ImageOur Rotary meeting this Friday welcomes the Reverend Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood as our speaker. Bob is the Executive Director of The BTS Center, successor to Bangor Theological Seminary, which closed its degree programs in June 2013. The BTS Center is a non-profit entity providing professional development programs for clergy and laity, with offices at 97 India Street in Portland.

The BTS Center is a think tank that sponsors educational events, projects, and research inquiries in the fields of religion, practical theology, and ministry. Through thought leadership and vocational development initiatives, The BTS Center equips and supports clergy and laity for theologically grounded, effective leadership in 21st-century communities of faith and practice.

Dr. Grove-Markwood served for 25 years as the pastor of the Presque Isle Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (1987 – 2012). He was named the 11th President of Bangor Theological Seminary, July 1, 2012 (after a year as interim), and led the seminary through an historic transition. He has an extensive history with the seminary, having received both M. Div. (1982) and D. Min. (2003) degrees from the institution, served as the director of admissions from January 1985 to June 1987, and was a member of its board of trustees for five years (2006-2011).

Dr. Grove-Markwood is an honorary member and a past president of the Presque Isle Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and chaired the Rotary District 7810 World Community Service committee. He is also a graduate of Oberlin College (OH) and received a master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University (OH). Bob is married to Susan Grove-Markwood. They love living in the India Street neighborhood close to The Center’s offices.