Ernest Krikor Emurian, 1912-2004

  Ernest K. Emurian was born in Philadelphia on Feb. 20, 1912. He earned his B.A. from Davidson College in North Carolina, his B.D. from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and his Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia.

  Rev. Emurian retired in 1981 as minister of Cherrydale United Methodist Church in Arlington, Va. He served the congregation at Cherrydale for 19 years. His wife, Margaret Virginia Holt, from Madison Heights, Va., died on March 28, 2003. Rev. and Mrs. Emurian lived at the Hermitage in Northern Virginia for over 20 years.

  Rev. Emurian has written and published numerous books, hymns, and plays. He was the composer of hymn tunes, anthems, and semi-popular songs. He held membership in ASCAP, the American Guild of Organists, the Lions Club, and The International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was a lecturer on hymnology and religious drama, and as an after-dinner speaker and philosophical humorist, he addressed conventions and conferences all over the world.

  Rev. Emurian was a dynamic force among Virginia United Methodists around the state. He was passionate in his speeches on the floor of the conference. He would lead 2,000 people in hymn-singing at annual conference.

  Rev. Emurian is survived by children, Henry Emurian, Katherine Troyer, and Mary Ferguson, and grandchildren, Nat Troyer, Adam Troyer, and Samantha Langley. Funeral services were held on Jan. 29, 2004, at Cherrydale United Methodist Church, with interment at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington.