Date: August 17, 2026
I want to take this moment to recognize and apologize to those who were victims of the water tank break in the Mission Hall basement. I am so sorry. It did need that there was significant water damage to all those who left items in the basement. Many of these things money can replace; there will be other items that are literally irreplaceable.
I remember when our 1881 Chapel went up in flames in October 2010. Naturally there was a Dean’s closet where I kept not just vestments, but stoles that were given to me by visiting guests to the campus, there was a copy of my first sermon after my ordination, and some photos that I use to study before I led the liturgy in the chapel. Again money could replace many things, but some items I lost forever. It is a painful and sad moment.
Once Facilities knew of the problem they worked long and hard to repair the damage. I am grateful to Griffin Warder and the team (Director John Erbe was on vacation). A new tank was installed on Thursday. Thank you for the fast turn around.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary