A good friend, and still very much missed.

He is sorely missed.

I live down the street from where Ted lived in Hollywood and can never go thru the town without thinking of him. Today I received a special long-awaited text that has been partially described as an important witness to the received tradition ... No doubt Ted and I would have had significant cell time over it which I would profit from very gratefully..... Selah! Some losses keep on giving. But is still not to be compared to the glory thats our!

Ted was an exceptional scholar and a good friend. I still have a card he sent me only a couple of weeks before he passed away.

My dear old friend. Memories of playing in a band, in middle school, in the mid-60s. --- I'm listening to The Blues all day, for days, thinking of you! Rest well my brother. PL

Hard to believe 15 years have passed since we lost Ted. In thinking of his legacy, of course one thinks of his love for Luther. He inspired me to read Luther and I collected all of the volumes in the American Edition of his works.
I have now read 40 of those volumes of Luther and, selfishly, wish Ted were here to discuss. It would have given him, and myself, the greatest joy.

My friendship with Ted goes back to 1977, in under graduate school, where he first introduced me to Martin Luther and the Reformation story in general. I since became a Calvinist but I never lost that same high energy appreciation Ted had for Luther. Now, I have the complete AW's of Luther and as I read through them I sorely miss discussing them with Ted. He always rejoiced when I would tell him the latest major work of Luther that I had finished, now I miss having those in depth discussions with him. He truly left a permanent mark in my life.

My friendship with Ted goes back to 1977, in under graduate school, where he first introduced me to Martin Luther and the Reformation story in general. I since becama a Calvinist but I never lost that same high energy appreciation Ted had for Luther. Now, I have the complete AW's of Luther and as I read through them I sorely miss discussing them with Ted. He always rejoiced when I would tell him the lastest major work of Luther that I had finished, now I miss having those indepth discussions with him. He truly left a permanent mark in my life.

As we approach this 7th anniversary of Ted's passing, I recall today that I still miss the man and knowing that he is not somewhere on this earth making the case for the TR/AV (as well as blowing a little Blues harmonica... :-)). One day all partings will be ended and all sorrows forever past.

I met Ted and Susan in the 80's in Fort Wayne. I admire his passion as he explained to me more about Bible translations.

Here's the most recent encomium to the queen of all versions:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/print/2011/12/king-james-bible/nicolson-text

I am delighted and comforted in the thought that the Guestbook for the good Dr. Theo. Letis will continue to be available for those who knew him as well as those who are searching for scholarly authority to support their reliance on the Ecclesiastical Text of the Holy Bible. My ccommendation to the Rev Paul Moore for his initiative in taking this step to keep the Guestbook available.

Six long years since the death of Dr. Letis, my husband and friend. As I am watching the emergence of our little two and a half year old granddaughter, Luci, I so wish he could hug her and kiss
curly head. (inherited from his own.)

It was a little over 23 years ago that I received from Ted a copy of 'The Majority Text: Essays and Reviews in the Continuing Debate,' the book to which Ted contributed heavily and provided such excellent editorial oversight. In the flyleaf of my copy he wrote, "To Jeff...friend and fellow lover of the Word— 'We owe to Scripture the same reverence which we owe to God.' (John Calvin)"

Even today my outlook and convictions regarding the sacred text of Scripture are powerfully influenced by the things I learned through Ted ("...he being dead yet speaketh.") Now, these 6 years later marking the anniversary of his passing, his memory is cherished, and his presence is sorely missed; yet, we do greatly rejoice knowing that our dear brother is absent from the body, but present with our Lord Jesus Christ in the unfathomable bliss of eternal heaven!

Our prayers and love go out this day to Susan, Gracie, and Teddy as they remember both husband and father.

I am still profitting from the work of Dr Ted Letis. I have long been a proponent of the Received Text, but Ted threw me a curve ball in a conversation regarding the strong point of the Ecclesiastical Text, a bit of evidence I had never considered. I disagreed at first, but when given fair consideration, I realized Ted was exactly right. I miss his Godly scholarship.

Here's a review of a book I'm sure our Dr. Ted would have reviewed favorably:

Review of Gordon Campbell's **Bible: The Story of the King James Version, 1611-2011**
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/08/AR2010100802795.html

Greetings,

It is good to be reminded of my friend and his contribution to the study of textual criticism. Susan has given me permission to host several of Ted's works online. If you have anything you would like to contribute that I don't already have, please send it to me or contact me. I would be happy to keep as much of his material around for the next generation as possible. Thank You.

http://holywordcafe.com/bible/Letis.html

orders@holywordcafe.com

A KJV tour would have been truly amazing! It should have been filmed as a documentary on location. I toured with Ted in such places as Oxford,London,Edinburgh,and St. Andrews. He was a fascinating non-stop historical commentary where ever we went. My individual travels never matched what I gleaned from him when we were together. I have several recorded interviews of Ted's to remember him by but he would have easily outdone Francis Shaeffer on film. Truly an unanticipated loss!

Jon, indeed, it would have been spectacular to have Ted lead, document and publish a tour of sites connected with the KJV.

Here's a newspaper article that is of interest and that is available for reading online:
"King James Bible's 400-year reign: Quadricentennial of KJV to get royal treatment" by Mark A. Kellner
www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/29/king-james-bibles-400-year-reign

Wouldn't it be the holiday of the century if Dr. Ted could have led a tour in 2011 of places in England connected with the production of the King James Version?

My Dear Brother Ted, Many, many years have passed since we first met and became close Christian friends at Evangel College as "senior" students there together in the late 70's. Even then, your love for Jesus and your intellectual genius and loyalty to God's Word was most impressive. In fact, I would have to say that your witness and Christian spirit influenced me more for eternity than perhaps any professor except Dr. H. Wesley Ward, or other student on campus. You were not only a true friend, with a wonderful sense of humor, but the keenest intellect and most serious seeker on campus. I loved Jesus then, and loved His Word, and still do, thanks in large measure to your influence and strong witness, which has helped me to survive all of acedemia higher criticism of my faith that I found in both Christian and non-Christian universities and law schools and churches throughout my educational and spiritual journey. I have been sick in recent years and had lost touch of you recently ... and just learned of your passing two days ago ... I am still grieving ... and, dedicating my life anew to the quest for God's Truth as revealed in His Holy Word as historically given to us thru the KJV and TR. You influence others, including myself, unto this day and beyond, my Brother. I will see you again with Jesus on the other side soon. Thank God for your work and servanthood to Him. Rest in His loving arms, My friend. We will never forget you ... and we will endeavor to continue your legacy and the legacy of our Christian forefathers to fight for Christ and for His Holy Word. For His Glory, Amen. Jerry Hagen, J.D.

Five years to the day that our dear brother Ted passed into eternity ("absent from the body, but present with the Lord"). We still miss his humor, his earnest advocacy of the TR and AV (although, through his books, "he, being dead, yet speaketh"), and the constancy of his friendship. One day, all partings will be o'er, and acquaintance rekindled forevermore.

Susan, Teddy, Gracie... God's richest blessings upon you all on this day of remembrance.

I can remember the first time I beat my dad in a race. He was my coach ever since i could hold a football. We used to do hill sprints up a steep hill in a park down the street from our home. As I began to get older and stronger I gained the confidence to challenge my old man. The bet was a pack of football cards if I was the victor. I was the victor. We never raced again. It wasn't even close by the way.

What would Dr. Ted have had to say about this?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091211203717.htm

I have just been advised of the passing of a man who's inquiring nature eventually led him to the truth he was seeking. Ted was restless in finding that truth, leaving no stone unturned. yes...the memories of seeing rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Yardbirds, The Who and The Small faces featuring Rod Stewart at Pirates World in Dania FL leave an impressive memory, but his intense devotion into seeking out what it is all about is reflected in his credentials and action to the truth, best regards Ted. May you rest in the peace you have achieved, mike mcnulty

Ted is still missed. When doing communion at the chapel I would often mention Ted's name during the prayer for the whole state of Christ's church:

"And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, especially Ted Letis' ; beseeching thee to grant them continual growth in thy love and service, and to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

We need him now. Best to his family.
Rev. Paul

I only came to know Ted in the last year of his life. His acute perceptions and his memorable manner of expressing them were amazing. I am glad I got to know him before his untimely passing and rejoice in the thought that we will be together in the Church Triumphant.

I can't say more than I've said in entries in the previous years. The fourth year of our loss has just passed. That melancholy thought is salved and helped by the assurance that we'll see the him again.

Four years and we still hear his laughter. Ted's first grandchild, Luciana Skye Letis was born on November 23, 2008. She is in fine health. Grace, Teddy and I seem to get glimpses of our homelife together.
When a funny memory comes to one of us we laugh out loud. If ever so slightly irreverant he sure could make a person laugh.

I knew Ted many years ago while with World Ministy Outreach in the early 70's. I had some questions so began writing him in 2004...he was gracious and informative...I loved the way that he loved the Lord back in the day and aslo at the time of our reaquaintance...his passing was a shock, since I was waiting for an answer to some correspondence...but peaceful that he is where we as believer's long to be!

Here on the 4th anniversary of Ted's passing, I am remembering fondly our handful of personal encounters and especially his quickness to laugh in that very sanguine way of his. We miss you, my brother, but take heart in the belief that we will one day meet again in the presence of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you Susan, Teddy, and Gracie. May the God of all comfort continue to hold you in His everlasting arms.

Ted Letis was the first guest we had in our home after our wedding in 2001. He visited Ireland a number of times, and spoke several times at events I organised in Dublin. He was a true Christian gentleman, a brilliant lecturer, a gifted scholar, and I am glad he is being remembered here.

It was my honor to hear Dr. Letis lecture at Pensacola Christian College on or about 1999. The depth of his knowledge encouraged my own study in textual preservation. The value of a person's life cannot be measured by the length of days that he lives. Dr. Letis contributed greatly to the Lord's work.

I looked over the whole guestbook recently and see how many of you would appreciate access to Ted's books in print. And perhaps publishing the dissertation for which he earned his PhD. Please share any ideas you might have with me at: letisls@yahoo.com.

Rev Phil
Dr. Letis was a strong Lutheran but friendly to other confessional Protestants. It is because of him that I am a traditional Anglican. However, his life and work was the textual issue. Defending the TR and KJV....And I fear much of that has been lost. Is anyone really concerned about the textual issue? I think a few dozen across the Confessional Churches.
I really do miss his wisdom and insight. The church lost so much when she lost Ted Letis.
Paul

(1) I thank the Rev. Paul Moore for maintaining this important memorial to Ted.
(2) We approach year three in June as the anniversary of our loss.
(3) He was "the" premier man, in my experience, who really understood Roman theology, "eviscerally."
(4) Ted was emphatically a Confessional Protestant Churchman with ability to reach into Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian and some Baptist circles.
(5) God gives and God takes, sovereignly as He pleases. It ain't over yet. We will see the old boy again.
(6) Again, thanks to Paul Moore, a fellow PECUSA Churchman.

I knew you only in book form. Yet your scholarship was emblematic even in areas where I did not concur. You are now where we all wish to be and to understand the fullness of His Majesty.

Rest in His embrace.

Two years and two days ago we lost a man who gave everything for the cause of Scripture and Protestantism. He was a voice crying in the wilderness. Often mocked by those he attempted to help.
He is still missed to this day.

I came to know Ted through the email lists that he and Phil Veitch established. He was one of the most fascinating people I've met. His perspective on textual criticism was one I hadn't looked at before, and it had great merit. He became a friend, and I still keep a card he sent me.

He is missed.

Ted was a man of God who had the voice of authority. When we first began to communicate, I disagreed with Ted on his'Ecclesiastical Text' proposition. After deeper study, I came to admire and respect his scholarship in presenting me with a truth I had not formerly recognized. He was a Giant among the Timbers of Lebanon.

A note to the Rev. Paul Moore (PECUSA). Paul, so many thanks for continuing this journal of remembrance to a friend we loved very deeply.
Philip
Rev. D. Philip Veitch
(Protestant Episcopal Church, USA)
Cambridge Anglican Church
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Ted was my best friend in 'junior high' and into High School.

We grew up in south Florida together, in the mid sixties. The last time we chatted, he was visiting down here. I cannot even begin to describe my shock and sadness. I have been in pain for days, since finding this website.

We shared both of his main interests: religion and music. And we shared a few physical and spiritual journeys.

We both began a spiritual search in our teens, reading many books and actually visiting different churches. When I say different I mean "DIFFERENT." Once we walked into a Mormon church. The congregation turned slowly to watch us, quietly acknowledging our presence and politely chatting with us after service... A few months later we visited a Pentecostal church. As you can image the scene was, umm, quite different. Yikes! There was loud music and people singing and clapping and rolling on the floor speaking in tongues. We investigated and studied Manichaeanism, and Zoroastrianism... Eventually we found a small coffee house in Fort Lauderdale where an interesting brand of Christianity was being practiced... no frills, just barefoot early-Christian bible-reading stuff. We loosely joined this group, world-ministry-outreach I think it was called. About a year or so after, our spiritual paths diverged. I became disillusioned (I don't believe that "the world" is evil or that "the self" can't be trusted) and he started his long journey to his doctorate in Theology, moving to Edinburgh. We did not keep in touch as much we should have, but did hook up a few times as adults. He was a soul-mate in the best sense: our souls changed from child-to-adult together as best friends.

Our musical journey was interesting as well. He was the singer and I was the drummer in our very first band, you know, backyard garage-band, first attempts at performance. Anyone who grew up in south Florida in the sixties remembers venues like the Cloverleaf teen center, The World, Thee Image, etc. We hitchhiked to those and saw some of the best local and national bands together!!! Including one very memorable night at Code One in Fort Lauderdale… He and I and Mike McNulty stood five feet from a small stage along with a few hundred other people, to see THE WHO perform, shortly after the release of their first album.

Also, as friends in Perry Junior High we even did some sports together... I did track ("Leaping LaMoia") and he was a good football player ("Fleet Feet Letis").

Later in life, his sister Tina and I became friends, and I hold a very special place in my heart for both of them.

Some people become part of the fabric of what “built” your life. They are part of your soul, part of your being, no matter how many years or miles separate you. I suppose it’s part of what friendship is at that formative age… Ted was part of mine.


Sleep well fleet-feet.

your friend..

Dear Friends,
It is so meaningful and heartwarming to read the messages from friends and loved ones who knew Ted. We miss him so, and especially at Christmas time. I have heard so many people say that holidays are the hardest.
If anyone wants to add any memories they have of Ted, light-hearted or otherwise we would appreciate the compilation. He surely was a multi-faceted prism of a soul. Long live his memory.
Yours truly, Susan Letis

Just found out about Ted's death and here I live a few miles from where he died. I am so sorry. Ted came to St. Louis for a conference on the TEXT in the Summer of 1988 and tho sparsley attended, it was well-received. I organized it and Ted and a friend (who?) stayed in our home in Olivette, MO. What can we do to keep his books and lectures available?

Ted,"Catfish". There has not been a day that went by that we did not mention you or thought of you. We will always be in hearts and thoughts..I only wished you had more time on this earth so other people could have heard and seen the many talents that you had..Not only the talents that are mentioned but the music talent that you had...It will never be forgotten.You, My friend, Are one of a kind. I am so glad that what little time I got to know you, I did get to know you..Your music shall live on in this house..Rest in peace my friend..You are missed..
Much Love to you.
Michele

24 Jun 06 will mark the one year point since we lost this friend, mentor, warrior, and analyst of trends on the larger ecclesiastical landscape. His keen insights and tough analysis of the Federal Visionists, New Perspectives on Paul, creeping Romanization within broader evangelical circles, and the loss of justification by faith alone are not forgotten to those who spent hours on the telephone with Ted. Susan lost her husband. We lost our right and left arms. We continue to pray for Susan and the children here at Cambridge Academy, Camp Lejeune, NC. I speak of Ted constantly to my college students in our NT and OT classes. We are not as those who grieve like the world. We do grieve and still think of him daily. But, we shall see this leader in the next world. This is something the post-Kantians cannnot say. We can.

You are still remembered and thought of almost daily.
You are missed.
Rev. Paul Moore
Traditional Protestant Episcopal

I met Ted Letis in Evangel College. We also fellowshipped at the same church. He was in inspiration to me, a challenge always and someone who would laugh easily. I enjoyed his great mind and debating with him, although I was certainly not in the same league as he. His wife Susan was an endearing friend. I have missed them both these past 25 years since we parted and have been praying for them ever since. Ted I know you are dancing & singing with Jesus. Suzie, you have my deepest condolences for you and your children, you have my eternal admiration and support, I am here for you always. I would love to reconnect with you and learn all that God has been doing in your lives. Please feel free to email me Glad4JC@aol.com, Im in Mississippi now. Gladys

Just an hour ago I learned of the passing of Dr. Letis. I am so, so saddened. I got to know him through the Pensacola Bible videos which I have watched countless times. I am very grateful for his teaching. I loved his humor and laugh, his intellect, and his defense of the Ecclesiastical Text underlying the KJV.

I had viewed the tapes again recently and remarked to my husband that Dr. Letis seemed like a fun person to have for a friend. And now I find he is gone. May God bless and lead Dr. Letis’ family.

God bless all those whose hearts will always be affected by the life and testimony of our dear friend Dr. Theodore P.Letis.

If any of you should ever decide to write a biography of Ted, which I think would be an important thing to do by someone who is capable in that area, I have a number of letters from Ted and a few documents that may be helpful, as I am sure others also are in possession of such things. We need to keep Ted's work alive and not let the Church forget the battles and victories of this beloved warrior for King Jesus.

My son Jonathan and I had many
Email exchanges with Ted. He shall
be missed,but his writtings and
work shall live on.
May God be with his family at
this hour.

Pax Christi,

Jim Sheffield

Shocked at the news! Although Ted and I lived only streets away many years ago here in South Florida, (& Dolphins fans of course), it was Doug Fadden who introduced me. I understand Ted was just gearing up to offer his first course this fall and one that every seminary student would have benefited greatly from.

Ted was not just a serious student of the Word who overcame his initial Christian “evangelical” impulse for a fuller commitment to kingdom service, he was also, most gratefully, a theologian at hand to me. Part of our kindred was knowing, first hand, that holding a first theology degree wasn’t a promising affair, as most count. I honor so much Ted did after earning his, despite the world, the flesh and the devil. He went forward with such memorable perseverance and enthusiasm. Damn the torpedoes! Where to go now for a Saturday afternoon discussion like the special ones we had. How unselfishly he gave his time.

I remember our last big talk that had such an affirming influence on me. It was about the church, about how to serve in it, the difference between fruit and sterile activity, about a churchman’s duty regardless of the applause. Yes, I do remember. Yes, thanks Dr. Letis for that little timely nudge of courage. I think of CS Lewis’ description of friends as those who “see the same thing.” Yes, we were friends and we made tentative plans to break bread together soon. Selah.

We didn’t have to agree on all things for me to miss all of you Ted. Your resolved will to service will always be an inspiration. Thanks Ted.

I cannot believe that I am just now hearing this news. Ted was to stay with me this November while he spoke at a conference here in Philadelphia. I am now deeply grieved.
I have known Ted for almost 30 years. He was a close friend and mentor over the years, though we only spoke two or three times a year recently.
Ted brought me into the Reformation and I have always maintained that love of history and always looked forward to our discussions and what our latest interest in books was.
I remember the first time Ted visited me in my apartment in Springfield, MO, around 1977, during our undergraduate days together, as he stopped his greeting in mid-sentence to rush past me when he saw Phillip Schaff's 8 volume history on my shelf. Pulling volumes down, he launched into almost interoggatories of me about my knowledge of Martin Luther and the Reformation. I knew at that point we would remain long time friends.
After undergraduate school, in 1981, I returned home to Philadelphia to start a Master's program at Temple.
I was greatly surprised and pleased when Ted called me that summer to tell me that he and Susan had moved to Philadelphia and that he was there to attend Westminster.
Ted worked as a night clerk at an apartment complex and many times I would just drop in on him to discuss theology. He would put down his book or his notes and unselfishly take hours to carefully walk me through my difficult sojourn past depravity, election, the atonement, reprobation, and
God's sovereignty. I ended up a Calvinist but also fully appreciative of Ted's Lutheranism.
We also had many great times such as when we saw Bob Dylan in Philly. I still remember how excited Susan was to see him for the first time!
Or, when Ted and Susan would come over to our house for movie night as I showed the old reeled films like, Yellow Submarine. Mostly, I loved to visit Ted at his home office and pick his brain - he actually despised that he had to take courses about people like Herbert Hoover.
Ted wandered down to Emory and then over to Concordia and our comunication became less frequent. But I still remember being surprized, around 1988, to recieve a letter from him in Edinburgh, inviting me over.
I met him in London in July 1989, and we took three days to get back to Edinburgh. He took me to the Devonshire Arms pub near Picadilly, where we unapologetically had far too much Guinness. We wore plastic Bobby helmets back to our lodgings, barking out threatening orders to
the hotel staff and staring them down in John Cleese fashion with our fingers pointing at them. Realizing how pissed we were, they convulsed in laughter.
Next night we pursued similar follies at the Turf in Oxford. It was the fourth of July and we were in England. Life was good.
My second time in Scotland with Ted, in 1991, we journeyed to St. Andrews. Every hour with Ted was a living history lecture. Ted was energized, and he made me so, as we strolled those streets and visited the castle and cathedral remains there. Ted was intense. He showed me the spot of the first Protestant martyr, talked about John Knox and some of his actual writings he reviewed at New College. He stopped to buy another book on the Reformation, and at lunch became excited as he pointed out to me the art work and contributions that one of his New College teachers made to the book.
Ted impressed me as well with his love for his children. I recall that same evening his taking them to a park to play with them and I saw a warmth that made me wish I had had a father so attentive.
The next morning, I told Ted that in the middle of the night I watched the Stones' Concert in the Park. He almost chided me for not waking him up to see it. Indeed, a man of many interests.
I last saw Ted when he came to my house in Philadelphia with his daughter a few years ago. My address is the Philadelphia address for his Institute; a lot of your mail has passed through me on it's way to Ted. I was having some difficulty with my teenage son at the time and I was amazed at Ted's quick and penetrating insight into my son's personality from such a short observation. I knew that here was a brillant mind, of which it is difficult find comparisons. Such an ability to see a comprehensive picture as well as the critical details reminds me of, I don't why, but a mind like an Alexander Hamilton's seems to emerge.
Ted confirmed with me in June that he would be staying with me in Philadelphia for a week in November and we would find time to have those pints of Guinness again and catch up on the last year or so in a decent fashion. Well, Ted is now in glory. And I know I will never find quite an equal to replace this wonderful, pastoral, wise, scholarly, and godly man. I will miss you my dear friend. But I will also be joining you again someday.
ad fontes

I had known Ted since the early 80's and had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions, setting up venues at which he would lecture. One such was at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary here in Memphis where he gave a marvelous lecture on Erasmus. I will miss our occasional phone conversations and email dialogs. My prayers go out to his family. May God continue to bless his work and enlarge his legacy. "He being dead, yet speaketh..."

WE CONTINUE TO APPRECIATE THE MINISTRY THAT DR. THEODORE LETIS PASSED ONTO THIS GENERATION. DR. LETIS IS SO GREATLY MISSED BY THOSE WHO KNEW HIM AND LOVED HIM AND WERE SO BLESSED BY THE LORD THROUGH HIS MINISTRY.

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WORK THROUGH THE LIFE OF DR. THEODORE LETIS! BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! NOVEMBER 8, 2005

Ted, I may have to say, It has been over 3 months. We miss you so. We also pray for some kind of something, I am not sure What I am looking for. My thoughts have been with passing family and friends over the past three years...Now I am fixing to loose my best friend inthe whole wide world. I hope that you will comfort her"my grandmother". I hope that in all that we have lost there is some meaning to this. May God bless you Ted... I know that you are there.
In loving memory
The Boyds

TODAY, SOME THREE MONTHS AFTER THE HOMEGOING OF OUR DEAR BROTHER-IN-CHRIST, DR. THEODORE P. LETIS, WE DEEPLY MISS THIS VERY OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AND FRIEND, THE LIKES OF WHICH THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST NEEDS THE CONTINUING FAITHFULNESS OF IN THE SHARING OF SUCH GIFTS OF GOD TO THE COMPLETING OF THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD TO CONTINUE THE LORD'S OUTREACH WITH THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL TO ALL GENERATIONS.

WE KNEW DR. LETIS AS A FRIEND AND TRUE SOLDIER OF THE CROSS IN STANDING MOST PARTICULARLY FOR THE AUTHORIZED VERSION (THE TEXTUS RECEPTUS) OF THE HOLY BIBLE. WE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HAVING HIM SPEAK SOME SEVENTEEN TIMES IN OUR PRESENCE OVER A PERIOD OF SOME TEN YEARS. THE LAST OF WHICH WAS BEFORE OUR CHURCH CONGREGATION AT ATLANTA'S CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS, 650 ROWLAND ROAD, STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA, ON FATHER'S DAY, SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2005; WHICH WAS HIS LAST SERMON, GIVEN ONLY FIVE (5) DAYS BEFORE HE WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD.

DR. LETIS IS GREATLY MISSED; HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. BUT PRAISE GOD THE WORKS OF DR. LETIS GO ON THROUGH THE GOOD EFFORTS OF HIS WIDOW, MRS. SUSAN LETIS, HIS DAUGHTER, GRACE LETIS, HIS SON THEODORE P. LETIS, II; AND PRAISE GOD THROUGH THE FAITHFUL WORK OF MEN LIKE RUSSELL H. SPEES, THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR BIBLICAL TEXTUAL STUDIES AT 5151 52ND STREET, S.E. GRAND RAPIDS, MI., 49512; AND THE WORK OF A FAITHFUL PASTOR FRIEND OF 29 YEARS, REVEREND LARRY NICHOLS, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, WHO BROUGHT THE FUNERAL MESSAGE ON JUNE 28, 2005; AND WE THANK THE LORD HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF BRINGING THE EULOGY FOR OUR DEAR FRIEND DR. THEODORE P. LETIS ON THAT MEMORABLE DAY.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE THROUGH DR. THEODORE P. LETIS, AND WHICH THE LORD WILL CONTINUE TO DO THROUGH HIS BLESSED MINISTRY WITH THE UNDERLYING MANUSCRIPTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.

AFTER ALL "IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED, WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO?" HOWEVER, GOD IS ABLE TO DO ABOVE ALL THAT WE COULD ASK OR THINK. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! AMEN.

Although I was not able to get to know Dr. Letis as well as I would have liked, I've known him for almost 10 years, most of our communication being through email. It all started when, after return to Pensacola, FL, in 1995 for my wife to complete a BA degree (I had graduated from PCC in 1992), I thought I would make use of PCC's library to finally study out the debate over New Testament text types in the Independent Baptist community. Well, as soon as I found that section I stumbled on Ted's first published book, "The Majority Text" and was elated to find a voice on the subject that promoted both a sane and well-reasoned defense of the Authorized Version as well as an excellent deconstruction of the "King James Only" positioned causing so much confusion in the independent/unaffiliated Baptist community.

William Blake lamented the death of Milton thus: "Oh Milton, thou shouldest be living at this hour, England hath need of thee!" Such sentiment applies as well to Dr. Letis, whose scholarly voice was (and through his printed and recorded material is) so important in providing a fresh perspective on the debate of the text of the New Testament, even while it was so often misunderstood.

Now, if we could just hear some of his harmonica playing...

Jon Whitmer

I am very sorry to learn of Theodore Letis' death,and would like to assure his family of my sincere best wishes and prayers at this time. Both as an Orthodox priest and as a textual scholar I have greatly appreciated Dr Letis' promotion of the merits and worth of the AV and the Ecclesiastical text tradition. I regret not having had the opportunity of meeting him.

I just received email notification of the new entry remembering the 60-day point in the loss of our dear friend Ted. I remembered it too, 24 Aug, although today is 25 Aug. While I have years left, Lord willing, to serve Christ, I will wait with patience for the day when I shall join brother, scholar, fellow-reader and servant of God, Theodore P. Letis. I am convinced he is working the theologians up there, or over there, or whatever that dimension is. Called heaven in the Bible. Just someplace different than here. Nuff there. Yes, my friend, the 60-day point yesterday reminding us of our temporary loss. A huge loss indeed for brother, Dr. Ted is missed most deeply. Phil Veitch

I still look at Ted's phone number saved in my cell phone. Each time I have a question about church history, religion, theology, etc. I still have that urge to call.
I said previously....I don't think the church can recover from this.
There are things today that I believe and hold dear because of the conversations with Ted.

I am deeply blessed to read the posts from those persons that knew his social and musical side. Some of us spent many many hours talking to Ted over the many years about religious issues. It was only the last couple of years that Ted and I started sharing some thoughts about children and non-religious related issues.
To know he had a circle of friends that knew and experienced and appreciated him and his artistic side is a blessing.

I hope those of you that knew him musically might find a way, if able, to put any of his music out there for those of us who loved and appreciated Ted..but never had a chance to see more of him.
We needed him more now than many know.
I miss him.
Rev. Paul Moore
Traditional Protestant Episcopal Church

Well my Dear friend,It has been 2 months to the day and we still miss you very much..There is not a day or jam session that passes that you are not in our thoughts.I know that you are still with us,We smell that cigar of yours in our studio every now and then. We just smile and say hello to you.
I know that the harmonica that you have now is golden and you are playing some pretty blues to all the Angels.

You will never be forgotten!!
You will continue to live in our hearts,minds and prayers.

With all our love "Catfish" Ted.

The Boyds.
Michele,Mark "Seminole" and Ariel

I didn't learn of Dr. Letis' death till Aug. 20 and am terribly saddened by the news. Though I never met him, I was greatly blessed by his books and by videotapes of his lectures with Dr. Johnson at Pensacola Christian College.

It was a joy communicating with Dr. Letis later by email, and I appreciate so much his patience in answering this untrained layman's questions. I had hoped that he and his Institute could have been around for decades to come. He was a courageous warrior for truth who will be sorely missed.

My condolences to his family. May God comfort and bless them all.

My Lord! I guess I'm still grieving over this loss. As I reread and re-listen to his books and tapes, I think about him. He was a hero in the Faith.

Yesterday was the 30-day period, July 24, 2005, since losing Ted June 24, 2005. The LORD Himself continues His prayers as Advocate and Mediator for the family. In this we stand with and pray with our Savior. Our loss continues. The inspirations and memories do not. Yesterday, a 30-day-later-salute to our brother. For the family, we know you think of him regularly. We do up here in NC also, every day. Phil

I had the privilege of hearing Dr.Letis speak at my church in San Diego. I was extremely impressed by his knowledge on the historical text. It was encouraging to hear a man of such considerable learning be such a strong supporter of the AV. I did not know him well but I wish I could have, he seemed like such a wonderful man. May the Lord bless, comfort and keep his family in this time of need. I am truly sorry for your as well as our loss.

I forward this to all of those who would like to learn yet another side of Ted Letis. From an old friend of Ted's in the UK/Scotland.
*********************


For those of you who didnt know him...Ted was a larger than life character, a large curly haired macho american who smoked havana cigars and drank good quality bordeaux..we knew him as a swaggering front man who liked Muddy Waters and The Stones above all else in life. He lived in edinburgh for a couple of years in the late 90s and played with several bands including one with myself and Gavin Pringle.He set up something called the Edinburgh Blues Society - the direct precursor of this site...he was a preacher for the blues...he wanted everyone to hear it and feel as moved by it as he did.

In 2001 I travelled to Atlanta where he was living and working - not knowing what I was going into....we played every night for a week in clubs from the seedier side of Atlanta to a roadside hall in Alabama...Ted got up in front of every audience with me, totally fearless, and played his heart out....accoustic guitar and blues harp, no matter who we followed or what was coming next - smooth jazz or jagged rhythm and blues. He talked to everyone - from the local sheriff to the promoters to the rough assed pool players at the back of the bar just the same - as he did in Scotland when I met him at 2pm in the Royal Oak with a satchel full of harps. What you saw was what you got...except.....heres an excerpt from the obituary his family put in the local Atlanta newspaper last week....

Dr. Theodore Peter Letis, age 53, of Tucker. died June 24, 2005. Dr. Letis has a Ph.D from the University of Edinburgh in ecclesiastical history. Has an honors M.T.S. (magna cum laude) from Emory University.. President and Executive Director of the Institute of Renaissance and Reformation Biblical Studies .....

no mention of music....

Now I bet thats a surprise to a few of you....he was a specialist in mediaeval greek translations of the bible....and yet his passion was playing low down R and B..... a modern bluesman following that confused tradition of god and the devil..just like Skip James, just like Son House..

Aint That A Man...Im going to miss him.

[Dangerous] Dave Dick

I was sorry to hear of the death of Ted Letis. I met Ted only briefly at a conference but enjoyed his writing immensely and am saddened to think that I won't see more of his scholarly work on the history of the study of the text of the Greek NT.

The news of Dr. Ted's passing left me tied in knots. Dr. Ted died at an awkward point in our friendship.
I discovered one of his books in a university library about twelve years ago and believed that he must be the world's best living church historian. I e-mailed him many, many times over the last several years about his work in church history, and he sent me what was at the time his new book, *The Ecclesiastical Text*. Upon finishing and "digesting" that great book, I was confirmed in my earlier impression and was eager to make his personal acquaintance. Within the last eighteen months Dr. Ted made two lecture series here in the Chattanooga area, and I made it my business to profit from them as much as I could. Dr. Ted came to regard me as a friend. He frequently ended our conversations on the telephone by saying,"Stay in touch" or "Call me anytime." And that I was very forward to do. And then I got the bad news. The last time I called on the phone to confer with him, I discovered that in one sense my hope of being associated with such a great man had been in vain. Please let me give my condolences to his family and close friends. I pray that God will prosper Dr. Letis's work.

We thank God for the life of Dr. Letis and his great love for the Lord Jesus which he shared with us by expounding the scriptures in his ardent defence of the Authorised Version. Our prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

Dear Susan and children,

I was shocked to hear of Ted's passing.

I have many of his books. His clear writing and indepth historical analysis greatly helped to shape my view of textual and biblical criticism. The most profound lesson he taught me was to search beyond the superficial answers offered so often today in Christian circles and Academia. He was a valiant warrior for the integrity of the Bible.

He will be sadly missed. My prayers are with you all during this time.

Dr. Letis made his mark for Truth. His life and studies were a torch of Light in a theological gloom.
He has left us with a legacy which cannot be hushed. His writings in support of the Ecclesiastical Text were unique and eye-opening. I have benefitted greatly from his having lived among us.

Susan and family,
I was quite shocked to hear this news.
I have Ted's books and he and I corresponded a bit a few years ago.
He thought it interesting I lived on Edinburg St. here in St. Louis, Missouri and he went to school at Edinburgh as well as some schooling in Springfield, Mo.

I so enjoyed his work and the precious historical nuggets he brought out in his books.

May the Lord reward him richly for his labors and contribution in the Christian community.

Oh man. Ted, I still can't believe it. I've known of you for a long time, but I got to know you when you and Alison came to visit us for a weekend. I kew you were deep, I knew you were talented, but I never knew how perfect a laugh you had. I don't really know how or why but that weekend together brought me closer to you and Alison than I thought possible. You're tremendous sense of humor left such a profound impact upon me. My heart breaks for Alison and your family, but my ears still hear your laugh; they always will. We miss you, friend.

It was my privilege to meet Ted Letis when he came to lecture at our church many years ago. Over the years we have kept in contact and he was always kind and helpful. May the God of all comfort bestow His love upon Ted's family.

I did not get the chance to know Ted as so many have known him.But I am getting to know him in his death.
He played the blues with my husband.He played with my husband the night he passed.He would put chills on you when he playd the harmonica and when he would sing.He loved the blues.When the music was over on june 23rd he left with a smile on his face and happy as could be.He left smiles on all of his muscians friends faces.I am thankful for the recordings that my husband recorded of them playing music together in our studio.His great talent will be missed dearly by the musicians lives he has touched as well as all the lives he has touched in his life.

Since his death,my family has been touched by learning who he was and what he believed in. We always knew that he was a special person and now we know why.My husband and I feel in our hearts that we are to learn something from him in death and may God and his angle "Ted" guide us to that.Not only has he left us with his wonder music,he also left us with his words and wisdom of his life that we did not get the privilege to know.


Our prayers go out to his family and all the people lives he has touched.
My family and I will continue to search for his words to read and his tapes he has made.He will forever be in our heart and life.
We miss you "catfish cottonmouth"!
Mark,Michele and Ariel
"The Seminole family"

Dr. Letis had a profound influence on my life. I will greatly miss him. He leaves behind a tremendous void that will be hard to fill. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. May the Lord comfort them.

Our dearest friend Ted--To many he was known for his scholarly endeavours, to me, he was an integral part of a close group of friends for the last six years. From visits to the beach to holidays spent with good food, wine and conversation amongst a diverse group of souls. It will be quite difficult in the months to come not hearing his laughter and impasssioned voice over a glass of fine cabernet. My deepest love to Alison and his children for their loss. He will be truly missed.

Dr. Letis was a rare scholar and a visionary like few men I have ever known. May his labor and burden for the Church bear much fruit! May others take up the torch he so proudly bore! May God grant strength and comfort to those he has left behind. I know I will miss him greatly.

For a few years I have maintained a web site that has resources of Dr. Letis (www.holywordcafe.com/bible/). I am thankful that he took his work to the web, a forum which is in desperate need of good moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance.

I was very sad to hear the news of his passing. My prayers go out to the family and those who knew him and learned from him. Ted was a great defender of the Word of God and I am thankful for his stand and convictions (even when this stand was "against the flow" of modern textual criticism methods). Please know that he is missed. His labors will not be forgotten.

.

It is with a heavy heart that we go forward without our dear, dear friend Ted Letis. And it is our deepest sympathy that goes out to Alison Woller. There was no truer, loyal, and supportive person. We grieve for you Alison and we grieve for Ted's dear children. Ted was a man who walked in many worlds and was loved by all who came to know him, even if for a short time. He will be sorely missed by his friends here in Atlanta. A great man was among us and now he is gone.

We extend our sympathy to Ted's family. It was our priviledge to get to know this outstanding man of God if only for a brief period of time.

Dr. Letis will surely be missed by so many of us who learned from him.

There shall be an empty chair dedicated to Ted in the forums I chair. It's his. No one can be seated there. The final salute is rendered by this Old Marine to my dear brother in Christ.

The Veitchs shall pray for Sue, Grace and Ted, Jr., that this ache and pain subsides. It hurts bad.

But as it does, by God's grace, we shall buy every book and search for every article he cited in his marvellous writings. He would have it no other way. I was reading Ted's Majority Text yesterday when I got the news.

Suffer, Lord, our trust not to falter, but to carry on, through the Light of the World, our only Advocate and Mediator, Jesus. Amen.

Ted Letis was a most extraordinary Christian scholar who served the Lord and His people uniquely by defending the text of God's Holy Word. Gifted with a fervent zeal for the mystery of the infallible Scriptures, he devoted his life to expounding the truth in a day when many in the church have been confused. His contribution will be remembered in history like those of Dean Burgon and Dr. Hills as crucial in preserving a due regard for the whole Word of God. He will be missed around the world for many years to come.

Though I never met Dr. Letis personally, I once had the pleasure of “rubbing elbows” with him on a Christian forum, where he was kind enough to offer some encouragement. Were it not for his tireless effort, I would not have been introduced to sound scholarship in defense of the God's Holy Word. Although his death is a great loss to the Christian Church, I pray that the Lord will continue to bless His Church through Dr. Letis's work.

My sincere condolences to Ted's family as they deal with their tragic loss through this very difficult time. May Sue, Grace, and Ted Jr. know the grace and joy of the Lord in their lives.

I came to know Dr. Letis through online forums and referals. He helped me greatly in my study of the Biblical texts. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing, though my spirit rejoices that he is with our Lord.

May God sustain his family in this difficult time.

Our prayers and sympathy go to Dr. Letis' family. He was an encouragement to me on reformed discussion via the internet. To the Almighty Lord and Saviour be the honor and glory forever.

I only met him online, but immediately recognized and appreciated a giant in the faith. Ted, was difficult, and rarely had patience for fools; but he was the same kind of difficult as Martin Luther, or John Calvin. He was uncompromising, and yet when he senses a truly questioning heart he immediately responded with encouragement. A good friend who I never met. May the Lord support this family. "He giveth his beloved sleep"--Psalms.

I am saddened to hear of Ted's passing; he was a good friend and a scholar who strongly stood for the overall integrity of the New Testament text. He will be missed.

Ted was a dear friend and teacher, I will miss him although he is rejoicing with his Creator and Lord. My sympathies and love for his family, such a generous and great man will be missed and I can't imagine the loss you must feel. But, I am sure you are encourage and hold on to the hope we have in Christ.

God bless you and keep you in His grace and peace.

I met Dr. Letis over two years ago on the internet and I have followed him all of this time on the various forums. I have grown to admire and respect him very much. He even helped me personally on some of my own problems by personal email and was always so warm and gracious when he responded. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I will miss him very much.

My sympathies with the family at this time. I thank God for Ted's life and especially for his contributions to important theological discussion with us here in England.

It was a joy to have Ted stay with me on his visit to the UK a year ago and to have him speak at various meetings. If the family need help dealing with any matters on this side of the Atlantic then please let me know.

I am sure that our church Annual Assembly, at which Ted spoke last year, will be full of the memory of him when we meet on Saturday 2nd July 2005.

I will endeavour to remember the family in my prayers. It is a terrible shock to myself so far away so I pray that the Lord will really be close to you to help you. Also praying that the work will continue through the books and that others will continue the work.

I met him on line, on a discussion list and watched him merrily refusing to accept the status quo of the church. He was the sort of man you were first amazed by and then came to respect as you interacted with him. I feel honored that he bothered to interact with me. A faithful warrior has gone home to his Lord. Our prayers will go up for his family.

I've known Dr Letis online through several theological discussion groups over the years and was quite disheartened to hear of his passing. My prayers are with his family and I pray for their hearts and minds to be comforted during the very difficult journey ahead.

It is hard to imagine a world without brother Letis. I will always cherish the wisdom he gave me and the battles we fought together for the Holy Word of God. He strengthened my faith, renewed my mind, and urged me to always press on for Christ. I praise God that our paths crossed and I could call Ted a friend and brother in Christ.
To the family, may God's grace and love hold you up in this difficult time, and may we all rejoice once again when we gather together before the Lord. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

I appreciated Theodore’s friendship some years ago and lament his untimely passing.