Guestbook

Christmas my sophomore year at WFU my brother committed suicide and it was on the front pages of papers in DC. Someone kindly notified Chaplain Christman – and I received an incredibly kind, loving and gracious phone call from him the day after. As a 20 year old young man very young in my Christian faith, it impacted me deeply as a “hands on” example of Christ’s love through this dear man. He checked on me on my return to college, and his quiet communication to my professors that spring carried me through the early decision process to be accepted into medical school even while struggling with a declining academic performance due to my grief.

To paraphrase Ed – the older I get – the more I realize God’s grace. Praise be to God for his life and love for so many!

“Hello, Ace!” I loved Ed’s exuberant greeting. He had an exuberance for life and for faith that was contagious, and I am glad that I caught it. I think it will be with me for the rest of my life.

In many ways Wake Forest formed me for the life and ministry that were ahead. I came from a small conservative church and a pretty protected environment. Wake Forest helped to broaden my outlook and deepen my faith. Ed Christman along with Ed Wilson and Claude Roebuck were part of the mind and heart of the Wake Forest that breathed new life into me.

I came to know Ed well in 1957 when I served as BSU president. We worked closely on events such as the pre-school retreat, supper forums and Religious Emphasis Week. He was my mentor then, but in the fifty-seven years since then he was my close friend.

When I think of Ed, I think of Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Ed sought justice in everything. I saw that when, after I received a speeding ticket while driving the BSU station wagon, he said, “You’ll have to take some weeks off from driving (whatever the penalty was) even if you are the BSU president.” Of course, he also dealt with much greater issues of justice. And he did it with mercy and he walked humbly with God. Another passage pops to my mind. He was a “treasure in an earthen vessel.”

I liked the way he greeted some of us with the “Hello, Ace.” But we all knew that he was the real Ace.

Few people have taught me so much about love and acceptance. A beautiful soul, an amazing man, and most importantly, someone who made me feel at home and made me feel real when I thought I was lost. I was so fortunate to know him. Rest in peace, Chaplain Christman.

I met Chaplain Ed at the preschool retreat in ’62 and each retreat thereafter for 4 years. His quiet Christ like demeanor in befriending a confused and bewilderd student like myself was never forgotten. In each WF magazine I would look to follow the accomplishment of Mr. Dr. Preacher Pastor Ed. Well done brother Ed.

How fortunate I have been to know and love Ed Christman (my sister-in-law’s father) and to be able to attend his memorial service was indeed an honor. To hear great men and women of God remember Ed in such an eloquent way was a treasure. I heard a lot of stories and how much of an impact Ed had on Wake Forest University. I hope someday a book will be written that captures these stories and memories. Much Love to Kim and Stan, Carolyn and Ron and their son, and especially Jean who has not only been Ed’s spouse but his partner in all he accomplished.

As a music major in the 70s, I was Ed’s office a lot. I was also fortunate to be on the faculty for 12 years, and I spent more hours than I probably should talking with Ed. He served as pastor for my wife and me during the months leading to our wedding and officiated at the ceremony in Wilkes County. He was a constant inspiration to me as to what one person can mean to a host of others. Most of all, he was my friend.

Marty ’78

Ed Christman epitomized Pro Humanitate, and enriched the lives of all Deacons.
I, like many people, met Ed at the WFU freshman retreat. He had so much energy, gave so much – from the camp to the coffee house. I remember the way he would walk close to your face when he met you, but then say something like, I don’t care what you look like because I can’t see you very well anyway. And so by stripping away the facade, he made you feel that he could see you better than anyone else because he sensed so much. He was a true and treasured person.

To say Ed will be missed is an understatement, as he was a man of God of enormous stature.
Spanning generations and both campuses, it is hard to imagine anyone who has left a more indelible mark upon our community, and it’s equally difficult to imagine a person to whom Wake meant more. Humble of heart yet with the courage of a lion, he was a treasure to all of us.

Jean, we love you, and you and your daughters will be in our prayers.

Other than my parents, I cannot think of anyone who has had a more positive impact on my life than Ed Christman. Ed was the perfect mentor to students who want to take their Christian commitment seriously, and yet want to maintain intellectual honesty. He was not sanctimonious or self-righteous. He was not an in-your-face enforcer of doctrinal correctness. Although he was full of humor and always had a sparkle in his eyes, he had a basic sense of warmth and concern for students that made students love him and value his counsel and his companionship. He was courageous in his support of the ethical principles that are found in the teachings of Jesus – even when some of the ethical stands he made were not popular at the time. Ed was a friend and a good man, and I will miss him terribly.

I send my prayers and good wishes to Jean and the rest of his family.

Dearest memories. Sweetest smile. Such a mind. Largest of hearts – forever in mine. May GOD bless you Jean. You friend in Cherokee.

IT WAS SO COMFORTING TO TALK TO ED CHRISTMAN WHEN A LOT OF ASIANS WERE EXPELLED FROM UGANDA.IT WAS A TIME OF FEELING LOST AND LIVING IN A VACUUM WITH UNITED KINGDOM AS A NEW HOME.HIS ADVISE WAS TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD AND THINGS WOULD TURN OUT FINE.DEAN ROBERT DYER WAS ALWAYS VERY HELPFUL.I HAVE ALSO HAD GOOD EXPERIENCES WITH ED CHRISTMAN AT CAMP HANES.HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND RUSSIAN TEA AND MORAVIAN CAKE WILL ALSO BE NEVER FORGOTTEN.SOMEONE HAS SAID”PEOPLE WILL NOT ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU SAID.PEOPLE WILL NOT ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU DID.BUT PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL”THAT WAS ED CHRISTMAN WHO MADE ME FEEL AT HOME AT WAKE FOREST.HE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED.GOD BLESS.

Chaplain Ed Christman’s consummate love of others permeated his ministry. It knew no bounds. Each person was made to feel welcome and acknowledged. This spirit was evidenced most singularly in his promotion of the enduring tradition of the Lovefeast at Wake Forest. Ed believed in the power to change people through showing our love in service to others. I will always remember his initiative to create a Volunteer Service Corp. Even he was surprised when hundreds of students showed up for an initial organizational meeting. He shouldn’t have been. He had spent months cultivating the idea and personally inviting students to consider its power. The VSC is a profound and lasting legacy of his work. In the often stressful work of student affairs Brother Ed offered wise and humorous perspectives on the journeys of our students. When colleagues were anxious, he calmed their fears. When they were hesitant to act, he offered courage. When we took ourselves too seriously, he would relate a story or punctuate our conversation with a “one liner” that would precipitate gales of laughter. Ed moved with ease around campus – spreading good humor, love, and insights. He simply brought out the best in Wake Forest. He knew everyone by their goodness. He knew your name. Ken Zick, formerly Vice-President & Dean, Student Affairs

Ed will be reverently missed. My thoughts of him are as sharp as the days I knew him while an undergraduate in the early 70s at Wake. First comes the winning smile that heralded the warmth and sincerity of his friendships with the many who had the good fortune to know him. Next, and of great importance to me, was the willingness to help students work their way through trying times–however difficult. He was there for me as I know he was for so many others; and, as always, my thanks to you, Ed! To Jean and all of the Christmans, our warm thoughts are with you. Heaven has welcomed a giant!

Condolences with thoughts and prayers from the Sams family. CS

Ever since I have known Ed on the old campus, I cannot recall a word from him suggesting to go to church though I have a lot of fond memories of his wit and wisdom on all sorts of subjects, ranging from world peace to eating water-melon. Yet he remains as an embodiment of the best qualities of Wake Forest, and a shining fellow living up to his name, Christman.

Though my wife and I are physically unable to take part in the memorial service at Wait Chapel, where we had a quiet and very enjoyable talk in 2005, the year of 50th class reunion, we will certainly join and share the feelings and prayers of those fortunate enough to attend the service. I’ll be telling Ed tomorrow that a mustard seed sown in me by him is growing, though slowly and feebly than wished, in Japan.

My fondest memory of Ed was when he sat with me one day in the Pit as we discussed my future goals and aspirations. At the time and ever since that day I have been gratified by his true sense of concern for me and my future. This was not a man who was “doing a job”, this was a man of God truly ministering to one of his brothers. We are truly blessed to have had Ed Christman as our teacher, brother, and friend.

Michael Thornton ’75

Dear Jean and all who love Wake Forest, in all the time I have been at the University the times I have shared with Ed Christman were the best, and he is the best example of ‘humanitas’ that I can cite. He made us more fully human every time we let him into our life and work and worship of God. I rejoice that he has entered into the presence of the other saints.

As a freshman at Wake Forest on the new campus in 1957, I was a young 3 letter athlete from a Winston-Salem school. However I had misgivings of college as the first of my family to go. Too, I wondered about the strength of my faith and academic ability. I made an appointment with Ed. At the meeting I discussed my misgivings and apprehension about my faith, my life to date, and ask how to better my life through Wake.

His insights have stayed with me. He was a man of faith, intellectual honesty, and one who gave his all to we students. He lightened ones load of worry. He taught that one can let go and let God. His wisdom was always delivered with gentleness and caring in my 4 years at Wake Forest. I last talked with him at our 50th Reunion and at the Lambda Chi house.

Rest in Peace, Ed, and the Lord be with your family.

My remembrances of Ed date back to the early 60’s. when I was a freshman on campus at WFU it was his presence during events and overcoming the obstacles that he faced physically that in an unspoken way spoke hope to all of us who viewed him sharing and giving of himself. His presence was later experienced after graduation when I became aware of his support of the Poteat scholars. I again was moved that he cared so much along with his wife for the students who would receive such scholarship to get personally involved. He carried truly within his persona the spirit and heart of Wake Forest and now I pray as he has laid down the mantle he may know God’s peace as he is received ‘Well done Good and Faithful Servant.’

It was a pleasure to know Ed Christman and his wife Jean. He was a wise, and kind man, easy to talk to. The angels in heaven are rejoicing and laughing (at his wisecracks) as Ed enters through the gates of heaven. He will be sorely missed. His legend lives on in each and every spirit he encountered along his long life’s journey. He invited me and my family to attend the Love Feast at Wait Chapel. It is because of Chaplain Ed Christman and the lovely service, the WFU Love Feast has become a tradition we look forward to every year, that marks the beginning of our Christmas Holiday season (in honor of Ed Christman and his wife Jean). May God be with Jean and the family at this time. And may Ed RIP.

Often new friends who hear I went to Wake Forest often scoff, “Oh, the school for privileged kids.” Sure enough, if you drive on campus today, you’ll find see the swank new business school, boutique dining options, and expensive cars in the student lot. However, when I went there, there were at least two towering individuals who had grown up with the school since its early, humble days on the old campus in Wake Forest, N.C., and both of these men committed themselves wholly to student life and invested themselves most particularly in the lives of students of humbler backgrounds. These two gracious and liberal thinkers, both named Ed, lived only a block apart from one another, just off of Faculty Drive, and they both opened up their homes and families to me and to legions of other fortunate students. When I tell people how much I loved Wake Forest, it is largely because of how personally connected I was and will always be to Ed Christman and Ed Wilson.
When I arrived on campus for PreSchool the week before Freshman orientation, the first person to greet me was this decrepit old man, hunched down a bit, with squinty eyes, and unnatural confidence for some one in his condition. Within minutes, that impression melted, and I saw Ed Christman, the winsome pied piper who had a flock of followers I soon wanted to join. The theme for Preschool that year was “Roots and Wings”—and it felt very much that he was personally committed to giving us both rootedness in the traditions of our new alma mater and the cognitive and spiritual tools with which to wing our way into the wider world once we had matriculated. He gathered together two more Eds to welcome us into the fold: Ed Wilson and Ed Kilborne, and with poetry and song, prayer and contemplation, star-gazing, cold showers, nasty food, and a memorable talent show, we all together forged meaningful friendships that endure to this very day. Freshman Orientation had yet to begin, and already I was a dyed-in-the-wool Wake Forester, and it is due to the vision and wisdom and love of Ed Christman.
The following week, Ed and Jean invited the Poteat Scholars to their home for brunch. That afternoon, we sat informally around a coffee table spread with food, and somehow—I forget what triggered the story—I began telling him about maternal grandfather, who was in his day an important chemist with Union Carbide in Charleston, WV. Ed glommed onto that story and pressed me for more details. I was only 18 and had not yet begun synthesizing family history, but he catalyzed that process. That short conversation haunted me for years afterwards, because he helped me to see that there was a story there that needed to be understood and told. Twenty years later, I have just finished my second book about my grandfather, and I owe that feat in large part to Ed Christman.
The conversation we had that day, which has meant so much to me, was for him just another day of listening to, guiding, and communicating with students. He let us know that we were individuals and that we had value, and perhaps the splashiest way he signaled that was in his annual “What’s in a Name” speech, which he delivered by memory to the freshman class and which incorporated many of our last names. Then, each week, he would send out postcards to every student, inviting them to the weekly chapel service, which took place every Thursday at 11 in the small chapel at the back of Wingate Hall. It was the only hour in the week that no classes were scheduled, and he helped us understand how best to use this sacrosanct hour. I never once regretted the time I spent in his good presence and in the company of the good people whom he gathered there. I still have in my box of memories several of the postcards he sent, with hand-written scribbles letting me know that he valued me personally. It is not hard to understand why I became so immediately and lastingly in love with my school community, and it is largely due to the efforts of Ed Christman.
At my first Love Feast, I sat starry-eyed in my seat at Wait Chapel. Ed Christman, in his red Christmas bow tie, gave the hominem. He told the story of a young boy with albinism who could see, to borrow Scripture, only “through a glass darkly,” and yet whose inner eye could pierce through and see the essence of things better than those around him with perfect ocular vision.
Ed Christman understood the healing power of laughter, the sacredness of Wake Forest basketball, and the need to vent about all the “cotton-pickin’” nonsense in the world.
Five days before my graduation from Wake Forest, I was in a car wreck that could easily have claimed my life. I had left a medical appointment in which my blood was drawn, and I passed out at the wheel on my way home, on a four-lane highway in my hometown of Asheville. When he heard about this story, Ed Christman let me know that I survived for a reason. He was so visibly shaken and moved by the story that I believed him that there was something in this life I was put here to accomplish.
Through Preschool, the Poteat Scholarship program, Baptist Student Union, chapel, and his Sunday School class, I got to know the Christmans intimately. My friends who went to NCSU or UNC find it hard to name a campus leader who knew them by name, and so I know I was lucky to have been at Wake Forest, and to have been there in some of the last years of Ed Christman’s tenure as chaplain and sage and clown.
Needless to say, when it came time for me to marry, I knew that I needed the blessing, presence, and participation of two individuals: Ed Christman and Ed Wilson. They drove together down I-40 that Saturday in July, and when a multi-car pile-up stopped traffic that day, and when we found out they were going to be late, my father told the wedding guests to please be patient as the pre-wedding music played into the scheduled start time, because he was pretty sure his daughter wouldn’t walk down the aisle until the Eds were there. He was right. When Patrick and I had our son Dylan, we waited six weeks to leave our hometown, and when we did, we took our baby straight to Winston-Salem to meet Ed Wilson and Ed Christman. The Christmans had recently moved into Salemtowne, and they were so excited to meet Dylan. While Jean cooed, Ed consecrated our new family.
He has given me so many gifts to carry with me now that he has gone, and his voice lives so powerfully inside my head. I am selfish, though, because I really just want him back among us.

Ed Christman changed my life. I was a Junior when Ed sat in my Kappa Alpha dorm room and said, “BSU needs you. Campus politics can wait.” I was President of my Freshman Class and I was smitten from then on. Something in Ed’s voice and prayer grabbed me. I became deeply involved in WFU BSU. Later that year I was elected President of the North Carolina BSU. I graduated from Wake in 1958, went on to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to earn my Doctorate, served as a pastor for 14 years, and then served as a denominational leader raising funds for Home and Foreign Missionaries for 30 years. I retired in 2000. Ed Christman’s memory and words have lived with me for the past 57 years. Thank you, Ed, for changing one more student’s life for the Kingdom. I will never forget you. Enjoy the Kingdom.
Jimmy Powell,’58

Ed was one of the first people that welcomed me to Wake Forest. As a freshman I attended the Retreat prior to starting my freshman year. It was a great place for me to make friends and begin my journey at Wake Forest. I was a day student when I first started so this was very important to me. I became active in BSU and Ed was always there to welcome me and make me feel at home.
After graduation I had the opportunity to participate in Wake Forest Theatre on the Main Stage now named for Dr. Harold Tedford. I was in Guys and Dolls directed by James Dodding of England. Ed was in that play and so was Kim his daughter. She taught me how to tap dance.
It was another great experience of community at Wake Forest.
Class of 1977

I will miss Dr. Christman. His aura and spiritual peace and calm presence was amazing and I felt it just by being in his physical proximity, and in the way he sent through his words and Christian essence. I know his work will continue where he is. Condolences to his family, friends and the world.

Jamila Ferguson Griffey
Class of ’97

Even in Africa, the memory of Ed Christman’s warm welcome of us as transfer students Wake Forest’s first year in in Winston-Salem burns bright. Thinking of the school without his presence will not be easy.
Joe and Sarah Ellen Dozier Mamlin
Eldoret, Kenya
WFU 1958
Bowman Gray 1962

Ed Christman was a mentor in ministry to me, and was always an encourager. During my undergrad years (81-85) and grad school years (90-92), his wise counsel and sense of humor gave me much needed perspective. He was the best listener I have ever encountered, and the lessons of grace he lived continue to teach me much in my service as a hospital chaplain.

I shall always treasure the confidence he showed in me when he invited me to speak in chapel during my senior year.

I will cherish the memory of his role as Noah in the Passion Play, and his joy in playing the role of a sailor in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

Thank you, Dr. Christman for showing me one who truly lived his name.

Like multitudes of Wake Forest students, I was fortunate enough to be in the company of Ed Christman at a time in my life when guidance, anchoring, sanity, and humor were just what I needed. He was extremely intelligent and wise in an era when wisdom was not universally evident. He was able to expand our horizons and broaden our vision without sacrificing our faith or intellect. In the late 60’s, when I was a Wake Forest student, that was a true gift.
Now that Ed is not hindered by an earthly body, I know we will all feel his presence again whenever we remember his quiet, thoughtful smile in the midst of rancorous voices.
Rest in peace, Ed Christman. I feel better, just thinking and remembering you.

Sarah Davis, Class of ’69

I had the wonder-full pleasure of knowing and working with Ed in the first Passion Play, HMS Pinafore, and Guys and Dolls. He was such a humble artist/man and always radiated joy to everyone around him.

I will never forget his “re-birth” as Lazarus in the Passion Play, with an intake of air that not only filled his body with life, but the whole theatre as well. I would stand in the wings during rehearsal and each performance to hear him.

Thank you, Ed, for the ever-living memory. And thank You, God, for blessing us through Your servant Ed.

A giant among us. Fraternity brother in Lambda Chi Alpha. Married Jean Sholar, a neighbor down the street in Hopkinsville, KY. Always an inspiration. Rest in Peace, Life well served.

As a 1957 graduate of Wake Forest, I have many fond memories of Ed Christman walking down the paths of “old WAke Forest ” with his ever present smile and kind greeting to all who passed his way. I had the distinct blessing of seeing him by chance a year ago at Salemtowne. He still greeted me as if he remembered me. Ed is one of those few people who made his mark on my life.

I met Ed, as so many others did, at the pre-orientation retreat. It began a lifelong friendship that lasted until I retired from the Law School in 2004. I knew Ed as a student and a colleague. No one embodied the true spirit of Christianity any more than Ed did. We spent many afternoons discussing, not just law but justice. Ed was very concerned that the law school not forget that we should aspire our students to do justice, not just practice law. We have lost a giant of man, may he rest in peace.

Buddy Herring
Professor Emeritus of Law

A truly good man has passed, leaving his mark of kindness and friendship upon so many. While we mourn today, we will always remember Ed with thanks and with smiles. That is a legacy to which we can aspire.

We have lost one of the best.

Shortly after I started my freshman year at Wake, my father passed away unexpectedly. Ed was always there with a supporting word. His real world approach to life was what always struck home. He made you think.

His wit was legendary. During the football team’s 1979 T-Bowl run, I ran into Ed on the Quad after the Auburn win. His take — “The last time Wake had this many wins, Noah hadn’t built the Ark!”

Ed was not only the perfect example of what a university chaplain should be, but of what every person should strive to be in their life as well.

Rest easy, my friend.

In his love for the school and the students, and in his desire to see the students mature in the wholeness of their beings, Ed Christman was Wake Forest. Chris Barnes, class of ‘71

Dear Ed,
God only knows if you can read this, but I hope so. I want to thank you for saving me one night. One evening, toward the end of my first semester at Wake, I got news of the killing of an uncle who had profoundly inspired me. I spent most of the night wandering aimlessly through the campus fields and woods, mentally and spiritually lost. When I happened upon your door around 3 or 4 in the morning, you woke up and took me in with no questions asked. It was a while before I could speak about it, and you let me stay on your couch for two nights. You helped me realize that I needed to go home for some time, which I did for a week, and that I could take a few incompletes in order to stay in school. As a university professor for the past 25 years, I have come across many students who have entered my office with an expression of desperation, and I have always kept in my heart and mind your example of compassion, understanding, comfort, and reassurance as a model to live up to. You may have left us physically, but you live in a great many of us forever.

Chaplain Christman so exemplified the spirit of friendship, kindness, engagement, respect, and gentle faith that is the core of Wake Forest. I very distinctly remember him greeting me as a 17-year old long-haired freshman at Wake in 1975, and then knowing my name and being so interested in how I was doing every single time I saw him on campus and when I returned to visit. Rest in peace, Ed Christman.

Dave Felman ’75

Ed had a profound impact on me as a young freshman at Wake. He taught me not to judge others by their appearances and to value everyone as a human being. His lessons have remained with me since then.

John Garrity – Class of 1968

If it is possible for a Jew to have his pastor, Ed was it. If it was possible for a devout Christian to have his rabbi, it was I. This is how Ed and I often referred to each other. I remember with fondness our coaching sessions on songs for “HMS Pinafore” and “Guys and Dolls.” As his conductor when he played Arvide Abernathy in the latter, I say with love, “More I cannot wish you” than the joy you shared. I will miss our breakfast outings and walks together at HELPS. Ed was one of the best men I’ve ever known. As the Hebrew prayer says, “May he be bound up for life eternal under God’s sheltering wing. And let us all say, “Amen.”

My daughter, Hannah Maness (’18), and I never had the honor of meeting Chaplain Emeritus Ed Christman. However, we have been blessed by the fruits of his labor of love to Wake Forest University. The legacy he left as ‘chaplain to all’ along with his respect and commitment to the spiritual heritage of the university has impacted and will continue to impact generations of students.

Hannah was selected this year as one of the recipients of the Poteat scholarship. The Wake Forest Ministerial Council established the William Louis Poteat Scholarship for North Carolina Baptist students in honor of Christman and his wife, Jean, in 1998. Praise God for the faithfulness of this servant of Christ.

I had the good fortune of getting to know this remarkable man and his wife Jean a little better through going to school for awhile with his wonderful daughter Kim. Just a little time with her parents made it clear where she got her deep rich talented spirit. I will remember most her Dad’s delightful sense of humor and his pride in her.

Ed Christman taught me to always be curious and to ask questions because God has given us an opportunity to understand his grace and mercy. He really made a difference in the Wake Forest community and he embodied the Pro Humanitate Spirit. May he always be watching us from above.

Ed embodied what it means to be a good Christian and his grace continues on in the lives of many. To my surprise, Ed was one of the biggest supporters when we founded Hillel on campus. He taught me to look beyond my own prejudices and see common ground. I was honored to call him a friend.

Ed was a wonderful man. Patient, kind, humorous, and full of gentle wisdom. He helped me spiritually even several years after I graduated. I still cherish those conversations.

Ed was, quite simply, the best of men. Sometimes words do not suffice to describe the person we knew, respected, and loved.

Ed Christman was a giant in my family’s life from 1955 on. It is hard to imagine him not being here physically beside Jean. The six of us visited Jean and Ed in NY, when we were heading overseas in 1959. We all had Chinese take-out in a typically sized New York City apartment! A first for the three of us boys.

He was our minister when my wife and I married on December 23rd, also his and Jean’s anniversary day. We exchanged Christmas cards every year, always counting the years we had been married so they would know: 43 as of yesterday.

Ed and Jean sat with my father as his body was dying, yet his mind- brilliant, focused and sharp with humor. It was a good afternoon for them all. Ed preached at my father’s funeral, and then nine years later, both he and Mac Bryan preached at my mother’s funeral. Pen and Catherine loved and respected Ed and how he lived his life.

Ed Christman was really our family’s minister and my parents friend, throughout those years….the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, ’80’s and on. He helped you as a Brother in triumph and tragedy. May God bless him and comfort Jean, Carolyn and Kimberly.

Jay Banks ’74 ’76

Ed was a dear mentor, friend, support, guide, spiritual father, and adviser. I would not have gotten through my time at Wake Forest had he not been there for me. He had a gentle spirit and a powerful testimony. May he rest in paradise in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior. Until we meet again.

Dr. David Julius Ford, Jr., WFU BA ’98, MA ’11

Prayers and condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ed Christman. He is a kind hearted and spirited man, as well as an unbelievably consistent good steward to all he is able to engage with. Again, his kindness, sincerity, and kind spirit will be missed physically, but will be ever-present based on the many people he touched within and beyond the Wake Foresr community.

Chaplain Christman,
-In my time you embodied to us youngsters an example of wisdom, love, inquisitiveness, and patience. Your positive aura provided us a spiritual guidance and exhibited the manner in which we all should engage one another. Your personality attributes defined the motto – Pro Humanitate – of the very university you served. One might even say that your physical attributes uncannily resembled that of the university’s mascot – the Deacon. Your addition to the Wake Forest community and to the thousands of lives you positively affected is immeasurable. And how fitting it is that you, Christman, the most aptly named individual I have met, transcend the physical to go home to meet the Maker at Christmastime. Well done, sir. Thanks for the timeless lessons, spoken and unspoken.

I first met Ed at Freshman Orientation up at Camp Hanes in 1976. One night we sat on the porch waiting for the dinner bell and it was reported that the broccoli was not yet done. Ed made some crack about waiting on the broccoli and thereafter, every time I saw him I would yell, “Hey Ed, is the broccoli done yet?” It became a running joke and I was known as “The Broccoli Kid” forevermore. Recently I ran into him at Mama Zoe’s, a local restaurant. I walked up and said “Ed, do you remember The Broccoli Kid?” He thought a moment and then it came back to him after all these years. Glad I got to see him again. My condolences to the family. He was a great man and will be missed by all. Blessings and peace.

Ed Christman was a beautiful man. James Dodding says that each time he returned to Wake Forest he asked Ed how was the sin at WFU. Ed would always reply “Flourishing, brother, flourishing.” His sense of humor and steadfast spirit was inspirational. So many great memories, laughs, touching moments with Chaplain Christman. He will be dearly missed.

Ed was a great neighbor and close friend for 57 years. Our children grew up together and Ed sat with me at the hospital when my daughter Carolyn was born. Anne Mercer and I attended and benefited greatly from Ed’s Sunday School class.
He is greatly missed.
With much love and best wishes
Howard

Ed Christman was a legend at Wake Forest. His Orientation speech – where he named the names of so many people in each year’s freshman class – was nothing short of extraordinary. He stood as one of the great men of Wake Forest – alongside other great men like Ed Wilson and Bill Starling. He was kind to all and represented the very best in the Pro Humanitate spirit. He and his beloved wife Jean would surprise us in the office sometimes, bearing gifts of outstanding homemade fudge and always with his wonderful smile. My prayers go to Jean and their children. Brother Ed, you will be missed.

Our conscience, our inspiration, our friend, our guide: Ed was one of the bravest persons I’ve ever known. He was ever the embodiment of Emerson: “Beware when the great God lets loose a thinker on this planet.” He made us think, but so gently did he wrap us in his care.