The Rev. Tricia Dykers Koenig is presented the C. Fred Jenkins Award
The award is bestowed every other year by the Association of Stated Clerks
LOUISVILLE — The Rev. Tricia Dykers Koenig, who has served as parliamentarian at the right hand of Co-Moderators and the Stated Clerk during recent General Assemblies and is known and appreciated for her steady hand and grace under pressure, was given the C. Fred Jenkins Award Tuesday by the Association of Stated Clerks.
“I’m kind of blown away, but I’m prepared,” she told the Mid Council Leaders Gathering, unfolding a page of prepared comments after mid council leaders had given her the first of two standing ovations. “I’m profoundly grateful that I might be considered for this.”
Jenkins was an associate stated clerk in the PC(USA) from 1990 until his death in 2000. He’s remembered as someone who was always available to people who sought his counsel and wisdom and who demonstrated a love of the church “and a grace in the face of our frailties,” the ASC said.
Maureen Wright, the transitional general presbyter and stated clerk for the Presbytery of West Virginia, nominated Dykers Koenig for the award. Wright said the awardee has long been known “for her non-anxious presence, wise counsel, and sharp and thoughtful voice in constitutional matters both in theory and in practice.” Dykers Koenig “taught me to think about how to use our polity as a way to make ministry happen. I am a better stated clerk and parliamentarian for having worked with her.”
Like Dykers Koenig, Jenkins was a longtime member of the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. A religion major in college, Dykers Koenig attended seminary because “I loved the courses and didn’t want to stop taking them.”
“Over the years, I have learned to revere our polity and how it grows out of our theology,” she said. “I love that we seek to listen to the voice of the Spirit,” although “Lord knows we get it wrong sometimes.”
“At our best, we are on a journey to ensure our polity and our structures are in service to God’s love,” she said. “Presbyteries and synods are key to providing that support.”
Dykers Koenig served as a pastor, community organizer and advocate before becoming associate director of Mid Council Relations in 2017. She retired a year ago.
“It was a great pleasure to assist you mid council leaders in your vital ministries,” she said. “I am enjoying retirement, but I miss you and my former colleagues. I thank the association and all of you. I am really blessed. Thank you.”
Mid council leaders stood once again and applauded her dedicated service.
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