Freda A. Gardner papers

Born in Albany, NY, Freda A. Gardner devoted her life to education, working in the public school systems of New York for five years prior to attending the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA to obtain her Masters in Christian Education. After earning her MRE, Gardner served as the Director of Christian Education at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, NJ. After that, Gardner spent most of her career teaching at Princeton Theological Seminary (31 years) as a professor of Christian Education, first as assistant professor (1961-1997) then as associate professor (1977-1992). Gardner became director of the School of Christian Education in the late 1970’s. Gardner also paved the way and advocated for women leaders in the church. She was the second woman hired by Princeton Theological Seminary as faculty and the first woman to receive tenure and have a long career at PTS. Much of Gardener’s writings and expertise of education centered on the intersection of women’s experiences as they relate to various areas of life. Gardner approached education holistically, and this collection presents that perspective.

Her service with the Women in Church and Ministry (WICAM) and participation in organizing Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) led up to her year serving as the 211th Moderator of the PC(USA)’s General Assembly.

Retired from teaching, Gardner continues to be involved with advocating for women in the life of the church and her passion for Christian education remains.

For more information, see: Keely, Barbara Anne. 1997. Faith of our foremothers: Women changing religious education. 1st ed. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press.

1929 Apr. 7

Born: Albany, NY

1951

B.S. in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh

1951-1953

Teacher at Central School in Red Hook, NY

1953:-1955

Teacher at Knickerbacker Junior High School in Lansingburgh, NY

1955-1957

Obtained MRE from Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA

1959

Commissioned by Elizabeth Presbytery

1957-1961

Director of Christian Education (DCE) at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, NJ

1961-1977

Assistant professor of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary

1966 June 6

Board of Trustees at PTS voted to approve tenure starting September 1967. One of first two women to receive tenure at PTS

1977-1992

Associate professor and Director of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary

1999-2000

Served as Moderator of the 211th General Assembly for the PC(USA)