Rev. Harold Wells

2019 Distinguished Alumni/ae Award Recipient AnnouncedFor lifetime achievement at the local, national and international levels, the Rev. Dr. Harold Wells 6T6 has been named the 2019 Distinguished Alumni/ae Award winner. Harold embodies the essence of this award having served, over the course of his career, the Church and its broader community as a minister, teacher, and writer. Harold holds a Bachelor of Arts (McMaster University), Bachelor of Divinity (Emmanuel College), Master of Theology (New College, University of Edinburgh), Doctor of Philosophy (McGill University) and Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) (Knox College). Harold was a professor of Systemic Theology and the Director of Advanced Degree studies at Emmanuel College for much of his career and supervised 23 doctoral students for the Toronto School of Theology. He has served congregational ministries at Jarvis (Erie Presbytery), Garson-Falconbridge (Sudbury Presbytery), and East Plains United Church, Burlington (Halton Presbytery). In his personal life, Harold married Patricia Wells in 1963 and they had four children. His work led him to the Division of World Outreach where he served as university chaplain and lecturer in theology at Morija Theological College and at the National University of Lesotho (in Southern Africa). His family accompanied him to Lesotho, where Patricia taught high school, and they later co-authored the book, Jesus Means Life. As a writer, Harold is the author or editor of six books, as well as numerous chapters in books. He has also written many articles in refereed journals, and since retirement has published articles in the Touchstone Journal and the United Church Observer. Harold was honoured for his continued leadership in a number of volunteer roles at East Plains with the honourary title of Minister Emeritus.