Bishop Alexander Black Finds a Lasting Place at St. John Community

“The welcoming face to everyone who comes through the doors of this facility.”

That’s how Bishop Matthew Riegel, who leads the West Virginia–Western Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), described a portrait of his friend and mentor, Bishop Loyal Alexander Black, during an October 20th ceremony dedicating the newly remodeled lobby at St. John Community in Mars.

For Bishop Black, St. John was home in his later years. He moved to Overbrook Pointe in October 2017 and spent his final years at the community before his death in July 2022 at age 92.

The lobby was named in recognition of a generous gift from the George H., Lillian S. and Mary S. Campbell Foundation. A plaque and portrait of Bishop Black now hang near the entrance, where residents, employees and visitors will see them each day.

The portrait has a history of its own. A parishioner from one of Bishop Black’s former congregations, who had suffered a stroke, painted it. The painting was later placed in storage following work at the synod office. When plans for the dedication began, Bishop Riegel remembered the portrait and suggested bringing it to St. John.

During the ceremony, Bishop Riegel recalled an uncertain time early in his ministry. As a young seminary graduate, he was the only member of his class who hadn’t received an assignment in one of his three preferred geographic areas. Bishop Black stepped in to help him begin his ministry and became a mentor whose guidance stayed with him throughout his career.

“I am grateful to Alex,” Bishop Riegel said.

Today, Bishop Riegel leads the same synod Black served as its first bishop following the formation of the ELCA in 1988.

Bishop Emeritus Ralph Duncan, who previously led the West Virginia–Western Maryland Synod, remembered his longtime colleague through something most people might have overlooked: his name.

Although his given name was Loyal, everyone knew him as Alex. But Bishop Duncan believed the name described him perfectly.

“He was loyal to the church, loyal to those who served in the synod, loyal to his people,” Bishop Duncan said.

Although Black retired as bishop in 1997, he continued serving congregations and providing pastoral care wherever he was needed.

John Harmon, representing the Campbell Foundation, also shared personal memories of Black.

“He was a wonderful, loving man, and a good pastor and good bishop,” Harmon said.

The ceremony brought together Lutheran church leaders, friends and representatives of Lutheran SeniorLife. Bishop Melissa Stoller, who leads the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA, opened the gathering, and Riegel offered the dedicatory prayers.

Those who knew Bishop Black will recognize the familiar smile in the portrait now hanging at St. John. For others walking through the doors, it will be their first introduction to Alex Black.