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.
Bill Weiss, Law ’85
A very good man has passed, leaving his mark of kindness and friendship to so many. While we can never stip mourning his passing and our loss, we will soon remember him with thanks and with a smile. That is truly a fine legacy to which we cal all aspire.
Bill Weiss, Law ’85
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.
Mary Carter Waren and Craig Waren
The earth is a little less bright today without Ed. He lived the gift of encouragement…no matter who you were, what you believed or did not believe, no matter where your life or choices had taken you, he affirmed that you were, indeed, a child of God, and so an object of God’s intimate and personal concern.
His encouragement was key to finding both my ministry and our marriage. And, without the good pastor’s leadership, the Catholic Student Association at Wake Forest would never have been established. He lives on in the many, many lives he nurtured into more abundant lives of love and grace.
Godspeed, Ed…may the many memories bring comfort to Jean and your family.
Mary Carter Waren and Craig Waren ’82
Buddy Herring ’68, JD ’71
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
Scott Wallace, ’79
It was Saturday, August 23, 1975, during freshman orientation. My friend Melinda and I were going through Wingate Hall, trying to find WFBC’s Music Minister, as she had a work/study job singing in the choir. Wingate was empty, save for one tall and lanky gentleman with longish, very white hair. He introduced himself as Ed Christman and told us he was the University Chaplain. He told Melinda she would be better off calling the MoM on Monday but then invited us into his office. We walked in and I stared for some time at the large portrait of Martin Luther King, jr., on the wall behind Chaplain Ed’s desk. We talked for nearly an hour about Wake Forest, campus life, faith, and just about everything else that came to mind. A lot of freshman angst melted away that day.
As freshman year progressed, Chaplain Ed became more than a Chaplain. He became a tie to Wake Forest who made me feel as much a part of it as any third-generation legacy. During parents weekend, he walked up to my parents on the Quad, introduced himself, and immediately asked, “How are things in West Virginia?” He always spoke and was always there when needed, for all four years. He help shepherd a confused Presbyterian on his faith journey in ways both subtle and obvious. I can think of no one so perfectly suited for his job than Ed Christman. But that’s because it wasn’t a job. It was a ministry. A calling. A labor of love.
When I think of Wake Forest, a handful of names come immediately to mind. Names of people who embody everything I think or feel about her: Ralph Scales, Ed Wison, Robert Dyer, Robert Brehme, and, of course (maybe especially), Ed Christman. We can never know what Wake Forest would be like if there hadn’t been an Ed Christman, but I do know it would be different, and most likely not better.
Rest in peace, Chaplain Ed. Thank you for all you were, all you did, and all you mean. And thank You, Father, for sharing him with us for these eighty-five years and for blessing us with his life and ministry. We commend his spirit to You.
Miriam Allred Todd
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.
Liz Story, BA 2003, MA 2006
Just a few days ago I was thinking about him, remembering back to one of the Love Feast services that I cherished so dearly. He never met a stranger and was delightfully witty at the most unexpected times. I am so thankful to have met him and shared his company during my time studying Religion. At this difficult time for his family I pray that God watch over them and give them comfort. His joyous spirit will live on in our hearts forever. He was truly a blessing.
Buck Rish
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.
Dr. Barry M. Dorsey
Although there have been others before and since, there were three “giants” of Wake Forest during my time there. They were President Tribble, Dean and later Provost Ed Wilson, and BSU Director and later Chaplain Ed Christman. I’ll never forget the orientation that Ed was in charge of through the BSU. With thick white hair and distinctive eyesight, I originally thought Ed wouldn’t have much to offer. Boy, was I wrong! He was a quintessential minister and Wake Forester. I soon listened carefully to every word he said; he had so much wisdom and understanding of people. He led in the fight to integrate the campus, and I’m pleased that I had a small part (thanks to Ed) in that effort. I last saw him and Jean at a reunion and program on campus of all those students involved in the sit-ins in Greensboro and the subsequent integration effort at WF. Ed Christman has had a lasting influence on me and on many students during the past 60 years. Thank you, Ed!
Barry Dorsey
Class of 1965
Jeff Lindquist
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.
Susie Memory Baird
I remember being a little afraid of Ed at first. He would stare at you with that penetrating gaze, and it was as though he could see to the very core of your soul. I got over that, of course, when I experienced the warmth of his compassion and concern and began to see how deeply he cared for the students and how important we were to him. He had an amazing ability to recall names and individual stories. He is so much a part of the fabric of Wake Forest that it is difficult to imagine the university without him. Rest well, dear Ed.
Sarah M Davis
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
Lloyd Abernethy, ’52
Ed was one of my closest friends when I was at WF(48-52) and we remained in touch during the fifties and sixties. Although we have not seen each other for many years he still ranks as one of the finest individuals I have ever known. His qualities of humility, compassion, and integrity have set high standards for all of us to emulate. May Jean and family rest assured that he will not soon be forgotten.
James Garrison
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.
Sara Lynn Macy
When working at Wake, I felt such a blessing when passing Ed Christman on the quad when he would remark “Hello Sister.” It is a sweet remembrance now that he brought home made fudge to our office during the Christmas season. Just seeing him around campus brought a light hearted smile to my heart for this wonderfully kind man
Joseph J. and Sarah Ellen Dozier Mamlin
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
John Morris
He was a good man and I am the better for having met him.
Thanks again, Mr. Christman
Jamila Ferguson Griffey
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
Glenn Miller ’74
What a wonderful example of grace he was to the students
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.
A very good man has passed, leaving his mark of kindness and friendship to so many. While we can never stip mourning his passing and our loss, we will soon remember him with thanks and with a smile. That is truly a fine legacy to which we cal all aspire.
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.
The earth is a little less bright today without Ed. He lived the gift of encouragement…no matter who you were, what you believed or did not believe, no matter where your life or choices had taken you, he affirmed that you were, indeed, a child of God, and so an object of God’s intimate and personal concern.
His encouragement was key to finding both my ministry and our marriage. And, without the good pastor’s leadership, the Catholic Student Association at Wake Forest would never have been established. He lives on in the many, many lives he nurtured into more abundant lives of love and grace.
Godspeed, Ed…may the many memories bring comfort to Jean and your family.
Mary Carter Waren and Craig Waren ’82
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
It was Saturday, August 23, 1975, during freshman orientation. My friend Melinda and I were going through Wingate Hall, trying to find WFBC’s Music Minister, as she had a work/study job singing in the choir. Wingate was empty, save for one tall and lanky gentleman with longish, very white hair. He introduced himself as Ed Christman and told us he was the University Chaplain. He told Melinda she would be better off calling the MoM on Monday but then invited us into his office. We walked in and I stared for some time at the large portrait of Martin Luther King, jr., on the wall behind Chaplain Ed’s desk. We talked for nearly an hour about Wake Forest, campus life, faith, and just about everything else that came to mind. A lot of freshman angst melted away that day.
As freshman year progressed, Chaplain Ed became more than a Chaplain. He became a tie to Wake Forest who made me feel as much a part of it as any third-generation legacy. During parents weekend, he walked up to my parents on the Quad, introduced himself, and immediately asked, “How are things in West Virginia?” He always spoke and was always there when needed, for all four years. He help shepherd a confused Presbyterian on his faith journey in ways both subtle and obvious. I can think of no one so perfectly suited for his job than Ed Christman. But that’s because it wasn’t a job. It was a ministry. A calling. A labor of love.
When I think of Wake Forest, a handful of names come immediately to mind. Names of people who embody everything I think or feel about her: Ralph Scales, Ed Wison, Robert Dyer, Robert Brehme, and, of course (maybe especially), Ed Christman. We can never know what Wake Forest would be like if there hadn’t been an Ed Christman, but I do know it would be different, and most likely not better.
Rest in peace, Chaplain Ed. Thank you for all you were, all you did, and all you mean. And thank You, Father, for sharing him with us for these eighty-five years and for blessing us with his life and ministry. We commend his spirit to You.
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.
Just a few days ago I was thinking about him, remembering back to one of the Love Feast services that I cherished so dearly. He never met a stranger and was delightfully witty at the most unexpected times. I am so thankful to have met him and shared his company during my time studying Religion. At this difficult time for his family I pray that God watch over them and give them comfort. His joyous spirit will live on in our hearts forever. He was truly a blessing.
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.
Although there have been others before and since, there were three “giants” of Wake Forest during my time there. They were President Tribble, Dean and later Provost Ed Wilson, and BSU Director and later Chaplain Ed Christman. I’ll never forget the orientation that Ed was in charge of through the BSU. With thick white hair and distinctive eyesight, I originally thought Ed wouldn’t have much to offer. Boy, was I wrong! He was a quintessential minister and Wake Forester. I soon listened carefully to every word he said; he had so much wisdom and understanding of people. He led in the fight to integrate the campus, and I’m pleased that I had a small part (thanks to Ed) in that effort. I last saw him and Jean at a reunion and program on campus of all those students involved in the sit-ins in Greensboro and the subsequent integration effort at WF. Ed Christman has had a lasting influence on me and on many students during the past 60 years. Thank you, Ed!
Barry Dorsey
Class of 1965
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.
I remember being a little afraid of Ed at first. He would stare at you with that penetrating gaze, and it was as though he could see to the very core of your soul. I got over that, of course, when I experienced the warmth of his compassion and concern and began to see how deeply he cared for the students and how important we were to him. He had an amazing ability to recall names and individual stories. He is so much a part of the fabric of Wake Forest that it is difficult to imagine the university without him. Rest well, dear Ed.
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
Ed was one of my closest friends when I was at WF(48-52) and we remained in touch during the fifties and sixties. Although we have not seen each other for many years he still ranks as one of the finest individuals I have ever known. His qualities of humility, compassion, and integrity have set high standards for all of us to emulate. May Jean and family rest assured that he will not soon be forgotten.
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.
When working at Wake, I felt such a blessing when passing Ed Christman on the quad when he would remark “Hello Sister.” It is a sweet remembrance now that he brought home made fudge to our office during the Christmas season. Just seeing him around campus brought a light hearted smile to my heart for this wonderfully kind man
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
He was a good man and I am the better for having met him.
Thanks again, Mr. Christman
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
What a wonderful example of grace he was to the students