Battery Park Christian names senior minister

William E. Blake Jr. has been named senior minister at Battery Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on Brook Road in Richmond as of yesterday.

Blake, a professor emeritus of history at Virginia Commonwealth University, has served as the church's interim minister since May 1. He also teaches one course each semester at VCU -- the Reformation in fall, and history of Christianity in the spring. The university has a William E. and Miriam S. Blake Chair in the History of Christianity.

Previously, Blake was pastor of West Side Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) -- now United Christian Church -- from 1964 to 1992. After retiring from that position, he served as interim pastor at three other churches.