08756
October 15, 2008
Notes about people
The National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, has named the Rev. Earl F. Palmer as its preaching pastor-in-residence.
The Rev. Earl F. Palmer. Photo credit: courtesy of The National Presbyterian Church Palmer, a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and Princeton Theological Seminary, is one of the best known pastors and preachers in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He recently retired as pastor of University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. He previously served as pastor of Union Church in Manila, Philippines, and as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley.
Palmer, known for his expository biblical style of preaching, is the author of 18 books, including, Trusting God, The Humor of Jesus, and The 24-Hour Christian.
At The National Presbyterian Church, Palmer will preach about three-quarters of the Sundays between Nov. 2, 2008, and the end of our church program year on June 14, 2009. He will also participate in some Wednesday evening events. He will provide spiritual leadership to the congregation and staff and advise the congregation’s pastors and leaders on various church issues, including the development of alternative worship.
Executive Pastor Douglas Learned continues as interim head of staff and moderator of session.
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The Rev. Lester E. Williams, 99, of Rockford, IL died Sept. 28, 2008 in a local care facility. He was a longtime pastor, educator and India missionary for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The Philadelphia native graduated from Ursinus College and Yale Divinity School. While on a Yale fellowship in Jerusalem he participated in several archaeological digs in the holy land. Following graduation, he served pastorates in Michigan and Pennsylvania and from 1948-1953 served in India as vice-principal of Baring Union Christian College in Batala.
In 1954, Williams joined the faculty of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA, where he served as dean of students, professor of religion and philosophy, executive assistant, and interim president of the college until he retired in 1974.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Edith; daughter Janet (Ray) Baker; grandchildren Randy Baker and Laurie (Andy Larson) Baker; great-grandchildren Julia, Danny, and Max; and one niece, Marion Smith. A memorial service was held Oct. 2 at Third Presbyterian Church of Rockford, IL.
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