With honoree Lathrop, second from left, are Seminary President Philip D. W. Krey, Board Chair Dr. Addie J. Butler, next to Lathrop; Associate Dean Dr. Margaret Krych, and Trustee Nelvin Vos.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 20, 2005) - At times during the simple ceremony honoring him, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop seemed modestly uncomfortable "as though you might prefer to be someplace else," Chaplain Elizabeth Huwiler gently chided her former chaplain colleague.

It was a rich occasion. A portrait of Lathrop, the recently retired Charles A. Schieren Professor Emeritus of Liturgy, was placed in the Wendt Lounge at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia -- alongside portraits of other cherished and retired professors - Clarence L. Lee, John H. P. Reumann, Le Roy Aden, Andrew J. White, and Robert E. Bornemann.

The occasion began with a reading from Acts, part of a Litany led by Chaplain Huwiler. President Philip Krey told those gathered in the Lounge that it is important that "we honor those who have served more than 20 years on the faculty and hang their portraits in the Wendt Lounge so that their faithful service will be recognized and emulated. We want students, future generations of faculty and Trustees to pause and say, who was this person with such a kind and gracious presence? Some wise old sage will say, the Rev. Dr. Gordon W. Lathrop, ThD, Charles A. Schieren Professor of Liturgy. We, of course, know him as a trusted professor, senior colleague, chaplain and friend." Krey went on to list Lathrop's many writings and accomplishments including his being a consultant to the "Renewing Worship" process, being active in ecumenical circles, and being an "internationally recognized scholar." Krey concluded by saying, "Of all these things, we are most thankful that he has preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ and provided the means of Grace among us…"

Board Chair Dr. Addie J. Butler said she was "honored to be here to thank you for being you, Mr. Liturgy…" She referred to Lathrop as a "consummate teacher."

Dr. Gordon Lathrop, right: "There has never been a time when this school was more needed." Looking on are Dean J. Paul Rajashekar, left, and Seminary President Philip D. W. Krey.

In acknowledging the tribute, Lathrop said it is "dear to me" that the Chair he has held is named for Charles Schieren, who was the mayor of Brooklyn, "a lay person." The Chair was endowed in 1911, he recalled. He said he was "profoundly honored" by the respect accorded to him, "and I am honored to be a part of this seminary, with its faculty, staff, students and Board." He gave thanks for his association with Chaplain Huwiler and Seminary Musician Mark Mummert, a colleague of 15 years.

"While waiting for this ceremony to occur I was in the Library, looking at the pictures of so many people, thinking about all the history of this place," Lathrop said. "There has never been a time when this school was more needed, with its commitment to justification by faith, its witness to the importance of Word and Sacrament, a commitment that is dear to me. I'm honored to be part of it. This seminary has a wide open door and rich diversity, a willingness to engage the critical questions of social justice and peace. Go on in this way. Our churches are needed, all the churches of Jesus Christ…"