Nathan D. Baxter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Nathan Dwight Baxter AHC, D.Min., D.H.L., D.D., S.T.D. |
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| Bishop of Central Pennsylvania | |
Baxter in October 2009
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Central Pennsylvania |
| Elected | July 22, 2006 |
| In Office | 2006–2014 |
| Predecessor | Michael W. Creighton |
| Successor | Audrey Scanlan |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | December 16, 1977 |
| Consecration | October 22, 2006 by Frank Griswold |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 16, 1948 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | Elder Belgium Nathan Baxter & Augusta Ruth Byrd |
| Spouse | Mary Ellen Walker |
| Children | 2 |
Nathan Dwight Baxter (born November 16, 1948) is an important leader in the Episcopal Church. He served as the 10th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. A bishop is a senior leader in the church who oversees a group of churches in a specific area.
Baxter was chosen to be a bishop on July 22, 2006. He officially became a bishop on October 22, 2006. His good friend, the famous Archbishop Desmond Tutu, gave the sermon at the ceremony.
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Early Life and Family
Nathan Baxter grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of three sons. His parents were Elder Belgium N. Baxter and Augusta Baxter.
He is married to Mary Ellen Baxter, who is an educator. They have two children and also cared for two foster children. They are also proud grandparents to nine grandchildren.
Education and Learning
Nathan Baxter studied at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He graduated with honors in 1976. He later earned a special degree there in 1985.
He also attended programs at other well-known schools. These include the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Many colleges and universities have given him special awards. He has received eight honorary doctorates from places like Dickinson College and Colgate University.
Career Highlights
Before becoming a bishop, Baxter was the leader, or rector, of St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He comes from a family of church leaders; he is a third-generation priest.
From 1991 to 2003, he was the dean of Washington National Cathedral. A dean is a senior leader in a large cathedral. He also helped manage the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation.
A Powerful Sermon
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Baxter gave a very important sermon. This was at a memorial service on September 14, 2001. He told Americans not to "become the evil we deplore." This means he urged people not to let anger turn them into something bad.
This sermon was very impactful. A politician named Barbara Lee said Baxter's words helped her decide how to vote. She was the only member of Congress to vote against a law that would allow military force.
Other Roles and Service
Before his time at the Washington National Cathedral, Baxter held other important positions. He was a dean and professor at the Episcopal Divinity School in Massachusetts. He also taught at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Baxter has served in other churches in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He is also a member of several important groups. These include the Union of Black Episcopalians and the NAACP.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He received special awards for his service, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
Baxter was chosen to give a special prayer for the nation. This was at the White House Millennium Celebration, which was shown on TV around the world. He was also recognized for his help in planning President Ronald Reagan's funeral.
Retirement
Nathan Baxter retired in May 2014. He had served as Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania for eight years. After his retirement, another bishop, Robert Gepert, took over temporarily. In March 2015, the Rev. Canon Audrey Scanlan was chosen as the next bishop for the diocese.
