REV. ORVAL WILLIMANN - PASTOR EMERITUS

February 12, 1933 - June 30, 2023

Dr. Willimann graduated from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL, in 1955. He then attended seminary at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, MO, graduating in 1959. He was awarded a doctor of Ministry by The Theological School of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, in 1990.

Dr. Willimann was called to Bethlehem Church in 1974 after serving as Senior Pastor at Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville, MO, for 10 years, and four years at St. Paul United Church of Christ and Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Gerald, MO.

While serving Bethlehem Church, Rev. Willimann served the United Church of Christ not only locally but extensively both nationally and state-wide. Just a few examples would be: chairing the Boards of Eden Seminary and the Evangelical Homes of Michigan; Board member Olivet College’s Board of Directors; appointments by the President of the United Church of Christ to several advisory committees; one of the founding ministers of the Great Lakes Conclave; co-chair of Consultation XVIII Parish Ministers in 1993; served on numerous committees and task forces for the Michigan Conference UCC. In the Ann Arbor area, Dr. Willimann was appointed by the Mayor of Ann Arbor to serve on the committee to establish the current Shelter Association; member of the Advisory Committee, Washtenaw County Council of Mental Health; member of the Board of Directors of the Ecumenical Campus Center.