Webster Kitchell
Webster Lardner Kitchell (May 21, 1931 – February 9, 2009) was a
Education and ministerial career
Kitchell graduated from Amherst College and served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he graduated from Harvard Divinity School in June 1957, and in October of that year he was ordained as an associate minister at the Unitarian Church of All Souls in New York City. Kitchell was the first associate minister at that church since 1941.[1]
In June 1960, Kitchell attracted attention when he delivered a sermon that argued the national purpose of the U.S. was defined by its role within the international community. "We must have a new ideal to dedicate ourselves to," he told his congregation. "We must fasten our ideals upon the vision of a world community, if not as a political fact, at least a world community in cooperation and spirit." In the same sermon, Kitchell challenged comments made by evangelical leader Billy Graham that the only way to reform the United States was to reform its population, referring to that assertion as "a myth."[2]
Later in 1960, Kitchell left New York to become the first minister for the newly formed Eliot Unitarian Chapel in
In 2000, Kitchell became minister emeritus at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe when Stephen Furrer was named minister for the congregation.
Literary career
Kitchell is the author of three books: God's Dog: Conversations with Coyote (1991),
References
- ^ Pulpit Aide Installed The New York Times, October 14, 1957 (fee access required)
- ^ New Cause Urged As Nation’s Goal The New York Times, June 20, 1960 (fee access required)
- ^ Men's Retreats Help Them Form Lasting Bonds Albuquerque Journal, December 27, 2001 (library card access required)
- ^ “God’s Dog:Conversations with Coyote,” Google Books
- ^ “Coyote Says: More Conversations With God’s Dog,” Google Books
- ^ a b “Get a God: More Conversations with Coyote,” Google Books