William Taylor Stevenson Jr. ’50
The Reverend W. Taylor Stevenson died at home Feb. 27, 1996, after a brief illness. Taylor prepped at the Hill School, and after Princeton, he attended Episcopal Theological Seminary (bachelor's of divinity 1953), the U. of Edinburgh, and Durham U. in England (PhD in theology 1960). Taylor was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1953, and over the decades served parishes in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Scotland, England, Manitoba, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
From 1976 until he retired in 1995, Taylor was professor of philosophical theology at Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. He was editor of the Anglican Theological Review for 12 years, beginning in 1971. He published two books: History as Myth (1969) and Soul and Money: A Theology of Wealth (1991).
Taylor's vocation as teacher, editor, priest, and theologian was fed by a wide range of sources including Samuel Johnson, military history, Jung, and the Wall St. Journal. He was a rose gardener and a wine connoisseur. Taylor was regularly voted the most popular professor in seminary. In his books, in his preaching, and in his classes for a generation of Episcopal clergy, Taylor strove to illumine God's word and presence in all of life's experiences. To Taylor's wife, Karen, and his children, the class extends its deepest sympathy, and celebrate a life well lived.
The Class of 1950
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February 2026
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Robert Kitson
4 Years AgoTaylor Stevenson, True Wine Connoisseur
I am truly saddened to learn, even at this late date, of the demise of Professor Stevenson. I knew him as a Philosophical Theology Professor at SeaburyWestern where I studied from 1975-78.
I always found his classes theologically and spiritually challenging. Nobody got a free pass from Taylor. He was indeed a popular figure on campus.
May I share a personal anecdote about Taylor? During my first year at Seabury I learned of a wine auction being conducted by one of Chicago’s largest liquor stores. I intended to go but thought I might enjoy some company. Knowing of Taylor’s great interest in things enological, I boldly called to see if he might be free and interested in attending. To my surprise and delight, he readily accepted. During the auction, both of us found and won a few lots of interest. During a break, I refilled our glasses with additional samples. To my shock and Taylor's delight, I returned his glass with a generous serving of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, a Bordeaux Premier Grand Cry, one if only five wines given that lofty appellation. Taylor requested that his exact total purchases was best known only to us. I never have shared that knowledge with anyone and shall not do so now.
His dry and often puckish sense of humor, often ironic and mordant, is one of my cherished memories of this great teacher.
Resquisat in pace, dear Taylor.