Elsa Dooling of the Diocese of Northern California writes about the death of the Rev. Canon Winifred B. Gaines:
The Rev. Canon Gaines graduated from Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) in 1978, became the first woman to be ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California and the first female Chaplain of the California State Senate. “Winnie Gaines had a true pastor’s heart,” [said] Bishop Barry Beisner. “It is also true that she was a bold pioneer, but it was because she had a deep and abiding love for the people of God. She and Bob, her husband, were a vital ministry team in this diocese and at Trinity Cathedral.”
Bob Gaines recently established the Winifred B. Gaines Scholarship Endowment with a $100,000 gift to support seminarians in this diocese. His gift is a challenge grant, and supporters, alumni and friends are encouraged to help meet the challenge with a gift of any size.
