| Dean
Emeritus Walter G. Muelder 1907-2004
On Saturday, June 12, 2004, Walter George Muelder
quietly passed away in Boston, MA. Nearly 60 years earlier,
in the year that ended World War II, Muelder arrived at Boston
University's faculty where he began a 27-year tenure as Dean
of the School of Theology (1945-1972). A pioneer of social
ethics and ecumenical issues, and the leading philosopher of
personalism of his time, Muelder dedicated himself to reshaping
the school's core curriculum. His far-reaching vision of creating
an institution dedicated to social ethics and responsibility,
theoretical and practical theology, and multiculturalism have
influenced the philosophies of many social leaders and continue
to inspire the faculty and endure among generations of students.
Born on March 1, 1907, in Boody Illinois, Walter George
Muelder grew up in a dedicated Methodist family. Formally
educated in both history and theology, like his father, Muelder
graduated from BU's School of Theology (S.T.B. 1930, Ph.D.
1933). His education and subsequent experience as a pastor
in the midwest and Professor of Theology in rural Kentucky
(Berea College) during the Depression led him to become an
outspoken activist and an educator of world renown.
As Dean of the School of Theology, his reputation as the
pioneer of social ethics attracted respected scholars and
leaders of world religions to join the permanent faculty
and continually broaden the school's instruction in world
religion and philosophy. Muelder hired the pacifist Indian
leader Amiya Chakravarty who introduced Albert Einstein to
Muelder's social ethics. The famed physicist publicly praised
Muelder's "Idea of a Responsible Society."
While seeking to expand the faculty's cultural diversity,
Muelder effectively doubled the size of the faculty. He also
more closely integrated the School of Theology into the university
at large. During his tenure, the school moved from its isolated
location on Beacon Hill to its current location on Commonwealth
Avenue. Thus students were exposed to more varied instruction
in other disciplines; at the same time, Muelder effectively
revamped the core curriculum to prepare students properly
from diverse religious and economic backgrounds.
As Dean, Muelder prided himself in making training more
accessible to African American church leaders. Thanks in
part to Muelder's dedication to racial equality, over half
of the doctorates in religion awarded in America between
1953-1968 were awarded by Boston University.
Due to Muelder's inspired leadership the School of Theology
graduated many students who became outspoken leaders and
social activists. His seminar, "Race Relations," inspired
Civil Rights leaders Reverend Douglas Moore, who organized
the first sit-in in North Carolina, and John Cartwright.
Martin Luther King Jr. affectionately noted Muelder as a
significant influence in his path to nonviolence and civil
rights.
In addition to leading the development of the School of
Theology, Muelder remained active as a religious leader in
the Methodist Church. He served the World Council of Churches
for many years, attending the Assemblies at Evanston (1954),
New Delhi (1961) and Uppsala (1968). He served in various
capacities with Faith and Order, including Chair of the Commission
on Institutionalism (1955-1963), and Chair of the Board of
the Ecumenical Institute (1961-1968).
As a pastor, an educator, a provocative philosopher, a
political and social activist, Walter George Muelder touched
the lives of many. His prophetic vision endures within the
School of Theology and within the memories of those he inspired
directly. Our hearts are filled with gratitude to God for
his life and ministry among us, for he established not a
boundary but a beacon.
Dean
Hart's comments from the memorial service for Dean Muelder Contributions
in Dean Muelder's honor may be made to The Theology Foundation,
Boston University School of Theology, Room 108, 745 Commonwealth
Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.
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