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Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, also referred to as Louisville Seminary, is a seminary affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and located in Louisville, Kentucky. It is one of ten PC (USA) seminaries and it identifies as an ecumenical seminary, with recent student enrollment representing many faith traditions.[citation needed]
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Former name | Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Danville Theological Seminary |
|---|---|
| Motto | Lampades Multae, Una Lux |
Motto in English | Many Lamps, One Light |
| Type | Private seminary |
| Established | 1853 |
Religious affiliation | Presbyterian Church |
Academic affiliation | Kentuckiana Metroversity |
| President | Andrew Pomerville |
| Location | , U.S. 38°14′15″N 85°41′06″W / 38.2375°N 85.6850°W |
| Campus | 38 acres (15 ha) |
| Colors | Blue and white |
| Website | lpts |
Though now located in Louisville, it was founded in 1853 in Danville, Kentucky (the site is now Centre College) and was known as the Danville Theological Seminary. Though it thrived in its early years, the Civil War took a great toll and by 1870 there were only six students enrolled, and as few as one professor at times, requiring classes to be taught by the faculty of Centre College.
The seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), and the Association of Theological Schools.[1][2] The seminary is located on land adjacent to the Cherokee-Seneca Parks.The central quad includes Nelson Hall (which houses the Counseling Center), Caldwell Chapel, the library, and a student building. The Gardencourt Mansion and its adjacent carriage house are contained within the Seminary. The Seminary offers multiple degree programs including Doctor of Ministry, Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Masters of Arts in Religion, and Masters of Divinity.
History
editIn 1893, a seminary opened in Louisville, operating out of Sunday School rooms in Second Presbyterian Church at Second and Broadway, with 31 students and six professors initially, and an endowment of $104,000. Longtime treasurer W.T. Grant died in 1901 and left his entire $300,000 estate to the seminary, which helped finance the construction of a new Gothic-style Campus.
Daniel S. Bentley had studied at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Danville.[3]
In 1901, the still-struggling Danville seminary merged with the Louisville one. Because of the merger, it was the only institution supported simultaneously by the northern and southern branches of the modern Presbyterian Church (USA). Faculty and students have been drawn from both denominations. The two branches, which split during the Civil War, were reunited in 1983.
In the 1950s, Interstate 65 was planned to be constructed within a few feet of the seminary building. This led to a move in 1963 to a new campus off of Alta Vista Road, in the Cherokee-Seneca neighborhood. The old Gothic-style buildings eventually became the campus of Jefferson Community College, which is now a part of Jefferson Community and Technical College. The seminary eventually acquired the Gardencourt Mansion, and integrated it into the adjacent campus.[4]
On September 6, 2024, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville was officially inaugurated as the 11th president and professor of Practical Theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) in a ceremony held at Caldwell Chapel. The event was attended by faculty, staff, students, family, friends, and representatives from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PCUSA).
Pomerville assumed the presidency of LPTS on July 1, 2023, and was formally confirmed by the 226th General Assembly of the PC(USA) one year later.
Ceremony Highlights The inauguration featured music performed by LPTS student Christella Philippe, who sang Gratitude by Brandon Lake. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear extended his congratulations via a recorded message.
The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, brought greetings on behalf of the PC(USA), and the 226th General Assembly Co-Moderators, Rev. CeCe Armstrong and Rev. Tony Larson, were in attendance. In her prayer, Oh asked for God’s blessings on Pomerville as he leads the seminary, saying, “Surround him with faithful and wise companions and conversation partners.”
Address to the Community Dr. Tyler Mayfield, the A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament, delivered a charge to the seminary community, urging LPTS to respond to the challenges of white Christian nationalism and systemic inequities. Quoting poet Frank X Walker, Mayfield used the metaphor of fire ants to encourage the community to build foundations of equity, remain vigilant against injustice, and take action in the face of racism and discrimination.
The Rev. Betsy Aho, pastor of Haslett Community Church in Michigan, commended Pomerville’s leadership style, emphasizing his ability to amplify underrepresented voices. She reminded him that his role was “bigger than even you,” and encouraged him to lead with authenticity and humility.
Reflections from Colleagues and Friends Pomerville’s longtime friend, Dr. Matt vandenBerg, president of Ohio Wesleyan University, praised him as a bold and courageous leader. He stated, “He will do anything in his power to help you reach your fullest potential.”
In his remarks, Pomerville expressed gratitude to students, faculty, and supporters, calling LPTS students “the reason God has called the rest of us to be here.” He also shared the news of a historic anonymous gift—the largest single donation from a living alumnus—entrusted to the seminary with the request that it be used at his discretion.
Looking ahead, Pomerville emphasized LPTS’s commitment to inclusivity and transformation, saying: “We turn to God and prepare for what comes next, offering ourselves as a living sacrifice. We will take the ‘whosoever message’ and say all people are worthy and loved and valued.”
He concluded his address by affirming the seminary’s mission: “We have been called into this beloved community; therefore, let us call others to join in the community. God bless all of you. Amen.” [5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Institutions". SACSCOC. Archived from the original on 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
- ^ "Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary | The Association of Theological Schools". www.ats.edu. Archived from the original on 2020-09-26. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
- ^ Smith, Gerald L.; McDaniel, Karen Cotton; Hardin, John A. (2015-08-28). The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia. University Press of Kentucky. p. 41. ISBN 978-0-8131-6066-5.
- ^ "Garden Court". National Park Service. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
- ^ "Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary inaugurates its 11th president". Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Retrieved September 7, 2024.
External links
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