04. John Vannorsdall

John Vannorsdall

Fourth University Chaplain and Pastor of the Church of Christ in Yale (1976-1985)

1924-2020

John Vannorsdall, a white man with short hair wearing a suit, smiling directly at the camera in a black and white photograph.

Education:

  • Harvard University, 1945
  • Lutheran Theological Seminary, 1948
  • Episcopal Theological Seminary in Cambridge, postgraduate study in social ethics

Life Before Yale Chaplaincy:

  • Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Haven, 1951-1957
  • University Pastor at Cornell University, 1957-1962
  • Chaplain at Gettysburg College, 1962-1976

Key Contributions:

  • Hired the first female associate chaplain and associate pastor at Yale.
  • Known for his prayers that conveyed deep messages with simple language.

Fun Facts:

  • Vannorsdall was the first chaplain to serve in the role who was not a Yale graduate.
  • He was also the first Lutheran to serve in the position.

Life After Yale Chaplaincy:

  • President, Lutheran Theological Seminary, 1986-1990