Thank you Pr. B!
Pr. B, as he is affectionately known at Immanuel, came to ILCS as full-time interim pastor in 1995. Following the arrival of Pr. Ron Weidler in 1996, Pr. Beckmann stayed on to co-direct the church education curriculum for children, and to serve as assistant pastor. When Linda Brewner departed as Immanuel Lutheran School Administrator in 2001, Pr. Beckmann served as interim principal for the school year until the arrival of Glenn Steinbrenner. His most recent ministry is to middle school young people in Sunday school and confirmation classes at Immanuel.
Pr. Bill Beckmann holds degrees from Concordia College in Bronxville, New York, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and the Teachers' College of Columbia University in New York. He has taught at Luther High School North in Chicago; Concordia Lutheran High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Valley Lutheran High School in St. Charles, Illinois; acting in the capacities of teacher, media and curriculum director, administrative assistant, vice principal, and principal. He also served as a pastoral assistant for the parishes at Our Savior in Norwood Park and Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Elk Grove Village. He has been published many times over the course of his career, including curriculum and other writing for Concordia Publishing House and LCMS School Ministry.
The Lutheran Education Association honored Pr. Beckmann with the 2017 Christus Magister award in February of this year. Pr. Beckmann was selected by the LEA board of directors to receive its top honor. Since 1965, this most prestigious Lutheran Education Association award has been presented to Lutheran educators who have made significant contributions to Lutheran education.
Reached at his home in Idaho and asked for his thoughts on working with Pr. Beckmann at Immanuel, Pastor Emeritus Donald Moll said, "'I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.' Romans 1:8. Pr. Beckmann has devoted his life to the ministry of Christian education. It has been my privilege to partner with him in feeding the Good Shepherd's flock."
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School salutes Pr. Bill Beckmann for his years of service to the Lutheran church and to Lutheran education. It has been a privilege to serve with him. He has been a blessing to Immanuel's ministries.