Remembrance: Graydon “Grady” F. Snyder

Graydon “Grady” F. Snyder, 85, died on May 26 at Timbercrest, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in North Manchester, Ind. He was a former dean and Weiand Professor of New Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, the Church of the Brethren graduate school of theology, where he taught from 1959-87. “We can be in remembrance and prayer for a fine life of theological scholarship that has impacted several generations of ministers and members of the Church of the Brethren,” said a communication from the Bethany Pastoral Care Team. Snyder left Bethany to teach at Chicago Theological Seminary until his retirement. Over his career he wrote many books, commentaries, articles, and curriculum, including publications for Brethren Press and pieces for “Messenger” magazine. A native of Huntington, W.Va., he was a graduate of Manchester College (now Manchester University), held a bachelor of divinity degree from Bethany Seminary, obtained a doctor of theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, and did graduate work at several European universities. He was active in the Brethren Health and Welfare Association and was a member of the Governing Council of Bethany Hospital formerly located on the west side of Chicago. For many years, he and his wife Lois Horning Snyder were staunch members of Chicago First Church of the Brethren. The family is planning a burial to take place in the Chicago area, and a memorial service to be held at a future date.