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Fort Wayne seminary dedicates expanded library

Students, faculty and guests from all over the world attended the Jan. 22 dedication of the Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS–FW), Fort Wayne, Ind.

Concordia Theological Seminary students make use of the additional space offered by the Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library on the seminary's campus in Fort Wayne, Ind. A recently completed expansion increased the size of the library from 15,000 to 63,000 square feet. (Concordia Theological Seminary) — Concordia Theological Seminary students make use of the additional space offered by the Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library on the seminary’s campus in Fort Wayne, Ind. A recently completed expansion increased the size of the library from 15,000 to 63,000 square feet. (Concordia Theological Seminary)

The day began with prayer in the seminary’s Kramer Chapel and moved to the library, where CTS–FW President Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. opened the doors and led the crowd into the completed expansion.

The larger library complex allows for more than 175,000 volumes owned by the seminary to be housed in one place and opens up additional areas for group and individual study. The expansion project — which began in April 2009 — increased the size of the library from 15,000 to 63,000 square feet. (Click here to view a video of the dedication.)

The guests of honor were Wayne and Barbara Kroemer of Zionsville, Ind., who are longtime friends of the seminary and were instrumental in the completion of the expansion.

“We saw that this would be an opportunity for us to give back for the spiritual growth we feel we experience at the seminary and to God for His many blessings. We are so pleased that many other donors felt as we do and that this beautiful and amazing library has been completed,” said the Kroemers, according to a seminary news release. “There are no greater places in the Lutheran Church to support than its seminaries, as this is where the future lies. This new, first-class building is a shining star for the Fort Wayne seminary and will be an asset that keeps giving to the students and professors here in the years ahead.”

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., President Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., left, poses with Barbara and Wayne Kroemer, who were instrumental in the expansion of the seminary's library and for whom the library is named. (Colleen Bartzsch/Concordia Theological Seminary) — Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., President Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., left, poses with Barbara and Wayne Kroemer, who were instrumental in the expansion of the seminary’s library and for whom the library is named. (Colleen Bartzsch/Concordia Theological Seminary)

“Building a structure of this magnitude certainly requires the generous gifts of our donors and we are most thankful for their selfless giving. Just as important, it shows their deep commitment to supporting the continued formation of servants of Christ on the CTS–FW campus,” commented Rast. “The resources now available in the Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library will serve to enhance the formation of future church workers as they prepare to teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all.”

The building, its books, meeting spaces and electronic resources are available for use by alumni, theologians and laypeople.

“Professional church workers of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in need of a resource not locally available may find our extension service of benefit. Through this service, we extend our circulation and reference services to those who serve our congregations and schools,” explained the Rev. Robert V. Roethemeyer, CTS–FW director of Library and Information Services. “The library can also be a destination for church groups looking for a reflective place for a retreat. Reserve one of the large group rooms in the library and punctuate your retreat with worship time in Kramer Chapel.”

To learn more about the Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library and the resources it offers, visit ctsfw.edu/Library or call 260-452-2149.

Posted Jan. 23, 2015

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Paula Schlueter Ross

Paula Schlueter Ross (1953–2019), former managing editor of Reporter, was a magna cum laude graduate of Webster University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During her nearly 35-year career with the LCMS, she wrote for both Reporter and The Lutheran Witness and often took photos to accompany her stories. Ross won 17 national writing awards from the Associated Church Press, including seven first-place “Awards of Excellence.”