The 11-week seminar, based on his doctoral dissertation, was to be given starting in September. Now his fellow parishioners will live out the essence of that seminar through experience.

His death was announced on the Search for Kent website: "It is with the most profound sadness imaginable, we wanted to let you know that the body of our beloved spouse, father, and grandfather – Kent Torrey Hinkson – was found late last night. A suspect is in custody. We learned of this on early Sunday morning, August 10th. ... We are devastated by the loss and the nature of this heinous act. We are hurting immensely. At the same time, we know God has a perfect plan. We know Kent is in a much better place. We thank God for how he has been with us in the midst of this devastating tragedy. We would never be able to get through without being reassured of His promises, grace and mercy."

Fr. Thomas , rector at All saints explained that Fr. Hinkson was originally ordained a Presbyterian minister but that "he had his ordination transferred two years ago and became a priest at All Saints Church." It was during the Sunday morning service (Aug. 10) that Fr. Kortus broke the news to the All Saints' Church family that their beloved missing priest had been found dead during the darkness of the early morning hours.

On that same Search for Kent website, which was set up to develop clues and help facilitate his safe return, Fr. Hinkson is described as: "... a loving husband to one wife for 48 years. He was the father to 3 children and a grandfather to 8. He died at the age of 71. He pastored Presbyterian churches in Texas, California and Florida. When he moved to Durham six years ago, he was a volunteer priest at the All Saints Church in Durham. He was also a volunteer at the Bennett Place Civil War site."

Matthew John Reed, from Raleigh, has been arrested and charged with the alleged crime, which is being investigated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation because Fr. Hinkson's lifeless body was found on state land in a state park. Reed, who has no record of prior incarceration in the North Carolina prison system, is being held without bond in Orange County Jail, Hillsborough, NC, although Reed has a criminal record in Ohio for burglary. Earlier in the year, he was also cited in Wake County, NC, for selling malt beverage to an underage person.

Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall told the media that "at this time" he couldn't disclose how the priest died. He also declined to say if he intends to seek the death penalty for Reed in connection with the slaying. Reed has been assigned a public defender; he is to reappear in court on Aug. 25 for a probable-cause hearing.

A memorial service to celebrate the life and ministry of Fr. Hinkson will be held Saturday (Aug. 16) at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Durham.

Mary Ann Mueller is a journalist living in Texas. She is a regular contributor to VirtueOnline