A GRADUATE SEMINARY
ENVOY FEB 2010
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Dr. Fred Thompson, In Memory

On November 9, 2010 Dr. Fred P. Thompson, Emmanuel Christian Seminary’s second President, passed from this life into eternity.

Following Dr. Dean E. Walker (President, 1965-1969), Thompson served as both President and Professor of Christian Doctrine during his 15 year tenure. Dr. Thompson’s successors Dr. Calvin L. Phillips (1984-1994), Dr. C. Robert Wetzel (1994-2009), and Dr. Michael L. Sweeney (2009-present) reflect on the importance and legacy of Fred Thompson.

Dr. Calvin L. Phillips:
“Fred Thompson was a brilliant theologian who raised the standard of academic excellence at Emmanuel, but I first knew him as the minister of the historic Englewood Church in South Chicago. He led that church in relocating from the southeast to the southwest side of Chicago, building a beautiful new church, and changing its name to First Christian Church, where he developed many strong new leaders. When I became his successor at Emmanuel, I was grateful for his strong support. It is appropriate that the Thompson Center bears his name.”

Dr. C. Robert Wetzel:
“I have no doubt but that the Holy Spirit directed the Trustees in their decision to invite Dr. Thompson to become the second President of Emmanuel. He shared deeply in the vision of Dr. Walker, recognizing the need for a graduate seminary that combined the best in scholarship with the best in preparation for the practice of ministry. When I joined the faculty I immediately enrolled in Dr. Thompson’s seminar on Karl Barth; his knowledge of Barth was legendary.