Huges Oliphant Old
Hughes Oliphant Old (April 13, 1933 – May 24, 2016) was a distinguished American theologian and academic, renowned for his contributions to Reformed theology and worship. Until his retirement in 2014, he held the esteemed position of John H. Leith Professor of Reformed Theology and Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary. Before this, he was a faculty member at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Old was born on April 13, 1933, and embarked on his theological journey with a Bachelor of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1958, followed by a Doctor of Theology from the University of Neuchâtel in 1971. His pastoral career began at the Penningtonville Presbyterian Church in Atglen, Pennsylvania. In the late 1970s, he served as pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he also led Bible studies for Purdue University students. In 1977, he led a mission to the Yucatán Peninsula to build a small chapel, showcasing his commitment to practical ministry and mission work.
In 1985, Old became a member of the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, NJ. He taught at Princeton Seminary from 1998 to 2003 before moving to Erskine Theological Seminary in 2004. At Erskine, he became the John H. Leith Professor of Reformed Theology and Worship and served as the dean of the Institute for Reformed Worship.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hughes Oliphant Old authored numerous influential works, including "Worship: Reformed According to Scripture," "The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship," "The Shaping of the Reformed Baptismal Rite in the Sixteenth Century," and "Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Worship." His magnum opus, the seven-volume series "The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church," remains a seminal resource on the history and practice of preaching. His 2013 book, "Holy Communion in the Piety of the Reformed Church," is considered the crowning achievement of his career, offering a comprehensive overview of the Reformed tradition of Eucharistic piety and reflection.
Hughes Oliphant Old's legacy endures through his extensive scholarly work, which continues to inform and inspire worship leaders, pastors, and theologians around the world. His profound insights and dedication to the church have left an indelible mark on the field of Reformed worship.