October 6 Today in OPC History

Bob Eckardt has worn many hats in his life, quite literally speaking. When he served as the Moderator of the 74th General Assembly of the OPC in 2007, he wore a red ball cap with a white “P” imprinted on the front, and claimed (on behalf of the levity committee) that this stood for “Pilgrim.” When questioned about this further, he quipped, “OK, just kidding, it really means ‘Presbyterian.’” On a tour with friends to several Midwestern Major League baseball stadiums, Bob made sure to purchase a hat representing each team. He generally rooted for the home team, unless that team was playing his favorite franchise: the Phillies (the real meaning of the “P” on his cap at GA!)

On this date in 1979, Bob and Karen Eckardt were married. They met when Bob was pastoring Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio—at the time, a new church plant in the Presbytery of Ohio. Karen had grown up in Ohio and attended Miami University (Oxford, OH). Bob is the son of the late OPC pastor Robert W. Eckardt, and spent his childhood in various churches in New Jersey, Illinois, and Delaware. He received a bachelor of science degree at Geneva College and then began graduate studies at Indiana University, intending to pursue a teaching career in chemistry. But sensing a calling to pastoral ministry, he followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Westminster Theological Seminary (PA), graduating with an M.Div degree. Bob went on to serve a summer internship with Pastor Wilson Albright in LaHabra, CA.

From Columbus, Bob went on to minister in many congregations and church plants: serving as pastor at Matthews OPC, Matthews, NC (1985–1991), then as a school principal at Covenant Christian back in Columbus (1991–1994), then as a minister at Providence OPC, Lenoir, NC (1994–1997). The Eckardts subsequently moved to Chattanooga, TN where Bob served as the organizing pastor of Cornerstone OPC in Chattanooga, TN (1997–2001), then as her pastor (2001–2005). There he ministered to dozens, if not hundreds, of students from Covenant College who attended the church over the years, including the present author and his wife. The final leg of his active ministerial journey brought him back to Ohio, as he served as pastor at Redeemer OPC, Dayton from 2005–2020.

Karen has served faithfully by Bob’s side, showing a warm smile and welcome to visitors and hospitality to many a college student far away from home. She also was instrumental in the formation of an ESL ministry at Redeemer OPC, and befriended many refugees and international students in her work in adult education in the greater Miami Valley.

Pastor Bob and Karen are now retired and living in Chattanooga, near their three adult children. They enjoy spending time with their two grandchildren. You might also find them at the sushi bar or kayaking down the Tennessee River.

A haiku congratulating Bob and Karen on their anniversary:

Buckeye boomerangs
Choo-Choo down South, back again
Two score, one, and more!

Editor’s Note: Today’s entry was written by Ken Montgomery.