Rev. John W. Vannorsdall

Denomination: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Organization: Yale Divinity School

Rev. John W. Vannorsdall (1924–2020) was a distinguished Lutheran pastor and chaplain celebrated for his impactful preaching, dedicated ministry, and commitment to social activism.

A graduate of Harvard University in 1945, Vannorsdall earned his divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1948. He further studied social ethics at the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Early in his career, he pastored Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, Connecticut, from 1951 to 1957.

In 1957, Vannorsdall became Lutheran Campus Pastor at Cornell University and subsequently chaplain at Gettysburg College (1962–1976). At Gettysburg, he notably championed social activism and created service projects that encouraged students' active participation in community welfare.

In 1976, Vannorsdall was appointed the fourth University Chaplain at Yale University and Pastor of the Church of Christ in Yale, serving until 1985. His groundbreaking tenure included hiring Yale’s first female associate chaplains and associate pastors. Known for his eloquent yet accessible prayers, he became the first Lutheran and the first chaplain without a Yale degree to hold the position.

From 1986 to 1990, he served as President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Additionally, from 1976 to 1990, he regularly preached on "The Protestant Hour," now known as Day1.

Rev. Vannorsdall passed away in April 2020 at the age of 95. A collection of tributes to his work, "The Unfinished Sermon: A Tribute to Rev. John Vannorsdall", was published in 2021. His extensive personal papers and correspondence are archived at Gettysburg College.

His impactful ministry continues to inspire pastors, theologians, and communities committed to faith and social justice.