Sacred music, readings and prayers illuminated the evening service to induct Reverend Dr. Marjorie Lewis as Acadia University Chaplain. The service was held at the Manning Memorial Chapel on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

“In becoming our Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Lewis has recorded several historic firsts for Acadia,” said Acadia University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts, who presided over the formal induction. “And she has already made a significant impact on the campus. I am delighted to welcome her to our University community formally.”

Among those taking part in the service were Rev. Dr. Helen Chan, Wolfville Chinese Christian Fellowship; Henry Demone, Chair of the Board of Governors; Dr. Anna Robbins, President of Acadia Divinity College; and Nancy Harbers, President of the Wolfville Area Inter-Church Council.

“Marjorie’s task is to make our souls stronger,” said Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke in his sermon. Rev. Canon Dr. Clarke is a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada and a Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Atlantic School of Theology. He added that Jesus invited people to counter anxiety, hatred, prejudice and bigotry with curiosity, love, hospitality, and a spirit of openness. “That’s what this Chapel does,” he said. “That’s what we’re called to do. That’s what we invited Marjorie in to do with us tonight.”

Rev. Dr. Lewis holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham, a Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies from the Atlantic School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the University of the West Indies. She also holds a diploma in Clinical Supervision from United Theological College of the West Indies and several accreditations in counselling and ministerial studies.

Before being appointed Acadia University Chaplain in March 2020, she worked as a Spiritual and Religious Care Chaplain with the Nova Scotia Health Authority. She also taught online courses about gender, church community development, and health programs. She was a consultant to churches in continuing education for clergy and strategic planning.

From 2010 to 2015, Rev. Dr. Lewis served as President of the United Theological College of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. From 2003 to 2010, she lectured in the Practical Theology Department at the United Theological College and provided spiritual direction for women in politics in Grenada and female church leaders in Jamaica.

The Acadia University Chaplain conducts Christian worship services that are ecumenical, Protestant, inclusive and affirming. Other resources are provided for prayer and meditation; individual and group spiritual care; and for retreats, Bible studies and meditation experiences in virtual and face-to-face experiences. The Chaplain supports students of all faiths and spiritualities. The Chapel is an inclusive place that hosts both secular and non-secular groups.

“The overwhelming sense that I have at this time is one of gratitude,” Rev. Dr. Lewis said at her induction. “No one really makes it in life on their own. We’re all shaped, nurtured and upheld by each other ... I have enjoyed, since March 2020, a very, very good working relationship with so many people at Acadia. We have done impossible things, I think. Lovely things, to be able to support students, staff and faculty. I invite all of us to continue to work together.”