by Rev. Chuck Muether, Director of Advancement

It was a dark and stormy night. No, that’s not how you start a crime novel, and Rev. J. Mark Bertrand should know because he has written three of them. Considered “a major crime fiction talent” by The Weekly Standard, Rev. Bertrand, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, took leave from the mystery genre literary world to complete his theological studies at Heidelberg Theological Seminary. Last week he earned his Master of Divinity degree, but will have to wait to be adorned in academic regalia as the commencement exercises have been moved to a later date.

“We have been blessed to have two outstanding graduates this year, both of whom excelled in their respective programs, but due to the Covid-19 virus, the Board of Trustees thought it wise to honor the academic achievements of Rev. Bertrand and Dr. J.P. Mosley when we commence the fall semester,” said HTS President Dr. Koerner.