A Rich History

1954-2007

Bishop Emrich

The Whitaker School of Theology was founded in 1954 by Bishop Emrich as an information center for the Diocese.

The School provided training for lay visitors, lay readers, non-stipendiary clergy and perpetual deacons; offered educational opportunities for “perpetual inquirers”; and maintained a library and reading room.

The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Whitaker

In 1957 the center became a school, and The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Whitaker was hired as director.

While it was providing regularly planned education for lay people, the School’s focus in the 1960’s was on training clergy for the many new congregations in the Diocese. The Rev. A. Paul Nancarrow was hired as associate director in 1964. In the 1970’s the rediscovery of lay ministry prompted a re-emphasis on the development of courses for the laity to be taken to congregations throughout the Diocese.

The Rev. Patricia Eichenlaub

In 1979 the Rev. Dr. Patricia Eichenlaub was hired as associate director to continue and to develop lay education and to explore methods of education.

By the 1980’s, as the laity were taking increased leadership within the Church and as the development of women’s ministry became one of full and equal partnership, the School began to belong to the people—a direction fully supported by Bishop McGehee. In 1983, Whitaker retired, the School was renamed to honor his leadership, and Eichenlaub was named director.

Visibility of the School increased through initiation of a newsletter, a display at Diocesan Convention, and a Convention luncheon hosted by the newly developed Alumni and Friends Association.

In 1986 the Rev. Robert Wollard was hired as field director of the Huron District to develop educational opportunities in the northern reaches of the Diocese. In 1990 the Ministry Studies Program (now Deacon Formation Program) was launched to provide formation and more directed field experience for deacons, and to meet the needs of laity who wanted systematic training and education. In 1994, the Diocese of Michigan divided to form the Eastern Diocese of Michigan and the Diocese of Michigan. In 1998 Eichenlaub concluded her service at the Whitaker School of Theology, having served as Director and Dean of Studies for 19 years.

Dean, Denise B. Crenshaw

In August of 1998, Denise B. Crenshaw was named the third Director and Dean of Studies, the first lay person to hold this position.

Throughout the life and ministry of the Whitaker School, the staff, board of directors and the Bishop have remained committed to providing quality educational opportunities for the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan at an affordable rate.

In the past 50 years there have been countless instructors, committee members, board members, students, contributors and friends of the Whitaker School. It is noteworthy that many of the Whitaker Instructors provide their services as a contribution.

In this decade the Whitaker School administrative offices returned to the Episcopal Church Center. Denise Crenshaw became the Assistant to the Bishop for Christian Formation as well as the Dean of the Whitaker School. This new relationship put the Whitaker School in a new position to provide educational offerings in direct response to requests made of the Bishop and Diocese.

The School continues its tradition of responding to the educational needs of the people of the Diocese, and of developing and maintaining relationships with the wider community and other educational institutions in the Diocese. Currently the School cooperates and coordinates with the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, the Lay Theological Academy and the newly developed Spirituality Center of Christ Church, Grosse Pointe.

We look to the next 50 years for meaningful ministry with the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan.

Educating * Equipping * Empowering