Cataloguing a Special Library 

Date: July 28, 2026

Virginia Theological Seminary seminarian and Lifelong Learning student worker Jasina Wise is spending much of her summer creating a digital catalogue of a very special library: the collection of Godly Play founder the late Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman.

The Berryman Collection contains 663 volumes drawn from a lifetime of work in the theology of childhood, Christian formation, children’s spirituality, and pastoral practice. It will be housed in its own room within the Lifelong Learning offices. 

Thanks to the efforts of Jasina, Cheryl (and the rest of the Godly Play Foundation), and a handful of others on campus, those wishing to explore the original sources that informed Berryman’s work will be able to easily search for a particular book or essay using the digital catalogue. Some of these items even contain handwritten notes in Jerome’s handwriting or show early prototypes of lessons. 

A dedication of the Berryman Special Collection will take place early October 2026. Stay tuned for an official announcement. 

Did you know? Virginia Theological Seminary is home to its own Godly Play room that is regularly full of children learning and playing. Feel free to peak in the next time you’re on the lower level of Addison! 

Joshua Brown, PMP
Operations Manager of Lifelong Learning  

 

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