David G. Buttrick

David Buttrick

David G. Buttrick was born in New York City. He was the youngest son of Rev. George A. Buttrick, a pastor committed to com- munity outreach, and his wife, Agnes Gardner. David attended Haver- ford College and then pur- sued graduate study at Un- ion Theological Seminary, Garrett Biblical Institute and Northwestern Universi- ty. Called to ministry at First Presbyterian in Fredonia, New York, he helped design a new space of wor- ship for a congregation that had grown during his ser- vice from 35 to almost 700 members. David taught on the faculties of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, St. Meinrad School of Theolo- gy, and Vanderbilt Divinity School, where he served for almost 20 years as the Dru- cilla Moore Buffington Pro- fessor of Homiletics and Li- turgics. Offering warmth, humor, acceptance, and lively discussion, David and his wife Betty welcomed students and those in need into their home as family. A prolific author, David wrote 19 books, including his landmark work Homiletics, and in- numerous chapters in books and articles. He also spoke at colleges and churches across North America and Europe. David became a proud member of the United Church of Christ, citing its policies of inclusion and diversity. On April 22, 2017, David “side-stepped into the mys- tery of God.” He was pre- ceded in death by: his brothers John and Robert; his wife of 64 years, Betty More Allaben Buttrick; and his daughter, Anne Crumpler. He is survived by: his son-in-law David Crumpler; grandchildren Benjamin Crumpler, Rachel Crumpler, and her husband Jason Ostenson; and his niece Betty Ives Adams and her husband Stephen Adams. A service will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 12 noon at Benton Chapel at the Vanderbilt Divinity School. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to contribute to Church World Service, North Shore Animal League, Vanderbilt Divinity School, or Brookmeade Congregational Church.