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. He was chosen for this role on July 22, 2006. His friend, the famous Archbishop Desmond Tutu, gave a speech at his special ceremony on October 22, 2006.
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. She is an educator who studied at Hampton University and Harvard University. Together, they have two children. They also have two foster children and nine grandchildren.
Education and Achievements
Nathan Baxter studied at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He graduated with honors in 1976. He later earned a special degree called a Doctor of Ministry in 1985.
He also took programs at other well-known schools. These include Harvard Graduate School of Education. Many colleges and universities have given him special honors. He has received eight honorary doctorates. This shows how much he is respected for his knowledge.
A Life of Service
Before becoming a bishop, Nathan Baxter was the leader, or rector, of St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He comes from a family of priests. Both his father and grandfather were also priests.
From 1991 to 2003, he was the dean of Washington National Cathedral. This is a very important church in the United States. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, he gave a powerful sermon. He told people not to "become the evil we deplore." This message was very important. It even influenced a politician, California Representative Barbara Lee, in a big decision.
Baxter also taught at several colleges and seminaries. He was a chaplain and professor at St. Paul's College. He also served in other churches in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
He is a member of several important groups. He is an associate of the Order of the Holy Cross. He is also a life member of the Union of Black Episcopalians and the NAACP.
Nathan Baxter is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Army in 1968. He received special awards for his service. These include the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
He was chosen to lead a prayer for the nation. This happened at the White House Millennium Celebration. It was shown on TV around the world. He also helped plan the funeral of President Ronald Reagan.
Retirement
Bishop Baxter retired in May 2014. He had served as Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania for eight years. After he retired, another bishop, Robert Gepert, took over for a short time. In March 2015, the Reverend Canon Audrey Scanlan was chosen as the next bishop of the diocese.
