Eden’s Press Hall tower witnesses to the presence and mission of the Seminary. In October, the Tower is illuminated in orange in honor of Disabilities Awareness. Eden Seminary’s curriculum and mission forms leaders to resist able-ism.
As part of this commitment, Eden participated as one of 16 sponsors of an event held on campus in July by Paraquad, a St. Louis organization that champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education and advocacy. The event “Disability Rights and the Breaking of Chains” was a celebration of the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event celebrated Rev. Dr. Harold Wilke, who was previously a student at Eden, and was an advocacy leader in the United Church of Christ and ecumenical circles for disabilities rights. Rev. Wilke was present at the signing of the ADA in 1990. With Rev. Wilke’s encouragement, and the support of Dr. Harold Peters Schultz, Eden modified its campus in 1982 to make it accessible to those with disabilities. Eden’s elevator, accessible restroom, ramps, and automatic doors were added at that time. Eden presented Rev. Wilke with an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1993.
