November 26 Today in OPC History

On this date in 1949, Robert William Eckardt and Mary Lois Youngman were married. The wedding took place at Immanuel OPC, West Collingswood, New Jersey, with the Rev. Edward Kellogg officiating. Present also was the Rev. Robert Marsden, Mr. Eckardt's uncle.

Mr. Eckardt, then pastor of Immanuel OPC, Cresent Park, NJ, would go on to serve as pastor at Forest View OPC, Tinley Park, Ill. (1951–54), Emmanuel OPC, Wilmington, Del. (1954–1966), Covenant OPC, Vineland, N.J. (1966–1978), and Cedarloo OPC, Cedar Falls, Iowa (1978–1984). He also served as stated clerk of the 15th (1948) and 16th (1949) General Assemblies, and was elected moderator of the 32nd (1965) General Assembly in Portland, Oregon. Recognized for his ability in understanding the Form of Government and Book of Church Order, he was appointed as the inaugural instructor of those subjects for the Ministerial Training Institute of the OPC.

Bob and Mary had three sons: Robert Youngman, retired pastor at Redeemer OPC, Dayton, Ohio, Douglas Marsden, registrar at Dordt College (tragically lost in a bicycle accident in 1997) and Richard George. The Lord called Bob home on December 30, 2018 and Mary on December 23, 2020.

Picture: Robert and Mary Eckardt and their wedding party.