Date: March 2, 2026
I have just returned from Birmingham Alabama. I flew down on Saturday, preached, talked about VTS pilgrimages (well listened to Barney Hawkins talk about pilgrimages), and had an alumni reunion and returned last night. Every time I make these trips I marvel. Virginia Theological Seminary does extraordinary work. Those of us teaching on the holy hill have the privilege of shaping human lives so that they can be vehicles of God’s grace to a hurting world. After one, two, or three years, our graduates make their way to small churches, large churches, and every conceivable ministry in between. On a trip such as the one taken this weekend I encounter our alumni and marvel. I meet the parishioners who have been shaped by their rector. I learn directly from them how much they appreciate their rector.
I was hosted by the Rev Huey Gardner, the rector of St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church. The 10.30am service was literally packed. Every seat taken. In many ways a very traditional church. But also a church that is doing extraordinary outreach work. It was impressive.
I start the work back in Alexandria energized. I am grateful for this opportunity to be our alumni.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.Â