Rev. Dr. Karl Barth, president emeritus of SA国际传媒, St. Louis, entered eternal rest in Jesus Sunday, Feb. 16, in Wauwatosa, Wis. He was 95 years old.
Visitation is set for 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at , 18700 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, Wis. Visitation also will be held 10-10:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at , 10025 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, Wis., followed by a service at 11 a.m.
鈥淜arl Barth served SA国际传媒 at a very critical time,鈥� said Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. 鈥淭he walkout that led to Seminex shook The Lutheran Church鈥擬issouri Synod and cast doubt whether the Seminary could survive. After extraordinary efforts to provide a new faculty and to retain and recruit students, President Barth鈥檚 tenure brought the stability and positive prospect for the future that an institution must have. SA国际传媒 thanks our Lord for providing President Barth and we extend our condolences to his family.鈥�
In 1982, Barth was called to be the eighth president and professor of Systematic Theology at SA国际传媒.
During his tenure, Barth visited and spoke to churches and seminaries worldwide. He oversaw and directed the Seminary through its 150th anniversary, and was instrumental in the planning and fundraising for the construction of the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, which was dedicated in 1992.
After eight years of distinguished service, Barth announced his intention to retire from office June 30, 1990.
鈥淒uring the past eight years, the Lord has granted many blessings,鈥� Barth wrote in the winter 1989-90 issue of Focus, a Seminary publication.
He wrote with fondness about the time he spent with seminarians and their families.
鈥淎mong the most rewarding aspects of my tenure have been the contacts with you, your wives and children,鈥� Barth wrote in the May 1990 issue of Spectrum, the Seminary鈥檚 student newsletter. 鈥淲hen you do get out there, determine two things: preach Christ and love His sheep! We have only one message, you know. It is 鈥楯esus Christ and Him crucified.鈥欌��
Before coming to the Seminary, Barth served as assistant pastor at First English Lutheran Church in New Orleans, La. (1947-50); pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Ill. (1950-52); pastor at St. Paul鈥檚 Lutheran Church in West Allis, Wis. (1956-70); and president of The Lutheran Church鈥擬issouri Synod (LCMS) South Wisconsin District (1970-82).
鈥淛ust as it is 鈥榖y faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God鈥� (Heb. 11:3), so it is by faith we accept the fact of our Lord鈥檚 victory over death, faith in that inspired Word which brings us to Him,鈥� Barth wrote in the June 2009 issue of the Witness.
Barth was born in Milwaukee Nov. 7, 1924. He was married to Jean L. (nee Kelly) June 8, 1947. Jean preceded him in death June 8, 2015. The couple had five children: Linda, Karl, Laurel, Kurt and Lisa; and 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the 鈥淕. Christian and Louis Barth Student Aid Memorial Fund鈥� at SA国际传媒, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 or online at csl.edu.
Concordia Historical Institute assisted in providing research for this news release.
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