Dr. Malcolm Stuart Sweet was the founding pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church. He was called by the Presbytery of Denver in 1962 as organizing pastor. He was certainly well qualified to act in this capacity.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hobart College and Bernadine Orme Smith Fellow (awarded for the highest general excellence during the three-year seminary course at McCormick Seminary). With his father, the Rev. Lewis Matthews Sweet, he co-authored The Pastoral Ministry in Our Time.

He was a chaplain to the Armed Forces during World War II and accompanied the allied invasion forces into Italy. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve and spent a brief time in the Holy Land before returning to this country. He then returned to the ministry where he participated in building three churches – including the historic Northern Light Presbyterian Church in Juneau, Alaska, and was Senior Reserve Chaplain of the State of Alaska.

Dr. Sweet came to Lakewood, Colorado, in the summer of 1962 and by the December 16 charter date, he had obtained 121 members. The church continued to grow under his leadership. A new sanctuary was completed at the 20th and Simms location in 1964 and a little later a Christian education building. He was instrumental in the construction of the present sanctuary, which was dedicated on October 24, 1971. Under his leadership, membership of Shepherd of the hills grew to 1000 members. Serving for over 20 years, he retired at the end of 1982. He was innovative and at one time had established a Board of Trustees for the church. This Board assisted the Session particularly with property and finance management.

Dr. Sweet died on July 2, 1987. His remains are buried in Fort Logan National Cemetery. Shepherd of the Hills must always be thankful for the leadership he gave to the church for over 20 years. Mildred Sweet, Malcolm’s beloved wife, and his four daughters also were an integral part of the church.

The chapel at Shepherd of the Hills was named after him, and henceforth has been known as Sweet Chapel.