ATLANTA — A buoyant gathering of grateful well-wishers packed the Peachtree Suite at the Hyatt Regency Hotel here to celebrate the retirement of Evelyn Hwang after her more than 48 years of service on the national staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) both in New York City and Louisville.

Hwang, associate for Preparation for Ministry in the Office of Vocation — a joint ministry of the Office of the General Assembly and the General Assembly Council — was honored and lovingly embraced by a diverse representation of people from across the church, assembled here for the PC(USA)’s inaugural Big Tent event.

“This party brings together seminary presidents, middle governing body executives, young people, multicultural friends, and longtime colleagues, symbolizing all of the constituents that Evelyn has touched,” said the Rev. Marcia Clark Myers, director of the Office of Vocation. “This is an amazing testimony to the impact that she has had.”

Hwang — who during her tenure with the PC(USA) shaped the call system, spearheaded diversity initiatives, transformed preparation from a process to formation, touched the lives of racial ethnic seminarians, and initiated the event now known as the Healthy Ministry Conference, one of the ten conferences meeting at the Big Tent — was presented with gifts and a “memory book” containing letters affirming her service to the church.

Among those offering words of tribute in praise of Hwang’s service to the PC(USA) was the Rev. Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly. “She has been a treasure to the church,” said Parsons. “She has consistently encouraged the spiritual growth of our inquirers and candidates, showing that ministry is not just about the skills but the spirit. That is her lasting legacy.”

Others recognizing Hwang included the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly, the Rev. Jan DeVries, synod executive, Synod of the Southwest, and Vickie McCreary, a Columbus, Ohio-based director of the Ministry Development Council.

The Rev. Bill dePrater, executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Mississippi, said that Hwang’s ministry had been a gift to him, not only professionally but also personally. “She has always given me sound guidance throughout my ministry and I have always appreciated her deep commitment to Christ’s church,” dePrater said. “She showed a deep, caring, personal interest in everyone she worked with, including me. I think the world of her.”

Hwang, with characteristic grace, closed the evening’s event by saying that she had originally intended to say only two words, “thank you.” After reflecting on her years of service, all at the General Assembly level, Hwang said, “This is my beloved church, so open and inclusive to have an Asian-American woman heading referral services for 18 years and preparation for ministry for 13 years.

“For all who come after me, I would say that this is God’s church. God has a purpose for us all.”

Emily Odom is a communications associate in Communications and Funds Development of the General Assembly Council and a frequent contributor to Presbyterian News Service.