Who was Ernie Campbell?

 

Who was Ernie Campbell?

Born on August 17 the , 1927 in Evanston, Illinois. 

Ernie died, on March 27 the , 2023 at his home in

Walla Walla, Washington. He was 95 years old. 

Ernest Francis Campbell was a; son, brother, friend, 

camper, counselor, singer, story-teller, mountain 

climber, backpacker, priest, sailor, leader,

Rotarian, mentor, husband, father and above all, a 

good man. This blog is a collection of his writing, his

 words, preached to various congregations, at 

different times in history over the years that he 

served as a priest in the Episcopal church.

Why read these sermons?

I once asked him, “Dad, what is a sermon?” He paused and then answered, “A sermon is me -- working 

out my faith, out-loud.” Reading these sermons can give a glimpse into the life of a Godly man,

 working out his faith, with honest reflection, for the people he served and loved. I believe that 

spending time with him, in these sermons, can enliven our own faith, and inspire us to serve with his

 passion for participating – for showing up – for being real.

Ernie Campbell grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan in a above-garage apartment, the

son of a chauffeur and a housewife. About himself he said, “I was told that, when I was an infant,

I was handed to my grandmother who said (after looking me over), “This child is going to be a

Priest!” He would go on to say, “Nothing could have been further from my mind.”

He wrote that Psalm 71:17 described his life: “O God, you have taught me since I was young,

and to this day I tell of your wonderful words.” He went on to say, “I count myself extremely

fortunate to have had a church home, and Godly teachers, since I was young.

His early years were spent; riding his bike (everywhere), learning to swim, sail, and canoe (on

the lake), attend school and sing in the Christ Church Men and Boys Choir. He said, “Singing in

the choir nurtured me in Christ’s good company without consciously taking one step in the

direction of the priesthood.” He said, “I was both surprised and shocked with the Rector of that

parish suggested that I become a Postulant for Holy Orders.”

Ernie graduated from New Trier High School in 1946. He earned a B.A. in speech from

Northwestern University in 1950, and then walked across the street to Seabury-Western where he

earned is Masters of Divinity in 1953. He became an ordained priest on December 3, 1953.

Married to his wife Margaret Carruthers on February 2, 1954, and together they had four

children; Kathy, Debbie, Martha, and David.

He served in five positions over the course of his ministry;

Curate at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Evanston Ill. He said, “I had a true new young

priest’s honeymoon.” There were lots of great dinner parties and one very special parish call

where he met his future wife, Margaret.

Chaplin at Break School in Golden Valley Minnesota. He served as the Chaplin and learned

that he had to be his own person. He gave exciting chapel talks using the Gospels. There is still

an Ernie Campbell award given every year at Break for “self-giving love for Break.”

Assistant priest at St. George’s in Golden Valley Minnesota. He served six years with a team

ministry that really clicked. He helped introduce the healing ministry and people like Jack

Sanford, Mort Kelsoy and Robert Johnson to that congregation. He and Margaret had four very

little children about then and he said often, “It was Margaret, who on many freezing and

Minnesota Sunday mornings, would single handedly dress all four children in their Sunday best,

but on 4 snow suits, 4 wool hats 8 mittens and 8 overshoes and get them to church by 9:00 a.m.”

Dean of The Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior in Faribault Minnesota. Of his time there he

said, “I learned that in adversity there is strength, and that super conservatism is a drag.” His

ministry there was during the time of the prayer book revision, and felt that some of the

discomfort generated by that much change was projected onto him.

Rector at St. Paul’s in Walla Walla, Washington. This is the church where he served out his

ministry. Of St. Paul’s he said, “It has the right feel, and exciting potential. Walla Walla has the

best ecumenical relations I have ever know.” Long after his retirement date, you would be able to

find Ernie serving as an interim priest, doing regular supply, and special services. He stopped

preaching at the age of 92, when he found it difficult to stand.

There is so much more that can be said about him. So much more to learn from him. In 1998 he

received a special citation award from the Walla Walla Rotary Club. The award highlighted some

of Ernie’s typical responses when he was approached to help with projects and weekly meetings.

He would say, “Sure! I will always be available. How can I help? Just call on me.” The award

thanks Ernie for that attitude, and for his truly ecumenical respect for all persons, religions and

walks of life.

I think everyone who knew Ernie Campbell, would report being able to see just what the Rector

of Christ Church saw; a man of extraordinary empathy, compassion, and enthusiasm for life!