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

Harvard Graduate Student Union Authorizes Another Strike

The University warns this walkout may not be protected by labor law, an assertion the union disputes.

FAS Readies for Administrative Transition

Faculty leaders say layoffs will yield $20 million in annual savings.

Trump Administration Asks Appeals Court to Restore Harvard Funding Cuts

The government’s lawyers homed in on a jurisdictional argument for its authority to to terminate federal grants. 

Most popular

“AI Anxiety”

The Undergraduate on the uneasy collision of technology and writing

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Trump Administration Will Investigate Alleged Visa Fraud at Harvard

The announcement comes two days after a federal appeals court heard arguments about an international students ban.

Explore More From Current Issue

Three hands hold smartphones displaying social media profiles with likes and hearts.

Tell us about how social media impacts your daily life.

A smiling elderly man in glasses sits comfortably in a striped armchair.

Plus, veteran higher education leader Thomas Ehrlich reflects on university curricula for his 70th reunion

Two laboratory researchers, one seated and one standing, in a scientific lab with equipment.

The stakes are high for this husband and wife: one of them will die if they don’t find a cure.