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 On
the night he graduated from Millsaps, Keith Tonkel was diagnosed
with throat cancer, an ailment that his doctors warned would claim
his ability to both speak and sing. He had chosen to pursue a career
in the ministry, and the diagnosis was devastating.
But after several
major operations, Tonkel recovered his vocal powers. He went on
to become a powerful voice resounding in the hearts of those he
has touched as the charismatic leader of Wells United Methodist
Church. There, for more than three decades, he has been a visionary
advocate of renewal – both spiritual and urban.
In honor of
Tonkel's dedication and 34 years of service, the Wells congregation
has endowed a scholarship at Millsaps in his honor. The Keith Tonkel
Endowed Scholarship Fund is designed to aid students who are actively
engaged in the creation of a more hospitable, just and desirable
society through participation in community service.
Tonkel's calling
as a Methodist minister emerged from unlikely roots. Born a Catholic,
the son of a debutante and a nightclub drummer, he grew up in New
Orleans.
"I thought
about becoming a minister, but I also thought about becoming a doctor,"
Tonkel said. "When I was 18, I remember a distinct change in
myself. My heart was strangely warm, and I knew I wanted to go into
the ministry."
Tonkel decided
to come to Millsaps for his college education based on the recommendation
of a close friend. He "told me that he was a Millsaps grad
and that it was the best school in the state of Mississippi,"
Tonkel said.
So Tonkel took
off in his Chevy from New Orleans, bound for Millsaps. "I showed
up at the door with $8.43," he said. "I hadn't even preregistered."
But Dr. Homer
Ellis Finger, the president of Millsaps at the time, took Tonkel's
problems in stride. Finger arranged for a scholarship to cover some
of Tonkel's tuition costs, and Tonkel sold his car for the remainder.
Since his graduation,
Tonkel has upheld a Millsaps tradition of creative, unconventional
thinking. Located in one of Jackson's more disadvantaged neighborhoods,
Wells has been a progressive agent of social change that forgoes
traditional Sunday morning trappings for a dynamic spirit of diversity.
The church draws from all geographical and social sectors of the
metropolitan area and is known for its commitment to helping those
in need.
"The church
is full every Sunday," said Luran Buchanan, a Wells member
since 1992. "Some people wear designer clothes, and we might
have an usher in a tie-dyed T-shirt. Everyone is welcome. This is
a church for people on a journey."
The city of
Jackson benefits from that journey. Wells supports a number of organizations
throughout Mississippi, including Operation Shoestring, Bethlehem
Center, Stewpot Community Services, the Good Samaritan Center and
Mission Mississippi. In addition, the church sponsors the annual
WellsFest, which benefits a different charitable organization each
year, and WellsHouse, which provides housing for older persons and
those in transition. The church has also adopted Galloway Elementary
School and participates in Humanity for Humanity efforts.
Tonkel leads
retreats, revivals and conferences across the nation in addition
to appearing on Methodist television and radio programs. During
church services, he has been known to tell worshipers that if they
need a few dollars, they are welcome to take them out of the offering
plate as it is passed around.
"He exemplifies
service from the heart and has so for a number of years," said
Sally Molpus, one of the contributors to the scholarship fund. "He's
been an amazing force in the city of Jackson, truly seeking out
ways to serve that many of us don't see."
The Millsaps scholarship will serve as another visible manifestation
of Tonkel's ongoing commitment.
"When I
heard what the congregation was doing, I was surprised as all get
out," he said. "This has been extremely humbling, and
I am so grateful. I love the idea that the scholarship is open to
people considering what they do to be ministry and service for the
public good."
To donate to
the Keith Tonkel Endowed Scholarship Fund, contact Michele
Bunch at (601) 974-1026.
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