Eden Leadin’: Rebuilding from Rubble while Centering Community
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In the wake of a disaster and failed response from emergency services, a church community is standing up and taking ownership of their own healing and future, with leaders demonstrating capabilities that Eden has helped shape at the helm. 

When the tornado hit Centennial Christian Church in the Fountain Park neighborhood on the afternoon of May 16th, three people were inside: Patricia Penelton, who had recently wrapped up a meeting with unhoused individuals, Sherrill Jackson, who was meeting with DeMarco Davidson about the future of the congregation, whose pastor had recently resigned. DeMarco is an Eden Alumn (’18) and the director of Metropolitan Congregations United, an organization that puts faith into action by developing leaders who move their congregations, organizations and communities to change public policy for the common good.

Without tornado sirens or other warning signs, the three were taken completely by surprise, and the roof of the church collapsed around them just as the floor fell out from under them. 

DeMarco Davidson was trapped in the rubble for more than two hours alongside Sherrill Jackson. Due to a serious flaw in the system, his calls to 911 were rerouted to a non-emergency line, so he called as many folks in his personal network that he could think of, including Eden Assistant Professor of Community Leadership & Director of Walker Leadership Institute and DeMarco’s longtime friend, Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker. 

Dietra’s organizing instincts kicked in and after being redirected and put on hold by the local 911, she scrolled through her phone and called St. Louis 10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard, who was able to coordinate emergency services. 

At the same time, Fountain Park community members were responding, realizing that their neighbors were trapped beneath the church, and beginning an effort to dig them out.  By the time emergency services arrived on the scene, community-led rescue efforts were well underway. 

DeMarco and Sherrill survived the disaster with only minor injuries. Patricia Penelton, however, passed away in the rubble. The community is mourning the loss of a spunky and dedicated civil servant who was part of the Centennial Church for over 40 years.

DeMarco was a hero in this story, using his first aid skills to ensure his and Sherrill’s airways were clear, and activating a rescue no matter what it took.

Less than a week after the tragedy, the Centennial Church Congregation selected Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker to become their transitional pastor. The congregation is already boldly envisioning a brighter future: they plan to rebuild the church into a worship and gathering space that includes affordable housing, a community health clinic, commercial space, and green space. This community-centered worship space will be built where the ruins of the Centennial Church currently stand.

“The first commitment is that we’re not going anywhere,” Wise Baker said. “I know folks are looking in our building and they’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, that’s it. They’re not going to be back.’ But we’re not going anywhere. We plan to be here another 121 years.” 

We applaud DeMarco for his heroism in an unthinkable situation and Dietra for her willingness to step into this leadership role in a time of great need. 

On Wednesday, May 28th, the congregation gathered outside of the ruins of the church in a firm and resilient commitment to rebuilding. At the gathering, multiple branches of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pledged fiscal, physical, and emotion support for the Centennial Christian Church and Fountain Park Communities.

“Centennial Christian Church Disciples of Christ has stood in this neighborhood for more than 121 years, and we’re still standing,” says Dietra. “Through storms, through change, through tragedy and triumph, we’ve held fast to our mission to serve the vulnerable, to proclaim hope and to love without condition.”

For our small part in the story, Eden will be renaming our garden after the late Patricia Penelton, who spent her last hours serving her community in the place of worship that she loved. We will be sharing more details about the naming ceremony, slated for Fall 2025, later in the summer. 

St. Louis Public Radio published a detailed account of this story, from which much of this post is adapted. Thank you, Marissanne Lewis-Thompson for your thorough reporting.  Read the full story. 

KSDK also published a story about the rebuilding of Centennial Christian Church by Tracy Hinson. Read the full story.

 

Giving Thanks for the Life and Ministry of Walter Brueggemann
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“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” Psalm 119:105
– Walter Brueggemann’s Confirmation Verse –

Eden Theological Seminary has learned of the death of our illustrious Alumnus, formative Dean, and beloved inaugural Professor of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation, Walter Brueggemann.  A memorial service will be held (and publicly live-streamed) on Saturday, July 19 at 2:00 PM (1:00 PM visitation) at Central Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan. Obituary here.

The stories and tributes shared on social media posts from across the country and around the world testify to the impact of this powerful scholar and teacher of Biblical texts and faithful servant of the church. As we weigh the impact of Professor Brueggemann’s vocation at Eden and in the UCC, we are mindful of the deep personal loss to his family, close friends, and community. We hold them all in prayer in these days, and we hold fast to the hope of the Resurrection to which Walter testified and about which he taught us all so well.

Professor Brueggemann, or Walt, as he was known to many of his colleagues, students, and friends, was a child of the Evangelical German tradition. His father, August, was a pastor within the Evangelical and then Evangelical and Reformed Church, who was educated at Eden. Walter was formed within the piety of the E tradition, and went to Elmhurst College, Eden Seminary, and pursued further doctoral study at Union Seminary in New York. In 1961 he was called to join the faculty of Eden Seminary where he led the Seminary as Dean and was installed as the inaugural Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation in 1983. After 25 years at Eden, he departed in 1986 to serve on the faculty of Columbia Seminary in Decatur, GA, becoming Emeritus Professor in 2003. In this capacity he continued his scholarship, writing, and teaching with great energy and purpose until just recently.

Known around the world as a brilliant Biblical scholar and prophet of the church, Walter’s prodigious publications and vigorous speaking schedule allowed for his dynamic and inspiring teaching to reach thousands beyond the seminary classroom. The impact of his scholarly vocation and his faithful dedication to Christ’s church has formed generations of theologians and pastors and will continue to do so for years to come. His passion for study of biblical texts and his capacity to animate their meaning are enduring hallmarks of his teaching.

 

Eden’s Emeritus Martha McCall Egan Professor of Biblical Studies, Rev. Dr. John Bracke, shared this reflection on Walter’s vocation as scholar and teacher:

“Walter was among the most important Hebrew Bible scholars of his generation – a prolific author, an engaging speaker, an inspiring teacher. Yet, even more significantly, Walter was a child of the church, formed in the parsonage of a German Evangelical pastor’s family and then as a student at Eden Seminary.  So, his scholarship was never esoteric but always in service of the church, always as a witness to the gospel. Walter’s was a prophetic voice that imagined a world where the marginalized – the widows and orphans – were cared for with dignity and where a vision of shalom continues to call the church to faithful witness.”

Rev. Dr. Clint McCann, Eden’s current Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation shared these thoughts:

“Walter Brueggemann was a brilliant and amazingly productive scholar; an inspired and inspiring teacher; and a faithful and energetic prophetic voice in the service of Eden Seminary, the UCC, the Church Universal, and the world. His career-long effort to teach us that the God of the Bible subverts the self-serving, oppressive, and deadly forces of US and Western imperialism is more important now than it ever has been. We won’t have his physical voice for this terrifying time; but we do have his truly remarkable legacy — over 100 books, along with hundreds of articles, essays, sermons, and prayers!”

Eden Seminary gives thanks to God for the ministry of Walter Brueggemann. His vocation has been a powerful testimony to his confirmation verse, Psalm 119:105. As we grieve with his family and give thanks for his life, we are encouraged and inspired by the bright light that endures and continues to inspire faith in his teaching and scholarship.

 

 

 

Eden Seminary 175th Commencement Ceremony
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Eden Seminary President Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause’s 2025 Commencement Opening Remarks

Hear President Deb Krause’s charge to the graduates:

Dr. Darshan Ambalavanar inspired us with the Commencement Address titled “Re-thinking the Pilgrimage of Our Lives.”

View his full commencement address here.

Congratulations to Honorary Degree recipients! Full videos below.
Doctor of Divinity: Dr. Darshan Ambalavanar
Doctor of Humane Letters: Marie Kenyon

2025 Student Theses Presentations and Academic Award Recipients
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Commencement week at Eden Seminary includes theses project presentations by soon-to-be graduating students as well as an academic awards ceremony.

Congratulations and a job well done to the Eden students!

Congratulations to:

  • Nicholas Koimur, Honor Graduate Fellowship Award recipient
  • Sylvie Bowen-Bailey, Grauer Award recipient
  • Kelsie Parrish, Senior Preacher
  • Kathleen Gallivan, Edith and Robert T. Fauth Book Award recipient
  • Angela Nolan, Kenneth M. Cooper Book Award recipient
  • Laura Mignerone, Kniker Family Book Award recipient
  • NaDine Rawls, Rev. Dr. Warren H. and Mrs. Ruth M. Seyfert Memorial Book Award recipient
  • Mike Willis, Milton and Jesse Hoffman Book Award recipient

Eden Seminary President Honored at Heidelberg University Commencement
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Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause Delivers Baccalaureate Address and Receives Honorary Doctorate

Eden Theological Seminary is proud to celebrate a wonderful occasion for our President, Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause. Dr. Krause was invited to deliver the sermon  at Heidelberg University’s Baccalaureate Service for the Class of 2025. In a highlight of the weekend, she also received an honorary doctorate from Heidelberg University during their Commencement ceremony—a deeply meaningful recognition of her contributions to theological education and ministry.

This event reflects the connection between Eden Seminary and Heidelberg University, both rooted in the United Church of Christ. The legacy of collaboration and shared mission between our schools continues to inspire new generations of leaders.

The celebration in Tiffin, OH, was marked by warmth, hospitality, and joy. Highlights included performances by Heidelberg’s Jazz Band and Choir, making the evening before Commencement truly unforgettable.

Eden Seminary extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Krause on this distinguished honor and looks forward to deepening the bonds between our two institutions in the years to come.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Krause and this honor!

Eden Seminary Reflects on the Legacy of Pope Francis: A Life of Service and Compassion
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The death of Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, after having shared greetings with throngs of pilgrims, is a poignant commentary on his life and ministry. A pope of the people, Francis led the Roman Catholic Church to remember the Bible and Jesus’ teachings to protect the vulnerable in our communities, including the unhoused, the incarcerated, and immigrants. Notably, just last year on Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis washed the feet of twelve women incarcerated in a prison in Rome. This was the first time women had been included in this beloved papal tradition.

As global politics have swung in a populist and nationalist vein, anti-immigrant rhetoric has been on the rise, Francis’s teaching has been squarely at odds with many world leaders. Importantly, he did not flinch from his calling and his interpretation of the faith. While people of progressive and liberative faith witness certainly found areas to disagree with in Francis’s teachings, his commitment to the call to side with the vulnerable, love foreigners, advocate for refugees of war, and protect immigrants bears an enduring and indelible legacy.

Eden Seminary extends heartfelt condolences to all Roman Catholic siblings during these days of great loss and grief. We honor Pope Francis’s teaching and example as a follower of Jesus for all the world’s Christians.

Transgender Day of Visibility March 31st
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Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces compared to cisgender (non-transgender) people.

Eden Seminary joins this movement by lighting the Press Hall Tower with colors of trans solidarity on Monday, March 31st and gathering for a pastoral response of prayer and solidarity on the quadrangle at noon.

“Evident in 2025 is intensifying vitriol and attacks against trans people led by a vocal but loud minority. We are seeing a continued year-over-year increase in anti-LGBTQ bills, including more than 450 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures across the country, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. In addition to these legislative attacks, trans people continue to face direct physical violence, declared an ongoing epidemic by the American Medical Association since 2019, which disproportionately affects Black trans women. That’s why it’s still necessary for trans people to be seen through authentic, diverse, and accurate stories which reflect the actual lived experiences of trans people; both for themselves and for the people who believe they’ve never met a trans person.” (GLAAD, Trans Day of Visibility https://glaad.org/)

Eden Theological Seminary Celebrates 175 Years
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Celebrating 175 Years of Faithful Ministry: A Seminary’s Enduring Legacy

For 175 years, Eden Theological Seminary has stood as a beacon of theological education, equipping generations of students for ministry, scholarship, and service. Since its founding in 1850, the seminary has remained steadfast in its mission to form faithful leaders who engage the world with the gospel, a deep commitment to scripture, and a heart for God’s people.

As we commemorate this historic milestone, we reflect on the seminary’s journey – its humble beginnings, its growth through challenges and triumphs, and the profound impact it has had on the church and society. This anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity; it is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of faculty, students, alumni, and supporters who have carried forth its mission.

A Legacy Rooted in Faith

Eden Theological Seminary was founded by a visionary group of pastors and theologians who saw the urgent need for well-trained ministers to serve the church. From its earliest days, the seminary emphasized rigorous academic study, spiritual formation, and pastoral training. While the world around it changed, the institution remained anchored in its commitment to theological integrity and excellence.

The seminary’s first campus was established in Marthasville, Missouri, where it remained from 1850 to 1883. During these early years, students and faculty lived and studied in a rural setting that, while peaceful, presented challenges related to access and resources. As the seminary grew, it became clear that relocation was necessary for the institution’s continued development. In 1883, the German Evangelical Synod of North America moved the seminary to Wellston, a suburb of St. Louis. While this new location provided greater access to urban ministry opportunities, the cramped conditions and business and industry encroachment upon the limited space of the Wellston campus eventually led to another move.

In 1924, the seminary relocated to its current home in Webster Groves. This campus has provided a thriving environment for theological education, fostering a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni. One of the more lighthearted traditions that emerged in the early years at Webster Groves was the initiation of new students – often involving an unexpected dunking in the campus fountain, a tradition that was particularly popular around 1930.

Transforming Lives for Generations

Over the past 175 years, thousands of graduates have gone forth from Eden Theological Seminary to serve in a variety of callings – pastors, servants in the public square, chaplains, educators, counselors, and leaders in nonprofit and social justice ministries. Their impact is immeasurable, as they have planted churches, cared for the hurting, taught in seminaries and universities, and engaged in theological reflection that shapes Christian thought worldwide.
One of the seminary’s great joys is hearing the testimonies of alumni who credit their time here with deepening their faith, sharpening their understanding of scripture, and preparing them to serve in a rapidly changing world. These stories are a reminder that theological education is not merely academic -it is transformational.

The community of Eden Theological Seminary includes many families whose roots run deep, with some having family members who attended the seminary at more than one of the physical campuses. Generations of families have passed down their love for theological education and ministry, creating a lasting legacy. One such example is the family of Chris McArdle (Class of 2009), whose great-great-great grandfather, JP Welsch, was among the first eight students of Eden Theological Seminary and graduated from the Marthasville campus in 1853. Chris’s grandfather, Carl Kemper, married Betty Welsch, great-granddaughter of JP, and together they brought their four young children with them to Eden in 1957 until Carl’s graduation in 1960. Other families whose ministries span multiple generations include the beloved Klemme family (Classes of 1924, 1950, and 2006), the Limper family (Classes of 1919 and 1948), and the Vonderohe family (Classes of 1909, 1948, 1979).

Additional families whose legacies are woven into the fabric of the seminary include the Grunewald family (Classes of 1884, 1910, 1942 and 1945), the Goetz family (Class of 1930, 1960, 2014), the Hosto family (Classes of 1907, 1917, 1920, 1950), and the Langhorst family (Classes of 1903, 1905, 1934). Many others have left a lasting impact on the seminary through their dedication to its mission. Their shared commitment to faith and theological education has strengthened the seminary’s community. Their continued contributions to Eden’s mission span generations and their legacy of ministry continues to inspire future generations.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead. Theological education today faces new challenges: shifting church dynamics, cultural and political complexities, and evolving models of ministry. Yet, just as it has for nearly two centuries, Eden Theological Seminary remains committed to preparing leaders who are theologically grounded, spiritually mature, and missionally engaged.

With strategic initiatives in online education, partnerships with churches and mission organizations, and efforts to make seminary more accessible to diverse populations, Eden Theological Seminary is positioning itself for the future while staying true to its mission.

A Call to Celebration and Gratitude

This anniversary is an occasion for joy, gratitude, and renewed commitment. Throughout the year, Eden Theological Seminary will host special events, lectures, alumni reunions, and worship services to honor this milestone. These celebrations are an opportunity to reconnect with our history, acknowledge God’s blessings, and envision the road ahead.

We invite alumni, supporters, and friends to join us in marking this occasion—not only to celebrate the past but also to invest in the seminary’s future. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity will help ensure that Eden Theological Seminary continues to train faithful leaders for generations to come.

As we give thanks for 175 years of God’s provision, we also pray with anticipation for the next chapter of this seminary’s story. May we remain faithful to the calling that has sustained us for so long, ever committed to the work of equipping and sending forth servant-leaders for the church and the world.

To God be the glory!