Alumni News
Prof. Jonathan Calvillo Awarded New-York Historical Society Research Fellowship
New-York Historical Society, with support from the Henry Luce Foundation, awarded research fellowships to Boston University School of Theology Assistant Professor of Sociology of Religion Jonathan Calvillo and seven other early-career historians in 2020 whose work illuminates the varied roles of religion and spirituality in the history of the American West, including nineteenth-century westward expansion, immigrant faiths, and Indigenous religious traditions. Prof. Calvillo was recognized for his research on New Mexican Methodists and their ties to Southern California Latinx Protestantism. The Public Fellows in Religion and the American West program aims to generate public-facing scholarship and will complement a new traveling exhibition, Acts of Faith: Religion and the American West, that opens at New-York Historical in Fall 2022 and has received major support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Public Fellows in Religion and the American West program is chaired by Dr. Tisa Wenger, Associate Professor of American Religious History at Yale University.
Reverend John P. (Jack) Gilbert (STH’64,’65,’68)
This obituary was shared on Belle Meade United Methodist Church's Facebook page by Joy Gilbert, on June 12.
The Reverend John P. (Jack) Gilbert 
crossed the river to be with his Maker on Saturday, June 5, 2021, after a very brief illness.
He was born February 11, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of the late Claude and Madery Gilbert, and was recently preceded in death by his brother Dennis Gilbert of Minneapolis.
Jack grew up in Abingdon, Illinois through 10th grade, where he attended Abingdon Methodist Church, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Finishing high school in Minneapolis, MN, he received his first affirmation for his writing abilities.
Jack graduated from the University of MN and spent two years in the U.S. Army before attending Boston University School of Theology and completing his seminary education in 1964, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree. During this time, he also completed pastorates in Dighton, Massachusetts. In 1974 he returned to Boston University to complete his doctoral course work.
Jack was ordained an elder in the Minnesota Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in 1966, and later transferred to the Tennessee Conference. He moved to Nashville, TN in 1968 where he accepted a position on the editorial staff of the Adult Publications Division of the Board of Education of the United Methodist Church. In 28 years at The United Methodist Publishing House he served as a developer and editor of youth and adult curriculum resources, in administration, in sales, and in interpretation, as a curriculum writer -- often Adult Bible Study lessons (and even getting fan mail!) and as author (sometimes with Nan) of books and Lay Speaker resources. He was also a leadership trainer, adjunct faculty at several seminaries, and a teacher and administrator of the TN Conference UMC Course of Study. In addition, he was part of the training staff for the international Disciple Bible Study.
Jack served as "interim" pastor at Rocky Glade Cumberland Presbyterian Church (for 13 years!) and after retiring from The United Methodist Publishing House in 1996 he pastored at Eagleville UMC, Concord UMC, and Harris Chapel UMC. Locally, Jack was a longtime member of the Stones River (formerly Murfreesboro) District Committee on Ministry and is remembered fondly as a friend and mentor.
In addition to his passion for serving others, Jack loved adventure. He and his wife Nan traveled to the Holy Land five times. The last two trips they were accompanied by daughter, Joy. Jack and Nan were proud of their designation as “loopers” after completing an 11-month boat journey that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America's heartland.
Since 1980, Jack was the husband, best friend, and colleague of Rev. Nancy C. (Nan) Zoller. He was previously married to the late Mary D. Gilbert. In addition, he was the loving father of five children: Craig M. Gilbert (DeeAnne), and their son Ian, Joy E. Gilbert (Michael Miles), Jeff Zoller (Brandi), and their sons Jacob (Daniely) and Grant, and daughter Joanna, Samantha Zoller (aka Naomi), and Jason Zoller (Trish) and their daughter Caitlyn.
Jack’s wisdom, his love for his family, his subtle humor, his friendship, his interest in everyone, his humility, and his loving nature have blessed his family, individuals, the church, and even parts of the world.
Trinity United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN will host visitation with the family on Friday, June 25, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a Time of Worshiping God and Celebrating Jack’s life on Saturday, June 26 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boston University School of Theology, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or Project Transformation, 1008 19th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37212.
Reverend Dr. Charles E. Wilson, Jr. (STH’61)
This obituary was originally published on Cochran Family of Funeral Service.
Dr. Charles E. Wilson, Jr., age 91, of Sautee Nacoochee, GA passed away June 2, 2021 at his residence. He was the son of Charles E. Wilson, Sr. and Mary Belle Wilson of Decatur, GA. He was born on October 27, 1929 in Bartow, FL. He was a graduate of Boy’s High School in Atlanta, Emory University where he received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity degrees, Magna Cum Laude, in 1954. He attended Boston University where he received a Doctorate of Theology in 1961 and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Woodrow Wilson College of Law in 1987.
He served as minister with the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church from the early 1950s to his retirement in 2012. He served churches in Massachusetts, Vermont and Georgia throughout his career. Following his return from New England, Dr. Wilson served churches in the Dacula, Tate and Jasper, GA areas. He then served as the Minister of Inner City Ministries in Atlanta and Program Director for Urban Work for the North Georgia Annual Conference from 1963 to 1971 where his program and procedures were used by United Methodist Conferences across the nation. Dr. Wilson served churches in Athens, Carrollton, and Sandy Springs and was District Superintendent in the Gainesville District for six years before retiring. He came out of retirement to serve as senior minister at Union Hill United Methodist Church in Hiawassee, GA, in 1995 to 2005 and 2009 to 2012. He served as minister at Helen Presbyterian Church in Helen, GA from 2014 to 2017.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Wilson, Sr. and Marybelle Wilson of Decatur, a brother, Dr. Raymond B. Wilson of Marietta, and an infant grandson, Caleb Andrew Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carolyn Hopkins Wilson, 4 children, Carole Wilson Adelman of Ohio, Patricia Wilson Miller (Mike) of Virginia, Charles E. Wilson, III of Atlanta, and Mary Jean Wilson Preece (John) of Atlanta, 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, 2 brothers, Rev. David R. Wilson (Carolyn) of Acworth, William B. Wilson (Connie) of Washington, DC and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Campership Fund at Camp Glisson - Glisson Camp and Retreat Center of the North Georgia Methodist Conference located in Dahlonega, GA which will enable campers with limited resources to have a camp ministry experience during the summer.
Stratham Community Church Welcomes Rev. Westley Conn (STH’17) as a New Minister
This article was originally published on Seacoastonline by Portsmouth Herald, on June 23, 2021, and the full press release can be found here.
Rev. Westley "Wes" Conn (STH'17) was officially welcomed on June 20 at the church’s Sunday morning service at 10 a.m.
Rev. Conn has been the Ministry Fellow at the Harvard Memorial Church on the campus of Harvard University. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s in social studies education and received his master’s in divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology, with a focus on pastoral ministry.
He was ordained in the United Church of Christ in July 2017...
Dr. Danielle Tumminio Hansen (STH’14) to Join Faculty in Pastoral Care at Candler School of Theology at Emory University
This article was originally published by the Episcopal News Service, on June 17, 2021, and the full press release can be found here.
Danielle Tumminio Hansen (STH'14) will join the Candler faculty as assistant professor of practical theology and spiritual care.
Tumminio Hansen is currently assistant professor of pastoral theology and director of field education at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, where her courses have focused on trauma, practical theology, and pastoral theology, with a feminist, intersectional, and anti-racist lens. She earned her master of divinity and master of sacred theology degrees from Yale Divinity School and her PhD from Boston University School of Theology. She has previously been a lecturer at Yale and Tufts universities and served as a chaplain and Episcopal parish priest.
Tumminio Hansen will begin teaching in January 2022.
Reverend Paul E. Sinn, (STH’60)
This obituary is provided through the courtesy of Rosalee, Rev. Paul's wife.
With his family gathered around him, holding his hands, saying “I Love You” and supporting one another, Paul died peacefully on Sunday morning, June 6 in his 90th year. His body was given to Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
A Service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at The Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square, Plymouth, Massachusetts, at 11 a.m., followed by a collation.
Paul is survived by his wife Rosalee, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Paula Sinn; Timothy Sinn, Heather Sinn, Dan Massey, Rowan and Finn; Bethany (Sinn) and Nick Magnatta, Cecilia and Carter; Susan (Sinn) and Joe Dupuis; Travis and Kristy Dupuis, Lyla, Joey and Audrey Rose, Rachel Dupuis and Jared Clemenzi; Mark Sinn, Ashley and Adrianna, Jessica Sinn and Rob Norton. He is also survived by his brother Charles and his wife Sue of Bloomington, Indiana and many nephews and nieces; by his Ugandan “daughter” Beatrice Biira, Philly Jjemba and their son Jordan; his Chinese “daughter” Ning Pu and her husband Steve Hall and their children Maddie and Max . . . and by hundreds of people around the world who call Paul their American Dad or Uncle and by others who call him friend.
Each member of the family held a special place in Paul’s heart. His great joy was being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Paul began his journey on a farm in Bloomington, Indiana in 1930, as the youngest of seven children. Influenced by family and the church, Paul studied for the ministry at Phillips University and Phillips Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma.
Paul met his wife Rosalee from Tulsa, Oklahoma, at Phillips. She was studying Religious Education. Following graduation Paul accepted a position as Youth Minister at Central Christian Church in Danville, Illinois. Paul and Rosalee were married March 6, 1954 and began their life together in Danville. They returned to Phillips in the fall of 1955 for Paul to begin his studies for a Masters of Divinity degree and for Rosalee to complete her Religious Education degree.
Study in Pastoral Clinical Education in hospital settings in Boston, gestalt therapy and Intensive journal writing enriched Paul’s understanding of life. He received his Masters in Sacred Theology from Boston University. Paul served churches in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, Davenport, Oklahoma, Danville, Illinois, New Ipswich, New Hampshire and Whitman, Massachusetts. From 1971 to 1996, he served as The Southeast Area Minister of the United Church of Christ in Massachusetts with an office at The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth.
Paul’s approach to ministry was practical and inclusive. Pastoral Counseling was an important part of his ministry. He was also a student of and practiced energy healing.
Following retirement Paul focused on writing a definitive book on his personal theology: “Seasons of Life - Seasons of Faith.” He was a remarkable poet and self-published a book of his poems: “Seasons of Life.”
Paul was active in peace and justice issues in the United States, Zimbabwe and El Salvador. He was honored to be with his friend Zane Knoy at the March on Washington in 1963 and to be present when Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. Traveling to 20 countries deepened Paul’s appreciation of global diversity.
Memorial Gifts may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center,
400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 or by calling 334-956-8408 . . . or to the charity of your choice.
Cards can be sent to 45 Massasoit Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
Dr. Heather Rene Josselyn-Cranson (STH’00, ’05) Gives the Laity Address at the New England Annual Conference UMC
“The grad school, in my case, was Boston University School of Theology, which often felt like a beloved community, to me.”
Dr. Heather Rene Josselyn-Cranson (STH'00, '05) was chosen to give the Laity Address at the New England Annual Conference this year.
Theme: Building Beloved Community
Guiding Scripture: Psalm 137:4 NIV
Dr. Josselyn-Cranson's address "How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?" starts 9:15.
Reverend Dr. John F. Edwin, Jr. (STH’71,’87)
This obituary was originally published on Brooklawn Funeral Home.
John F. Edwin was born on May 29, 1926, in Agona Bobikuma, in Ghana. His was the eldest of eight sons and two daughters born to John Fuaya Edwin Sr. and his wife Mary Acheampongmaa.
Dr. Edwin came to the United States in 1966 with his first wife, Comfort Janet Edwin (deceased on May 19, 2021). In 1968, they were joined by their four children, having been sponsored by the United Methodist Church. Dr. Edwin and his family served in various pastorates in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Dr. Edwin earned his Master of Education from Hartford University (1969), his Doctor of Divinity from Boston University and a Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1972).
From 1969-1974, he was the Assistant Professor of Education for Providence College.
From 1976-1979 he served as the General Superintendent of Schools for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Ghana where he managed 96 schools.
From 1981-1983, he was the Consultant to the Ministry of Education for the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for the US Agency of International Development.
On May 5, 1974, Dr. Edwin received the Legion of Honor Award in Philadelphia, PA in recognition of outstanding service to all people.
On November 28, 1987, Dr. Edwin was consecrated, first Bishop of the Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church (the Indigenous African Christian Church) in Winneba, Ghana.
On March 27, 2005, Governor Jodi Rell of the State of Connecticut gave Dr. Edwin, the Outstanding Citizen Award for commitment and dedication to the Community.
Dr. Edwin’s deeds, accolades, and titles, are too numerous to list. He is most proud to be the husband of Rita Bafoa Edwin, father to Kweku Fuaya Edwin (Ghana); Abena Acheampongmaa Edwin (Ghana);Mercy Edwin (Maine); Acheampongmaa Edwin (husband, David Clark) New Jersey; Emmanuel Edwin (London, England); Augusta Edwin (New York); and Rose Edwin (California). He leaves behind several grandchildren including Seidron Snipe and Dyron Snipe II; and numerous great grandchildren including Asomdwee Dickson.
He is survived by his younger siblings; Araba Edwin (Ghana); Anamin Edwin (Ghana); and Paul Edwin (South Africa).
Friends may call Friday June 4th from
12:00 noon to 1:00pm at
Brooklawn Funeral Home
511 Brook Street
Rocky Hill, With
at service at 1pm
Internment will be held at
Rose Hill Cemetery, Rocky Hill
A Poem Celebrating Pride by Rev. Johanna Hattendorf (STH’84)
Rev. Johanna Hattendorf (STH’84) [formerly Amy Bridgeman] celebrates Pride month with a poem based on a true story.
Remember This: You Must Say Yes
By Johanna Hattendorf
6/7/21
The place to start is the dream,
No, not a dream,
Not even a vision,
Just a voice.
Yes, a voice.
Speaking in the night.
“In 2 weeks you will receive a call
from a church you do not know. . .
Remember this, you must say yes.”
10 days—almost long enough to forget--
A phone call from a stranger
With a strange question:
“Are you still interested in the job?
Preparing to say No,
I remember—“You must say yes.”
“Yes”—I say—
“Yes”, I guess I am.
Then, the Interviews,
Questions,
Concerns.
I am “Out”, you see.
They want me to come—will I?
Yes,
I will come.
Yes,
I will serve you.
Yes,
even when families leave.
Yes,
even when the hate mail begins,
Yes,
even when the police do nothing.
Yes.
I stay with who I am.
I stay trembling with fear.
I stay, waking in the night unable to breathe.
Yes.
I stay.
I sign up for martial arts,
Leaning into my power
Determined to be strong.
And Tai Chi
To manage the stress
Calming my nerves.
And therapy,
With someone who will not judge.
Yes, I stay.
5 years of staying,
5 years living into the yes.
5 years of knowing--something important was happening—
important enough to wake me from sleep,
important enough to insist—You must say yes.
And then, it happened—
A monumental decision—
the legal right to marry.
So we did.
We stood in that church
Surrounded by the people who loved us,
And the people who stayed--
The people who believed—
in me,
In us,
In who we ALL could be.
I said Yes to my love
She said Yes to me.
They said Yes to us,
And in the end
They said Yes to themselves.
We ALL said Yes.
Yes
To This wild crazy journey of believing
Yes
to Believing in the impossible,
Yes,
To Believing in the power of saying yes..
Not just for me,
Not just for us
But for Everyone.
No, it’s not just a dream,
Or a vision,
It’s just a voice.
Remember this—you must say yes.
Johanna Hattendorf
6/7/21
Dr. Fernando Ona, (STH’20) Receives Inaugural Wink Fellowship
The content of this article is provided through the courtesy of Dr. Ona and FOR-USA.
Dr. Fernando Ona (CAS'92, SSW'15, STH'20), a public health professional of Filipino heritage engaging the landscape of health disparities and social justice, receives the inaugural Walter Wink and June Keener Wink Fellowship from the Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Following years of trauma-centered work with survivors of torture, Dr. Ona is now pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry.