CTS image library: Images of the History of Christian Theological Seminary

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Christian Theological Seminary’s roots extend back to the founding of North Western Christian University (now known as Butler University) in 1850 by leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  The school was intended to offer general liberal education but also, and more specifically, to train leadership for the churches.  In 1925, a College of Religion--offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees--was established at Butler.  Its graduate ministerial degree was first accredited by the American Association of Theological Schools in 1944.

On September 17, 1958 the College of Religion at Butler, then renamed as the School of Religion, was reconstituted as a separate corporation with the name Christian Theological Seminary.  It maintained its original connection with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) while striving to be an ecumenical seminary.  An operational agreement between Butler University and the Seminary provides a continuing academic relationship between the two schools.

CTS moved to its present campus, adjacent to Butler University, on a bluff overlooking the White River in 1966.  The large brass sculpture in the main entryway (Pomodoro’s Sphere #6) symbolizes both the school’s interest in the arts  and its concern for global consciousness in ministry.  Other CTS “distinctives” are apparent in the two recently renovated residences that provide improved guest and commuter student housing (many of our students serve outlying parishes and spend only part of each week in Indianapolis) and a new conference and counseling center (we offer two strong master’s degrees in counseling).
Architectural rendering of North Western Christian University at Thirteenth and Broadway, Indianapolis, c. 1855 College of Missions building, c. 1927. Advertisement for Butler College Butler University in the Irvington community of Indianapolis, The College of Religion met on this campus its first two years. Frederick D. Kershner, Dean, Professor of Christian Doctrine, 1924-1951.
William G. Irwin,
early Board Member and supporter		 Toyozo W. Nakarai, Professor of Old Testament, near the end of his thirty-seven-year career, and Calvin L. Porter near the beginning of his thirty-seven-year career as Professor of New Testament. Architectural rendering of the College of Religion building, Butler campus. Jordan Hall on Butler University's campus, 1928. The College of Religion was located here during most of the Kershner years. School of Religion building (now known as Robertson Hall) at Butler University, 1943-1966.
Lucile Calvert,
Professor of Speech and Dramatics, 1941-1945.		 Orman Leroy Shelton,
Dean, President, Professor of Christian Ministries, 1944-1959.		  J. Irwin Miller, Xenia Simons Miller, Beauford A. Norris, Dean, President, Professor of Pastoral Theology, 1950-1974. Ronald E. Osborn, Dean, Professor of Church History, 1950-1973 Orman Sheldon, Robert Tobias, Professor of Ecumenical Theology, 1953-1964, James R. Carley, Professor of Church Music, 1953-1973, Joseph M. Smith, Associate Professor of Missions and History of Religions, 1956-1964, and James G. Clague, Professor of Systematic Theology, 1956-1969
 
Convocation: Lawrence Hosey, Beauford A. Norris, Ronald E. Osborn, Richard C. Raines Butler University President Alexander Jones, Norris, and Trustee Richard Stoner handing over keys to the Butler School of Religion (later Robertson Hall) Dean Ronald E. Osborn, Edward Larrabee Barnes (architect of new campus) and President Beauford A. Norris Trustees, c. 1960;
J. Irwin Miller and Beauford A. Norris at head of table.		  
Seminarians weather the snow as they prepare to leave for the Montgomery March, March 24, 1965.  From left: Heung Ho Kim, Larry Gray, Jim LeSueur, Professor Lowell G. Colston, Nelson Scott, Dennis Short,