Douglas Waterhouse, Religion Professor

Dr. Waterhouse taught in the undergraduate Religion Department at Andrews University. He was mostly known for his course on Daniel and the companion course on Revelation. After a presentation he would often ask us if things were “as clear as mud.”

One morning there was a big test scheduled for the entire class period and I knew I wasn’t ready. I just hadn’t prioritized preparing for the test. For some reason, I was too embarrassed to take the test and do poorly, so I decided not to take the test at all. However, it would be irresponsible to just skip class, so I decided that I would go to class, tell the professor that I hadn’t prepared for the test; I had no excuses; I didn’t want to take the test, and then I would leave.

Everything went as planned until his response stopped my exit plans: “Well, can you be ready to take the test tomorrow?”

Why would he offer me more time? I had no excuse for not being ready for the test.

Seeing my surprise/puzzlement he continued, “It’s called grace.”

That’s the thing I remember the most from his class.

(This is now two stories about me messing up in college. I really wasn’t a bad student; I was a busy student.)

Prologue: In 2023, in my role as a Ministerial Director for the North American Division, our team was invited to Hawaii to do some evangelism training. The second Sabbath, September 16, I preached at the Honolulu Central Church where Dr. Waterhouse and his wife were attending after they retired to Hawaii. I got to speak with him and remind him of the expericence I shared above. He was happy to see me and to reflect on the impact he’d made on my life. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to say thank you. to him. Three days later I got a message from the pastor through FB, letting me know that Dr. Waterhouse had just died the night before.

Let others know you appreciate them TODAY.