KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A celebration of spiritual dedication and community connection will take place in downtown Keene this May, as the Unitarian Universalist Church on Washington Street prepares to ordain its transitional minister, Rowan Van Ness.

Van Ness, who has served the Keene congregation since September 2024, will be formally ordained at a joint ceremony on Saturday, May 17, at 1 p.m. by both the Keene church and the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont. The ordination marks a pivotal milestone in a minister’s journey, recognizing years of theological study, internships, and ministerial service.

The South Burlington resident holds degrees from Smith College and Harvard Divinity School,and brings extensive ministerial experience from congregations in Vermont and Massachusetts. She also completed chaplaincy training at major institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital and Smith College.

“This ordination is the culmination of seven years of study, internships, and chaplaincy training,” said Van Ness, reflecting on the path that brought her to this point.

Ordination in the Unitarian Universalist tradition is not conferred by a central authority, but by the congregations themselves—a testament to the denomination’s values of shared leadership and congregational autonomy.

Mickey Cronin, board president of the Keene church, said the ordination holds special meaning for the congregation, which marked its 200th anniversary last year. She praised Van Ness for her leadership and ability to inspire during a period of transition and visioning. “She is skillfully guiding our congregation through a period of growth,” Cronin said.

Van Ness, who lives with her wife Caitlyn Tengwall and their daughter Seneca, intends to renew her ministerial contract with the Keene congregation through 2026.

The public is welcome to attend the ordination ceremony, which will be held at the historic church located at 69 Washington St.