Service to be held today for former Brite minister
Kenneth Teegarden, former president of the Christian Church and minister of Brite Divinity School, died Sunday.
By Sarah McNamara
Staff Reporter

A memorial service for Kenneth L. Teegarden will be at 1 p.m. today at University Christian Church.

Teegarden, 80, died Sunday from complications related to a cerebral aneurysm he suffered in May.

Teegarden served as former president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and distinguished minister in residence of the Brite Divinity School.

“He was a very courageous but humble man,” said Joseph Jeter, professor of homiletics. “In his time here, he became a mentor to students and faculty.”

Teegarden was born Dec. 22, 1921, in Cushing, Okla. and attended Oklahoma State University, Phillips University and Brite Divinity School.

Teegarden retired as the general minister and president of the Christian Church in 1985 after 12 years in the position, and returned to Brite as a minister in residence.

Jeter said Teegarden took on responsibilities that many did not have time for, including taking charge of programs, teaching classes and speaking with students.

“He really became all things to all people while he was here,” Jeter said.

Mark Toulouse, professor of American religious history, said Teegarden worked very closely with students, by fulfilling the roles of mentor and counselor and sharing his vast experiences and advice.

“He is a person well beloved to this community,” Toulouse said.

Teegarden is also nationally recognized for his efforts in restructuring the denomination of the Christian Church.
He was survived by his wife, two sons and four grandsons.