Ken Hinkle
EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is composed of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.
The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.
This week’s conversation is with parishioner and volunteer, Ken Hinkle.
How long have you been a parishioner at Saint Philip’s?
Since 1987.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
No. My wife, Winifred, is Episcopalian so when we married I joined the church formally.
How do you volunteer at Saint Philip’s?
I’ve taken care of the fish pond since 1987 and I serve as Master of Ceremonies at Sunday worship services. I am also Saint Philip’s historian.
What does your role as Master of Ceremonies involve?
It’s akin to being the stage manager for a play. Lots of different people are involved in the liturgy and they perform their roles in a carefully choreographed dance.
There are different aspects to the role. One feature is to ensure that the announcements, readings, and microphones are where they need to be. Another is to distribute the bulletins and inserts for the priests, deacons, and sub-deacons. When someone isn’t able to be at the service, I find a substitute.
I also watch the time and make sure everyone is assembled in front of the church prior to the start of worship. The ushers and I coordinate about when to open the great doors. Changes in the air temperature affect the pipe organ so we do our best to avoid opening the doors prematurely.
Oh! I get to ring the chimes. That’s fun except for the two times they wouldn’t turn off.
How often do you perform your role as Master of Ceremonies?
A little over 100 times a year. There are the 9:00am and 11:15am services, Choral Evensong on the 3rd Sunday of every month, funerals, weddings, and any special services. For example, Holy Week is an extra busy time.
This volunteer activity requires a lot of your time. What about it speaks to you?
It’s a fantastic honor to support the liturgy in this way. I love being up close and seeing all the details. The incense moves me especially; seeing the offering and clouds of smoke rise always touch me.
What do you do for the fish pond?
Initially, I repaired the 1940’s structure by installing a pond liner, stuccoing the inside and cementing bricks around the top edge. I’m not a mason so the effect is “rustic.”
Now my efforts involve providing lilies for the pond. Water lilies are seasonal so right now there are three water lilies in the pond that can survive in cold water. They will leaf out soon. In June I’ll remove the existing plants and put in colorful water lilies that are tropical. The hardy ones will return in November.
What did you do professionally before you retired?
I’m an astronomer. I have an emeritus position, so I am only semi-retired. I remain actively involved in research.
When I first came to Tucson I was in charge of a spectrograph (an instrument that breaks light down into its colors) at Kitt Peak. Later I spent about five years building a spectrograph with a team of engineers and technicians. After that, I worked in Chile and Australia providing support for instruments in each country.
Do you have a hobby?
I love tropical plants. I have a fairly large greenhouse with over 100 orchids, begonias, and gesneriads. The lilies in the fish pond come from my pond at home.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’ve traveled about 2.5 million miles on American Airlines; I’m platinum for life.
Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.