Arthur Van Seters, the only person to have served as a teacher and senior administrator at all three of the Presbyterian Church’s seminaries, passed away in May. He was 77.
Moderator of the 125th General Assembly, in 1999, Van Seters was born in Bronte, Ont., and ordained in 1965. He served as minister at Port Elgin, Sackville and Dorchester, N.B., and at St. Lambert, Que. In 1974 he became executive director of the Montreal Institute for Ministry at McGill University, Montreal. In 1983, he was appointed the third principal of the Vancouver School of Theology. He was also principal of Knox College, from which he retired with the title principal emeritus.
The theme was echoed in many ways. Rev. Dr. Pam McCarroll, speaking at the funeral held at Knox College, quoted one of Van Seters’ doctoral students: “I think what stands out for me about Art and his contributions to the academic community is that he was always a pastor first. Great administrator, excellent teacher but he always held the hearts and souls of the students above their intellects or the myriad of details that come with administration. He was genuine and generous in his pastoral care.”
Rev. Dr. Rick Fee, general secretary of the Life and Mission Agency, reflected on his friend and colleague at the funeral. “A grateful church gives thanks to the Giver and Sustainer of All Life for the life of Art Van Seters. When he spoke on issues of justice, it was as though we were in the presence of a prophet who had communed with the ‘still small voice of God,'” Fee said.
Van Seters had an abiding passion for social justice and was deeply committed to Presbyterian World Service and Development. One of his last public acts was to convene the PWS&D committee two weeks before his death. “He was a mentor, colleague and friend to many drawn to him by his grace – filled character. He embodied the best of what a follower of Jesus should be. His unflinching commitment to the ministry of PWS&D to the last days of his life revealed his sense of passion and understanding that the gospel must be practiced in both word and deed,” Ken Kim, director of PWS&D, told the Record.
Van Seters wrote several books on ethics and on preaching. He was also president of the Academy of Homiletics. “As a scholar,” McCarroll said, “Art was a true minister of the church, a servant of Christ—bringing his whole being to bear to the challenge of the gospel for the living of the days. For his presence among us, for his call to the church and academy, for his relentless passion, hospitality and robust thought, for all of who he was among us we are profoundly grateful. Thanks be to God. Amen.”
Upon his retirement Van Seters vowed to honour his wife, Rowena, who had supported him through his many career adventures, by cooking every meal till death do them part. And he did, avowed his son David at the funeral. Rowena and Art were high school sweethearts; they had five sons.
Van Seters was an avid gardener; he particularly loved impatiens, which he germinated in his basement. He also sculpted rocks and driftwood; a book of his art was produced by his sons.
The last thing Van Seters published in the Record was a post – chemotherapy version of Psalm 23. It closed as it opened, with an affirmation of God: “Your covenant goodness and mercy have become my constant companions and I will forever travel in your presence.”
