Commemoration William Passavant

Commemoration

William Passavant, d. June 6, 1894 (transferred from November 24)

Reflection

Of William Passavant, his close friend and associate H.W. Roth said, “When others dreamed, he dared and did.” A pastor of congregations in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, Passavant was a tireless worker in the cause of relieving human suffering. Regular services were held in jails, and he sought out the poor, the sick, and the neglected. He was a mission organizer; a founder of hospitals in Milwaukee, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville, Illinois; of orphanages in Mount Vernon, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. He was also a founder of Thiel College, Chicago Seminary, and the General Council. He introduced the deaconess movement to America.

In his publication The Workman, Passavant wrote: The Church must not only be a witnessing Church but also a working Church. If she is not this, her testimony for the truth and her solemn services are in vain. Only when the Church truly believes, is she in a position to teach, to confess, and to live the life of her blessed Lord. . . . And because of such faith, bringing with it forgiveness of sin and the peace of God, the Church must follow in the footsteps of her Lord, and out of the depths of her grateful love do His works. Having been much forgiven, she will love much. And to do this, she must daily sit at His feet and learn of Him.

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank you for the life and witness of your servant, William Passavant. Give to us the same passion to live our faith as he did. In Jesus’ name. Amen.