Virginia Theological Seminary
Encyclopedia
Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), formally called the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia, is the largest accredited Episcopal seminary
in the United States. Founded in 1818, VTS is situated on an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) campus in Alexandria, Virginia
, just a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. VTS is a member of the Washington Theological Consortium
. In 2007 the Very Reverend Ian Markham
was elected by the Board of Trustees as the 14th Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary.
was one of this group which, in 1818, formed "An Education Society" and five years later opened the "School of Prophets," to become the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia. When the school opened in Alexandria with two instructors, 14 students were enrolled. During the Civil War, the school was occupied. After the war, two professors and 11 veterans reopened the seminary on a campus that had been used to house 1,700 wounded Federal troops and to bury 500 soldiers.
On June 3, 1953, Virginia Seminary merged with the Bishop Payne Divinity School, a distinguished African-American institution started by Virginia Seminary in 1878. Since 1950, 22 new buildings have been added to the campus, including five dormitories, the refectory and Scott Lounge, 15 faculty homes, a recreation building, and a day-care center for young children. In 1993, the Addison Academic Center opened with classroom space, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Auditorium, the seminary bookstore, and the student lounge.
On 22 October 2010, an intense fire destroyed 19th-century Immanuel Chapel on the grounds of the seminary. The flames were so fierce that firefighters were unable to enter the building and were forced to attack the fire from a distance using ground based crews and a high level (aerial platform) hose. No other part of the seminary was damaged and there were no injuries. Several of the stained glass windows were destroyed, including the Marian window and the window over the altar. The iconic words, "Go Ye Into All The World And Preach The Gospel," painted above that window, were also destroyed by the heat of the fire. The pulpit, the lectern and its Bible for readings during services, and the baptismal font, were not hurt by the fire. Damage is estimated at $2.5 million. An investigation by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF) and the Alexandria Fire Marshal
’s Office determined that the fire was of accident
al nature.
The seminary believes that theological education leading to ordination normally requires full-time study and full participation in its common life and worship. It also believes that theological education is greatly enhanced when it is done within an ecumenical, international and cross-cultural context.
Historically, the seminary was associated with the more Low Church
, or Evangelical, tradition within Anglicanism, but these days reflects, for the most part, the majority Broad Church
consensus in ECUSA.
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
in the United States. Founded in 1818, VTS is situated on an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) campus in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2009, the city had a total population of 139,966. Located along the Western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately six miles south of downtown Washington, D.C.Like the rest of northern Virginia, as well as...
, just a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. VTS is a member of the Washington Theological Consortium
Washington Theological Consortium
The Washington Theological Consortium is an ecumenical organization with its regular membership composed of Christian theological schools located in or near the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area that cooperate and share resources....
. In 2007 the Very Reverend Ian Markham
Ian Markham
Dr. Ian S. Markham was appointed as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary in August 2007. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom where he focused on Christian Ethics. He previously earned an M.Litt. in Philosophy and Ethics from the University of...
was elected by the Board of Trustees as the 14th Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary.
History
A small group of dedicated men committed themselves to the task of recruiting and training a new generation of church leaders following the Revolutionary War. Francis Scott KeyFrancis Scott Key
Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet, from Georgetown, who wrote the lyrics to the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner".-Life:...
was one of this group which, in 1818, formed "An Education Society" and five years later opened the "School of Prophets," to become the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia. When the school opened in Alexandria with two instructors, 14 students were enrolled. During the Civil War, the school was occupied. After the war, two professors and 11 veterans reopened the seminary on a campus that had been used to house 1,700 wounded Federal troops and to bury 500 soldiers.
On June 3, 1953, Virginia Seminary merged with the Bishop Payne Divinity School, a distinguished African-American institution started by Virginia Seminary in 1878. Since 1950, 22 new buildings have been added to the campus, including five dormitories, the refectory and Scott Lounge, 15 faculty homes, a recreation building, and a day-care center for young children. In 1993, the Addison Academic Center opened with classroom space, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Auditorium, the seminary bookstore, and the student lounge.
On 22 October 2010, an intense fire destroyed 19th-century Immanuel Chapel on the grounds of the seminary. The flames were so fierce that firefighters were unable to enter the building and were forced to attack the fire from a distance using ground based crews and a high level (aerial platform) hose. No other part of the seminary was damaged and there were no injuries. Several of the stained glass windows were destroyed, including the Marian window and the window over the altar. The iconic words, "Go Ye Into All The World And Preach The Gospel," painted above that window, were also destroyed by the heat of the fire. The pulpit, the lectern and its Bible for readings during services, and the baptismal font, were not hurt by the fire. Damage is estimated at $2.5 million. An investigation by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is a federal law enforcement organization within the United States Department of Justice...
(ATF) and the Alexandria Fire Marshal
Fire Marshal
A fire marshal, in the United States and Canada, is often a member of a fire department but may be part of a building department or a separate department altogether. Fire marshals' duties vary but usually include fire code enforcement and/or investigating fires for origin and cause...
’s Office determined that the fire was of accident
Accident
An accident or mishap is an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance, often with lack of intention or necessity. It implies a generally negative outcome which may have been avoided or prevented had circumstances leading up to the accident been recognized, and acted upon, prior to its...
al nature.
Mission
The seminary’s primary mission is to form men and women for lay or ordained leadership and service in the ministry of the church. Out of its evangelical heritage and its missionary tradition, it emphasizes the life of prayer, worship and community, the ministries of preaching, teaching, pastoral care and social justice. It seeks to prepare its students as servants of Jesus Christ to equip the people of God for their vocation and ministry in the world. It also provides continuing theological education for clergy and laity of all denominations.The seminary believes that theological education leading to ordination normally requires full-time study and full participation in its common life and worship. It also believes that theological education is greatly enhanced when it is done within an ecumenical, international and cross-cultural context.
Degree programs
- The Master in Divinity program is a three-year residential program designed for those in the ordination process in the Episcopal Church or the equivalent in other denominations. It provides a foundation in all theological areas: biblical studies, historical studies, ministerial studies, studies in Christian worship, studies in faith and society, and theological studies.
- The Master in Theological Studies (MTS) is designed for lay people who wish to seek theological education resources and preparation for lay ministry / vocations in the church and the world. MTS students have a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. The multi-track program seeks to meet these divergent needs. Students may complete this degree in two-years as a full-time student or up to seven years part-time.
- The Master of Arts in Christian Education and
- the Master of Arts in Christian Education and Youth Ministry programs support the ministry of Christian education by providing professional formation and education for lay people or clergy who provide that ministry in parish and schools. These are summer programs that may be completed in three to seven years.
- Doctor of Ministry in Ministry Development,
- Doctor of Ministry in Educational Leadership and
- Non-degree studies are also offered.
Historically, the seminary was associated with the more Low Church
Low church
Low church is a term of distinction in the Church of England or other Anglican churches initially designed to be pejorative. During the series of doctrinal and ecclesiastic challenges to the established church in the 16th and 17th centuries, commentators and others began to refer to those groups...
, or Evangelical, tradition within Anglicanism, but these days reflects, for the most part, the majority Broad Church
Broad church
Broad church is a term referring to latitudinarian churchmanship in the Church of England, in particular, and Anglicanism, in general. From this, the term is often used to refer to secular political organisations, meaning that they encompass a broad range of opinion.-Usage:After the terms high...
consensus in ECUSA.
Demographics in September 2007
Total enrollment in the fall of 2008 was 232.- Median MDiv student age: 32 (44% in their 20s)
- Married: 46%
- Men 54 / Women 46
- International students: 7
- Full-time faculty: 20
- Adjunct faculty: 33
- Field education associates: 85
- Staff: 72