On October 8, members of the Southwest community, the Board of Trustees, members of the Hines family, and the John Hines Legacy Society gathered on campus to celebrate the legacy and vision of the founder of Seminary of the Southwest, the Rt. Rev. John Elbridge Hines.
Bishop Hines had a vision of a seminary “for the whole church,” and this vision was on full display as the Rt. Rev. Kathryn Ryan presided and the Very Rev. J. Pittman McGehee preached before a congregation of students and trustees from dioceses across The Episcopal Church. As has become tradition at Southwest, McGehee preached wearing Bishop Hines’ stole, provided by the Hines family.
“Rich in history and alive with vision, John Hines Day was a great celebration. It was a joy to welcome alums and friends to the campus, to worship in Christ Chapel and to share a meal together. Pittman McGehee’s sermon inspired students and guests to take up the cross of prophetic leadership,” said the Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, dean and president.
The Very Rev. McGehee’s sermon, in which he reflected on his personal memories of Bishop Hines, was followed by the installation of the Rev. Morgan Allen, Lynn Meredith, the Rev. Kathy Pfister, the Rev. Chad Vaughn, Josephine Hicks, and the Rev. Jemonde Taylor as incoming members of the Board of Trustees. Following the service in Christ Chapel, guests enjoyed fellowship at a seated luncheon in the Weeks Center.