Historical Society recognizes women clergy celebration

INDIANAPOLIS - Roberts Park United Methodist Church, which traces its history back to seven members of a class organized by William Cravens in 1821 (the first religious congregation of any kind in Indianapolis) and which hosted the General Conference in 1856, will host the annual meeting of the Indiana United Methodist Historical Society on Saturday, April 29. The meeting will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the granting of full clergy rights to women in the Methodist tradition. Registration for this annual meeting will be at 10 a.m.

In the morning session, the Rev. Howard Boles, pastor of Roberts Park UMC, a native Hoosier, and holder of an M.A. degree in church history from the University of Iowa, will present a lecture on the role of women in Methodist ministry, examining in depth the effect of official ordination on their status and their lives. Boles' other degrees are from the University of Evansville and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. A clergywoman will augment Boles' presentation.

After lunch, the history of Roberts Park UMC will be presented in the sanctuary of the church - a church which is a scion of the first church on what is today Monument Circle (Wesley Chapel, built in 1829) and which in subsequent moves of only a few city blocks remained at the city's center.

A fee of $12 for members of the Indiana United Methodist Historical Society and $15 for non-members will cover both registration and lunch. Registrations will be accepted by Lois G. Shelton, IUMHS Treasurer, 4189 Troy Road, Washington, IN 47501. Make checks payable to: IUMHS/Annual Meeting.

For more information, call Phil Williams at 317-787-7110 (home) or 317-615-2513 (business).

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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