The Rev. Wolfgang Krismanits has something in common with Gov. Schwarzenegger — both were born in Graz, Austria.
But the pastor of St. James Anglican Church, the historic Red Church in downtown Sonora, moved to the United States when he was 5 months old, long before the governor started lifting weights.
Krismanits’ father was a printer and bookbinder who found work in Moline, Ill. Krismanits, 55, grew up swimming competitively and played the viola from about fifth grade until his senior year in high school, when he switched to the guitar.
That senior year, he said, was difficult. He had problems with teachers and coaches — a math teacher expressed doubts Krismanits would “make it in the world” and an English teacher planned to fail him until “I literally got down on my knees and begged her for a ‘D.’ ”
Love this guy.
Straight-arrow, biblically focused, pastoral-minded, steeped in tradition, smart and Reason-able.
Lover of Jesus.
And he LOOKS like he’s from Austria, doesn’t he, especially in his winter sweater!
Wolf and I have been together in the diocese all this time, and worked so many times together on groups, committees, tasks, etc. He always bring an intensity of scriptural Faith and Practice, along with (as I) his bible.
But he is also humble — if he thinks he has said something offensive or (God forbid) overly passionate in the application of biblically Christian standards, he is quick to make amends by email, phone, letter.
God bless you, Wolf, as you embark on your next great adventure in Christ.
Rob