Last weekend, President Neil L. Rudenstine announced that an endowment of $2.5 million has been raised to name the post of Minister in the Memorial Church in honor of Harvard's 24th president, Nathan Marsh Pusey '28. The gift was made by friends of Pusey and Harvard, and given as part of the capital campaign of the Memorial Church in honor of Pusey's 90th birthday, which was celebrated at a gala dinner at the Harvard Club of Boston on April 12.

One hundred and thirty friends of the Puseys and the Memorial Church, and 24 members of the Pusey family, were present to celebrate. Guests were entertained by the music of Gounod, Mendelssohn, and Purcell, conducted and performed by members of the Harvard University Choir.

David Rockefeller '37, Dean of Students Archie C. Epps, 25th President of Harvard Derek C. Bok, and Rudenstine were on hand to offer remarks, with the Rev. Professor Peter J. Gomes as toastmaster.

In making the announcement, Rudenstine took note of Pusey's long interest in the work of the Memorial Church and his present service as honorary chairman of the church's Capital Campaign. "The Pusey name will be forever linked to the leadership of the University Church in this substantial gesture of affection and support," said Rudenstine.

Pusey, taken by surprise at the announcement, replied, "I can think of no finer way for me to be remembered at Harvard than this one," and expressed his thanks and that of his family to the University for the honor.

The new title, Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church, will be added to that of Plummer Professor of Christian Morals which, since 1974, has been held by Gomes, S.T.B. '68. Gomes was first appointed to The Memorial Church in 1970 by Pusey and expressed himself "delighted with the privilege of bearing the Pusey name." The new designation by vote of the Corporation is effective immediately.

 

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Copyright 1998 President and Fellows of Harvard College