On Sunday, Sept. 2, at 4:00 p.m., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, began its 169th academic year with a special worship service in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary campus. Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, served as preacher and officially opened the new academic year.

The Seminary community gave thanks for 103 new students who enrolled at Concordia Seminary this fall in programs preparing them to serve as pastors and deaconesses in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Of the 103 new students, 96 enrolled in pastoral formation programs, 92 in the Seminary’s master of divinity degree program and four enrolled in the certificate (alternate route) program. Seven new deaconess formation students enrolled in the M.A. in Deaconess Studies, and four of them also enrolled in the Seminary’s Graduate School to pursue a master’s degree while gaining certification to serve as a deaconess in the LCMS. A total of 15 new students enrolled in the Seminary’s Graduate School, including the four deaconess students. Not included in these numbers are students who will begin their studies during the coming academic year, in both residential and distance-education programs of study.

The service also included the installation of new faculty and staff members. New faculty members included Rev. Anthony A. Cook who was installed as assistant professor of practical theology and director of educational technology, and Dr. Henry L. Rowold who was installed as mission professor of practical theology. One new staff member, Rev. Paul A. Philp, was installed as admissions counselor.

During the opening of the Seminary’s 169th academic year, Meyer announced the establishment of a new endowed faculty chair, The Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Endowed Chair for Hispanic Ministries. Meyer also announced that Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, assistant professor of systematic theology, and director of the Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS), will serve as the first occupant of the chair. Present to celebrate the inception of the new faculty chair were the CHS area directors and faculty, along with 26 CHS students, 18 of whom are newly-enrolled. Mr. and Mrs. Werner R.H. Krause, whose gift to the Seminary provided the endowed chair, were present to greet guests at a reception following the service.

“Today marks a significant milestone for our Seminary and for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in terms of the formation of workers for service in Hispanic ministry,” commented Meyer in announcing the new faculty chair. “We are not only thankful for this great blessing, but are also thankful that Werner and Elizabeth Krause are able to be present with us today so that we might have the opportunity to express our appreciation to them.”

Two renovated facilities on the Seminary campus also were dedicated during the opening service. The first, the Seminary’s educational technology office located in Sieck Hall, includes state-of-the-art audio, video and computer equipment to record, edit and post theological resources to the Internet. The second area, the Seminary’s Office of Philanthropic Support, and the Office of Placement and Alumni Relations, located in Loeber Hall, replace what served as the snack bar for the Seminary.

Meyer also announced that Dr. R. Reed Lessing, associate professor of exegetical theology, has accepted an appointment to serve as the director of the Seminary’s Graduate School, and that Dr. Richard Marrs, associate professor of practical theology, has accepted an appointment to serve as the director of the Seminary’s Office of Continuing Education. Both will continue to teach while serving in their new positions.

It was noted that Michael D. Flynn has accepted the call issued him to serve as senior philanthropic advisor for Concordia Seminary. His installation will take place at a later date.

Concordia Seminary remains one of the 25 largest seminaries of any denomination in the United States. Since its humble beginnings in Perry County, Missouri in 1839, more than 12,000 Concordia Seminary graduates have served as pastors, deaconesses, missionaries or chaplains throughout the world.

For more information, call 314-505-7374, e-mail [email protected], visit www.csl.edu, or write Communications Office, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105.