Board Dispatch: Spring 2018
The Trustees of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary stand for a picture after the Seminary’s 29th Commencement Exercises, recognizing the Class of 2018. Back row (left to right): TE Travis Grassmid (Zion RCUS – Menno, SD), TE Jeff Kingswood (Grace ARP – Woodstock, ON), RE Gary Flye (Redeemer OPC – Charlotte, NC), RE David Bragdon The Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville), TE Carl Robbins (Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church), TE Cornelius Johnson (OPC Navy Chaplain), TE Daniel Jarstfer (Christ Our Hope PCA – Providence, RI), and RE Frank Aderholdt (First Presbyterian Church (PCA) – Hattiesburg, MS). Front row (left to right): TE Dr. Ian Hamilton (Evangelical Presbyterian Church of England and Wales – Inverness, Scotland, UK), TE Dr. Kevin Backus (Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, NY), TE Dr. David B. McWilliams (Covenant PCA – Lakeland, FL), RE Mr. C. Fredric Marcinak (Woodruff Road PCA – Simpsonville, SC), RE Mr. John Van Voorhis (Covenant Community OPC – Taylors, SC), RE Mr. Jim Higgins (Reformation OPC – Virginia Beach, VA), RE Dale White (Immanuel PCA – Norfolk, VA). Not pictured: RE Mark Bube (Calvary OPC – Glenside, PA), RE Thomas Warnock (Franklin Square OPC – New York City, NY), RE Dr. Larence “Del” Bailey (Westminster PCA – Kingsport, TN), RE Joseph Fowler (Grace PCA – Douglasville, GA), REBruce Vrieling (Hope URCNA – Brampton, ON), and TE Tim Worrell (Presbyterian Reformed Church)
The Board of Trustees of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary held their annual Spring meeting on May 17-18, in the run-up to the Seminary’s 29th Commencement exercises. This year, the makeup of the Board changed as new officers were elected, and as the Board recognized the retirement of Ruling Elder Mr. John Van Voorhis of Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Taylors, SC from active participation, granting him Emeritus status (see article, Veteran Board Member Mr. John Van Voorhis Granted Emeritus Status, Endowed Scholarship Established).
Commenting on the move, Mr. Van Voorhis optimistically said, “As I leave my active participation on the Board, I am greatly encouraged by the godliness and quality of my fellow Board members, in whose hands I feel confident of God’s continued blessing in future years.” Mr. Van Voorhis has served on the Board of Trustees for Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary since 1994, and it is with deep appreciation that the Board granted his request to join Dr. George W. Knight III and Pastor Randy Riddle in Emeritus status. The Board elected Ruling Elder Mr. Joe Fowler of Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Douglasville, GA to step into the role of Vice Chairman. Mr. Fowler commented, “The heartbeat of the Board, faculty, and staff of Greenville Seminary is to equip and train Godly men to boldly and faithfully proclaim the Gospel to a world that is increasingly alienated from the Creator. Being a part of that mission is a privilege. Join all of us in supporting the Seminary with your influence, resources, and energy.”
Among other developments, the Board elected Ruling Elder Mr. C. Fredric Marcinak III of Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Simpsonville, SC to succeed Pastor Jeff Kingswood of Grace Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Woodstock, ON as Board Chairman. Pastor Kingswood will continue to serve as an active member of the Board of Trustees. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Banner of Truth Trust.
Pastor Kingswood shared this parting reflection, upon request:
“As I relinquish the role of Chairman of the Board at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, I am greatly encouraged for the future. The last several years, and this Spring meeting in particular, have set the stage for a new and exciting chapter in the life of the seminary. Changes to our By-laws and governance structure are in place that will give our Board of Trustees more active oversight of every aspect of the life of the seminary. Working with Dr. Pipa, we are looking forward to developments that will enable us, by God’s grace, to equip men to minister in our rapidly changing cultural context with the historic confessional truths that have been the hallmarks of biblical Christian ministry through the ages. I am excited that Mr. Marcinak has agreed to assume the role of Chairman of the Board. Under Fred’s able leadership, I anticipate continued efforts in the same direction and a close partnership between Board, President, and Faculty as we seek the Lord’s will for the future of the Seminary. Our faithful supporters’ continued generosity enables this important work to continue. We have been encouraged as time and again the Lord has met the financial needs of the Seminary and allowed us to grow to this point. We thank the Lord for His gracious provision.”
Mr. Marcinak commented on the transition, “I am thankful for the support of my colleagues in selecting me for this new role at the Seminary. Jeff Kingswood led our Board with diligence and with grace. I hope to follow his example as we continue the vital work of equipping ministers of the gospel.”
Ruling Elder Mr. Mark Bube of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Glenside, PA will continue to serve the Board as Secretary. Since 1991, Mr. Bube has served the OPC as General Secretary of its Committee on Foreign Missions. Ruling Elder Mr. Dale White of Immanuel Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Norfolk, VA will continue to serve the Board as Treasurer. A full listing of the Board may be found in the caption to the picture in this article. Ω
