Rev. Kalvin Cummings (he/him) is the Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life at WPI and an ordained elder in the Church of God in Christ. In addition to his responsibilities at WPI, Elder Kalvin is working on a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) with a concentration in Religion and Literature at Yale Divinity School. To satisfy the degree requirements a residency of up to 370 hours in a local congregation is required. After conversation with Pastor Nathan and Cantor Mark, and in consultation with the Trinity Council, an agreement was reached for Elder Kalvin to complete his residency at Trinity in June and July.
During his time at Trinity, we will address Rev. Cummings as Elder Kalvin. The title “elder” is used in his denomination like the titles “pastor” and “cantor” are used at Trinity. Elder Kalvin will be immersed in all aspects of the ministry with a specific responsibility of leading a summer Adult Forum Series focusing on “Sounds of the Black Church.” Elder Kalvin will also preach on one of the Sundays of Pastor Nathan’s sabbatical.
Elder Kalvin was born in Chicago and raised in Tennessee. During undergraduate study, he became a student leader with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and found passion in helping to build multicultural community on campus. Elder Kalvin went on to attend graduate seminary at Emmanuel School of Religion and was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ while serving as a youth and campus pastor at East Tennessee State University. Prior to WPI, he served as Lead Clinical Social Worker at New Reach Inc. where he oversaw the Connecticut Housing and Engagement Supportive Services (CHESS) program in the Greater New Haven area.
In September, Elder Kalvin will begin his second year as the Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life at WPI. Within his role, Elder Cummings is primarily responsible for the coordination, implementation, and assessment of campus spiritual life programs and religious observations. He provides leadership and oversees all aspects of the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) and its functions, supervises the University Campus Chaplains, supports student organizations of faith, as well as leads and coordinates the office’s community service efforts.
Elder Kalvin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Arts degree in Religion from Milligan University (both in Johnson City, TN). He also continued graduate study in a Master of Counseling Psychology program at Milligan University.
Please offer Elder Kalvin a warm welcome and let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit for the ways the Holy Spirit brings together the people of God in new forms of relationship, faith, and service!