Memorial Service for Gil Caldwell held in Springwood Ave park
The late clergyman and civil rights leader lauded as a giant in the Asbury Park community
A memorial service was held today in Springwood Avenue Park for the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 86.
Caldwell was a retired minister with the United Methodist Church when he moved to Asbury Park in 2007. His son Dale Caldwell told the gathering that he recommended Asbury Park to his parents for their retirement because he thought his father would fit well in the community, and continue his work of seeking justice and bringing people together.
Various community leaders, mostly from Asbury Park, also addressed the gathering, which was presided over by Rev. Semaj Vanzant, Sr. and Rev. Nicolle Harris [center and left in photo at top]. Also assisting was Rabbi Marc Kline [left in photo at top].
A common theme of the speakers was the respect and admiration all held for Caldwell because of his work in the civil rights movement, which included working with Martin Luther King and being at some of the most historic events in that struggle in the 1960s.
Speakers also took note of Caldwell’s lifelong commitment to social and racial justice, as well as his early advocacy for equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Caldwell’s love of bringing people together, particularly those of varying viewpoints, for discussion and reconciliation was another often-cited theme at the gathering.
Below are photos of various speakers at the memorial:
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