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Over 150 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends attended the lunch reception held in honor of departing faculty member, Otto Dreydoppel, Jr. on May 4, 2010. The celebration marked the conclusion of his 21 years of teaching on the faculty of Moravian Theological Seminary.
Appointed in 1989, Dreydoppel served as assistant professor of Church History and in 1994 also assumed the title of Director of the Center for Moravian Studies, where he organized lectures and events that promoted the scholarly study of Moravian subjects.
A beloved teacher and historian, his current and former students had high praise and fond memories of classroom experiences and learning that continues to inform their ministries each day. In recognition of Dreydoppel's teaching interests, Dean Frank Crouch said his "active participation in the Interseminary Seminar has helped sustain the longest running, ecumenical seminar—involving five different seminaries—in North America. And his regular leadership of the Global Perspectives on Today's Christian Mission course each January at the Overseas Ministries Studies Center has been a highlight for countless students over the years. And his annual 'Polar Bear' plunge into the cold January waters of New Haven, Connecticut is the stuff of legend!"
Dreydoppel is deeply involved in the ecumenical community and has served as a representive for the Moravian Church on the dialogue teams that have worked toward full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episopal Church. Commenting on the importance of Dreydoppel's role in this effort, Dean Crouch said, "Your ecumenical work on the dialogue teams moving toward full communion between the Moravian and Lutheran and the Moravian and Episcopal Churches has had significant and lasting impact on the life of the members, programs, and partners of all those denominations."
Dreydoppel will conclude teaching at the Seminary in the Spring 2010 semester and then will be on a terminal sabbatical through February 2011. Though his next position is not established, he told the assembled crowd that he looks forward to returning to congregational ministry.
Prior to the reception, well wishers shared in a Lovefeast prepared in his honor by the students from his Moravian Theology and Worship class. The students dressed in period clothing of their native provinces and served the coffee and bun as the participants sang the hymns chosen for this special occasion. His students also gifted him with a beveled glass Moravian Star.
The Seminary community presented him with a windsor chair with an engraved seal of the Seminary and a scrapbook of pictures and articles from
his teaching career, as well as notes of gratitude from students, faculty, alumni, and staff.
The community offers Otto its thanks for the ministry of his teaching and pastoral care and blessings throughout the unfolding of his next position. |
