The Service
November 18, 2009
4:00pm
The Message
Scripture Isaiah 42:1-9
Message “I, Yahweh”
Scott Hoezee, Director, Center for Excellence in Preaching, Calvin Theological Seminary
A History of Calvin College’s Chaplaincy
During the post-World War II enrollment surge, the faculty proposed that the office of Dean of Men be created to see to, among other things, the pastoral care and campus worship lives of students. Implementation was deferred when enrollment dropped during the onset of the Korean military action. In the fall of 1951, churches located near the Franklin Campus indicated that they would see to the pastoral care of students, so the job of the Dean of Men was redefined, although that person still played a role in campus chapel services.
When the Knollcrest campus opened in 1962, with no churches in the
immediate vicinity, Rev. Bernard Pekelder joined the faculty as the first
College Chaplain, overseeing pastoral care and worship at Knollcrest. In 1971 Rev. Pekelder became both Chaplain and Vice President of Student Life. By 1979 his work load became such that Rev. Dale Cooper was appointed College Chaplain, serving until his retirement in 2007.
In 1996 the Board of Trustees approved the position of Dean of the Chapel to focus specifically on the reformed identity of the college, the integration of faith and learning, and the oversight of daily worship at Calvin. Rev. Dr. Neal Plantinga was appointed as the first Dean of the Chapel in 1996, serving for five years until he was appointed president of Calvin Theological Seminary. After an interim appointment for Rev. Dr. John Witvliet, Rev. Dr. Laura Smit served as the next Dean of the Chapel, from 2004-2008.
Chaplain Dale Cooper’s retirement in 2007 provided the opportunity to refocus the role and position of the chaplain, and to restructure the Campus Ministries office and personnel. Some of the duties of Dean of the Chapel were enfolded into the new College Chaplain position. During this process Rev. Andy De Jong served as interim chaplain for two years, and the search for a new College Chaplain was launched. Rev. Dr. Mary Hulst was selected and approved by the Board of Trustees as Calvin’s new College Chaplain in 2009.
The Chaplain’s Stole
The stole, commissioned for Pastor Mary’s installation as College Chaplain, is an interpretation of Calvin’s motto, “My heart I offer to you Lord, promptly and sincerely,” and of Mary’s calling to serve as Calvin’s Chaplain. In the design of the stole, a dove supports several hands that offer up one heart to God. The many hands are cut from a variety of fabrics. They represent the Calvin community - students, faculty, and staff - and the diversity within it. The hands are touching each other and rest, one on top of another, to show that the community is interconnected, dependent on one another and supportive of each other. The dove flies underneath the hands symbolizing that the Holy Spirit is the power that lifts and supports the Calvin community, enabling it to make the offering. There is one heart to show that students, faculty, and staff are all engaged in this process, are likeminded in purpose, and unified in Christ. The heart is embellished with beading to denote that the offering, though one in purpose, is multifaceted. The placement of the heart on the stole lies close to Mary’s own heart, symbolizing her desire and calling to help the Calvin community offer their hearts and in the process grow to love God more.
Created by Cheryl Strikwerda Randall, ’83
