Rev. Dr. Edward W. Bauman (STH ’51)

Dr. Edward W. Bauman, Jr, 94, passed away on November 26, 2021, at his home in Bethesda, Maryland after a period of declining health. He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on January 22, 1927, to Edward and Dorothy (Woodruff) Bauman. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Ruth Price, and his first wife Audree. He is survived by his wife Karen Jones, her children Adam and Sarah Jones, his children Deborah, Kathleen and Mark Bauman (Debbie), four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Edward earned a PhD in Systemic Theology from Boston University in 1954 and began his ministry at Utica Methodist Church in Utica, Ohio. In 1956, he taught Philosophy and Religion at American University in Washington, DC and later became a professor of Christian Ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary. While teaching at American University, and in conjunction with the DC Council of Churches and WJLA-TV, he began a weekly television series that ran for 34 years. Bauman Bible Telecasts was formed to distribute the Emmy winning series to television stations, churches and other organizations across the United States and around the world, including US Navy and Coast Guard ships and bases. He authored five books and was a weekly presenter on WMAL-AM radio for 25 years. In 1964, at the age of 37, Edward became senior minister at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, DC. In his 28 years at Foundry, he guided the large, inner city church through many societal changes and historical events with love, hope and faith. A Time Magazine article published in 1979 titled “American Preaching: A Dying Art?” named Edward Bauman as one of “seven star preachers” in America. In the article, Edward said, “Someone once told me I always preach on tiptoe. I consider that the greatest compliment I ever received.” In 1993, Edward traveled to India to work with Mother Teresa in her Home for the Dying in Khaligat. He kept a journal of his time there and upon returning became a volunteer at Hospice of Washington. After his retirement from Foundry, he served for eight years as associate rector at St. Paul’s Rock Creek Episcopal Church in DC and then as part-time chaplain at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA, retiring at the age of 91. Edward summered in Cape Porpoise, Maine where mornings were spent outlining his sermons for the year and writing the study guide that would accompany his television program. Afternoons were spent walking the beaches, boating with family, and enjoying the beauty of Maine. His love of Maine continued throughout his life.

A service to celebrate Edward’s life will be held at St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland on January 7, 2022 at 10 a.m. The internment of his ashes at Rock Creek Cemetery will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Madison Fields or a charity that is special to you. (Madison Fields 19300 Mouth of Monocacy Rd. Dickerson, MD 20842. Please put Edward’s name in the memo line.)Memorial contributions may be made to Madison Fields or a charity that is special to you. (Madison Fields 19300 Mouth of Monocacy Rd. Dickerson, MD 20842. Please put Edward’s name in the memo line.)