seeking calls to churches 
than churches seeking pastors, the 
tables have radically turned. Seminaries 
are producing about the same number 
of students as five years ago, but a huge 
number of retirements and foreshort- 
ened clergy careers have skyrocketed 
demand for new and experienced 
ministers. The glut is over. 

Beyond the numbers, however, lies 
another story about the demand for 
ministers. Perhaps at no time during 
this past century has the demand for 
good ministers been as high. The 
church faces challenges that call for 
faithful and imaginative leaders who 
can motivate people to respond to 
the gospel with the vitality that will 




James Hudnut-Beumler was inaugurated 
as professor of religion and culture in 
April. In his address, "The Pilgrim's 
Progress: or Why I Study Money," 
Hudnut-Beumler, who is also acting 
president, dean of faculty, and executive 
vice president, described how people reveal 
their ultimate values in the way they think 
about and handle money. With him is 
President Douglas Oldenburg, moderator 
of the 210th General Assembly, PC(USA). 



make its message heard and lived. At 
Columbia, we work hard at educating 
women and men for this kind of faith- 
ful and imaginative service. If you 
know people who would make gifted 
leaders of the people of God, now is 
the time to tell them that the glut is 
over, the church needs their talents, 
and ministry is a calling whose oppor- 
tunities are exceptional. And once you 
point them in the direction of Columbia, 
trust that we will do our part to convert 
those opportunities into realities. 

Not just numbers 
Of course it is not good enough only 
to produce more seminary graduates. 
It is vital that we keep the best ones in 
ministry and that they continue to be 
engaged in their work with deep faith 
and joy in their work. Many of us 
know about the phenomenon of the 
backdoor in congregations. People 
come in the front door and are wel- 
comed into the membership of the 
church with great celebration, only to 
depart quietly a couple of years later 
without ever having become involved. 
A similar thing happens with clergy as 
well. Too many leave after becoming 
burned-out, or upon losing their 
enthusiasm for a calling that is just as 
challenging as it can be rewarding. 
Nothing hurts so much as to see a 



promising student graduate and then 
leave ministry feeling defeated. 

I write this column knowing that 
many who read Vantage are pastors, 
but many more are lay leaders. 
Moreover, there are things we all can 
do to keep our good pastors whole and 
engaged in gospel ministry. As busy as 
the parish can be, the most important 
thing lay leaders can do is to make 
sure that their pastors take time off to 
refresh their ministries, with fresh 
thoughts, new books, and contact with 
peers in the ministry. Clergy too must 
learn that nurturing our love of the 
gospel is essential to our work as min- 
isters of Christ. And seminaries need 
to be ready to provide the stimulation 
and reflective space today's clergy 
need to renew their minds and hearts. 

I am delighted that Columbia is 
one place that offers a broad array of 
advanced degrees and short-term 
educational programs that can help 
maintain healthy ministries across a 
lifetime of service. Wherever you are 
in the spectrum of clergy, laity, and 
educators, I hope you will take on 
the educational challenge to let your 
minds be renewed and to encourage 
others to do the same. The quality of 
our mutual ministry depends on our 
commitment to a faithful and educated 
ministry.  




George Telford with Brad Abelson, first recipient of the George and Sally Telford Award. 

Pastor-theologian Telford retires 



As George Telford retired in May from 
his ministry as director of advanced 
studies and associate professor of 
theology at Columbia, he completed 
a circle. When he graduated from 
Columbia in 1958, he set out to be 
what he has described as a "pastor- 
theologian" called to "equip the saints 
for the work of ministry, for building 
up the body of Christ." He fulfilled 
this calling as pastor of churches in 
university communities in Auburn, 
Alabama; Tallahassee, Florida; and 
Charlottesville and Blacksburg, Virginia. 
He fulfilled this calling as he served 



the larger church as director of the 
Division of Corporate and Social 
Mission in the old "Southern" 
Presbyterian Church (PCUS), and as 
director of the Theology and Worship 
Ministry Unit of the Presbyterian 
Church (USA)  positions that 
involved him in a number of ecumeni- 
cal conversations and projects with 
other churches. His experience in 
these ministries made him uniquely 
prepared and qualified to fulfill the 
same calling when he returned to 
Columbia in 1993 to administer the 

Continued on page 5 




Richard T. DuBose 



DuBose named 
vice president 

Richard T. DuBose will join the 
Columbia administration as vice presi- 
dent for development and seminary 
relations on August 1. He has been a 
campaign director at Coxe Curry & 
Associates, a professional counseling 
firm serving Atlanta non-profit 
organizations. 

At Coxe Curry, DuBose has direct- 
ed a number of capital campaigns, 
feasibility studies, and development 
audits for Atlanta schools and organi- 
zations. Before joining Coxe Curry, he 
was director of development and com- 
munications at Atlanta International 
School (AJS) for nine years. He estab- 
lished the school's Development 
Office in 1987 and directed a success- 
ful campaign which culminated with 
AIS's move to new facilities. 

DuBose received the B.A. in 
history from Davidson College. The 
son of a Presbyterian minister, he is 
a member and elder at Trinity 
Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, where 
he has served as clerk of the session. 

At Columbia, DuBose will assume 
responsibility for external relations, 
which includes all fund-raising activi- 
ties and public relations. He will be 
accountable for organizing and imple- 
menting plans for the annual fund, 
capital campaigns, planned giving, 
and the endowment. He will work 
with the seminary's constituencies, 
including presbyteries, synods, and 
the General Assembly, as well as the 
Board of Trustees, President's Advisory 
Council, Columbia Friendship Circle, 
and Alumni/ae Association. 

Acting President James Hudnut- 
Beumler said, "Richard knows the 
Presbyterian Church and deeply cares 
about its future. His generous spirit 
comes through in every exchange one 
has with him. I am looking forward 
to working closely with him as we 
seek to advance the work of Columbia 
in service to the church and its 
ministry."  



VANTAGE 




The Harrington Center's new addition 



Columbia completes construction 
and renovation 



Columbia has been blessed with the 
beautiful addition to the Harrington 
Center for Continuing Education and 
Church Growth and the recent renova- 
tion of Florida Hall. Both projects have 
provided the community with new 
facilities which address the changing 
environment and needs of the seminary. 

In May, Columbia received a 
Design Award from the City of Decatur 
for the Harrington Center addition. 
The architectural design was praised 
for relating to the historic, red brick 
Gothic buildings already on the campus, 
while incorporating new technologies. 

The expansion of the Harrington 
Center allows Columbia to continue 
its role as a center for theological edu- 
cation. Office space has been added, 
which will be occupied by the Lay 
Institute for Faith and Life and New 
Church Development. 

Similarly, the addition of a second 
chapel on campus provides a less for- 
mal environment for conferences and 
large meetings. The Harrington Center 
chapel can seat 200 people. 

Columbia's first auditorium, 
equipped with state-of-the-art video, 
including DVD projection technology 
and satellite teleconferencing, as well 
as Dolby surround-sound audio, 
opens Columbia to the modern world 
of communications. 

Another technological advance is 
the "Twenty-First Century Classroom," 
which provides for simultaneous 
translating within the room's large 
translation booth. This will enable 
Columbia to expand its services to 
international groups and conferences 
on campus. 

The expansion provides 32 addi- 
tional beds for conference participants 
and two suites for guest lecturers. 

Funding for the new addition 
was provided primarily by Peachtree 
Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. 
According to James Hudnut-Beumler, 
executive vice president and dean of 
faculty, "This represents a substantial 



partnership between a participating 
congregation and the seminary in 
providing attractive, usable space for 
short-term visitors to take advantage 
of Columbia's programs and resources." 

The renovation of Florida Hall has 
also provided new amenities for resi- 
dence hall students. These include a 
new student lounge and kitchen, exer- 
cise room, elevator, and on-campus 
child care center. In addition, the build- 
ing is handicapped accessible and has 
four specially designed apartments 
which are handicapped accessible. 

"We are excited about meeting 
changing expectations of residence 
hall living and encouraging more of 
our students, single and married, to 
live inexpensively on-campus," says 
Phil Gehman '68, vice president and 
dean of students. 

The renovation has included sig- 
nificant safety features, and the heat- 
ing and cooling system was replaced 
to include independent controls in 
each unit. 

Columbia's student population 
has changed since Florida Hall was 
built in 1961 and now includes men 
and women, as well as more second 
career students. The renovation has 
reflected this change in the increased 
size of rooms, the addition of more 
apartments with cooking facilities, and 
new bathrooms in each unit. 

Acoustical tiles added to hallways 
diminish noise. Each floor has a lounge 
area where students can meet to relax. 
In addition, a larger student lounge on 
the fourth floor provides kitchen facili- 
ties and tables for study. An exercise 
room encourages the physical well- 
ness of students. Florida Hall, like the 
Harrington Center, has been upgraded 
to accommodate technological 
advances. 

Four rooms in Florida Hall have 
been given in honor or in memory of 
persons who have been important to 
the Columbia community. The Child 
Care Center has been given in honor 



of Lucy Robertson Aldridge '90 by her 
husband John, a member of Columbia's 
Board of Trustees. 

The Rev. A. Cecil Moore, Jr. Guest 
Suite is given by the faculty and staff 
in honor of his years of dedication to 
Columbia as superintendent of build- 
ings and grounds since 1973. Moore, 
who received the B.D. from Columbia 
in 1962, had served as pastor of First 
Presbyterian Church, Tallassee, 
Alabama, from 1962 to 1967 and of the 
Collins, Mississippi, Presbyterian 
Church from 1967 to 1973. 

The Emily Wood Guest Suite is 
given by the Board of Trustees in 
honor of her lifelong devotion to and 
support of the seminary. Wood worked 
for 12 years in the Development Office 
of Columbia, primarily as Columbia 
Friendship Circle promotion secretary. 
Since that time, she has also been on 
Columbia's Board of Trustees, for 
which she was secretary, and on the 
President's Advisory Council. She has 
served two terms as president of 
Columbia Friendship Circle and has 
been on the Mission Haven Board. 
Wood has been clerk of session of the 
St. Mark's Presbyterian Church in 
Altamonte, Florida, for 19 years. 

The Robert Davidson Woodward, lr. 
Suite was given by Julia Munroe 
Woodward and their family. Woodward, 
born in Quincy, Florida, was a lifelong 
Presbyterian. The Woodwards' 
daughter, Judy, is vice president of 
the Columbia Friendship Circle. 
Their granddaughter, Mary Katherine 



New faculty 
continued from page 1 

in Marietta, of the American Association 
of Pastoral Counselors, and of the 
Society for Pastoral Theology. 

Sharon Mook was a pastoral coun- 
selor at the Westminster Counseling 
Center in Minneapolis for 11 years 
and has served pastorates in 
Presbyterian churches in Oklahoma 
and Pennsylvania. She was also a 
civilian chaplain and director of 
youth ministry for the U.S. Army in 
Frankfurt, Germany. She holds a B.S. 
from Slippery Rock University, the 
M.Div. from Princeton Theological 
Seminary, a D.Min. from Perkins 
School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in 
pastoral theology and ministry from 
Luther Seminary. 

Rodger Nishioka joins the faculty 
in January after 13 years in religious 
education with the Presbyterian 
Church (USA). From 1986-97, he served 
as the associate for youth ministry/ 
curriculum development, in which he 
edited and designed church school 
curriculum and developed a church- 
wide strategy for ministry with young 
people. Since 1997, he has served as 
coordinator for youth and young 
adult ministries. He served as moder- 
ator of the National Council of 
Churches Young Adult Ministries 
Team and has taught at McCormick 
Theological Seminary. He received a 
B.A. from Seattle Pacific University 




Cecil Moore '62 was one oj the firsi 
residents oj I lorida ' Ml \s superinten 
./(/;/ 1'/ buildings and grounds, / super- 
vised the renovation oj the building nearly 
U) years later, and /// < olleagues dedl ated 

a faculty guest Suite "> ///s honor. 

( Inbeknownsl to them, they chose "/< very 
same apartment Moore <imi his family 
lived in the summer they returned i<< 
( olumbia 2 b years ago. 



Gregory Kobinson '97, is an associate 
pastor at First Presbyterian Church in 
Charlotte.  

Katie link in 



and the MA. in Theological Studies 
from McCormick. 

Charles Raynal, who has served 
as pastor of Davidson College 
Presbyterian Church, Davidson, North 
Carolina, for 20 years, is director of 
Columbia's advanced degree pro- 
grams and associate professor of the- 
ology. Raynal holds a B.A from 
Davidson College, a B.D. from Union 
Theological Seminary in Virginia, and 
a Master of Philosophy and Ph.D. 
from Yale University. He holds certifi- 
cates from the Universite de Poitiers, 
France, and the Goethe Institute, 
Germany. Raynal has studied at the 
Faculte de Theologie Protestante, 
France, and the Ecumenical Institute 
in Bossey, Switzerland. His other pas- 
torates include the First Presbyterian 
Churches in Hammond, Louisiana, 
and Durham, North Carolina. He has 
taught at Union Theological Seminary 
and is a member of the Calvin Studies 
Society and the International Congress 
of Calvin Research. 

Dean of Faculty James Hudnut- 
Beumler said, "The people who are 
joining our faculty bring an outstand- 
ing range of skills and experiences to 
Columbia. From decades in the parish 
to success in making youth programs 
vital, from addressing the needs of 
hurting people to interpreting the the- 
ology and values of the Reformed tra- 
dition, these new colleagues will 
enrich and extend what we can offer 
the church and our students."  

Ruth Lovell '00 



SPRING /SUMMER 1999 



Continuing Education 
and Lay Institute 
Calendar 



For further information or to register for courses, call or write: 
Rebecca S. Parker, Director of Continuing Education, or 
Richard S. Dietrich, Director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life 
Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA 30031/404-378-8821. 



July 6-9, July 26-30, August 27-28 Presbyterian Women's Bible Study Old 
Songs for a New Millennium: A Study or the Psalms See article on this page. 

August 2-6 Summer Lay School. Tin New Testament Today See article on 
this page. 

September 13, 20, 27, October 4 Fall Lay School I: Reading Scripture; 
Prpncipalities and Powers; and Christ and the Electronic Media 
Leaders: Cam Murchison, Chuck Campbell, and Pete Paulsen. Cost: $40. 

September 20-22 Write to Publish Leaders: Cecil Murphy and Kathy Bostrom. 
Cost $85. 

October 11 Waltzing Methuselah See article this page. 

October 18-20 Analyzing Your Church for Growth Possibilities See article on 
this page. 

October 18, 25, November 1, 8 Fall Lay School II: Courses on the spiritual life; 
angels AND DEMONS; and reading biblical STORIES Leaders: Joan Gray, Linda 
Momingstar, Rick Dietrich, George Stroup, and other Columbia faculty members. 

November 8-11 The Honeymoon Is Over: Eighteen Months into the First Call 
This seminar will explore the significant transition in ministry after a full year 
with a congregation and help develop styles of ministry. Leaders: TAS 2 TE, 
Transition and Survival Skills Training Experience. Cost $150. 



Graduation 

continued from page 1 



the Spirit which dwelt within Jesus, 
the Holy Spirit promised on the hill- 
side long ago  this very same Spirit 
is still there after all these years." 

Later that afternoon, bagpipes and 
a pipe organ heralded the procession 
of Columbia's faculty and the Class of 
1999 into the sanctuary of Peachtree 
Presbyterian Church for Columbia's 
commencement service. The service 
featured a brass ensemble and a spe- 
cial choir drawn from members of the 
choirs of Peachtree church, other 
Atlanta-area Presbyterian churches, 
and Columbia Seminary. 

As their names were called by 
George Telford '58, director of 
advanced studies, and Vice President 
and Dean of Students Philip Gehman 
'68, graduates were congratulated by 
Joanna Adams '79, chair of Columbia's 
Board of Trustees, and President 
Douglas Oldenburg. Executive Vice- 
President and Dean of Faculty James 
Hudnut-Beumler placed the colorful 
academic hoods on the shoulders of 
each of the graduates. 

Two candidates received Doctor of 
Theology degrees. Doctor of Ministry 
(D.Min.) degrees were awarded to 38 
candidates. Nine candidates received 
Master of Theology degrees, and 
Columbia awarded one Master of Arts 
in Theological Studies degree. 

Forty-seven graduates received 



Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degrees. 
Among these, Ralph Hawkins, 
Jennifer Horton, David Lindsay, 
Melanie Mitchell, and Meda Stamper 
received theirs with honors. 

After the conferring of degrees, 
Dean Hudnut-Beumler awarded 
prizes and fellowships to graduates in 
recognition of particular qualities of 
excellence. 

The Wilds Book Prize was awarded 
to Meda Stamper for the highest dis- 
tinction in academic work over the 
entire M.Div. program. Stamper also 
received the Paul T. Fuhrmann Book 
Prize in Church History, the Harvard 
A. Anderson Fellowship to the gradu- 
ate determined to have the greatest 
potential for future academic achieve- 
ment, and the Lyman and Myki Mobley 
Prize to the student doing exemplary 
work in the field of biblical scholarship. 

Shannon Johnson-Kerschner 
received the Columbia Leadership 
Award, given to a senior who shows 
promise of outstanding leadership in 
the church. 

Bradford Ableson was awarded 
the first George and Sally Telford 
Award, given to a D.Min. student who 
shows exceptional ability for congre- 
gational leadership with an emphasis 
on social justice issues and vision for 
the church, and the Florrie Wilkes 
Sanders Prize in Theology. 

Maxine Edwards and Mickey 
Shealy received the William Dudley 
Award for evidence of achievement, 



Summer Lay 
Scholars set 

"Become a lay scholar and study the 
New Testament this summer," invites 
Rick Dietrich, director of the Lay 
Institute of Faith and Life. Summer 
Lay Scholars week is August 2-6. 

"We'll highlight the diversity of 
early Christianity," says Beth Johnson, 
professor of New Testament, who will 
lead the course with Dietrich. "In the 
first century, the Christian church was 
a hugely diverse phenomenon. In the 
gospels alone we can see how four 
diverse communities produced stories 
about Jesus." 

During Summer Lay Scholars 
week, mornings are devoted to "tradi- 
tional" study and afternoons to more 
experiential reflection. 

"One afternoon we may view and 
discuss a movie, read non-biblical 
stories in which Jesus is a character, or 
look at art depicting narratives in the 
New Testament," Dietrich says. 

The week allows for interaction 
with other students and faculty  
time for the library and time for society. 

For reading, Johnson suggests 
Bart Erhman's The New Testament: A 
Historical Introduction to the Early 
Christian Writings. 

Participants are encouraged to stay 
in on-campus housing. Tuition, room, 
and board are $300; tuition only is 
$175. Registration deadline is July 23. 

For more information, call the Lay 
Institute at 404/687-4577.  



interest, and commitment in evange- 
lism and church growth. 

Joel Thornton was honored with 
the Indiantown Country Church 
Award in recognition of his outstand- 
ing supervised ministry work in a 
rural setting. 

The Presbytery of St. Andrew 
Presbyterian Women Preaching Award 
went to Lance Mullins for the best ser- 
mon preached by a M.Div. student. 

Caroline Kelly was awarded the 
Harold J. Riddle Memorial Book Award 
for showing the highest distinction in 
pastoral care, especially in the area of 
terminally ill patients. 

Victor Alejandro Feliberty-Ruberte 
and Melanie Mitchell received the 
James T. and Celeste M. Boyd Book 
Fund Award, awarded to students who 
will be good stewards of a theological 
library. 

Gerone Lockhart received the 
Columbia Friendship Circle Graduate 
Fellowship in recognition of superior 
achievement and to provide support 
for further study. Richard Floyd 
and Anna McArthur were awarded 
Columbia Graduate Fellowships. 

Commencement was followed by 
a reception hosted by Peachtree 
Presbyterian Church, which has made 
its facilities available to Columbia for 
graduation exercises for the past 11 
years. 

The next issue of Vantage will con- 
tain a listing of graduates' dissertation 
titles and placements.  Katie Ricks '01 



Serninar on 
aging offered 

While we are all in the process of 
aging, it is not a subject that many of 
us in the church have intentionally 
explored. "Waltzing Methuselah" is a 
workshop designed for pastors and 
educators to assist them to understand 
the developmental process for persons 
over the age of 55, the issues and 
trends in the culture regarding aging, 
and the constructive work congrega- 
tions need to do to support the spiritual 
journey of older adults. 

Keynote speaker is Henry C. 
Simmons, director of the Center on 
Aging at Union Theological Seminary 
and Presbyterian School of Christian 
Education. He is a Charter Fellow of 
the Association for Gerontology in 
Higher Education and has written and 
lectured on the human dynamics of 
aging for more than 25 years. There 
will also be a resource center available 
and opportunities to talk with other 
persons active in creative aging. 

The workshop is scheduled 
October 11 from 9:00-1:30. Cost of the 
event is $35 and $15 for each additional 
person coming from the same church. 

For more information, contact the 
Office of Continuing Education at 
404/687-4562.  

Study Psalms 

This summer, the Lay Institute will 
again offer courses on the upcoming 
series, Old Songs for a New Millennium: 
A Study of the Psalms, the 1999-2000 
Bible study that will be used in 
Presbyterian women's circles in the 
coming year. These courses are 
particularly designed for those who 
will be teaching the series, but they 
are open to everyone. For dates, see 
the calendar on this page, or call 
404/687-4577.  

Learn dynamics 
of church growth 

Church growth is a complex process 
that involves the presence of the Spirit, 
leadership from the pastor and con- 
gregational members, dynamics in the 
community, the location of the church, 
and more. This workshop will use 
systems theory, computer simulation, 
and current theories in the field to 
help understand the economy of the 
church and its relationship to growth. 
It will also explore whether or not a 
church has reached limits of growth 
due to space and location. 

Dr. Jeffrey Bullock, the leader, is 
pastor of Saint Barnabus of the Desert 
Episcopal Church, Scottsdale, Arizona. 
He has led several churches in their 
growth plans. 

This event is October 18-20, and 
cost is $145. For more information, 
contact the Office of Continuing 
Education, 404/687-4562.  



VANTAGE 




Eade Anderson '50 and James Speed '57 



Alumni receive Distinguished 
Service Awards 



At its Alumni /ae Association meeting 
in April, Columbia presented the 
Distinguished Service Awards to J. 
Eade Anderson '50 and James O. 
Speed '57. These awards are presented 
annually to two graduates who have 
shown outstanding Christian service 
in ministry throughout their lives. 

Eade Anderson, a native of 
Etowah, North Carolina, served pas- 
torates in Georgia, North Carolina, 
Mississippi, and Alabama for the first 
20 years of ordained ministry. He then 
became a chaplain at Veterans' 
Administration hospitals, first in 
Indiana and later in Arkansas. He 
served on numerous presbytery, 
synod, and General Assembly com- 
mittees. Upon retirement, he returned 
to the pastorate and has filled interim 
positions throughout the South. 

A graduate of Davidson College, 
Anderson did post-graduate work at 
the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. 
He and his wife are parents of a 



PC(USA) pastor and grandparents of a 
recent Columbia graduate. 

James Speed retired last January 
after 26 years as pastor of First 
Presbyterian Church in Marietta, 
Georgia. Prior to that pastorate, he 
served three churches in Alabama. 
Early in his career, he served on the 
Board of Christian Education of the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.). Speed has 
also served on the boards of 
Presbyterian College and Columbia. 

During his time in Marietta, the 
congregation more than doubled its 
membership. In addition to pres- 
bytery, synod, and General Assembly 
work, Speed has served as board 
member of many community and 
national organizations. 

He, too, is a Davidson College 
graduate, and he also earned the 
Doctor of Ministry degree from 
Columbia. He and his wife have four 
children, including two who are 
Columbia graduates.  




"Picturing Faith," the Lay Institute's current exhibition through August 15, shows 
religious America in government photography from 1935 to 1943. Above, Walker Evans's 
Church Interior, Alabama, 1936. For information, call 404/687-4578. 



At its spring meeting, Columbia's Board of Trustees gathered for it photo I I ' )avi& 
Cozad, secretary, Joe Harvard '66, Florida I llis, Joanna Adams '79. chair, I )avid 
Quattlebaum, vice chair, Howell Adams, John Conant, Douglas Oldenburg president; 
Second row: Jim Lowry '66, John Bartholomew, Betty Nichols, Suzanne Benton lain 
Norman, Rosalyn White, ihird row: Cordell Wynn, Vernon Hunter. Blaine Hill, Billy 
Morris, Frankie Calcote; Fourth row: Dae Slim. John Aldridge. I ///// row Ann i ousms, 
Sue Wieland, Tom Yount, Bill Scheu, Frank Colelough; Sixth row hit Smith, I laren e 
Boone. Jimmy Adams, Pat Patrick, Last row: William Pender '80, Frank James. 
Not pictured: Bill Bryant (D.Min. '81), Richard Cromie, Margaret Miller, Bob Pattillo, 
Lucimarian Roberts, John Weitnauer, 



Frank Harrington '60, trustee 
and benefactor, 1935-1999 



As a Board member, hi- served on 
the Development, Student I ife, and 
Business Management Committees. 

Previously, the seminary awarded him 
the Distinguished Service Award at its 
annual meeting of the Alumni/ae 
Association. A loyal alumnus, 
1 [arrington sent many students from 
his church to the seminary, as well as 
called Columbia graduates to serve on 
the staff at Peachtree 

He was an advocate for new 
church development, e\ angelism, and 
church growth. He led his church not 
only to undertake effective ministries 
to Atlanta but also to support the 
mission of the global church. 

Harrington was awarded numer- 
ous honorary doctorates. He served 
on the boards of such organi/ations as 
Habitat for Humanity International, 
Presbyterian College, Outreach 
Foundation of the Presbyterian Church, 
Center of Theological Inquiry, and the 
Salvation Army. 

President Douglas W. Oldenburg, 
moderator of the 210th General 
Assembly, PC (USA), said, "No one 
has given more support to Columbia 
Seminary and its president than Frank 
1 [arrington. I have cherished his 
friendship and admired his leadership 
at Peachtree and throughout our 
denomination. We give thanks to God 
for our dear friend and faithful servant 
of Christ. He has touched our lives in 
countless ways, and we are far better 
for having known him and been loved 
by him."  




W. Frank Harrington '60 



William Frank Harrington '60 (Th.M. 
'61), Columbia Seminary benefactor 
and Board of Trustees member, died 
March 3, 1999, after an illness of two 
months. He was 63. 

Frank Harrington was senior 
minister of Peachtree Presbyterian 
Church in Atlanta, the largest church 
in the denomination, for 27 years. 
Under his leadership and with his 
encouragement, the church established 
at Columbia the Peachtree Chair of 
Evangelism and Church Growth and 
provided resources to build the W. 
Frank Harrington Center for 
Continuing Education and Church 
Growth and the new addition just 
completed. 



SPRING/SUMMER 1999 



For the Record 



If you have recent news to contribute to this section, please mail it to 
the editor, or you may e-mail it to harperj@CTSnet.edu. 



Stanley Wood, director of the Center 
for New Church Development (NCD), 
was a keynote speaker at a congrega- 
tional leadership event sponsored by 
National Capital Presbytery and the 
Riverside New Church Development, 
Sterling, VA. He led NCD training 
seminars for Denver, New Harmony, 
and Peace River presbyteries and a 
workshop on "Faith Snaring with the 
Unchurched" at First church, Valdosta, 
GA. Wood preached at First churches, 
Valdosta, GA, Bentonville, AR, 
Myrtle Beach, SC, and Savannah, GA; 
Braden River church, Bradenton, FL; 
and Bethany Collegiate church, 
Havertown, PA. He led workshops at 
the Presbyterian Church (USA) 
Evangelism and Church Development 
annual NCD Pastor/ Spouse retrc.it, 

Colorado Springs, CO Brad Smith 

'89 (DMin '99) is a Souper Bowl 
founder and associate pastor at Spring 
Valley church, Columbia, SC. Last 
January more than $2.4 million was 

raised for the Souper Bowl Rebecca 

Parker, director of continuing educa- 
tion, co-taught a Sunday School class 
at St. Luke's Episcopal church, Atlanta. 
She was a keynote speaker for women 
of Greater Atlanta Presbytery and for 

women at the Roswell, GA, church 

Bill Lancaster '73, an associate 
for mission and communication for 
Foothills Presbytery, has been elected 
president of the Presbyterian 
Communicators Partnership, an 
association of communications profes- 
sionals in the church. 

Bill Schotanus '53 received the 
1999 Community Service Award from 
WXIA-TV in Atlanta for his volunteer 

work in older adult ministry Anna 

Carter Florence, instructor in preach- 
ing and worship, was preacher at 
Princeton Theological Seminary's 
Youth Forums in St. Simon's Island, 
GA. She led a women's retreat at 
Trinity church, Atlanta, GA, published 
an article in Journal for Preachers and 
two sermons in Abingdon Women's 

Preaching Annual Wade Huie '46, 

professor emeritus, attended the 
annual meeting of the Theological 
Education Fund at Evangelical 
Seminary of Puerto Rico as regional 
representative for the Synod of South 
Atlantic and taught a D.Min. course. 
He preached at Westminister church, 
Snellville, GA; Second church, Little 
Rock, AR; and Lynnbrook Retirement 
Center, Atlanta Ronald Cram, asso- 
ciate professor of Christian education, 
taught a Lenten course at St. Martins 
in the Field Episcopal Church, Atlanta. 
He gave a lecture on contextual educa- 
tion at the School of Theology, 
Claremont, CA. He attended the 
NCEA Christian education conference 
in New Orleans and led a parenting 
course at First church, Atlanta. For 
Greater Atlanta Presbytery he consult- 
ed with the Senior Adult Ministries 



Committee and presented "Trends 
of Christian Education.". ...Sue 
Boardman-McKissack '90 is the new 
editor of Monday Morning, the Presby- 
terian Church (USA)'s magazine for 
ministers. 

Beth Johnson, professor of New 
Icstament, taught Sunday school at 
Central and Trinity churches, Atlanta. 
She preached at the Dorchester church, 
Summerville, SC, and presided at a 
session of the Society of Biblical 
Literature regional meeting in 

Durham, NC Lynn Rubier-Capron 

'98 is an adjunct professor of Koine 
Greek at Colgate Rochester Divinity 
School /Bexley Hall/Crozier 
Theological Seminary.. ...Chuck 
Campbell, associate professor of 
homilerics, preached at Central 
church, Atlanta, and delivered a paper 
at the annual meeting of Societas 
Homiletica, the international academy 
of homilerics. He led a workshop for 
center-city pastors, a retreat for pastors 
from Middle Tennessee Presbytery, 
and preached at First church, 



BIRTHS 

To Ann Houston '92 and Danny Kelly, 
a son, Daniel Whitmire, Oct. 15, 1998. 
To Marybeth Asher '93 and Scott '93 
Lawson, a daughter, Grace Lian, born 
Sept. 19, 1997, adopted Aug. 31, 1998. 
To Bobby '94 and Erin Fisher, a daugh- 
ter, Sydney, Nov. 26, 1998. 
To Zoe Ann Henderson '94 and 
David Cagle '95, a son, Patrick Hunter, 
Feb. 2, 1999. 

To John (MATS '95) and Kelly Knapp, 
a son, Ronald Teske, Feb. 3, 1999. 
To Berke Landrum '95 and Fran 
Morrow, a son, Thomas Ray, 
Nov. 16, 1998. 

To Jonathan '96 and Jennifer Freeman, 
a daughter, Julia Ann, Mar. 5, 1999. 
To Doug '97 and Susan Minnerly, a 
son, Nathan Florinel Marrash, born 
Sept. 27, 1995, adopted Jan. 29, 1999. 
To Tripp Jennings '99 and Mary Helen 
Aguirre, a son, William Alexander, 
May 25, 1999. 



DEATHS 

Edwin C. Brasington '46, Nov. 18, 1998. 
Warren W. Beale '50, Apr. 15, 1999. 
Kenneth L. Christy '53, Nov. 8, 1998. 
William A. Adams '56, June 15, 1999. 
J. Richard Bass '56, Apr. 24, 1999. 
William B. Emerson '58, Nov. 5, 1998. 
Frank Harrington '60, Mar. 3, 1999. 
See article on page 5. 
Howard H. Killingsworth '62, 
Feb. 24, 1999. 

Evelyn H. Prince, wife of Harold 
Prince '60, professor emeritus, 
May 23, 1999. 



Columbia, TN Jan Tolbert '98 is 

pastor of the Greenville, GA, church 
and serves as chaplain at the 
Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for 

Rehabilitation Lisa Majoras '93 

has been called as associate pastor of 

Northwest church, Atlanta Perky 

Daniel '86 preached at Agnes Scott 

College's Baccalaureate in May John 

Patton, professor of pastoral theology, 
gave five lectures in Houston on 
"Relational Humanness in an Age of 
Managed Care" to D.Min. students of 
Seabury Western Seminary. He gave 
a paper on international students in 
clinical pastoral education at the 
national convention of the Association 
of Clinical Pastoral Education and 
received a Distinguished Contributor 
Award from the Association for work 
with international students. At the 
annual meeting of the American 
Association of Pastoral Counselors he 
gave a paper celebrating the twentieth 
anniversary of Journal of Supervision 
and Training in Ministry. 

Darrell Guder, professor of 
evangelism and church growth, led a 
course on "Ecumenical Perspectives 
on the Church's Mission" at the 
Ecumenical Center in Geneva, 
Switzerland, with George Stroup, 
professor of theology. Guder spoke for 
the annual church partners conference 
of Young Life, was keynote speaker 
for Cherokee Presbytery's Leadership 
Retreat, and conducted officers retreats 
for First church, Cartersville, GA, and 
Rivermont church, Chattanooga, TN. 
He led seminars on the missional 
church for Mississippi Presbytery and 
the Synod of the Sun and conducted 
a theological study retreat for pastors 
and elders, also for Mississippi 
Presbytery. He preached at Covenant 
church, Jackson, MS. While on sabbati- 
cal at the University of Gottingen, 
Germany, he co-taught a seminar on 
"The Mission of the Congregation.".... 
Stephen Ratliff '95 is pastor of Knox 

church, Norfolk, VA Beth Grimshaw 

'97 is associate pastor of the Haslett, 
MI, Community Church (United 

Church of Christ) David Bradley '95 

is pastor of First church, Milledgeville, 
GA Hubert Taylor, professor emeri- 
tus, co-facilitated a six-week course 
exploring the biblical texts and musi- 
cal treatment of Brahms' "Requiem" at 

Trinity church, Atlanta Rick Dietrich, 

director of the Lay Institute, has 
taught at Peachtree church, Atlanta; 
Westminster church, Snellville, GA; 
and at the Decatur church. He has 
preached at Columbia church, Decatur. 

Preston Shealy '86 is associate 
pastor at Pine Shores church, Sarasota, 

FL Steve Lindsley '97 has released 

his second full-length CD, "While I'm 
Here." The project includes 11 original 

songs John Tarrant '81 is pastor of 

the Deer Creek Shores church, Cumming, 

GA Julie Johnson (DMin '98), 

associate director of the Spirituality 
Program, led a session retreat for 
Timberridge church, McDonough, GA, 
was a workshop leader at the synod 
Leadership Training Event, Epworth, 
GA, and led women's retreats for the 
Sequoyah Hills church and at Rock 
Eagle, GA. She led a workshop and 



preached at Harbor View church, 
Charleston, SC, spoke at Eastminster 
church, Stone Mountain, GA, was a 
workshop leader at the small church 
conference in Epworth, GA, and led a 
staff workshop for Greater Atlanta 
Presbytery. She serves as a member of 
the planning team for Montreat's 

Spirituality Conference Scott 

Ramsey '98 is associate pastor for faith 
formation at First church, Arlington, 

VA Keith Freeman '95 is pastor 

of Glenwood, FL, church Joseph 

Harvard '66 received the Elna 
Spaulding award for outstanding ser- 
vice from Women-In-Action for the 
Prevention of Violence and Its Causes 

in Durham, NC Tom Watkins '94 

and Julie Self were married April 10 

in Raleigh, NC Dan McCall '60 is 

interim pastor of Peachtree church, 

Atlanta Will Coleman '85, associate 

professor of theology and hermeneu- 
tics, preached at Druid Hills church, 
Atlanta, led a workshop on "Tribal 
Talk: A Case Study of African 
American Spirituality" at St. James 
church for Charleston-Atlantic 
Presbytery, and presented a weekend 
retreat for Sequoyah Hills church at 
Montreat Charles Cousar '58, pro- 
fessor of New Testament, spoke to the 
southern cluster of churches in Greater 
Atlanta Presbytery on "The Reformed 
Perspective," gave a series of lectures 
at the Polytechnic Methodist church, 
Fort Worth TX, and taught a Lenten 
series on the Gospel of John at 
Westminster church, Snellville, GA. 
He also taught several classes at 
Eastminster church, Stone Mountain, GA. 

Robert Ramey, professor emeri- 
tus, served as interim pastor at the 
Raeford, NC, church. He preached and 
led workshops at Oakland Avenue 
church, Clayton, NC; Community 
church, Pinehurst, NC; the Gulf, NC, 
church; and First churches, Kingsport, 
TN, and Sanford, NC. He led officers 
retreats for the Laurinburg, NC, 
church, and the Church in the Pines, 
Laurel Hill, NC. Ramey conducted a 
workshop for lay caregivers of 
Bethesda church, Aberdeen, NC. He 

Continued on page 7 




Vantage 

Volume 91, No. 1, Spring/Summer 1999 
Published quarterly by 
Columbia Theological Seminary 
Circulation: 25,000 



The Office of Institutional 
Advancement 

Editor: Juliette Harper 
Director of Publications 
and Publicity 

Postmaster: Send address 

changes to Vantage 

Columbia Theological Seminary 

P.O. Box 520 

Decatur, GA 30031-0520 



VANTAGE 



For the Record 

continued from page 6 

has written 52 Devotions for Church 
Leaders, printed by Chalice Press. 
....Marcia Riggs, associate professor of 
Christian ethics, was keynote speaker 
for the annual Women in Ministry 
Conference of the African Methodist 
Episcopal church, St. Louis, spoke at 
a luncheon for the Moral Education in 
a Diverse Society Conference at Duke 
University, and presented a paper at 
the Discussion of Women's Faith, 
Culture, and Action for the annual 
meeting of Women and Philanthropy in 

New Orleans Walter Brueggemann, 

professor of Old Testament, preached 
at First Baptist church, Decatur, GA; 
St. John's United Methodist, Lubbock, 
TX; All Saints Episcopal church, 
Pasadena, CA; and Second church, 
Indianapolis, IN. He gave lectures at 
Meadowlark church, Huntersville, NC; 
Stetson University; Hendrix College; 
the conference for development offices 
of the Association of Theological 
Schools, Savannah, GA; Washington 
and Lee University; First church, 
Dal ton, GA; Lees-McRae College; 
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; 
Anglican Theological Institute, 
Colorado Springs, CO; Episcopal 
Church Center; and the Synod of 
Southern California. His recent articles 



have been published in Christian Michael Maxfield '92 is pastor at Fust 

Century and Dialog and his book church, Green Cove Springs, 

reviews in Theology Today Lisa FL Paul Ogne '98 is pastor of the 

Traynham Nelson '92 is associate pas- Oviedo, FL, church Christine Roy 

tor at Philadelphia church, Charlotte, Yoder, instructor in Old Testament, 

N C Carol Seaman '95 is interim at taught a series on the wisdom literature 

the Clinton, NJ, church Stephanie at Rock Spring church, Atlanta, GA, 

Davage '95 is associate pastor at St. and had a book review published in 

Andrews church, Raleigh, NC. The Princeton Seminary Bulletin. 

Heidi Calhoun '97 is associate George McDonald '78 is interim 

pastor at the Newport church, Bellevue, pastor at St. Peter's church, 

WA Paul Irwin '84 is associate Spencertown, NY Lisa Benn Rossi 

pastor of worship and music, First '97 is pastor of First church, Howard 

church, San Mateo, CA Ben Johnson, Lake, MN Lee Carroll '68, associate 

professor of Christian spirituality, was professor of supervised ministry, 
scholar-in-residence at First church, hosted at Columbia the annual 

San Antonio, TX, led an Immersion Consultation for Center-City and the 

Week for the Certificate in Spiritual annual Supervised Ministry Conference 

Formation Program at Austin Seminary for supervising pastors. He will be on 
and in Santa Barbara, CA, and was sabbatical leave for summer and fall 

keynote speaker for Synod of the South terms, 1999 Daniel Sack, associate 

Atlantic Health Ministries Conference. director of the Material 1 hstory of 
He led a staff and spouses retreat, an American Religion Project, presented 
officers retreat, and preached at First "Purity and Authority: The Communion 

church, Nashville, TN. He was keynote Cup Debate in American Protestantism," 
speaker for the Montreat Spirituality at a meeting of the American Society of 
Conference and Synod of South Atlantic Church History. He has an article, 
Presbyterian Men, St. Simons Island, "Every Meal Has Meeting," in the 

GA Thomas Are '59 is interim at current issue of The Christian Ministry. 

St. Giles church, Orange Park, FL ....Cameron Murchison, professor <>l 

David Horton '98 is associate pastor, ministry, led a workshop for Flint 

Mars Hill church, Acworth, GA River Presbytery on church officers 

Michael O'Neil '93 is associate ordination vows, Sunday evening 

pastor at John Knox church, Tulsa, OK. Lenten programs on worship and 
...Joon Won Lee '94 is associate pastor, sacraments for Eastminster church, 

Korean church, North Miami, FL Marietta, GA, and workshops on 

sacraments in The Book of Common 
^ ^~ ~ ^ ~"^^~^^""^^^~"^^~ Worship for Trinityfest, Columbia, SC. 

T~i 1 1 T) 1 i. He preached at Eastminster church, 

from the bOOKStOre Marietta, GA; Westminster church, 

Charleston, SC; First church, 
Retail Columbia Gainesville, GA; and Friendship 
price price church, Athens, GA. Murchison gave 

a presentation on Scotch-Irish legacy 
and preached for "Heritage Day" at 
the Abbeville, SC, church and led a 
Isiaiah 1 - 39. Westminster Bible Companion $20.00 $17.00 seminar for Commissioned Lay 

by Walter Brueggemann Pastors in Central Florida Presbytery. 

....Susan Cavallo Triplett '97 is pastor 
Isiaiah 40 - 66. Westminster Bible Companion $18.00 $15.30 of the Norris Lake church, Lithonia, 

by Walter Brueggemann GA, passed the APCE certification 

committee, and is a supervisory 
Generous Saints: Congregations Rethinking $13.00 $11.05 candidate in the Georgia Baptist super- 

Ethics and Money visorv clinical pastoral education pro- 

by James Hudnut-Beumler gram Ann Clay Adams, director of 

admissions, is a senior friend for the 
Presbyterian Student Strategy Team, 
the leadership team for Presbyterian 
Shipping and handling: (orders under $20.00, add $4.50; college and university students, 

orders from $20.00 to $49.99, add $6.00; orders $50.00 and She led workshops at the College 

over, add $7.50). All books shipped via United Parcel Service. Connection conference at Mo-Kanch 

and at Montreat Collegiate Conference, 

Add $1.00 for residential deliveries preached at Lithonia, GA, church, 

and was named to the board of the 

Georgia residents: add 7% sales tax on books and shipping Christian Council of Metropolitan 

Atlanta. 

Total James Dungan (MATS '95) and 

Darcy Seaver were married May 8 
Method of payment (please check one); in Minneapolis Becca Young '97, 

check payable to CTS Bookstore (included with order) director of alumni/ae and church 

r J relations, represented Columbia at 

VISA MasterCard Novus Tropical Florida Presbyterian 

Women's Gathering and Peace River 

E . . Presbyterian Women's Gathering. 

P ' She spoke at Mississippi Women's 

-  Gathering, and Women of the Church 

for Peachtree, Atlanta. Young led a 

workshop at Trinity Presbytery's 

- Zi P Phone Women's Gathering. She attended the 

Prices subject to change as determined by publishers. Association of Theological Schools 

Please send this completed order form to: CTS Bookstore, P.O. Box 520, Women in Leadership in Theological 

Decatur, GA 30031; 404/687-4550. 



No. of 
copies 

New titles by Columbia Faculty: 



Total amount for books 



(please print information below): 

Visa/ MasterCard /Novus# 

Name (as it appears on card) 

Street address (for UPS delivery) 

City State. 



Education conference, Toronto, 
preached at Arbor Dale church, 
Banner Elk, NC, and published "The 
I [ealing Word" in Homily Service: An 
Ecumenical Resource foi Sharing the 

Word James Horn (DMin '93) is 

temporary supply/ German Emanuel 

church, Newark, NJ Thomas Dendy 

(DMin '93) is pastor ot [rinity church, 

Laurinburg, NC G. Thompson 

Brown, professor emeritus, gave the 
alumni luncheon address on "The 
Perils and the Promise of Going Global" 
at Union i heologi< al Seminary dui 

Sprunt Lecture Week Chris Dungan 

'97 is part-time temporary suppl) 
pastor for administration at Trinity 
church, Naslu ille 1 N She lias been 
appointed master teaching fellow for 
Vanderbilt's Graduate Depart men I ol 
Religion, where she is working on her 

Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible Tim Leslie 

(ThM '95) is asso< iate pastoi al I Irsl 
t lum h, < invm ill.- SC.'.. Kathleen M. 
O'Connor, professor of old Testament 
gave the Alexander Thompson 
Memorial I ecture at Princeton 
Theological Seminar) sei \ ed on the 
review board of the Hispanii 
Theological Initiative, taught in the 
I ay Academy of First church, Atlanta, 
spoke at St. ["nomas Moore Roman 
Catholic church in Decatur, and pre- 
sented a paper at the Old testament 
Biblical Colloquium at Conception 

Abbey Stephen Vance '81 (DMin 

'91) is serving as associate pastor at 
Westminister church, Greenville, SC. 

Bob Pettit '62 has retired from 
First church, Anderson, SC, after 20 
years. At his retirement dinner, the 
lieutenant governor of South Carolina 
presented him with the state's highest 
civilian honor, The Order of the 

Palmetto Phil Gehman '68, vice 

president for student life and dean of 
students, attended annual meetings of 
the PC(USA) theological schools' 
placement officers in Louisville and 
the t leans of students at Princeton 
Seminary. He represented Columbia al 
the spring meeting ol the PC(USA) 
Committee on Iheological I duiahon 
at Princeton and was appointed chair 
of the PC(USA) Workgroup on 
Entrance into Pastoral Ministry. I 0! 
the next two years, the workgroup 
will provide an opportunity for 
increased collaboration among the 
various entities of the General 
Assembly, presbyteries, synods, and 
seminaries that have an impact on 

the first calls of ministers Pablo 

Jimenez (DMin '95) delivered the 
1498 Blandy Lectures at Episcopal 
I heological Seminary of the Southwest. 
Bill Jenkins (DMin '85) is a data- 
base administrator for Fairfield 
Residential, a subsidiary of Morgan 
Stanley Dean Whitter. 1 le is a lecturer 
at San Diego State University and 
adjunct at Palomar College. Last 
year, his book, Mississippi United 
Methodist I hun hes: Two Hundred Years 
of Heritage and Hope, was published. 
....David Keister '88 is pastor of 
Westminster church, St. Petersburg, 

FL Glenn Gilstrap '91 received the 

D.Min. from Erskine Seminary.  



SPRING/SUMMER 1999 



Oldenburg receives 
honorary degrees 

Columbia's President Douglas W. Oldenburg 
received two honorary doctorates this spring as he 
concluded his year as moderator of the Presbyterian 
Church (USA)'s 210th General Assembly. 

On May 15, Oldenburg was awarded the Doctor 
of Divinity degree from Rhodes College, Memphis, 
Tennessee, where James Daughdrill '67 has conclud- 
ed a 26-year tenure as president. 

On May 22, Hastings College, in Hastings, 
Nebraska, presented Oldenburg with the Doctor of 
Humane Letters degree. Oldenburg preached at the 
college's baccalaureate the day before. Another 
Columbia alumnus, Thomas Reeves '64, was presi- 
dent of Hastings from 1985-1995. 

Both colleges are related to the Presbyterian 
Church (USA). 

These degrees mark the fifth and sixth honorary 
doctorates awarded Oldenburg. 

One of the emphases of the 210th General 
Assembly has been "The Year with Education." As 
a candidate, Oldenburg stated that his commitment 
to the importance of education was deepened 
through his service as pastor in a college church 
and in three congregations with strong programs in 
Christian education, as a board member of two 
Presbyterian colleges, and as president of Columbia 
Theological Seminary. Q 



Telford '58 retires, continued from page 2 

Doctor of Theology, Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), and 
Master of Theology programs, and a joint Doctor of 
Ministry program with the United Theological 
College of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. 

Whether in local churches, on denominational 
boards and agencies, or at Columbia (where it all 
began), he has had, as he put it, a "passion" to enable 
both lay people and ministers in local churches and 
the church at large to bear faithful, intellectually 
honest, and socially relevant witness to God's justice 
and compassion in the church and for the world. 

George will be missed by many people. The fac- 
ulty will miss him as a friend and team player who 
never let us forget that we are committed not only to 
prepare students for ordained ministry but to be a 
resource, for the education of lay people, and for the 
continuing education of ministers after their initial 
seminary education. Faculty members who have 
taught D.Min. courses and supervised graduate 
dissertations will miss his efficiency. Hundreds of 
people who have completed advanced degrees since 
George joined the faculty will remember with grati- 
tude the no-nonsense but pastoral way George was 
their teacher and shepherd through their program  
with prodding and warnings when necessary. 

All of us who have worked with him  faculty, 
staff, and students alike  are grateful for the disci- 
pline and academic integrity he has insisted on and 
the Christian commitment, love for the church, and 
vision of its world-wide mission he exemplified. 
We wish him and Sally Godspeed as they retire in 
Charlottesville, where he will still be the "pastor- 
theologian." Just not a paid one.  

Shirley Guthrie, professor emeritus 



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Periodicals 
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Publication No. 124160 



P.O. Box 520  Decatur, Georgia 30031 

404/378-8821 

www.CTSnet.edu 

CONTENTS 

New professors join faculty 1 

Graduation '99 1 

The glut is over 2 

Vice president named 2 

George Telford retires 2 

Addition, renovation completed 3 

Continuing Education, Lay Institute calendar 4 

Continuing Education, Lay Institute offerings 4 

Distinguished Service Awards given 5 

Harrington tribute 5 

For the Record 6 

From the Bookstore 7 

President receives honorary degrees 8 



COLUMBIA 
THEOLOGICAL 
SEMINARY