On Sunday, Sept. 3, at 4:00 p.m., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, began its 168th 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 114 new students, who enrolled at Concordia Seminary this fall and are preparing to serve as pastors, deaconesses, missionaries and chaplains in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Of the new students, 95 are enrolled in the Seminary’s master of divinity program and 11 in the certificate (alternate route) program. In addition, eight new deaconess formation students are enrolled.

The service also included the installation of new faculty and staff members. New faculty member Dr. Richard W. Marrs was installed as associate professor of practical theology. New staff members installed were Rose E. Gilbert, instructor of programs for Hispanic women in the Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS), who also was consecrated as a deaconess during the service; Rev. Eloy S. González, associate director of the CHS; and Rev. John S. Loum, director of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology.

In addition, faculty and staff members who are assuming new responsibilities in the new academic year were recognized. New part-time staff who also were recognized included Rev. John P. Reinke, director of the Deaf Institute of Theology, and Rev. Jonathan P. Stein, the Seminary’s first campus chaplain.

Following the service, the congregation processed to the Seminary’s new Center for Hispanic Studies and participated in its dedication. The rite of dedication included a welcome from Dr. Dale A. Meyer, a brief address by Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez, assistant professor of systematic theology and director of the CHS, and a ribbon-cutting. Following the dedication, those in attendance toured the facility and enjoyed a reception served by the Seminary Guild.

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

Concordia Seminary is located at 801 Seminary Place in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, call 314-505-7374.