Princeton Theological Seminary facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Princeton Theological Seminary

Type	Seminary
Established	1812; 213 years ago (1812)
Accreditation	MSCHE ATS
Affiliation	Presbyterian Church (USA)
Endowment	$1.459 billion (2022)
President	Jonathan L. Walton
Academic staff	40 (Full-time) and 21 (Part-time)
Students	333
Doctoral students	58
Location	Princeton , New Jersey , United States
Campus	Suburban, 23 acres (93,000 m2)
Colors	Yale Blue and Scarlet

Princeton Theological Seminary (often called PTSem) is a special school in Princeton, New Jersey. It's a private seminary, which is a school where people study theology. Theology is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience.

This school was started in 1812. It was founded with help from Archibald Alexander and the Presbyterian Church (USA). It's one of the oldest seminaries in the United States. It's also the largest of the ten seminaries connected to the Presbyterian Church.

Princeton Seminary has been home to many important scholars and religious leaders. It has the world's second-largest library focused on theology. Only the Vatican's library is bigger! The seminary also has a large amount of money, called an endowment. This helps it run and support its programs.

In recent years, about 276 students attend the seminary. Many students are preparing to become ministers in different Christian churches. Others are studying to become teachers or work in other fields. Students can also take classes at Princeton University.

History of Princeton Theological Seminary

Princeton Seminary in the 1800s

The idea for Princeton Theological Seminary came from a need for more advanced religious education. The College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) supported the plan. They realized that training for religious leaders needed its own special school.

So, in 1812, the Presbyterian Church officially opened the seminary. It was the second graduate school for theology in the U.S. It is still connected to the Presbyterian Church (USA) today.

In 1812, the seminary started with just three students. Archibald Alexander was its first professor. By 1815, more students joined. A main building, Alexander Hall, was finished in 1817. Since it began, about 14,000 people have graduated from Princeton Seminary. They have gone on to serve in many ways, like pastors, missionaries, and educators.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, the seminary was known for its strong support of Calvinistic Presbyterianism. This way of thinking was called Princeton Theology. It had a big impact on Evangelicalism. Important figures like Charles Hodge and B. B. Warfield were part of this movement.

Changes and New Schools

Princeton Seminary class of 1922

In the 1920s, there were disagreements about how theology should be taught. Some professors left Princeton Seminary. They started a new school called Westminster Theological Seminary. This happened because of a big debate in the church at that time.

Later, Princeton Seminary joined with other Presbyterian churches. In 1983, it became a seminary of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Addressing Past Ties to Slavery

In 2019, Princeton Seminary announced an important decision. It would spend $27 million on scholarships and other programs. This was to address its historical connections to slavery. This shows the seminary's commitment to learning from its past.

New President in 2023

In 2023, the Rev. Jonathan Lee Walton became the new president of Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the first Black president in the seminary's long history, which started in 1812.

What Students Study

Stuart Hall, a main classroom building. It was designed in a special style called Venetian Gothic and built in 1876.

Princeton Theological Seminary is approved by important educational groups. This means its programs meet high standards.

Degree Programs Offered

Students at the seminary can earn different types of degrees:

• Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)
• Master of Theology (Th.M.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Students can also combine degrees, like an M.Div. with a Master of Social Work.

Amazing Libraries

Wright Library

The Wright Library at Princeton Seminary is a very important place for scholars. It was opened in 2013. In 2021, it was renamed after Theodore S. Wright. He was the first African American to graduate from the seminary.

The library holds over 1.2 million books, pamphlets, and microfilms. It also receives many journals and reports. It's home to special collections. These include the Karl Barth Research Collection and the Abraham Kuyper collection. These collections have many rare and important religious texts.

Student Life

The Charlotte Rachel Wilson Campus has student homes.

In 2021, 114 degrees were given out. About half went to women and half to men.

Seminary Chapel

Miller Chapel

The seminary's chapel was built in 1834. It was named after Samuel Miller, an early professor. The chapel was moved in 1933 to the center of the campus. It was fully updated in 2000.

In 2022, students protested the chapel's name. They pointed out Samuel Miller's connections to slavery. The seminary's leaders then voted to rename the chapel. This was part of their effort to address the seminary's past.

Navigating the Waters Program

In 2011, the seminary started a program called "Navigating the Waters." This program helps students and staff learn about different cultures. It aims to make the seminary a more welcoming place for everyone.

Research and Special Centers

Alexander Hall, the original building, built in 1814.

Princeton Seminary has several centers for advanced research.

Center for Barth Studies

This center was started in 1997. It focuses on the work of Karl Barth. He was a very important theologian from the 20th century. The center holds conferences and supports research. It also has a special collection of Barth's writings.

Abraham Kuyper Center for Public Theology

This center focuses on the ideas of Abraham Kuyper. He was a Dutch theologian and politician. The center has a large collection of his works. It also gives out an annual award, the Abraham Kuyper Prize. This prize honors people who show excellence in Reformed theology and public life.

In 2017, there was a discussion about who should receive this prize. This showed how important it is to discuss different views in theology.

Center of Theological Inquiry

This center was created in 1978. It's an independent place for theological research. It explores how religious studies connect with other subjects. It also looks at how different religions relate to each other. The center works closely with Princeton Theological Seminary.

Seminary Lectureships

Kagawa Toyohiko at Princeton Theological Seminary, 1914

The seminary hosts many special lectures throughout the year. These lectures bring famous scholars and speakers to the campus. They cover a wide range of topics in theology and public life. Some lectures honor important figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield.

Frederick Buechner Prize

The seminary honors the famous writer and theologian Frederick Buechner. They created the Buechner Prize for Writing. This prize celebrates excellent writing. The seminary also hosts writing workshops.

People of Princeton Theological Seminary

Leaders of the Seminary

Brown Hall, 1860

The seminary has had different leaders over the years. First, they were called "Principals." Later, the title changed to "President."

The Principals

• Archibald Alexander (1812–1850)
• Charles Hodge (1851–1878)
• Archibald Alexander Hodge (1878–1886)
• B. B. Warfield (1887–1902)

The Presidents

View of front entrance

• Francis Landey Patton (1902–1913)
• J. Ross Stevenson (1914–1936)
• John A. Mackay (1936–1959)
• James I. McCord (1959–1983)
• Thomas W. Gillespie (1983–2004)
• Iain R. Torrance (2004–2012)
• M. Craig Barnes (2013–2023)
• Jonathan L. Walton (2023-)

Notable Faculty (Past and Present)

Notable Alumni