By Father Vic Subb

Over the years I have noticed that Glenmarians, like all people, are a unique group of characters, using their gifts and talents to build the Kingdom of God in rural America. One unique member was Father John Garvey.

As a novice, I and fellow student Jeff Mevissen, were sent to spend five months in Gate City, Virginia, in the southwest mountains of Virginia, during the autumn of 1979. Father John Garvey and Brother Ken Woods were the local ministers. This was my first mission experience as a Glenmary student. Father John had a great way to keep you laughing. I will share two experiences that brought joy to my stay in Gate City.

Father John loved to give people nicknames. You would wait in anticipation of what your name would be. Brother Ken was given the name of the great Woodsman, Father Dave Glockner, who was the pastor in the next parish was King David, and Jeff was Young Euphoric.

My name was more of a challenge for Father John. One morning, very early Father John came to my room to tell me my new name was Mr. Horace P. Winunder, an English Gentleman. How did he ever get that name? Very easy! Vic is win and Subb means under. Therefore, Vic Subb became Mr. Winunder. For five months I was Winunder. I think Father John forgot my real name.

I remember during a Sunday sermon Father John told the congregation that he went hiking with the Great Woodsman, King David, Young Euphoric, and me, Mr. Winunder. I remember the faces of people in the Church wondering who Father John was talking about. The name Mr. Winunder is a part of me. Father John lighting up people with their new names. I just need to remember not to sign my checks as Mr. Winunder.

Another experience that Father John offered others was the opportunity to earn a doctorate degree. I was happy to earn just a bachelor’s degree. This invented priest doctorate degree was earned without school buildings, professors, books, or tuition. It was my kind of school. Father John’s was a Doctorate of Life — a D.L. — a degree that was earned when one could return good for bad or evil. Father John did not have this degree himself but offered it to worthy candidates. To get a D.L. would look good after my name.

Father John would observe each candidate. When this person demonstrated that they were returning good for evil on consistent experiences, then they received the D.L. I remember the day I was asked to come to his office. With a smile he said Doctor Winunder you have made it. Congratulations! I am a D. L. Praise God. I wonder, if other D.L. recipients could encourage others to receive this degree, how beautiful the world would be? Call me for more details.

Father John died in 2002. I still remember his stories and joy. Thank the Lord for this missioner.

Mr. Horace P. Winunder, D. L.