News from the Hill

VIRGINIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Alexandria, VA December 2010
 Message from the Dean

Grace in Tragedy: Virginia Theological Seminary

Campus Shots
Our Redemptive Path OFFICERS
The Rt. Rev. James J. Shand
Chairman of the Board
Ms. Sissy Poland

I t does not take much imagination to under- Vice Chairman of the Board
Dr. David H. Charlton
stand how tragic and difficult it is to watch a Secretary/Treasurer
holy space burn over the course of 40 minutes or The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
so. That was all it took for our beloved chapel Dean and President
Mr. Timothy F. Sedgwick, Ph.D.
of 129 years to burn, for the iconic window “Go Vice President
ye into all the world” to disappear, and for the The Rev. J. Barney Hawkins IV, Ph.D.
roof to go up in flames. It was a warm Friday Vice President
Ms. Heather Zdancewicz
afternoon; and it became a moment of shared Vice President, Assistant Treasurer &
tragedy as staff, faculty, students, and friends of Assistant Secretary
the Seminary stood helplessly by watching the
flames and smoke do their worst. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mrs. Auguste J. Bannard (2011)
Mr. David Booth Beers (2015)
The paradox of the “Great Thanksgiving” is that Mr. Julian M. Bivins, Jr. (2012)
we are invited to thank God for the tragedy of a The Rev. Catherine M. Campbell (2014)
young man dying in his early 30s in Jerusalem. To give thanks for tragedy sounds so counter intui- The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane
Dr. David H. Charlton (2011)
tive. But we do so because we believe, we affirm, that divine grace is present in the midst of tragedy. The Rev. Canon Thomas G. Clarke (2012)
This is the Christian conviction: God is present in the hardest of moments. In the Great Thanksgiving, The Rev. Dr. Harold J. Cobb, Jr. (2013)
The Rev. Carlotta A. Cochran (2014)
we affirm the greatest gift of all, that the tragic is the path to our redemption. Dr. Lynwood D. I. Day (2013)
Mr. W. Carter Doswell (2013)
Mr. A. Hugh Ewing III (2013)
We are constantly being invited to discern grace in tragedy. Over the last few weeks, I have lived The Rev. C. Neal Goldsborough (2015)
with the question “for what should we be grateful in the midst of this tragedy?” Fortunately, there Mrs. Martha W. High (2014)
The Rt. Rev. Herman Hollerith IV
are some obvious answers. We are grateful that no one was hurt, no life was lost; we are grateful for Ms. Elizabeth Cabell Jennings (2014)
the professionalism and effectiveness of the fire fighters; and we are grateful that the fire did not oc- The Rev. Allan B. Johnson-Taylor (2014)
cur at 3:49 a.m., when we would have lost the entire Aspinwall Hall complex. The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston
The Rev. R. Kevin Kelly (2013)
The Rt. Rev. William (Mike) Michie Klusmeyer
And then there are some less obvious answers. I am deeply grateful for the response of the stu- The Rev. Thomas M. Kryder-Reid (2012)
The Rev. Thomas A. Lacy II (2011)
dents. They have supported each other, prayed for each other, and thought imaginatively about the Mr. James R. Lowe, Jr. (2013)
future. The President of the student body, Ms. Rebecca Edwards (candidate from the Diocese of East The Rev. Dr. Andrew J. MacBeth (2012)
Mr. M. Lee Marston (2014)
Tennessee), has been a model leader. She was present at the “Emergency Response Team” meeting Ms. Sissy Poland (2012)
the day after the fire and deliberated with dignity, thoughtfulness, and intelligence as she commu- The Rt. Rev. F. Neff Powell
The Rev. Dr. Stanley W. Sawyer (2014)
nicated between the administration and the students. The pastoral challenge has been significant. The Rev. Dr. William R. Shiflet, Jr. (2013)
The volunteer alums who became chaplains for the community and the student chaplains have been The Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton
outstanding. All of this was coordinated with wisdom and compassion by Dr. Amy Dyer, our Dean Dr. William G. Thomas III (2015)
The Rev. Christine R. Whittaker (2013)
of Students. The Rev. J. Douglas Wigner, Jr. (2014)

There are countless others who made a difference during the day of the fire and in the days and EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
weeks afterward. God alone knows the true extent of their service. The Refectory was opened; the The Rev. Matthew R. Hanisian
The Rev. Angela S. Ifill
maintenance team worked long hours; the library opened its archives for the investigation and sub-
sequent work on the insurance claim; faculty colleagues were available to students and alums as ev- FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES
eryone struggled to come to terms. However, my greatest debt is to you – the reader of this editorial. The Rev. Robert W. Prichard, Ph.D.
It was you who prayed, who wept, who visited our website in disbelief, and who are now standing The Rev. William B. Roberts, Ph.D.
ready to make a difference in our future – for your love of our Seminary, I am deeply grateful.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Ms. Rebecca Edwards (’11)
Student Body President
Top: Firefighters worked through the night to put out the chapel fire (photo by David
Gortner); Bottom: Chrissy Crosby gives a hug of gratitude to one of the Alexandria
firefighters, (photo by B. Cayce Ramey).
News from the Hill is published three times per year (March, June, and December)
for alumni and friends by the Office of Public Affairs, Virginia Theological Seminary,
3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. Editorial comments should be directed to
editor@vts.edu.
On the Cover: VTS faculty member, the Rev. David Gortner, was on the scene of the
chapel fire and took this amazing photo.

2 News from the Hill · December 2010 News from the Hill · www.vts.edu 3
 Center for Anglican Communion Studies
Anglican Endeavours:
ISTANBUL
SCOM Grant recipients, David and Heather Erickson, reflect
about their summer immersion trip in Istanbul, Turkey.
T he first week of our cultural im-
mersion was spent in preparation
for the Worldwide Said Nursi Gath-
ering of Doctoral Dissertations. The
conference was put on by our host
organization, the Istanbul Foundation
for Science and Culture (IFSC). This
was a gathering of scholars complet-
ing doctoral dissertations on various
aspects of thought of the Turkish
Muslim theologian, Said Nursi. We
lived on a floor with a brother and
sister from Iraq, a man from Jakarta,
another from India, and three people
from Turkey. We shared meals and
did some initial touring of Istanbul
together. Thankfully there was enough
overlap of languages that we could
share simple thoughts with each other.
I began to build friendships with
people I had never expected to meet,
and through them, to get a taste and
understanding of how Islam is ex-
pressed globally.
4 News from the Hill · December 2010
The presenters at the conference were
diverse, coming from countries such
as Saudi Arabia, Japan, Canada, and
Turkey. The best part, however, was
the informal time during coffee breaks
and meals. Heather and I quickly dis-
covered how important it was for us
to be there as “American Christians”
who were interested in learning about
Islam from Muslims. Many of the
Muslims we met believed that most
Americans thought of them as terror-
ists. To meet an American who did not
fit this stereotype was a transformative
experience for those we met. It was
also not lost on them that we were not
just Americans, but faithful Christians,
who desired to know who they were
as faithful Muslims.
During our last few days in Istanbul,
we turned our attention to the Angli-
can aspects in modern day Istanbul.
We went to church on Sunday at the
Two VTS Graduates Appointed
by Presiding Bishop as Special
Coordinators for Haiti
Navajoland Highlighted During
Native American Heritage Month
This past September, the Rev. Joseph
M. Constant (VTS ‘04) and the Rev. Dr.
Rosemari Gaughan
Sullivan (VTS ‘81)
were appointed
by the Presiding
Bishop, Katharine
Jefferts Schori, as
Special Coordina-
tors for Haiti.
The task of the On November 13-15, in honor of
Special Coor-
dinators is to facilitate the
On the Holy Hill Native American Heritage Month, the
Office of Racial and Ethnic Ministries,
multiple efforts among Episcopal along with the student-led Native
churches, dioceses, networks, and or- VTS Launches New Online American Heritage Month Commit-
ganizations committed to the rebuild- Journal on Church Canon Law tee, welcomed G.J. Gordy and Marty
ing of the Diocese of Haiti. Constant Yelloweagle from St. Mark’s Chapel in
and Sullivan will work closely with This past summer, VTS announced the Diocese of Navajoland.
Heather and David Erickson (both M.Div. ‘11)
Bishop Zaché Duracin and other lead- the launch of the Journal of Episcopal
ers of the Diocese of Haiti. Church Canon. Edited by the Rev. Gordy and Yelloweagle shared their
sole Anglican Church in Istanbul. We Robert Prichard, Ph.D. (pictured unique experience of being Episcopa-
met the Rector, Father Ian Sherwood, right), The Arthur Lee Kinsolving lian and Navajo, and
Spanish Speaking School Kicks
who invited us over for tea to discuss Professor of Christianity in America spoke about the
Off Second Session at VTS
the challenges and opportunities for and Instructor in Liturgics at VTS, this work of the
Christian ministry in a predominantly online publication is intended to be an Episcopal
In October 2010, VTS, in partnership
Muslim state and culture. effective resource. Church in
with the Latino/Hispanic
Navajoland
missioners and clergy of
Unfortunately, there is a lot of unease “This publication,” said and their
the Episcopal dioceses
and misunderstanding about Islam Prichard, “provides an work in
of Virginia, Washington,
and Muslims in our world today, and independent journal in their home
DC, and Maryland, initi-
both of these extend to seminary cam- which those who are congregation,
ated the second session
puses. But by traveling to an Islamic interested in the par- St. Mark’s,
of Escuela de Liderazgo,
country and getting to know Mus- ticular tradition of canon Coalmine,
its school for Spanish
lims, we now have the opportunity to law that we have in the New Mexico.
speaking lay leaders
share our personal experiences of how Episcopal Church can
serving in the Episco-
warm, generous, and God-loving they exchange ideas and dis-
pal Church’s Spanish
are. We can now expose people to an cuss matters of common
speaking congrega-
understanding of Islam that is loving, interest.”
tions. Courses are
deeply practiced, and has many points
designed to help in the
in common with not just Christianity, The Journal of Episcopal
formation of Latino/
but also Western secular values. X Church Canon Law is pub-
Hispanic laity in the
Washington DC metropolitan region. lished online twice a year in February
The Seminary Consultation on Mission
and July on the VTS website (www.
(SCOM), formed under the Council
The sessions began with the Rt. Rev. vts.edu/canonlaw). The publication
of Episcopal Seminary Deans, Inc.,
Julio Holguin, bishop of the Domini- is editorially independent and does
strengthens the educational resources for
can Republic, who served as work- not represent the opinions and ideas
national and international mission in the
shop leader using the theme, “You will of anyone beyond its editor and other
accredited seminaries of the Episcopal
be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). contributors.
Church.
News from the Hill · www.vts.edu
5

CHAPELFIRE
What Happened? Where Will We Worship? Who Will Decide?
by the Honorable James A. Baker III
What Happened?
O n October 22, 2010, at 3:49 p.m., the Virginia Theo-
logical Seminary community became aware that the
historic 129 year old Immanuel Chapel was on fire.
9-1-1 was immediately called, buildings were evacuated,
and the emergency services responded quickly and effi-
ciently, ensuring that the fire did not spread to the Meade
Building or the Federal House. Fortunately, there were no
deaths or injuries.
By 4:30 p.m., major broadcast companies had arrived on
campus and began to interview the Dean, some faculty
members, and students. The Seminary’s Emergency Re-
sponse Team jumped into action and, by 5:30 p.m. sent out
a press release to the media. The Communications Office
continued to update the VTS Facebook and Twitter pages
as information became available. The fire continued to burn
through the night; flames were still visible around mid-
night.
News from the Hill · December 2010
6 7
Because the fire occurred in a house of worship, the Nation-
al Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with ATF special
agents from Falls Church Virginia and Washington D.C.,
worked with the Alexandria Fire Department to investigate
the cause. The investigative team spent the next six days
methodically removing debris from the chapel, conducting
over 40 interviews, taking photographs, and recovering fire
debris from the scene for laboratory analysis.
The VTS Administration worked closely with ATF person-
nel to assist in any way they could. “It was a team approach
from the beginning,” stated Bob Rodriguez, investigative
lead for the Alexandria Fire Department. “Because of this
[teamwork], we were able to get a significant amount of
work done in a short amount of time.”
The final report from the Alexandria fire deparment
determined that the fire, which began in the Sacristy, was
caused not by malicious intent or negligence, but by “hu-
man error.” On the day of the fire, incense briquettes which
were used during the noonday Eucharist, were placed in a
garbage can. While reasonable precaution was taken with
the briquettes, it was not enough to stop the fire.
A WORLD
OF COMFORT
Soon after news of the fire broke,
the Seminary received hundreds of
messages of comfort from around
the world. Here are just a few:
“Mpho has sent me an email reporting
on the fire in the chapel. I’m writing
Photo: Curtis Prather
from India to send you and the Semi-
nary community our heartfelt condo-
lences on what has occurred.”
God bless you,
+Desmond Tutu
“I am very sorry to hear about the
burning of the VTS chapel. It is always
painful to watch any consecrated space
be destroyed by whatever means. The
VTS Chapel had a special meaning for
me as we used to worship in it during
my graduate and post-graduate studies.
With our increasing diocesan connec-
tion with the presence of Canon Hosam
Naoum at VTS, we feel a bond with
VTS that makes this loss greater. Our
thoughts and prayers are with you
and the VTS Community at this time.”
Salaam,
The Rt. Rev’d Suheil S. Dawani
Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem
“... I was pained to hear of the loss of
the wonderful chapel there to a fire. I
know this was a beating heart at the
seminary. I would like to extend my
sympathies to the faculty and staff at
your institution as I am sure they are
experiencing grief as a result of this loss.
I pray god continues to bless you and
your ministries.”
Sincerely,
R.R. J. Zaché Duracin
Bishop of Haiti
Right: Several photographers were
on hand the day of the Chapel fire. We
are grateful to B. Cayce Ramey, Curtis
Prather, David Lynch, and David
Gortner, for their photographic skills.
Bottom Photos: B. Cayce Ramey News from the Hill · www.vts.edu
 Chapel Fire: Worship
“COME, LET US WORSHIP!
Worship at Virginia Theological Seminary after the Fire
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.
-Hymn 24, The Hymnal 1982
T
he call from my mother came to
me as I was attending a Service
of Leave-taking for one of our
alumni. “Tony, your chapel has been
destroyed,” was what I heard her say
on my voice mail. Her message re-
minded me of a similar message I had
received from her earlier in the year,
telling me that my eldest aunt had
died. The feelings generated by each
message were similar. I had gotten
used to the idea that beloved people
and beloved places are forever, even
though I knew better.
Immanuel Chapel has been a part of
my life since 1969 when I came to the
Hill as a 21 year old college graduate,
and I received my seminary degree in
front of its altar. In the years that have
followed I have worshipped in it daily,
baptized my goddaughter’s brother in
its font, celebrated the Eucharist and
preached from its pulpit, and gathered
with colleagues and generations of
student to rejoice, to mourn, and to
worship. It was a place to pray in what
I believe was the only church in North-
ern Virginia whose doors were never
locked. It was a place from which
people over the years went forth: to go
to classes, to witness, to protest, and to
preach the Gospel. When I returned to
the campus on Saturday, the smell of
fire confirmed the images I had seen
on the Seminary’s website. Little knots
of people stood around the skeleton of
the Chapel. The beloved place was no
more.
Theological schools like Virginia
Seminary find the source of their life
8 News from the Hill · December 2010
in their worship. So it was not sur-
prising that one of the first things
that happened after the fire was the
gathering of a group to answer the
question, “How will we continue to
worship and where?” Generous offers
came from the community - Immanuel
Church on-the-Hill; the Episcopal
High School, historically a child of the
Seminary; Alexandria’s First Baptist
Church; and Temple Beth-El, long our
neighbor – all offering space for us to
gather for the daily round of services.
On Sunday morning after the fire,
Dean Markham attended services at
Immanuel Church on-the-Hill, the
congregation founded from the Semi-
nary who also knew the Chapel as
home. In many ways it was only right
that the first worship home for us on
the Monday morning after the fire was
in Zabriskie Chapel across Seminary
Road. And that is where we gathered
in that first week for the Daily Eucha-
rist and the Daily Office, and for the
support and fellowship of friends as
Sam Faeth, Immanuel’s Rector, and Pe-
ter Ackerman, the Assistant, both were
with us that Monday, providing in the
narthex what amounted to a morning
coffee hour.
Our second week was a week of
transition. The decision was made that
it was important for our worship to
return to the Seminary campus. And
so Scott Lounge became Prayer Hall
on All Saints’ Day 2010. At the 12 noon
service that day we gathered as a com-
munity in the Grove, gave thanks for
the ministry the Chapel had provided,
remembered the names of all of those
commemorated on the plaques and
in the windows of the old building,
and then followed a borrowed cross
into Scott Lounge, which had been
turned into a place for prayer for the
Eucharist and Rite of Healing, thanks
to the creative talents of members of
our community and the generous loan
of books and other appurtenances
from Saint Stephen’s and Saint Agnes
School, the National Cathedral, and
Old Saint Paul’s and Grace Church,
Alexandria. That day we were sur-
rounded by a great cloud of witnesses:
the faces of those bishops from the
Seminary’s past whose portraits grace
those walls.
The loss of the Chapel has moved us O Worship the Lord in the Beauty
to consider how important worship is of Holiness: The Seminary’s Wor-
in our common life. As a community
ship Committee turned Scott Lounge
we think ahead to those occasions that
mark out the school year for which the into a beautiful Prayer Hall, just one
Chapel no longer can be the venue and of the places the VTS community has
for which new places will be found worshiped since the October fire. Top
for the celebration of those events. photo: the service for All Saints’ Day,
Even our temporary lodging in Scott led by the Rev. Roger Ferlo, Ph.D.;
Lounge/Prayer Hall will very soon
right, the procession for the Dean’s
give way to exciting plans to create a
“more permanent temporary space” in Cross service was held at Episcopal
a renovated Lettie Pate Whitehead Ev- High School’s (EHS) beautiful Cal-
ans Auditorium, redesigned to house laway Chapel; bottom left, senior,
us for those years between now and David Romanik, leads the Seminary’s
when the new Chapel will arise. Motet Choir at EHS’ Callaway Chapel;
middle left, the first Eucharist after the
And so our life of prayer and worship
goes on. Come, let us worship! X fire was held at Immanuel Church-on-
the-Hill and led by the Very Rev. Ian
Lloyd Alexander Lewis, Jr. (VTS ’72) S. Markham, Ph.D. Pictured with
Downs Professor of New Testament him are MTS student, the Rev. Wisnel
Dejardin, and VTS faculty member,
the Rev. Ruthanna Hooke.
News from the Hill · www.vts.edu 9
 Special Report: Chapel Fire

A WORLD Where Who Will Decide?

OF COMFORT continued from page 7...
• Mary Katherine Tate (MACE): “...giving thanks for all
the sacred quiet moments in the chapel I was blessed
with during my summers at VTS.”
• Scott Petersen (‘07): “Yes I will miss the creaky floors,
the hard, wood pews, the reminder to go out into the
world to spread the gospel... yet at the same time I
am grateful for bread, wine, oil, and Gods great love.
The Church and VTS can go anywhere with these few
precious elements.”
Will We New Chapel for a New Century Building Committee
Worship? T he VTS Board of Trustees has authorized the creation
of the New Chapel for a New Century Building Com-
mittee. The Committee will be responsible for interviewing
A New Interim Worship Space and selecting an architect; deciding upon a location for the
for the Next 3-5 Years new chapel complex; consulting with the architects and our
consultant, Terry Byrd Eason, as a design for the new chapel
takes shape; making a recommendation about location and
M embers of the VTS Temporary Worship Space Com-
mittee, tasked with finding alternative interim wor-
ship space for the community after the chapel fire, an-
design to the Board of Trustees and its Building and Grounds
Committee; and following the project until its conclusion.

• Valerie Hayes: (‘09) “... remembering singing in the

chapel as part of the Contemporary Sacred Singers
in remembrance of the Martyrdom of MLK, Jr. when
nounced their plans this month to create a temporary,
flexible prayer hall. Led by the Rev. Roger A. Ferlo, Ph.D.,
the committee unanimously recommended to the Dean that
the Seminary’s Lettie Pate Evans Auditorium (LPEA) be
What Do We Want? Committee members include a variety of Seminary board,
faculty, and staff members as well as graduates, students and
friends. The committee members are:
Bishop Michael Curry preached, almost shaking the
refitted to create the new space.
pulpit off its supports...”

• Craig Sweeney (‘01): “... without diminishing the pain

of the loss, let us pray that it will be rebuilt in glory
The Temporary Worship Space Committee, that included
student representatives, two faculty members, and the D ean Markham has set the agenda for several local and
national listening sessions to discuss the construction
of the Seminary’s new chapel. The listening sessions will
CHAIR:
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham
VTS Dean and President
ALUMNI/AE:
The Rev. C. Neal
Goldsborough (‘81)
Director of Physical Plant, spelled out plans to remove the
and wonder. I can’t wait to see it then! So many provide opportunities for the Dean and others to honor and Pensacola, Florida
auditorium seating; lay a wooden floor from the back of the
memories... and so many more to come.” listen carefully to its alums, friends, and other constituents; TRUSTEES:
LPEA to the stage, creating a level floor in place of the cur-
rent sloped floor; turn the existing stage into a sacristy and to hear ideas about the location of the chapel; and to dream Mrs. Martha W. High The Rev. Ruth L. Kirk (‘89)
• Bob Prichard (faculty): “I am in mourning for the loss about the design of a future chapel complex. Greenville, Delaware
vesting room; and place flexible seating around the altar
of a place that I dearly love. To say that the experi- The Rt. Rev. James J. Shand (‘99)
which would be placed in front of a wall of windows.
ence of worship can over time reach down to your The Dean has already met with the Seminary’s board of Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Thomas M. Moore (‘71)
very bones is an understatement; it can become trustees, staff, faculty, and students. Additional sessions will Bishop, Diocese of Easton Warrenton, Virginia
Stated Markham, “I am grateful that the Board of Trustees
as much a part of your life as eating or as the daily include Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, whose congregation
gave the administration flexibility when it came to the chal-
round of sleep and wakefulness.” has worshipped in the Seminary chapel since its inception, The Rev. Dr. William R. Shiflet, Jr. (‘72) The Rev. Dr. Joseph Walter
lenge of alternative worship space. I am equally grateful to
Roger Ferlo and his committee for exploring our options VTS Alumni, the Alumni/Alumnae Executive Council, and Lund (‘91)
• Keith Johnson (‘01): “I remember having my daugh- the SPIRIT group (Significants Participating in Really Inter- FACULTY: Rancho Mirage, California
and for remembering that the worship of God transcends
ter, Sarah, baptized there by Bishop Dyer. When the esting Things). The 2011 National Listening Sessions will The Rev. Dr. J. Barney Hawkins
all settings.”
whole community stood up to welcome her, I started take place as follows: The Rev. Dr. Lloyd A. Lewis, Jr. (‘72) The Rev. David A.
to cry. My little girl was welcomed into the Body of The Rev. William Roberts, D.M.A. Umphlett (‘04)
The Seminary hopes to have the interim worship space in
Christ, wheels and all.” • Diocese of Texas Ms. Heather Zdancewicz High Point, North Carolina
place in the first quarter of 2011.
- January 9 & 10, Houston with Alumni/ae & Roundtable
• Beth Strickland (‘99): “... singing in the choir for - January 11, Dallas with Alumni/ae & Roundtable STAFF: IMMANUEL CHURCH-ON-
Marianne Micks’ funeral and walking to the cemetery Ms. Katie Glover THE HILL
in the rain... quiet day talks that angered me to the • Diocese of Virginia Mr. David Mutscheller The Rev. Dr. Margaret A.
point of distraction, but made me think and grow... “ - January 21, Richmond, Diocese of Virginia Council Ms. Ray Sabalis Faeth (‘96)

• Margot Critchfield (‘01): “So many whispered prayers • Diocese of Los Angeles STUDENTS: Bryan R. Phillips, AIA
and shared sacraments... sitting in the balcony with - January 27, Los Angeles with Alumni/ae and friends The Rev. Dorothella Littlepage Holland & Knight
Alison... weeping to “Here I am Lord”...amazing ser- MDiv Senior Senior Counsel
mons by Ellen Davis and Kathy Grieb...” • Diocese of Atlanta
- February 10, Atlanta with Alumni/ae and Roundtable Mr. Grey Maggiano FRIENDS:
• Ann Smith: “When I was growing up as a VTS faculty MDiv Junior Mr. Robert L. Mays
kid, we used to attend the Christmas Eve Service at If you are interested in participating in one of these sessions,
the chapel. After the service, Dad (the Rt. Rev. Philip please contact the Rev. J. Barney Hawkins IV, Ph.D., at 703- Mr. Edgar (Gary) Taylor CONSULTANT:
Smith) would lead the congregation in a Christmas 461-1754 or email bhawkins@vts.edu. MDiv Senior Terry Eason
carol sing outside the chapel around a little Christ- Terry Byrd Eason Designs
mas tree covered in lights...”
Above: Removal of the Mission Windows (Photo: Christopher Pote).

10 News from the Hill · December 2010 News from the Hill · www.vts.edu 11
 Office of Alumni Affairs
DIRECTOR’S
NOTE
The Rev.
Charles L Fischer III
S
ince 1823, individu-
als have committed to
build a seminary that
would send individuals out
into the world to preach the
Good News of Jesus Christ.
On October 22, 2010, a fire
engulfed our beloved cha-
pel, destroying an edifice
that many have come to
love and cherish. Our cha-
pel was no ordinary build-
ing: it was central to this
community. Daily, the com-
munity gathered in there. It
was the place where the mo-
ments of triumph and great
sadness were shared. That
building, that place, OUR
Chapel has been filled with
prayers of students, faculty,
staff, alumni and friends
since its consecration in
1881.
It is hard not to be emo-
tional about the loss of this
building as we knew it.
The chapel has witnessed
the evolution of American
society and our Church;
men and women from the
late 19th century and into
the dawn of the 21st cen-
tury have made the Chapel
a haven, a safe place. On
a wall in my office hangs a
black and white photograph
taken in 1956. It is a photo-
graph of an ordination ser-
vice in the Seminary chapel.
12 News from the Hill · December 2010
A VTS graduate is kneeling
before Bishop Robert Fisher
Gibson, Jr. as presbyters
surround the ordinand. The
Ascension window and
the words “Go Ye into All
the World and Preach the
Gospel” is above all of their
heads. This snapshot cap-
tures a moment in time.
What once was is no longer,
and what is to become has
yet to be revealed.
The physical campus of
Virginia Theological Semi-
nary may have been altered
on that Friday afternoon but
the commitment towards
educating future Christian
leaders has not. Today is
your opportunity to make
an investment towards
strengthening the future
of the Seminary and the
Church. Become a partner
in creating more than an
edifice to replace what has
been lost. Help build a
place of prayer and worship
that will form the indi-
viduals who will serve our
Church for future genera-
tions.
We are spread across the
globe but are joined to-
gether as brothers and
sisters in Christ. Alumni
serve communities as lay
Class Notes
and ordained ministers on
campuses, in hospitals, on
Please share your news
with us!
the street, or from behind
Write: The Rev. Charles L
an altar because of the
education they received Fischer III, 3737 Seminary
at VTS. Their experience Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
of studying and being
formed on the Holy Hill E-mail: alumni@vts.edu
Call: 703-461-1711
is priceless. But all must
leave this place in order Fax: 703-370-0138
Email Address Changes to:
to do what they have been
prepared for. The verse manderson@vts.edu
from the Gospel of Mark
was painted on the walls
of our Chapel. But it was ‘66
also etched on the hearts The Rev. Dr. Canon Robert
of all who entered that D. Askren, canon for Adult
building. X Education, St. John’s Cathedral,
Jacksonville, FL.
‘73
The Rev. Dr. Geoffrey M. Price,
interim rector, Leeds Episcopal
Church, Markham, VA.
‘74
The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Reese,
priest associate, Grace Episcopal
Church, Asheville, NC.
‘79
The Rev. George Shaw Yandell,
priest-in-charge, Church of the
Holy Family, Jasper, GA.
‘82
The Rev. George D. Muir, interim
rector, Trinity Episcopal Church,
Asheville, NC.
‘84
The Rev. Judith F. Burgess,
rector, The Episcopal Church in
Lincoln County, Ruidoso, NM.
‘85
The Very Rev. Theodore H. Mc-
Connell, interim rector, Grace
Episcopal Church, Allentown, PA.
Last Convocation in the Chapel: The Rev. Ron Abrams reads the lesson, ‘89
top; the Rt. Rev. James J. Shand, preaching, middle; the Rev. Canon An- The Rev. Robert M. Alves, rec-
tor, St. John’s Episcopal Church,
gela Ifill, AAEC president, points to the altar window above which read
“Go Ye Into All the World and Preach the Gospel,” bottom two photos. Fayetteville, NC.
The Rev. Gayle M. Marsh, priest-
in-charge, All Saints Episcopal
Church, Northfield, MN.
‘90
The Rev. David K. Krause, priest-
in-charge, Holy Trinity Episcopal
Church, Bonham, TX.
‘92
The Rev. Howard B. Bowlin,
priest-in-charge, St. Thomas Epis-
copal Church, Knoxville, TN.
The Rev. Gwynneth J. Mudd,
rector, St. Stephen’s Episcopal
Church, Norfolk, VA.
The Rev. Scott G. Slater, canon to
the Ordinary, The Episcopal Dio-
cese of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
‘93
The Very Rev. Kathleen M. Bob-
bitt, interim rector, St. George’s
Episcopal Church, Newport News, VA.
‘97
The Rev. James P. Adams, rector,
Christ Church, Raleigh, NC.
‘00
The Rev. Michael M. Hadaway,
rector, Trinity Episcopal Church,
Morgantown, WV.
The Rev. Frank S. Logue, canon
for Congregational Ministries,
Episcopal Diocese of Georgia,
Savannah, GA.
‘01
The Rev. Keith Johnson, rector,
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, New
Orleans, LA.
The Rev. Melinda St. Clair, priest
-in-charge, All Saints Episcopal
Church, El Paso, TX.
‘03
The Rev. Katherine M. Bush,
chaplain, St. Mary’s Episcopal
School, Memphis, TN.
The Rev. Jason T. Roberts, vicar,
The Episcopal Church of the Holy
Spirit, San Antonio, TX.
Office of Alumni Affairs
The Rev. Dr. William J. Watson III,
rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church,
Lynchburg, VA.
‘04
The Rev. Jerald W. Hyche, rector,
St. James the Apostle Episcopal
Church, Conroe, TX.
‘05
Keeping
The Rev. James M. L. Grace, canon
for Christian Formation, Christ
Church Cathedral, Houston, TX.
In Touch
The Rev. Mary L. Staley, priest,
St. Paul’s Episcopla Church, Put-
in-Bay, OH.
The Journal
The Seminary’s magazine
‘06
The Rev. Sandra L. Etemad, rector, for alumni and friends.
All Saints Episcopal Church, Nor- Once per year, in the fall.
ristown, PA.
News from the Hill
The Rev. Robert Marshall, rector,
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Bar- The Seminary’s newsletter
rington, RI. for supporters of VTS.
Three times per year, in March,
The Rev. Susan Richardson, June, and December.
rector, Grace-St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church, Trenton, NJ.
The eNews
Email updates about
‘07
The Rev. Amanda B. Eiman, happenings at VTS.
assistant, St. James Episcopal The first day of each month.
Church, Wichita, KS.
The Rev. R. Allen Pruitt, rec- The Dean’s Commentary
tor, St. Marks Episcopal Church, Daily Seminary updates
LaGrange, GA.
from Dean Markham and/or
other guest contributors.
The Rev. Matthew R. Scott, Daily, Monday-Friday.
priest-in-charge, Trinity Memorial
Episcopal Church, Warren, PA.
Alumni Convocation 2011
‘08 Annual conference for
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Baumgar-
graduates of the Seminary.
ten, Delta missioner, Church of
the Advent, Sumner; St. John’s
Next year: October 4 & 5.
Episcopal Church, Leland; Church
of the Redeemer, Greenville; You can also find us on:
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church,
Lexington; andSt. paul’s Episcopal
Church, Hollandale.
The Rev. Mary E. Reese, priest-
in-charge, St. Andrew’s Episcopal
Church, Goldsboro, NC.
The Rev. Adam P. Thomas, as-
sistant to the rector, St. Stephen’s
Episcopal Church, Cohasset, MA.
News from the Hill · www.vts.edu 13
‘09
The Rev. Gates Elliott, youth minister, Chapel
of the Cross Episcopal Church, Madison, MS.
The Rev. Elizabeth H. Reed, associate rector,
Grace Episcopal Church, Allentown, PA.
The Rev. Robert W. Wetherington,
Delta missioner, Church of the Advent,
Sumner; St. John’s Episcopal Church, Leland;
Church of the Redeemer, Greenville; St. Mary’s
Episcopal Church, Lexington; andSt. paul’s
Episcopal Church, Hollandale.
‘10
The Rev. Gillian Barr, deacon associate, Good
Samaritan Episcopal Church, San Diego, CA.
Ms. Lynn M. Campbell, diocesan fellow,
Christ Episcopal Church, Needham, MA.
The Rev. Geoffrey D. Doolittle, clergy-in-
charge, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Owego, NY.
The Rev. Kenneth N. Forti, associate rector
for Young Adult & Campus Ministry, St. Paul’s
Memorial Church at the University of Virginia,
Charlottesville, VA.
The Rev. Patrick J. Greene, assitant to the
rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Wickford,
North Kingstown, RI.
The Rev. Matthew R. Hanisian, interim com-
munications director and liturgical deacon,
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA;
chaplain, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School,
Alexandria, VA.
The Rev. Catherine D. Hicks, priest-in-charge,
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Port Royal, VA.
The Rev. Kimberly S. Jackson, Episcopal
chaplain to Atlanta University Center, Absa-
lom Jones Chapel and Center, Atlanta, GA.
The Rev. Lauren M. Kilbourn, curate, The
Episcopal Church of St. Andrew and Holy
Communion, South Orange, NJ.
The Rev. Jessica T. Knowles, assistant rector
for Formation, All Saint’s Episcopal Church,
Frederick, MD.
The Rev. Catherine C. L. Lemons (VTS ‘10)
assistant rector, Trinity Episcopal Church,
Anoka, Minnesota
The Rev. Julia W. Messer, assistant to the
Rector, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Virginia
Beach, VA.
14 News from the Hill · December 2010
Mr. Richard D. Meadows, Jr., assistant rector,
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Williamsburg, VA.
The Rev. Dr. Susan Prinz, assistant to the
rector, St. Michael and All Angel’s Episcopal
Church, Columbia, SC.
The Rev. Christopher M. Robinson, deacon-
in-charge, Mediator-Redeemer Episcopal
Church, McComb, MS.
The Rev. Janis H. T. Shook, mission developer,
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Moorefield, WV.
Mr. W. Reginald Simmons, intern, Trinity
Episcopal Church, Washington, DC.
Mrs. Sonya K. Sowards, business manager/
administrative assistant, Florida A&M Wesley
Foundation, Tallahassee, FL.
The Rev. Amy Porterfield Turner, CPE
resident, Pastoral Care Department, Mary
Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA.
The Rev. Cornelia M. Weierbach, priest
associate, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church,
Arlington, VA.
The Rev. Janis E. R. Yskamp, rector, All Saints
Episcopal Church, Christ Episcopal Church,
Coudersport, PA.
Addendums & Corrections
4Page 84: Addition to Gifts in Honor of
- the Rt. Rev. Robert H. Cochrane by the
Rev. Judith M. McDaniel, Ph.D.
4Page 89: Additional donors to the
Lewis Portrait Fund since July 1, 2010:
The Rt. Rev. Mark H. Andrus and
Dr. Sheila Andrus
The Rt. Rev. Larry R. Benfield
The Rev. Bruce D. Griffith
The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick, Jr.
Dr. Barbara Hall
The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. Carleton Hayden
The Rev. and Mrs. George A. Hull
The Rev. Phoebe A. Roaf
The Rev. Michael G. Rokos
2010 Alumni Convocation
The Rev. Lois J. Schembs
The Rev. B. Clarisse Schroeder
& Zabriskie Lectures
Ms. Patricia Sexton
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman
with speaker, Phyllis Tickle
The Rev. Melody W. Shobe and The Rev.
From left to right, clockwise: a full-house
Robert C. Shobe
listened intently to the discussion about
The Rev. William M. Sowards
The Rev. Canon Rosemari G. Sullivan and Emergent Church; Phyllis Tickle gave her
talk on “Building a Strong Foundation
Mr. Edmund J. Sullivan, Jr.
The Rev. Dr. J. Douglas Wigner, Jr. and for the Church”; the Revs. Vincent Harris
Ms. Nancy J. Hein (‘79) and Keith Johnson (‘01); the Revs.
Bob Crewdson and Doug Carpenter (‘60);
the Revs. Oliver Butler and Sarah Kin-
ney Gaventa (both ‘05); the Rev. Canon
Frank Logue (‘00) giving a talk on Church
Growth; the Rev. Jenny Montgomery
(‘98); the Rt. Rev. Melchor Saucedo-Men-
doza (‘45), his wife Catherine, and Ann
Roebuck; and the Rev. Betty Latham (‘95.)
News from the Hill · www.vts.edu 15
 Student News
F Class
or students at
Student Body President
VTS, our semi-
nary expe-
rience was sig-
nificantly changed
and defined in
half an hour on
the afternoon of
October 22, as we
watched Immanuel
Chapel burn.
That morning, I attended a
wonderful student-led “Fri-
days at the Seminary” presen-
tation on the emergent church.
By the end of the day, my
fellow students and I began a
tough crash course in what it
means to be an emergent con-
gregation.
In countless ways, this tragedy
has brought out the best in our
seminarians, and it has taught
us much. We have learned
how to support one another in
sadness and trauma. We have
News from the Hill · December 2010
learned ways to cre-
ate non-traditional
worship space
and shape liturgy
there. We have
learned to be
extremely flex-
ible. Above all,
we have learned
how much the
church transcends any
walls we build for it.
Our classic VTS routine of “class-
chapel-lunch” has not missed a beat,
and many activities during this past
month have inspired hope and joy
in the midst of challenge: the fall
variety show, great turnout for the
Help the Homeless Walk on the Na-
tional Mall, and new babies in our
community.
Your prayers for us during this time
have been felt and very much ap-
preciated – thank you.
- Rebecca Edwards (VTS ‘11)
Diocese of East Tennessee
afternoon and evening. (Photo: Curtis Prather)
2011
GIFT
Photos: B. Cayce Ramey and S.L. Shillinglaw.
“Christ who was and
is and is to come.”
I
n his sermon following the chapel
fire, Dean Markham spoke mov-
ingly of trust in God: “It is an act
of trust that, however strange things
look at any particular moment, love
will triumph. God will triumph. We
will triumph.”
Above: Junior, Connor Newlun, and his
It is in this light that the Class of 2011
wife, Sarah Lyn, watched in disbelief as the
has selected a class gift that speaks
VTS Chapel burned; Second photo: Grant
of our trust in the eternal triumph of
Ambrose (‘11), Melissa Adzima (‘11), and
Christ, even in times of calamity and
Audrey O’Brien (‘12), sing hymns in the
sorrow. Our theme is “Christ who
new worship space on All Saint’s Day.
was and is and is to come.” The gift of that tradition, of which all members Above: The Class of 2011 at a retreat at
will consist of three crosses: a new of the seminary community – past, the Claggett Center in Maryland.
processional cross and stand for use in present, and yet to come – are an in-
the temporary worship space for the dispensable part.
present; the money needed to refur-
bish and mount as a monument the Please join us. Our hope is to have all
stone cross that formerly stood at the the money for the gift pledged by the
apex of the west end of the old chapel end of January 2011, with payment “The Class of 2011
roof to remember the past; and money possible until December 2013. While
toward the cross that will someday the first 10% of the money we contrib- has selected a class
grace the new chapel in hope of what ute will go to the VTS Annual Fund
is to come. in recognition of our responsibility gift that speaks of our
as new alums to support the ongoing
We cordially invite all Friends of the mission of the seminary, gifts given trust in the eternal
Class of 2011 and of the larger semi- by friends for this gift will be used en-
nary to participate in our gift and thus tirely for the purchase of the crosses. triumph of Christ even
contribute to the enduring worship
tradition of VTS. As the Dean wrote Anne Dale and Gary Taylor in times of calamity
in his commentary shortly after the Class Gift Co-Chairs
tragedy, “We are hurting. Yet we are and sorrow.”
worshipping.”
Gifts for this purpose can be sent
The life and worship of our commu- to Virginia Theological Seminary’s
nity are larger than a building. Our life Office of Institutional Advancement.
in Christ stretches beyond time and Checks should be made payable to
Students, faculty, and staff joined hands in space. It is our hope that these three VTS, specifying “2011 Class Gift” in
prayer as the chapel burned through the crosses will symbolize the continuity the memo line.
News from the Hill · www.vts.edu 17

Class Cross
PROJECT
The Office of Institutional Advance-
ment has initiated a project to collect
and display the different class crosses
that graduating seniors of VTS have
designed and received throughout the
years. But we need your help.
We have class contacts going back to
the Class of 2001. If classes prior to
2001 had a class cross and someone
has information to share concerning
these crosses, please contact Melissa
Bruckart Adzima (mbruckart@vts.
edu).
The class cross is a significant remind-
er of our time here at VTS. We hope
this project will be another visible sign
of those who have called this Holy
Hill a place of formation and learning.
In this spirit, we are looking for those
who would be interested in donating
their class crosses for the project. We
look forward to hearing from you!
Top photo, clockwise from left: crosses
from the Classes of 2008, 2009, 2006,
2003, 2004, and 2005; middle photo,
Class of 2002 cross; bottom cross,
Class of 2001.
18 News from the Hill · December 2010
New Chapel for a
New Century Fund
Please consider a gift in 2010 for the New
Chapel for the New Century Fund established
by the board of trustees at their November
2010 meeting. While we know we will re-
ceive an insurance settlement, we also know
that it will not cover the complete cost of a
new chapel with adequate support space.
In 2011, all of us will have the opportunity
to be part of the New Chapel for the New
Century campaign. It will take all of us giving
sacrifically to secure the funds necessary for
a new chapel complex which we envision
will include a gathering place with kitchen
facilities, a nursery, choir and vesting rooms,
a sacristy, offices and restrooms. The Chapel
Task Force, meeting over the course of
2010, had already begun to imagine such a
complex, utilizing and renovating the 1881
chapel.
In 1823, a parish vestry gave Virginia Theo-
logical Seminary to the Episcopal Church.
The chapel complex can be our gift in
the 21st century. We cannot replicate the
chapel. We want to build a chapel for our
time that will endure the march of years and
serve the worship needs of our community
for the next 100 years. The project to build a
chapel complex, if approved by the board of
trustees, will require many gifts—a cam-
paign to raise money and to build for the
present and the future.
In 2011 we will invite you to join the New
Chapel for the New Century campaign. Like
the 1881 chapel, the new chapel will be
a landmark of formation in The Episcopal
Church and the Anglican Communion, and
will be a sign of hope to the generations
who will come after us.
The Worst of Times, the Best of Times?
by the Rev. J. Barney Hawkins IV
T
his classic quote from Charles
Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cit-
ies introduces a long sentence
which includes the phrase “it was the
season of Light, it was the season of
Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it
was the winter of despair.” On Friday
afternoon, October 22, 2010, it was the
“worst of times” on the Holy Hill. It
was the day the Seminary chapel was
destroyed by fire in a twinkling of an
eye. When the sun went down that
fateful day, there was a “darkness”
that you could feel on the campus. I
think it is safe to say that there was
“despair.” I hope I never again see a
building burn. You feel helpless. Tears
come up from nowhere and you are so
sad. Why? Why? Why? The altar win-
dow with its “Go Ye Into All the World
and Preach the Gospel” frame melted
before our eyes. Brave firefighters and
police came to our aid. What courage
it takes to fight a fire! What courage
it takes to watch a fire! People were
holding hands and crying. Frantic
phone calls were made.
From the moment the fire was de-
tected, the Dean was organizing our
community’s response. A press release
went out in short order. A worship ser-
vice of silence, prayer and song (Great
is Thy Faithfulness was Bill Roberts’
selection!) was led by Dean Markham
in Scott Lounge, our makeshift Prayer
Hall. People were interviewed and we
stepped into the Disaster Plan that Dr.
Amy Dyer had painstakingly formu-
lated. You could say we were ready for
this dreadful day.
The days since the fire have not been
business as usual on the Holy Hill.
For about six days the ATF conducted
their thorough investigation. There
was a constant procession of people
who wanted to see for themselves this
awful thing. I have found it hard to
walk past the shell of a building that
hosted so many holy moments and
created so many lasting memories. If
you have ever had hospital bills and
know the time it takes to file all the
claims, multiply that by 100 or more—
and you can get a glimpse into the
world of Ian Markham and Heather
Zdancewicz. There have been pastoral
care concerns and we have poured
ourselves into a steady stream of com-
munication on our website, Facebook
andTwitter pages. We have tried to an-
swer email and we have taken the calls
that come our way with the inevitable
questions and the generous offers of
kindness and support.
Yes, in many ways this has been and
is becoming the “best of times.” The
kindness of family, friends, and strang-
ers makes this a “season of Light.” As
the Board of Trustees, alumni/ae, fac-
ulty, students and staff move from the
fire to the future, there is a “spring of
hope” on the seminary campus. Semi-
permanent housing for a worship
space makes us the “emergent church”
Seminary! Now that is cool for a vener-
able institution 187 years old. We are
learning in new ways to be flexible,
Left: Found in the rubble of the chapel
was this page from the Hymnal, “Lord
Have Mercy.”
News from the Hill · www.vts.edu
Office of Institutional Advancement
trusting, adaptable, and innovative.
Worship at VTS has been “broad” for
years—notwithstanding the myths
that we are “snake-belly low” in our
worship practices. We will continue to
experience a range of worship in the
Lettie Pate Evans Auditorium. Roger
Ferlo and others are shaping the space
that we will use for worship for the
next several years.
I think this is the “best of times” for us
who love Virginia Seminary.; I truly
think it is the “best of times” for those
who are considering a theological
education. The new students of 2011
will step onto a campus that is chang-
ing before their eyes. They will learn
exciting ways to have a dialogue with
scripture and tradition. New students
will learn at every turn about liturgy,
church architecture, fund-raising, and
what it means to live by faith. That
sounds like a theological education to
me! When the Board of Trustees met
in early November, about two or so
weeks after the chapel fire, the chap-
lain remind them that the Church is an
“experiential colony.” So it is at Virgin-
ia Theological Seminary—a “colony”
following Jesus and experiencing a
new present and a future where God
already is. What a great season for the
Holy Hill! X
19
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