09/19/2026
A Legacy of Faithful Service: Central Seminary Faculty Who Served 30+ Years
As Central Seminary reflects on its 125-year history, we give thanks for faculty members whose decades of service shaped generations of students, pastors, scholars, and ministry leaders. Their commitment to theological education helped define Central's mission and legacy.
Benjamin Reno Downer (1908-1938) | 30 Years
When Benjamin R. Downer joined Central in 1908 as professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, he began a remarkable three-decade ministry of teaching and leadership. He served as acting president from 1927-1928 during a time of transition following President Crannell's resignation due to ill health. Downer helped expand the curriculum, introducing a course in archaeology in 1932, and earned recognition for his scholarship through publications such as The Pathos of the Life and Ministry of Jeremiah (1918) and The Added Years of Hezekiah's Life (1923).
Following the death of his wife, Marie Boddie Downer, he established the Marie Boddie Downer Memorial for the Women's Training School. Their daughter, Sara Boddie Downer, a graduate of the Training School, carried the family's commitment to service around the world as a missionary and educator in China. Dr. Downer retired in March 1938 after 30 years of faithful service and passed away in 1946.
George M. Johnson (1941-1971) | 30 Years
For three decades, George M. Johnson taught theology to countless Central students. Joining the faculty in August 1941, he served in several academic roles, including professor of biblical theology and exegesis, professor of Christian theology, and professor of biblical theology. Granted tenure in 1962, Johnson retired on July 31, 1971, and was elected professor emeritus. His steady presence provided continuity and theological depth during a period of significant change in theological education.
Robert Victor Unmack (1950-1982) | 32 Years
Robert V. Unmack combined academic excellence with creativity and innovation. After serving as a student instructor and fellow in New Testament in 1948, he joined the faculty in 1950, becoming a full professor in 1955. He taught New Testament until his death in 1982.
Beyond the classroom, Unmack directed Central's Seminary Chorus and the beloved "Singing Preachers," leading extensive ministry tours across the country. Alongside Dr. Fred Young, he guided annual Bible Lands study tours for more than two decades. He also championed educational innovation through his vision for a multi-media center that equipped faculty and students to develop media-assisted teaching tools. A memorial fund was established in his honor following his death in 1982.
Henry Richard Moeller (1955-1988) | 33 Years
A Central graduate who earned multiple degrees from the seminary, Henry Moeller devoted nearly his entire professional life to the institution. Beginning as an student instructor in Greek in 1951 and joining the faculty in 1955, he taught biblical languages and New Testament studies for 33 years. He also served as librarian beginning in 1978 and filled numerous instructional and administrative roles throughout his career.
Although formally retiring in 1988, Dr. Moeller continued teaching as an adjunct instructor until 1999, extending his influence on Central students for more than four decades.
Fred E. Young (1955-1988) | 33 Years
Internationally known scholar, dean, pastor, translator, and traveler, Fred Young joined Central's faculty in 1955 and served for 33 years as professor of Old Testament Studies. His scholarship in Hebrew studies and ancient languages earned him international recognition, and he later developed the renowned Kansas Qumran Bibliographic Project devoted to research on the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Students remember him not only for his scholarly excellence but also for the Bible Lands tours he led with Dr. Robert Unmack, opening the biblical world to generations of learners. He retired in 1988, leaving a profound impact on both Central and the broader academic community.
David M. May (1994-2024) | 30 Years
The most recent member of this distinguished group, David May served Central Seminary for 30 years as professor of New Testament, Landreneau Guillory Chair of Biblical Studies, director of the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program, and leader in numerous faculty roles. A gifted teacher and respected scholar, he inspired students to read Scripture with curiosity, care, and wonder.
In addition to publishing books and articles, Dr. May led study tours to Israel, Greece, and Turkey, served on professional boards, helped pioneer Central's online education program, and provided leadership across virtually every area of academic life. Upon his retirement in 2024, colleagues and students celebrated the extraordinary influence he had on generations of learners.
Across more than a century, these faculty members dedicated over 188 years of combined service to Central Seminary. Their scholarship, leadership, mentorship, and faithfulness continue to shape our community today. We give thanks for their enduring legacy and the lives they touched through theological education.
