Knox College announces honorary doctorate recipients for 2024
Principal Ernest van Eck and the Knox College Board of Governors are pleased to announce John Terpstra and Marty Molengraaf as recipients of the degree Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) for 2024. Knox College will confer the degree at this year’s Convocation service, on May 25, 2pm in the Knox College Chapel.
John Terpstra, serving as an elder and chair for worship and property at St. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian Church, has contributed significantly to the congregation with his creative writing and leadership in worship. He is well-known for his prayers and poetry skillfully composed and resonating with rich sound, reformed theology, and contemporary relevance, captivating congregations, and individuals alike.
Through his works, Mr. Terpstra has raised awareness about environmental issues to a broader audience. His nonfiction writings and poems illuminate the misuse of God’s creation. His eloquence allows him to engage with various audiences, whether they share his Christian beliefs or stand outside traditional church circles.
Rev. Marty Molengraaf graduated from Ewart College in 1979 and from Knox College in 1983. He was ordained in May 1983 and has served congregations in Calgary Alberta, North Bay, Puslinch, Markham and Kitchener all in Ontario. Marty’s leadership shines in his visionary approach to the missionary responsibility of the church. Marty has creativity and a deep passion for the church believing it can be a driving force for love, care, compassion, and inclusion in the community. Marty has served the National Church as the Convenor of one of the last Presbyterian Congress gatherings, a member of the Emmaus Project and the Convenor of the Justice Advisory committee. Currently he serves on the Rainbow Community Ad Hoc Team of the Presbytery of Waterloo Wellington.
Marty has served the larger community in a variety of ways – most notably as a founding Board Member of North South Partnership for Children (Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win) and as the Ecumenical Campus Chaplain for the University of Guelph.
Knox College’s 180th Convocation will include conferral of degrees upon the Class of 2024. Find more information here.