CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Darold H. Beekmann, president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., announced he will retire from that position on July 31, 2000. Gettysburg is one of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"I have been honored to serve the church through the rich theological and churchly tradition of this seminary," said Beekmann, 64. "It has touched and shaped me in special ways and will remain a special part of my life."
Founded in 1826, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg is the oldest Lutheran seminary in North America. Buildings on campus played important roles during the Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The 52-acre campus is located adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park.
Beekmann became the seminary's 11th president on July 1, 1990, when he succeeded the Rev. Herman G. Stuempfle Jr. Since 1979, Beekmann had served as bishop of the ELCA's Southwestern Minnesota Synod and of the Southwestern Minnesota District of the former American Lutheran Church.
During Beekmann's decade as president, the seminary underwent significant changes and advancements. A new generation of faculty joined the staff; voice, data and video technologies were installed; and the ELCA's Center for Diaconal Ministry Preparation was established.
A graduate of Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa; Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa; and Union Theological Seminary, New York, Beekmann was ordained in 1964. He served as pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Greeley, Colo.; St. John/Trinity Lutheran Parish, Hector, Minn.; and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Benson, Minn. In 1975 he became coordinator of parish services and assistant to the bishop in the Southwestern Minnesota District.
Beekmann and his wife, Marlene, are parents of two children. Marlene J. Beekmann is a retired associate in ministry of the ELCA.
The Rev. Judith A. McKee, Grace Lutheran Church, York, Pa., is leading a presidential search committee. The seminary will receive applications for president until the end of 1999.
EDITORS: "Darold" is the correct spelling.
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John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
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