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.

 

Related topics

You might also like

Judge Dismisses Case Demanding Harvard Admissions Data

The government failed to meet procedural requirements before suing the University.

Harvard Graduate Workers Begin Strike

In the second walkout in six months, union leaders call for better pay and benefits and a stronger grievance process.

Harvard Law School Announces $31.4 Million Donation

The school’s largest-ever gift comes after a year of record fundraising.

Most popular

Harvard Professors Leaving for Private Sector Research

Three distinguished scientists on leaving academia to advance biomedical research

To Promote Healthy Habits in Patients, Start with the Doctors

Why Harvard Medical School is training physicians to think more like coaches

Keri Russell Calls ‘The Diplomat’ a Love Letter to Public Servants

A Harvard Kennedy School event looks behind the scenes of the Netflix drama. 

Explore More From Current Issue

Black and white portrait of a woman with medium-length hair, smiling softly.

The outgoing executive director and Harvard Business School graduate went from dancing The Nutcracker to growing a ballet company.

Colorful illustration of a split-level house showing various activities in different rooms.

Can the College do more to prepare students for the real world?

Collage of three photos of an athlete in a triathlon: one swimming, one cycling, one running, in sports attire.

The Harvard triathlete and coach says she helps normal people to “do extraordinary things.”