Wendel Meyer named acting minister of Harvard's Memorial Church

A former colleague of the late Reverend Peter J. Gomes will lead the church during the search for a permanent successor.

Wendel W. "Tad" Meyer, who served as associate minister at Memorial Church from 1997 to 1999 and rejoined its staff as associate minister for administration after the Reverend Peter J. Gomes suffered a heart attack and stroke in early December, has now been appointed acting Pusey minister in the church following Gomes's death on February 28. Meyer "understands both the distinctive character of the Memorial Church and the rich diversity of Harvard’s larger religious profile," said President Drew Faust. "We are very lucky to have someone of Tad’s experience, intellect, and sensitivity willing and able to step in during this time of transition.”

Meyer had retired from the full-time ministry in 2009, after serving most recently as rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, for 10 years. He said he was “honored and humbled to be asked to serve the University in this way,” and considers the assignment a "small but tangible way to honor the memory of Peter Gomes, who was a cherished friend and mentor to me and to so many others.”

Read the official University announcement.

 

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