In 1974 Dr. Zimmermann became president of Concordia Teacher's College in River Forest, Illinois, and I became the Sr. Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Summit, Illinois. We sat next to each other during the orientation sessions for new pastors in the Northern Illinois District simply because his last name started with a "Z" and mine started with an "S." There were no "T's, U's or V's" entering the district. I was a new graduate from the St. Louis Seminary and he was an icon in the synod because of his previous three college presidencies and many other accomplishments and services by God's grace. Immediately he introduced himself in a very open and friendly way, insisted that I call him, Paul, and from that day forward took me under his wing. My wife and I dined at his home several times and he and his beloved Jen, dined with Marge and me at our home as well. We often spoke on the phone, especially in the earlier 20 years of my ministry and we always went out of our ways to greet each other at synodical gatherings. Paul had a wonderful way of welcoming others into his world and continually witnessed to our Savior Jesus Christ and how He reveals Himself in His inerrant Word and Sacraments. Our Lord used him in many powerful ways to spread the Gospel throughout the world. He also used him to make simple, new pastors like me, feel as if what we were doing was important in God's scheme of ministering to all of His children. He always spoke the truth in love, put the best construction on everything and Gave God the glory for it all.