Rev. Jerrold Eickmann, professor of systematic theology, registrar and academic advisor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, retired at the close of the 2000-2001 school year after 26 years of distinguished service.
Eickmann, a graduate of Concordia Seminary, was ordained in 1964 and served parishes in Louisiana and California before being called to the Seminary faculty in 1974. He taught courses in systematic theology every year and also served as director of vicarage (1978-1989) and colloquy advisor (1987-1989) before becoming registrar and academic advisor in 1989.
During his 26 years at the Seminary, Eickmann developed a well-earned reputation for possessing a remarkable knowledge of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Among students and colleagues, his patience and his penchant for precision were legendary. He approached his duties with an obvious love and concern for serving the Lord and His people.
“For a quarter of a century, Professor Jerrold Eickmann served Concordia Seminary with unstinting devotion and dedication,” said Dr. John F. Johnson, president of the Seminary. “He was a strong influence on hundreds of our graduates now serving in ministry. That influence was characterized by a strong biblical and confessional commitment, passion for parish ministry, and great integrity. He will be missed by all in the Concordia Seminary community.”
Despite his many responsibilities outside the classroom, Eickmann preferred teaching. He looked forward to each new class of students, knowing that while the application of Lutheran theology changes over time, the fundamental questions remain the same. For this reason, his favorite courses were those which instilled sound fundamentals in new students. A fitting tribute to the work he has done is the fact that nearly a dozen current faculty members at the Seminary are his former students.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of the education and formation of future pastors,” Eickmann said. “It was unexpected, but greatly appreciated. I had wonderful people to work with all through the years. Every year, the opportunity to get to know and work with the next new group of future pastors—that was the whole reason I took the call, and that’s the great enjoyment of what I did. It was a great responsibility, but also a great pleasure.”
For more information, contact, Communications, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314.505.7375; [email protected] [1].