In the annals of Stephen McCray Smith’s stellar academic career — ranging from undergraduate study at Stanford University to more than two decades as a professor at Trinity Seminary in Ambridge — the 1963 school year at Multnomah University in Oregon stands out as an exception.
“We didn’t get very good grades that year,” laughed his wife, Joyce, who was an undergraduate there while Dr. Smith was in graduate school. “We fell in love in the fall and got married in June.”
Dr. Smith died Sunday from Parkinson’s disease. He was 70.
“He was just a great teacher,” said Bishop John Rodgers, former dean and president of Trinity Seminary who hired Dr. Smith in 1981 to teach Christian doctrine and ethics. “He gave his students a sense that they’d really have a chance to master something — not just survey it.”
One of God’s truly marvelous saints–he preaching at our wedding. Read it all–KSH.
Amen.
Steve Smith was a good friend and colleague on the Trinity faculty. I was grateful to be back in the States and be with him several hours before he died. He fought the good fight and has now received the crown of glory that will never fade away.
The funeral, I understand, is at St. Stephen’s Church in Sewickley, PA at 10am on Saturday Sept. 25.
Steve’s humor, intelligence and humility were matched only by his love of the Lord. I count myself fortunate to have been a friend and student of his.
“Dan Tuton” didn’t quite have the right ring to Steve. He rechristened me “Rudy.” Rudy Tuton. Steve was a delightful character and an incredible educator. He is undoubtedly talking Platonic ethics or wisecracking at the Banquet Table. God bless him, and warmest condolences to Joyce.
I met Steve at the picnic for new students and knew then that I had made a good choice to go to Trinity. Later on, I found his classes refreshing and stimulating. Praise God that our Lord Jesus Christ gives us the victory–including a resurrected body for Steve without the Parkinsons.
I was blessed to have Steve as an advisor, teacher, and friend from 85-88. He gave me the tools to think theologically, tools that have served me well my entire ministry. Steve preached my ordination to the priesthood and I not only remember the sermon vividly, I try to live his words every day. I also remember his lectures that often began, “Let’s think this through together.” I will be eternally thankful for the gift of his life.
Steve was a true mentor for me at TESM. He sparked my interest in apologetics, and nobody could impersonate Jack Spong like Steve Smith! He stirred us all out of lazy thinking, forcing us to defend orthodoxy, presenting the “best shot” from the skeptics and helping us to see their falacies. I will never forget Steve’s homily at my ordination to the Priesthood, offering “bleats” as a sheep to a young shepherd, to pray, teach, love the congregation, and especially to take care of my family and health, being careful not to burn out. What a bright light from an amazing family!