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Harry Arthur Woggon '54

May. 26, 1932-Nov. 26, 2022

Harry Arthur Woggon ’54 died on Nov. 26, 2022, in Asheville, N.C. Born in Rochester on May 26, 1932, he came to Hamilton from Ridley College, a preparatory school in St. Catherines, Ontario, and was already determined to become a Protestant minister. 

At Hamilton, he majored in history and English literature and played soccer from his freshman through his junior years. He performed with the Charlatans from his sophomore through his senior years and was the group’s business manager in his final two years. Reflecting his interest in books, Harry was known to host social gatherings in his room in Carnegie that were dubbed “literary gins.” The depth of his religious commitment was reflected in the fact that in his junior and senior years he was a member of the Chapel Board, the Student Christian Association, and the Anglican Society. Correspondence archived at the College indicates that as early as his sophomore year, Harry planned to seek admission to a Lutheran seminary in preparation for the ministry. 

Drafted into the Army after graduating, he served for two years in Japan and Korea before returning home to teach for one year. In 1957, he began graduate studies in history at the University of Oregon, earning a master’s degree in 1959. It was there that he met Genelda Kepley. They were married in 1959 and had three daughters and a son.

After returning to the East Coast, Harry began theological studies at the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City. Receiving a master of divinity degree in 1963, he began his 40-year career as an Episcopal priest. He worked primarily with individuals and families who were victims of substance abuse through North Carolina’s department of mental health in both inpatient and community mental health settings. By 1984, Harry was director of Alcohol and Drug Programs in Asheville, N.C.

He then assumed a different role as an intentional interim specialist, working with “troubled” Episcopal congregations going through one or another form of transition or difficulties. He served churches in both North and South Carolina and, from 1992 until 1996, was interim rector of Old Trinity Church, Church Creek, Md. He helped the congregation develop a small retreat center, a project that aligned with his own long-standing interest in mystical and contemplative prayer.

Harry published three books on the subject of spirituality: Transfigured into Wholeness, Gratitude’s Attitude: A Pioneer’s Pilgrimage, and Journey to the Center, a collection of his poetry.

In 1996, Harry retired, and he and Genelda returned to their home in Asheville, where he continued his ministerial work part time as the priest-in-charge for a small local parish. His religious perspective was quite ecumenical. As he wrote in his 50th reunion yearbook: “I continue my interest in cross-cultural spirituality, spiritual guidance, and the interface between psychology and spirituality. The contemplative and mystical traditions of all deep faith systems, together with Benedictine monastic spirituality, have enabled me to flourish in specialized ministry.” 

His recollections of his time on the Hill centered on the faculty of greatest influence: Professor of History David Maldwyn Ellis ‘38, and Professors of English George Lyman Nesbitt, Class of 1924, and Robert Barnes “Bobo” Rudd, Class of 1909. He recalled with pleasure lectures and concerts in the Chapel, working with the Charlatans, and the fellowship of meals in Commons. The College’s influences upon him included, “the honor system and the understanding that when you left your room you were to act as a gentleman. The small liberal arts atmosphere was most congenial to me. The art of writing and public speaking has been very useful over the years.” 

Harry served the College as a member of his class’s reunion gift committee and as a volunteer with the Career Center.

Harry A. Woggon is survived by his wife, four children, and 10 grandchildren.

Necrology Home

Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.



Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu

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