The Rev. Joe Harvard, pastor of First Presbyterian since 1981, has received a Distinguished Service Award from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga. Two awards are presented annually to graduates who have shown outstanding Christian service in ministry.

Harvard, who has been at First Presbyterian since 1981, is a 1966 graduate of Columbia. His quest for social justice has shown itself in Durham through numerous public service awards, including the Freedom Award from the NAACP.

The seminary, one of 10 theological institutions of the Presbyterian Church (USA), will hold graduation ceremonies from May 16-17. Bishop William Willimon, former Dean of Duke Chapel and now of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, will preach the baccalaureate sermon. Degrees will be conferred on 103 students in five degree programs.