The centennial celebration of Palmer Theological Seminary and Eastern University was marked by a spirit-filled worship service that brought together public figures, ecclesiastical leaders, and political dignitaries in a powerful gathering of thanksgiving and praise. The atmosphere was charged with reverence and joy as voices united in worship, testifying to God's unwavering faithfulness throughout the institution’s 100-year journey. One attendee commented, “It was a 2-hour service but I was fully engaged; the speakers had me on the edge of my seat.” Along with uplifting music led by Dr. Steven Ford and the centennial choir, inspiring messages were delivered by Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson Jr., Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Rev. Dr. Adalia Gutierrez-Lee, and Rev. Dr. Catherine E. Williams, highlighting the university's legacy of faith, reason, and justice born out of the Seminary’s century-long dedication to bear the good news of Jesus in a world desperately in need of it amid seasons of intense struggle. God has always provided. As Rev. Wilson-Hartgrove put it, “No we don’t turn stones into bread, we trust God to rain bread down from heaven. We trust the gift that created us to sustain us one generation after another; it is God’s faithfulness that we depend on.”
A special tribute of remembrance for Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo was offered by Robert Gauthier, Executive Director of the Campolo Center for Ministry (CCM), and Rev. Jane Filken, Director of Leadership Development and Spiritual Formation at CCM. As the service concluded, a renewed sense of mission filled the room, affirming that the same God who had guided the past century would continue to lead us into the future. “Oh God give us holy vision,” exclaimed Dr. Williams, “an expansive vision, a God-sized vision, as we look forward to the next 100 years.”