Rev. Dr. Stanley Robertson Hall

Reverend Dr. Stanley Robertson Hall The Reverend Dr. Stanley Robertson Hall, Jean Brown Associate Professor of Liturgics and Homiletics at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, February 3. He was 58. His death followed a long illness, his wife, Gail Snodgrass, said. Dr. Hall was best known as a gifted teacher of candidates training for the ministry of Word and Sacrament. "On Sundays, I have the slightest idea of what I am doing and what it all means because Stan helped to open my eyes to the beauty, the mystery, and even the messiness and humor that sometimes accompany the church's worship," wrote the Reverend Everett Miller, former student of Dr. Hall, on a website posting condolences (see www.austinseminary.edu). Dean Michael Jinkins, long-time friend and colleague of Dr. Hall, said in a tribute given at Austin Seminary last week that he "had never known anyone who knew so much about the worship of God and the history and theology of the Church, and who shared it with as much humility." Stanley Robertson Hall was born in Lafayette, IN on August 25th, 1949, to Dr. Allen Strickland Hall, Jr. and Violet Robertson Hall. Allen Hall was professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University. Violet Hall was an army nurse in World War II and a member of the Girl Scouts for 65 years. As a child, Dr. Hall enjoyed spending time with his paternal grandparents on their farm outside of Greensboro, VT. He later played on the Klondike High School "Nuggets" football team in West Lafayette, IN. Dr. Hall received his B.A. in political science from Purdue University in 1971, his M.Div. from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1975, and his M.A. in theology and Ph.D. in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame in 1986 and 1990, respectively. He was named outstanding doctoral graduate in the School of Humanities for his dissertation titled, "The American Presbyterian Directory for Worship: History of a Liturgical Strategy." Ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1976, he served pastorates in Crawfordsville, IN; Orenco, OR; South Bend, IN; Granger, IN; and Dublin, OH. In 1992 he began teaching liturgics and worship at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he worked until the time of his death. Through the years, Dr. Hall served as a consultant and/or editor for numerous liturgical resources, including the Book of Common Worship and Reformed Liturgy & Music. He contributed over 25 articles to the literature in his field and was a popular conference lecturer and workshop leader. He had a special interest in church architecture and was a sought-after consultant for church renovation projects. He was a member of several professional societies, including the North American Academy of Liturgy. Dr. Hall was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Allen Strickland Hall, Jr. and Violet Robertson Hall. He is survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews; by his wife and colleague in ministry, The Reverend Gail Michele Snodgrass; and by their loveable Weimaraner, Baruch. Dr. Hall's body may be viewed at Austin-Peel and Son at 607 E. Anderson Lane from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, February 13-14, or at Genesis Presbyterian Church, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 15 (directly preceding the funeral service). A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 15, at Genesis Presbyterian Church, 1507 Wilshire Blvd. A graveside service at Austin Memorial Park (Mopac and Hancock) will follow, with a reception in the fellowship hall of Genesis afterwards. Contributions may be made to the Hall Fund at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (100 E. 27th Street, 78705) or to the Genesis Presbyterian Church (1507 Wilshire Blvd., 78722).