He was named after his uncle, Earl and his grandfather, Frank Hovey, who drove the Wells Fargo Stage Coach on the mountain trail from Northern California to Southern Oregon.

Palmer graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor of arts in political science as a pre-law major in 1953.

Upon graduation in 1956 from Princeton Theological Seminary, Palmer accepted the position as pastor to high school and college students at University Presbyterian Church (UPC) in Seattle.

Palmer claims that, "the Manila years were deeply formative as I learned to preach to an international community and serve as a solo pastor to a congregation of over five hundred.

"[2] His time there also included a teaching post at Union Theological Seminary in the Cavite Province with an opportunity every week to explore the New Testament with the students.

Palmer and his family returned to the United States from Manila in response to the call in 1970 to be pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley (FPCB).

Palmer had the opportunity to connect with many Christian organizations speaking at retreats and events in the area surrounding the nation's capital.

EPM seeks to mentor young theologians through an internship program and monthly theological dialogues, produce live podcasts through the Kindlings Muse and offer regular teaching and conversation for all ages to consider major Christian themes.

While Palmer was developing his skills as a pastor, Shirley, with her education in public health, reached out to the rural barrios and worked with the families to improve nutrition under the auspices of the World Health Organization teaching cooking classes using local foods and encouraging young mothers in the care of their children.

She worked as junior high counselor at The American School of Manila as well as providing hospitality for the church community in their home located next door to the sanctuary.

This collection contains over 3500 audio and video recordings and selected writings by Palmer, an alumnus and former member of the Board of Trustees of Princeton Theological Seminary.

Owned by University Presbyterian Church, this building was transformed from law offices into a coffee house and community space.

He is known for his outstanding expository preaching, proficiency as a scholar of contemporary literature, passion for discipling University students, and abiding faith in Christ.

With an inaugural lecture by Craig Barnes titled "The Temptation to Be Less Than Human", the lectureship intends to continue to bring the lens of biblical scholarship to issues of concern to universities, seminaries, and the church.