05. Harry Baker Adams

Harry Baker Adams

Fifth University Chaplain and Pastor of the Church of Christ in Yale (1986-1992)

1924-2020

Harry Adams, a white man with short curly hair wearing a suit, in a black and white posed photographic portrait.

Education:

  • Yale College, 1947
  • Yale Divinity School, 1951

Life Before Yale Chaplaincy:

  • Pastor of multiple congregations
  • Yale Divinity School
  • Associate Director of Field Work (1956-1960)
  • Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology (1960-1976)
  • Associate Dean of the Divinity School (1965-1986)
  • Acting Director of Institute of Sacred Music (1983-1984, 1991-1993)

Key Contributions:

  • Consolidated relationships between the university and the chaplaincy.
  • Hired Claudia Highbaugh as associate chaplain, the first Black Yale chaplain.

Fun Fact:

  • Drove a “Yale Blue” Volkswagen beetle.
  • Walked ten miles daily.
  • Published eight books.

Life After Yale Chaplaincy:

  • Master of Trumbull College, 1987-1997
  • Acting Master of Saybrook College, 1998-1999
  • Appointed the Horace Bushnell Professor of Christian Nurture, Yale Divinity School, 1999