DECOMMISSIONING THE COURTYARD

The courtyard at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago has been a place of beauty, fun and relaxation for our students and their families, the faculty and staff. Because the new underground parking garage will be built under the courtyard, it will be the site of construction during the 18-month building phase for the new McCormick Seminary wing.
Over the years, courtyard trees were planted in memory of people we cherished. While trees that could be relocated were planted elsewhere, a special service of thanksgiving for the courtyard was held prior to the transplanting (after construction of the new facilities, the memorial will be re-established). The saints whose lives were memorialized in the courtyard included:

Matthew Charles Christell who was born Oct. 12, 1980 and died April 11, 1982. Matthew was the son of Tom and Patti Christell. Tom was a student at the seminary when Matthew was born. Tom’s classmates gave a courtyard tree and stained glass window in Matthew’s memory.

Laverne Reed (Irving) who worked at the seminary from 1987 until her death on Oct. 24, 1991. Laverne was first secretary to the faculty and then administrative assistant to the dean. Laverne’s twin sons also worked at the seminary.

Joseph Sittler, who died in 1987, was distinguished theologian in residence at the seminary after retiring in 1973 as professor of biblical theology from the University of Chicago Divinity School. His theological insights about the earth, arts, aging, education and the church are as relevant today as they were when he first developed them. An archive of tapes of his presentations and other materials is housed at the seminary.

Florence Tate who was an accountant at the seminary from 1981 until her death on Oct. 29, 1996.

Neva Vogelaar who was a member of the community from 1990 until her death on May 18, 1998. During her prolonged illness, the seminary community became her extended and caring family. Her husband, Harold, is visiting professor of world religions at the seminary.

Bill Williams who was a gifted musician and writer, received the seminary's Outstanding Biblical Studies Award in 1994, and along with his wife, Martha, was the 1998 recipient of the Confessor of Christ Award. In the waning months of his life, Bill finished the book, "Naked Before God: The Return of a Broken Disciple." Bill died after a life-long battle with cystic fibrosis on May 28, 1998.