Charles F. Melchert (1936-2019)

Union Presbyterian Seminary has learned of the passing of Charles F. Melchert, former professor and dean at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary), on Monday, January 7, 2019.

Melchert was born in Ridgeville Corners, Ohio, in 1936, and earned his B.A. in drama from Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, in 1958. He received his Master of Divinity at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and his Ph.D. at Yale University. He was the loving husband of Anabel Proffitt for 34 years.

A superb and gifted teacher, Melchert touched many lives with his wisdom and humor, his writings, his courses, his doctoral advising, and his Bible studies. He began his teaching career at Colgate Rochester Divinity School in 1966, moved on to Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, in 1974, before serving as the dean and subsequently the director of the doctoral program at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. He and Anabel moved to Lancaster in 1992 where he served as adjunct professor at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He wrote several books including “Wise Teaching” and published dozens of articles in Christian education.

Dr. Melchert is survived by his son Timothy (Lisa) Melchert of Boise, Idaho; two sisters, Judith Melchert of Columbus, Ohio, and Priscilla Morgan of Ashland, Oregon; grandchildren Skyler and Gavin; and first wife, Joyce Melchert of Boise, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene, and son, Mark Melchert.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Memorial Service at Wisdom’s Table at St. Peter’s UCC, 816 Buchanan Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Lance F. Mullins officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be held at Lancaster Theological Seminary Memorial Garden at the convenience of the family.