Wedel, Theodore Otto

(Feb. 19, 1892-July 20, 1970). Preacher, lecturer, and educator. He was born in Halstead, Kansas. Wedel received his B.A. from Oberlin College in 1914, his M.A. from Harvard in 1915, and his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1918. He was instructor in English at Yale, 1919-1922, professor of English at Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, 1922-1930, and professor of biography at Carleton, 1930-1934. He studied theology at Marburg University. Wedel was ordained deacon on Sept. 24, 1929, and priest on May 31, 1930. Wedel began his ordained ministry as secretary for college work of the National Council of the Episcopal Church. In 1939 he became director of studies at the College of Preachers and canon chancellor of Washington Cathedral. From 1943 until 1960 he was warden of the College of Preachers. Wedel was president of the House of Deputies at the 1952, 1955, and 1958 General Conventions. He was a very popular lecturer and preacher. Among his many books were The Christianity of Main Street (1950) and The Coming Great Church (1945). He also wrote the exposition of Ephesians in The Interpreter's Bible (1953). Wedel died in Alexandria, Virginia.