Westminster Choir College - Quadrangle Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

Page 23 text:

- -V- Friend Man ... Westminster Choir College is the product of a dream. But it owes its very existence to those like Dr. Charles R. Erdman who realized the value of this dream and the importance it had for churches every- where. Indeed, it was due to the influence of this man that the Choir College w s invited to make its home in Princeton, New Jersey. It was also because of his interest that his friend, Mrs. J. Livingston Taylor, generously donated the present campus and the four original buildings. Dr. Erdman’s connection with Westminster Choir College did not end here, however. He became a member of the Board of Trustees, was appointed teacher of Bible, acted as chaplain in charge of the weekly religious service, and was an advisor to many of the students. One might think from the above paragraph that Dr. Erdman had devoted most of his energies and talents to Westminster Choir College. That is hardly the case, however. He was known nationally and internationally as a preacher, teacher, author, Christian citizen, and churchman. His life span of ninety-four years was filled with active and varied interests. As a preacher he held three pastorates, one of which was the First Presbyterian’ Church of Princeton; as a teacher he served at Princeton Theo¬ logical Seminary, as well as Westminster Choir College; as an author he is credited with thirty-five books; as a Christian citizen he was actively con¬ nected with numerous organizations for civic better¬ ment; and as a churchman he is noted among other accomplishments as having been the Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly and President of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. In addition, to these achievements, he has been awarded honorary degrees from two colleges and Princeton University. Despite all his activities, Dr. Erdman somehow had time to take a personal interest in any who sought his help. He had the ability to express deep philo¬ sophical thoughts in simple terms — indeed, his busy life always seemed happy and uncomplicated; and he was noted for his out-going friendliness to all — especially newcomers to Princeton. These were some of the attributes that have so endeared him in the hearts of the Westminster Choir College students who knew him. He added a special glow to campus for faculty and students alike. His enthusiasm for life could be seen, for example, as he would tramp down Nassau Street to our campus on a snowy Thursday morning, muffler flying, a cheery greeting for all, to conduct our weekly chapel service. Perhaps tears were shed last May as many West¬ minster Choir College students, among others, at¬ tended a service in the First Presbyterian Church for Dr. Erdman. However, this funeral was not sad — it was, in fact, the triumphant concluding event in the rich life of this fine Christian gentleman. 19

Page 22 text:

Dr. Charles R. Erdman In Memoriam 18

Page 24 text:

.. and Servant of God