Lutheran Historical Conference Newsletter

Vol. 38, No. 3...August 2000...ISSN 0460-0274

Karl Park, 1924–2000

The Rev. Karl M. Park died June 14, 2000, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a member of the LHC and had served as the North Carolina Synod Assistant Archivist for more than a decade, following his retirement to Salisbury. As assistant archivist, Karl assisted researchers and other day to day responsibilities for the synod archives, often assisted by his wife Miriam. Karl also served on the Board of Trustees of the James R. Crumley Jr. Archives for ELCA Region 9.

Karl was also chair of the Committee on Historical Work of the Synod during this same time period, which was a most productive time. The committee published a new narrative history of the synod, All One Body: the Story of the North Carolina Lutheran Synod, 1803-1993, and an account of Lutheran pastoral ministry spanning six decades, The Samuel Rothrock Diaries, 1834-1893, in two volumes, 1994 and 1999. Under Karl's leadership the committee virtually completed preparing a new and expanded edition of Life Sketches of Lutheran Ministers: North Carolina and Tennessee Synods, 1773-1965. The new edition of Life Sketches with brief biographies of clergy serving in the synod up to July 1, 2000, is expected to go to the printer in fall 2000.

Karl was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, June 24, 1924, the son of the Rev. George H. C. and Mary Park. He was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College and Southern Seminary and was ordained in 1952. He served several parishes in South and North Carolina, including Daniel Lutheran Church, Lincolnton, North Carolina, one of the oldest in the synod founded 1774. Karl also served as chaplain in the U.S. Army-Air Force in World War II; was instrumental in founding Lutheran Family Services of the North Carolina Synod; and was director of the Lutheran Children's Home, Salem, Virginia.

Karl is survived by his wife Miriam Horton Park and their four children: Mary Jane Park, Terry Park Hannon, Robert H. Park, and Karl Henry Park. Two brothers and a sister also survive: Conrad Park, the Rev. Harold Park. Presiding ministers at the funeral services at St. John's Lutheran Church, Salisbury, June 27, 2000, included Dr. Leonard H. Bolick, North Carolina Synod bishop, the Revs. John Tucker and Jennifer Ginn. Those wishing to send condolences may contact Mrs. Park at: 1500 Parkview Circle, Salisbury, NC 28144; 704-633-2497.

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