Edgar Douglas Christman

Edgar Douglas Christman, 85, the longtime chaplain of Wake Forest University, passed away on December 24, 2014, after a short illness. Ed led a life made rich through faith in God and a joyous curiosity and presence for others. Amazing Grace was his favorite hymn, and he always spoke of the grace that marked his life. Many in turn were graced by his love.

Ed was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the son of Ola E. Christman, Comptroller of the Jacksonville Railroad Terminal, and Monseurat Adela Josephina Carles Christman, a Vice President of the Monticello Drug Company. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School.

Ed enrolled at Wake Forest College in Wake Forest, NC, in 1947. He chose Wake Forest to be near his father’s relatives in eastern NC, without having seen the campus. Ed remembered, “Once upon a time, I got off the train from Jacksonville in Wake Forest with a wardrobe trunk, a suitcase, and boundless expectations.” All of these came true, and more, over his life’s journey.

Wake Forest also brought Ed his greatest gift – his soulmate and wife Jean Sholar, whom he met over a cup of coffee in 1949. They were married on December 23, 1952, at the Wake Forest Baptist Church in Wake Forest. Jean was a teacher and she was also Ed’s “co-chaplain” throughout his career.

Ed had planned to major in history and become an attorney. He said, “I always thought I’d be a lawyer. I always wanted to help people through the power of speech, the way a surgeon helps people through the power of his hands.” This happened, though not in the way he anticipated.

Ed graduated from Wake Forest College in 1950 and then attended Wake Forest Law School, graduating in 1953. In the spring of 1953, he received a call to the ministry, and instead of becoming a lawyer, he entered Southeastern Theological Seminary. Ed was ordained in 1955 and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1960. Ed then attended Union Theological Seminary in New York City on a Danforth Fellowship, earning an MA in Sacred Theology in 1961.

When Wake Forest College moved to Winston-Salem in 1956, Ed and Jean moved as well. They were founding members of the Wake Forest Baptist Church of Winston-Salem. They lived next to the campus, at first in the WF Faculty Apartments and later on Royall Drive.

Ed’s career as a chaplain began in 1954, while he was a seminary student. He was hired by J. Glenn Blackburn, then the college’s chaplain and church pastor, to work as Baptist Student Union Director. Ed soon realized that working with students was his life’s calling. For the rest of his life, he had one job – serving the Wake Forest community. His titles evolved from BSU Director (1954-56), to Baptist Campus Minister (1956-59), then Assistant Chaplain (1961-1968), and finally University Chaplain (1969-2003). In 2007, he was awarded the Medallion of Merit.

As Chaplain, Ed served the institution of Wake Forest University. He worked with others to bring change — integration of the campus, engagement with world events, and inclusion of all regardless of religion, background, and sexual preference. He felt that the University should always be striving to become its best self.

In serving the community, “Brother Ed” was the spiritual guide, whether it was a time to celebrate, reflect, or mourn. He was committed to Campus Ministry, building support for the Baptist Student Union and other student denominational organizations. He led weekly chapel services, Preschool Conference, and a host of other religious events and activities. He was especially proud of co-founding the Volunteer Service Corps with Henry Cooper and of acting in plays at the Wake Forest University Theatre.

Ed shone brightest as Chaplain to the people of Wake Forest, students, faculty, and staff alike. He welcomed incoming freshmen by name. He counseled students who were creating their own lives, recovering lost visions, and questioning or developing their faith. He advised students who were preparing for ordination and those who were in the maze of difficulty. He comforted those who were lost and those faced with grief. He performed weddings, dedications, and funerals. He was always there.

Ed leaves behind his wife Jean Sholar Christman; daughters Carolyn and Kim, sons-in-law Ron Shehee and Stan Dotson, and grandson Francisco Christman Shehee. Though an only child, Ed acquired many brothers during his life, and he leaves behind Ed Wilson, Lonnie Williams, Joe Clontz, Richard McBride, Herman Eure, and John Cowan.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday December 30, 2014, 11am, at the Wake Forest Baptist Church, in Wait Chapel, on the Wake Forest University campus. You are invited to leave online condolences at the Ed and Jean biographical website: edchristman.com

In lieu of flowers, send a gift to the charity of your choice or to the Wake Forest Baptist Church of Winston-Salem; the Ed and Jean Christman Fellowship at the Wake Forest University Divinity School; the Ed and Jean Christman (Poteat) Scholarship to Wake Forest University; and Salemtowne – The Moravian Home, of Winston-Salem.

On 12/24/2014 3:23 PM, John wrote:

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