Obituary of The Rev. Dr. Charles L. Andrus

Charles “Chip” Andrus, Pastor at South Salem Presbyterian Church, Passes Away

The Reverend Doctor Charles (Chip) Andrus, 51, of South Salem, New York died Sunday, September 9, 2018 at home surrounded by his adoring family.

A man of deep integrity, kindness and warmth, Chip was defined as a community catalyst, Presbyterian scholar, masterful teacher, talented musician, devoted husband and wonderful loving father.

Chip was born on April 3, 1967 to Charles E. and Ann Andrus at Wright-Patterson Airforce Base in Dayton, Ohio.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He received his Master of Divinity and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

Before coming to South Salem, Andrus had been Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Upon arriving in South Salem, he devoted himself to church duties and volunteered as Chaplain to the South Salem Fire Department. He also became a charter member and organizer of the Domestic Abuse Network of Northeast Westchester, working with other local clergy, law enforcement, advocacy groups and domestic abuse shelters.

In 2013, Chip was named permanent pastor of South Salem Presbyterian Church in South Salem, New York a year ahead of schedule, having received an overwhelming vote of confidence in his leadership by both the congregation and by the Presbytery of Hudson River. He worked tirelessly and selflessly to spread joy, love, wisdom and good humor everywhere, to make the church a welcoming center of the community for those of all faiths.

A highly accomplished musician and singer-songwriter, Chip enthralled audiences with what he called a “mix of down-to-earth art with a dash of sacred mystery”—acoustic folk, rock, bluegrass and jam band music he performed across the country as well as at local pubs and restaurants. He also led session meetings at The Horse & Hound Inn, a tavern across the street from the church where Chip and a few musicians would host regular and impromptu gigs, performing music that he felt “emerges from the beauty of the world around us.”

“Music evokes so much in everybody – joy, sadness, healing, laughter,” Chip said at last summer’s General Assembly. “At the Assembly, we play music, so all can be together. It’s not just individual voices, it’s family singing together.”

Chip loved his family back in Ozark, Arkansas and returned frequently, to enjoy whitewater paddling and his favorite Mulberry swimming hole by starlight with friends.

He was a loving husband for 27 years to Linda Andrus of South Salem, New York and a devoted father to Danielle Andrus Settles and her husband Drew of Nashville, Tennessee.

He is also survived by his parents, Charles and Ann Andrus and brother Chris of Warren, Arkansas; Emma Andrews of Charleston, Arkansas; Billy and Lynne Andrews of Central Arkansas; Jody and Matt Perrine of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Corey Andrews and Kristyna Palmeova; Greyson Andrews and Bobby Gillenwater of Boston, Massachusetts, and countless friends, congregants and colleagues near and far.

The service in celebration of his life will be held at South Salem Presbyterian Church, 111 Spring Street, South Salem, New York at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 15. Reception to follow.

The Andrus family would like to extend its deepest appreciation to all their friends for their outpouring of love and support. Or, as Chip would say, “It’s all good.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Salem Presbyterian Church, 111 Spring Street, South Salem, NY, in loving memory of their beloved pastor.