James LaGrand

Background

LaGrand,, James was born on April 24, 1941 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Son of James and Katherine Tornga LaGrand.

Education

AM, University Michigan, 1968. Master of Divinity, Yale University, 1968. Doctor of Theology, Basel University, Switzerland, 1989.

Career

English master St. Paul's College, Zaria, Nigeria, 1963-1965. Lecturer Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, 1965-1966. Minister Garfield Church, Chicago, 1969-1974, All Nations Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1977-1987, Beacon Light Church, Gary, Indiana, since 1993.

Ecumenical scholar British Council of Churches, Sheffield, England, 1974-1976. Lecturer, supervisor Chicago Semester, 1991-1992. Founding president Chicago Westside Christian School, 1970—1971.

Chair faith and order Halifax-Dartmouth Council, 1978—1985. Member executive committee Christian Reformed World Missions, Grand Rapids, 1980—1985. Consultant in urban ministry, Chicago, 1990—1993.

Achievements

• Ordained to ministry Christian Reformed Church North America, 1969.

Membership

Board directors Westside Community Organization, Chicago, 1970—1974. Organizer Anti-Apartheid Coalition, Halifax, 1980—1985. Christian spokesman Muslim-Christian Dialogue, 1980—1982.

Member Interfaith Clergy Council, Gary, Indiana, 1993—2005. Fellow: Institute Biblical Research. Member: Urban Mission Board, Chicago Society Biblical Research, Tyndale Fellowship Biblical Research, Society Biblical Literature, American Society Church History.

Interests

• Urban silvaculture, church history, linguistics, city politics.

Connections

Married Virginia Ann VanderMeer, June 5, 1963. Children: David, John Patrick, Paul Damien, Peter.

Father:

James LaGrand

Mother:

Katherine Tornga LaGrand

Spouse:

Virginia Ann VanderMeer

child:

David LaGrand,

child:

Peter LaGrand,

child:

Paul Damien LaGrand,

child:

John Patrick LaGrand,