Cover Story

Rev. Gwendolyn King

OCTOBER 1997 Heather McCutchen '87
Cover Story
Rev. Gwendolyn King
OCTOBER 1997 Heather McCutchen '87

Christian Chaplain

MY FIRST YEAR as Christian chaplain fell in the midst of one of Dartmouth's most intense periods," remembers Reverend Gwendolyn S. King, the first woman chaplain at the college. The South African divestment issue had brought out a great deal of pain...some people had been arrested. In 1986, following the destruction of the now-famous "shanties," when asked to address a rally on the Green, King spoke of the necessity for moral commitment and supporting one another. The Reverend King will always hold those Dartmouth activists close to her heart. "I think of them as my children," she says. "I had been with them through some tough times. I spent hours counselling students and advising administrators, holding prayer vigils, transporting students from the police station, and discussing issues in my office."

Being there for the Dartmouth community is an important part of her ministry. "Whether I'm flying my rainbow kite on the Green or whether it's the middle of the night, they know that they can find me when they need me. My role is clear: I am here to remind members of this community that they are persons of worth. That God loves them more than they could ever imagine. I want Dartmouth graduates to know who is their neighbor and to act as. responsible citizens, senators, CEOs, and such. If I am privileged to walk a part of life's journey with them and share a little of their pain and a little of their joy, then I am doing what I am called to do." She teaches students that the good fight is worth fighting.

King