Whitaker Institute

A Rich History

The Whitaker Institute was founded in 1954 by Bishop Emrich as an information center for the Diocese.

The School provided training for lay visitors, lay readers, non-stipendiary clergy and perpetual deacons; offered educational opportunities for “perpetual inquirers”; and maintained a library and reading room.

In 1957 the center became a school, and The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Whitaker was hired as director.
While it was providing regularly planned education for lay people, the School’s focus in the 1960’s was on training clergy for the many new congregations in the Diocese.

The Rev. A. Paul Nancarrow was hired as associate director in 1964. In the 1970’s the rediscovery of lay ministry prompted a re-emphasis on the development of courses for the laity to be taken to congregations throughout the Diocese.

In 1979 The Rev. Dr. Patricia Eichenlaub was hired as associate director to continue and to develop lay education and to explore methods of education.

By the 1980’s, as the laity were taking increased leadership within the Church and as the development of women’s ministry became one of full and equal partnership, the School began to belong to the people—a direction fully supported by Bishop McGehee. In 1983, Whitaker retired, the School was renamed to honor his leadership, and Eichenlaub was named director.

Visibility of the School increased through initiation of a newsletter, a display at Diocesan Convention, and a Convention luncheon hosted by the newly developed Alumni and Friends Association.

In 1986 The Rev. Robert Wollard was hired as field director of the Huron District to develop educational opportunities in the northern reaches of the Diocese. In 1990 the Ministry Studies Program (now Deacon Formation Program) was launched to provide formation and more directed field experience for deacons, and to meet the needs of laity who wanted systematic training and education. In 1994, the Diocese of Michigan divided to form the Eastern Diocese of Michigan and the Diocese of Michigan. In 1998 Eichenlaub concluded her service at the Whitaker School of Theology, having served as Director and Dean of Studies for 19 years.

In August, 1998 Denise B. Crenshaw was named the third Dean and first lay person to hold this position.

In this decade the Whitaker School administrative offices returned to the Episcopal Church Center and this put the school in a great position to provide educational offerings in direct response to requests made of the Bishop and Diocese.
Prior to Denise's departure in June, 2008, she served 10 years as the Director and Dean of Studies and is directly responsible for designing and implementing some powerful programs. One such is the Leadership Development Program which has been greatly successful.

In 2009, the school welcomed a new Executive Director, Karen S. Robinson. Prior to her arrival she had been Special Assistant for Advancement at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina and Executive Director of the Siouxland Labor-Management Committee in Sioux City, Iowa. Karen is a member of Trinity in the Woods, Farmington Hills.

Looking Forward

Throughout the past 50 years there have been countless instructors, committee members, board members, students, contributors and friends of the Whitaker School. It is noteworthy that many of the Whitaker Instructors provide their services as a contribution.

The School continues its tradition of responding to the educational needs of the people of the Diocese, and of developing and maintaining relationships with the wider community and other educational institutions in the Diocese.
We look to the next 50 years for meaningful ministry with the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan.

Throughout the life and ministry of the Whitaker School, the staff, board of directors and the Bishop have remained committed to providing quality educational opportunities for the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan at an affordable rate and will continue to do so!

Karen Robinson joined the Whitaker School of Theology in 2009.
Should you have any questions regarding the Whitaker School of Theology, course offerings or programs please contact her at (313) 833-4412 or email krobinson@edomi.org.