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By the time I attended PTS, Dr. Metzger had retired. His presence on campus was still huge. As students, my classmates and I would regularly invite him to join us at table for meals in Mackay—sacred and precious times with a gracious gentleman who gave first his heart to God, and then to our learning and scholarship. I was raised on the RSV, and have used the NRSV since my days at Princeton. His scholarship and work have become precious to me as well. Deo gratias pro eius vita agimus (giving thanks to God because he lived).
Th. J. Edwards (M.Div., 1994)
Wichita, Kansas

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I did take a short course on Revelation that Dr. Metzger taught at PTS while I was a student there and it was wonderful. But my best memory of Dr. Metzger had to do with a skit we were writing for the annual Theologiggle performances. One of our skits required a large, early picture of Dr. Gillespie. We got an old student photo from the library archives, made the poster, and then showed it to Dr. Metzger one afternoon as he was walking through campus, to make sure the picture was easily recognizable. I’ll never forget his instant recognition and his hearty laugh when we told him the purpose of the print.
Anne Weirich (M.Div., 1998)
Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Sometime in the late 1980s, I was at Princeton for a continuing education seminar in Adams Hall. There was a scholarly group of five gray-haired men working around a table behind the glass doors, with an impressive array of big books laid out over the table. These men joined the continuing education group when we had our midmorning coffee break. As Providence would have it, I happened to stand next to a distinguished-looking white-haired gentleman. In the congenial atmosphere of the coffee break, I blurted, “What are you people doing in there?” He replied, “We are translating the Bible!” We then introduced ourselves and I was so excited to meet Bruce Metzger, and to be in the presence of this sacred work! Symbolically speaking, I removed my shoes.

I knew about Dr. Metzger’s New Testament specialty, had read his introduction to the RSV, and later would see his introduction in the NRSV. I began reading the RSV as a college sophomore; this fresh reading of Scripture was an eye-opener, resulting in a kind of second conversion. I rushed to buy the NRSV as soon as it was published and bought a copy for my wife and each of my children. I informed the congregation where I served in a pulpit and pastoral ministry that I used the NRSV because it was the translation closest to the original languages. I explained that when the community gathers for worship we should hear the most accurate reading of Scripture possible.

There were later opportunities for passing conversations with Dr. Metzger, but unfortunately he was no longer teaching when I attended Princeton. The most memorable was at the signing of his Reminiscences of an Octogenarian. I asked, “Given your experience with ancient texts, are there other writings that should have been included in the canon?” He replied, “No, I don’t think there are other writings that should have been included....Now there are five books that the Syrian Orthodox Church does not include in the Bible, but I believe they are Christians, too.” I am most grateful for Bruce Metzger’s scholarship and to have been touched by this towering figure.
Urbane Peachey (Th.M., 1998)
Lititz, Pennsylvania

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One day Professor Moffett asked me about my husband, Alf’s, age while we talked in the library parking lot, and this gave me the opportunity to inquire about his age and birthday. When Dr. Moffett’s eighty-fifth birthday came around in 2001, Alf and I had a celebratory dinner at Lahiere’s that included the Moffetts, the Metzgers, the Doweys, John and Verena Mbiti, Abigail Evans, Elizabeth G. Edwards (she and Alf shared two mutual first cousins), and Bill Harris. Alf said grace and asked Professor Metzger to offer a toast. He admitted he had never before given a toast, but rose beautifully to the occasion.

I keep a wonderful photo on my desk in my office from the Moffett dinner. It’s a wonderful reminder now of the communion of saints and also of my continuing gratitude to PTS and the PCUSA.
Jane Brady (M.Div., 1999; Th.M., 2001)
Franklin Lakes, New Jersey