I was a member for many years, beginning in the 70s through about 2013 when I moved, so I have a lot of memories. I was married in the upstairs chapel of McGaw by Reverend Gordon Stewart. My youngest son was baptized in McGaw by him also. Some grandchildren were also baptized here. I remember a congregational meeting in McGaw to decide if we were going to be a sanctuary church and a representative of the college discouraging many during the meeting and the measure failing, which disappointed many. I remember deciding to move worship to Westminster Church House.
I was an elder for many years and chaired many committees. I remember doing several talent shows engaging talent from college students and local people to make money for mission to donate to Every Woman’s House. I remember retreats on “God as our potter” and making mandalas. I remember being the liaison between Westminster and college students interested in participating in church activities and spirituality that we hired to be interns. I am Facebook friends with some of them still, and many continued on to seminary to become ministers. They were a great group of young people!
My theology was broadened through the study of many books in Women’s Study and Support Group, worship during Women’s Church, and activities of Dream Group. I became aware of inclusive language about God. I remember being energized after these gatherings, with all the discussion of ideas, sharing and getting to know and love the others in the groups. Some of my beliefs were challenged and reconceptualized. My theology moved from traditional to progressive. I consider it the most important time of my spiritual life.
Other highlights were travelling with groups from Westminster to “Borderlinks” to learn about the issues of people on our southern border and to South Africa to learn about the era of Apartheid and the history of its development and its destruction and reconciliation, along with seeing the beauty of the area..
My children were educated in Westminster, especially in the youth group. I appreciated the leadership of the pastors and Greg Barbu in the deep open discussions and activities. With the mission trips they took to various places, they were able to learn about how others lived and were able to do mission work to help others. This made a big impression on them about the importance of serving, as Jesus taught. My oldest son, now a doctor, continues in his present church to support and volunteer in an ongoing mission in the Dominican Republic. All my children and grandchildren are participating in a church so they must have been educated well.
Westminster made important contributions to my faith.
Mary Kilpatrick
