Westminster Presbyterian Church - 150th Anniversary

Reflection by Rev. Fritz Nelson

To the folks at Westminster Wooster:

Congratulations on the 150th anniversary. I would like to have been able to join you, but have my own ministry obligations.

I was at Wooster 1990-1994 and part of the Westminster community for most of that time. The congregation was my gateway into the PC(USA) and the ecclesiastical foundation for the now almost 30 years of ministry with the denomination. Rev. Hoffelt’s support led me into the pathway for ordained ministry while Rev. Battin’s guidance and teaching infuse every ounce of my ministry to this day. I remain grateful for the Session’s support when I entered the ministry process as well as for the Century Scholarship which helped me graduate from seminary debt free.

Favorite memories are communion with the whole congregation on the stage at McGraw, Campus Relations Committee meetings at Dr. Bell’s house and the organist at the time (I forget his name but he was gracious enough to provide his setting for the Doxology to Elisabeth (Rambo – ’95) and I to use at our wedding) climbing up into the organ chamber during the sermon to make adjustments.

I entered Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary immediately after graduating from Wooster, graduating in 1998. In the years since I staffed the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, helped launch a greenspace organization, raised money for the homeless in New York City and pastored Community Presbyterian Church in Malverne, NY. I currently pastor First Presbyterian in Columbiana OH along with First United Presbyterian in East Palestine OH. In addition I co-founded and co-lead THE HUB, a new worshipping community focused on the spirituality of story.

Rev. Fritz Nelson – ‘94

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