A Lifetime of Faith in Action
OCTOBER 16, 2026
Rev. Kenneth Lehman Returns for McCormick Days
When Rev. Kenneth Lehman offered the opening prayer and benediction at this year’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon during McCormick Days, he brought a lifetime of ministry—and more than seven decades of connection to McCormick—to the gathering. A 1953 Bachelor of Divinity graduate, Lehman will celebrate his 100th birthday in January 2027. His presence offered a living reminder of what theological formation can make possible: a life spent building community, opening doors, and putting faith into action.
That commitment took root even before graduation. During seminary, Lehman worked alongside construction laborers in Chicago and migrant workers in Rochelle, Illinois, through Ministers in Industry, sharing in their daily work while sharing his faith. Ministry later took him to Native American communities in South Dakota and Montana, where he formed lifelong relationships. In 1960, he and his family moved to Naperville to establish Knox Presbyterian Church. He went door to door inviting neighbors to the first service at Elmwood School, expecting 125 people. More than 200 arrived. From that beginning, he helped build a congregation grounded in a clear vision: the church would be community-minded and mission-focused.
Over 33 years as Knox’s senior pastor, Lehman helped turn that vision into lasting community resources. The church welcomed a sheltered workshop that later evolved into Little Friends, supporting people with disabilities through meaningful work and opportunities to grow. He partnered with other congregations to help establish the counseling center now known as SamaraCare, supported the development of Martin Manor for residents with limited resources, and served as founding chair of Edward Hospital’s board during its transition to a private, nonprofit institution. During the civil rights era, he also worked with local religious and civic leaders to bring neighbors together. His ministry helped make care, belonging, and shared responsibility part of the community’s life.
Lehman’s influence also lives on in the people he encouraged to serve. Youth programs and Go-and-Serve mission trips at Knox gave generations opportunities to deepen their faith through action, inspiring some to become pastors themselves. His relationships with Native American communities helped shape the church’s continuing Dakota Partnership. After retiring from Knox in 1993, he continued serving as a visiting pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook until 2022, retiring at age 95 after 69 years in ministry. His commitment to McCormick has been equally enduring: he made his first Annual Fund gift in 1981, the year he became a trustee, and has given every single year since. In 2017, McCormick honored him with its Distinguished Alumnus Award.
“Naperville was very good to me,” Lehman says—a gracious reflection from someone who has given so much to the community he calls home. At McCormick Days, that same spirit of gratitude and generosity helped frame a luncheon dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders. As he offered its opening prayer and benediction, his own story bore witness to the promise behind every scholarship: theological education can shape a life whose impact reaches far beyond the seminary, touching communities and generations still to come.
