June 2016

From the Professor's Desk

By Professor Jonathan L. Walton

Easter 2016 at the Memorial Church

When Harvard University nominated the Reverend Frederic Dan Huntington to be the first Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Preacher to the University in April, 1855, his parishioners at the South Congregational Church were none too pleased. Members sent Rev. Huntington a twenty page letter objecting to this anomalous new appointment of hybrid preacher and professor. Few believed that true ministry could take place within the comfortable confines of Harvard College. Accepting this position, they asserted, was simply a way for their pastor to evade the demands of a real congregation.... Read more about From the Professor's Desk

From the Choirmaster: Successful Terms in Song with Rose, Bach and Evensong

By Edward E. Jones

The Harvard University Choir ended the Fall Term with a pair of carol services featuring local composer James Woodman’s exquisite The Midwife’s Tale, alongside world premieres by David Ashley White and Carson Cooman. At the end of January the group packed its bags and left chilly Cambridge for sunny Savannah, the first stop on its brief tour of the south. Concerts followed in Columbia and Charleston.... Read more about From the Choirmaster: Successful Terms in Song with Rose, Bach and Evensong

Outside the Walls: Lessons from Our Peer Institutions

By the Rev. Alanna Copenhaver 

This academic year I had the privilege of visiting some of our peer institutions — such as Williams College, Yale University, and Duke University — to learn about their student ministries and engagement strategies. My time with colleagues was valuable and insightful as I learned about their robust and attentive student-centered and student-driven programming.... Read more about Outside the Walls: Lessons from Our Peer Institutions

Church School News: Valentine Hearts, Lent and the Great Easter Egg Hunt

By Westley Conn

Spring Term has been an exciting time for the Church School for Children. We began with a family Valentine’s Day party, which included decorating sugar cookies and, with the creative assistance of Ann Lawson, we were able to make one-of-a-kind cards for our Valentines. This was a wonderful welcome-back from our long winter break.... Read more about Church School News: Valentine Hearts, Lent and the Great Easter Egg Hunt