Farewell, Father Kurt

3/10/2010
Last week, farewell celebrations were held at both campuses for Father Kurt Gerhard, who is leaving St. Andrew's to become rector of St. Patrick's Church in Washington, D.C. Kurt came to St. Andrew's in 1997 as a BTC staffer while attending the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. After graduation, he became the Lower and Middle School chaplain, a position he held for eight years. For the past year, he has served as the school's senior chaplain and interim Upper School chaplain.

On Tuesday, March 2, the Upper School students and faculty regaled Kurt with gifts and blessings during chapel, followed by a special reception. Head of School Lucy Nazro presented him with two reminders of his time in Texas: a Texas flag that had flown over the State Capitol the previous day and a certificate verifying his status as an honorary Texan (he is a native Nebraskan). In addition, she presented him with the official St. Andrew’s flag that flew over the Upper School the entire time he served as chaplain adorned by hundreds of signatures and blessings from students and faculty. The congregation then gave him a standing ovation in thanksgiving for his devoted years of service. 

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On Friday, March 5, it was the Lower and Middle Schools' turn to host a farewell get-together for Father Kurt. Students presented him with an array of cards and letters to remember them as they expressed their goodbyes and best wishes. The Middle School presented Kurt with a custom-made stole featuring the names of all the current Middle School students and faculty members. 

Photos

Father Kurt's final day at St. Andrew's will be Friday, March 12. We wish him well on his journey!