Order of Exercises
McMaster Divinity College Convocation Ceremony
Thursday, May 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM
L. R. Wilson Concert Hall
Musical Prelude
Dr Wendy J. Porter, Professor of Music and Worship, McMaster Divinity College
The Graduand Procession, The Academic Procession, The President’s Procession
The audience will rise as the Processions enter L. R. Wilson Concert Hall
National Anthem–O Canada
Led by McMaster Divinity College Ensemble
Welcome and Opening of Convocation Ceremony
Dr Stanley E. Porter, President and Dean, McMaster Divinity College
Opening Prayer
Dr Kelvin F. Mutter, Associate Professor of Counselling and Spiritual Care, McMaster Divinity College
Responsive Scripture Reading—Psalm 111
Led by Dr Wendy J. Porter
Come, Thou Fount
Led by McMaster Divinity College Ensemble
Recognition of Dr Kelvin F. Mutter as Associate Professor Emeritus of Counselling and Spiritual Care
Dr James D. Dvorak, Vice President Academic, McMaster Divinity College
Presentation of the MDC Award for Distinguished Faculty Service to Dr James R. Payton Jr.
Dr Gordon L. Heath, Professor of Christian History, McMaster Divinity College
Presentation of the MDC Award for Distinguished Faculty Service to Dr James D. Dvorak
Dr Paul S. Evans, Professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College
The Conferring of the Degree Doctor of Divinity honoris causa on
Margaret Helen Derrah
by Authority of the McMaster Divinity College Senate
Dr Stanley E. Porter
and
Mr David Huctwith, Chair, Board of Trustees, McMaster Divinity College
The Convocation Address
Dr Margaret Helen Derrah
Goodness of God
Led by McMaster Divinity College Ensemble
The Conferral of Professional Certificates and Degrees
by Authority of the McMaster Divinity College Senate
Dr Stanley E. Porter
and
Dr James D. Dvorak
Graduate Reflection
Jonathan Mark Germain, MDiv
The Conferral of Research Degrees
by Authority of the McMaster Divinity College Senate
Dr Stanley E. Porter
and
Dr James D. Dvorak
Graduate Reflection
Jihyung Kim, PhD
Way Maker
Led by McMaster Divinity College Ensemble
The Trustee Address
Mr David Huctwith
Presentation of the President’s Gold Medal Awards for Academic Excellence
Dr Stanley E. Porter
The President’s Address
Dr Stanley E. Porter
Commissioning of Graduates & Prayer of Commissioning
Dr J. Gregory Davidson, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College
Be Thou, My Vision and Doxology
Led by McMaster Divinity College Ensemble
Dismissal of Convocation Ceremony
Dr Stanley E. Porter
Recessional
Immediately following the ceremony, a reception, to which all are invited, will be held in Cullen Hall at McMaster Divinity College.
McMaster Divinity College Ensemble
Dr Wendy J. Porter, Professor of Music and Worship, McMaster Divinity College, Vocals and Piano
Ashley St Pierre, MDiv and CertCS graduand, McMaster Divinity College, Vocals
Krystle Marriott, MA in Theology and Ministry graduate and PhD student, McMaster Divinity College, Vocals
Doyin Oyenuga, MA in Theology and Ministry student, McMaster Divinity College, Vocals
Corey Parish, PhD student, McMaster Divinity College, Guitar and Vocals
John Steadman, Director of External Relations and Operations, McMaster Divinity College, Bass
Isaac Gama, MA in Counselling and Spiritual Care graduand, McMaster Divinity College, Cajon