Indiana People -- Nov. 2001

Rev. James D. Jones, executive assistant to Indiana Area Bishop Woodie W. White, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Oakwood Academy. The Oakwood Academy is a not-for-profit private operating foundation established for the purpose of providing young adults with nondenominational instruction for building a dynamic Christian-based life. Dr. Jones also serves as president of the Board of Directors of the Oakwood Foundation.

In late Sept., the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling held its annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn. Nine Indiana United Methodists attended the event to lend their support toward halting the formation of a lottery in the state of Tennessee. Tennessee, Hawaii and Utah are the only states currently without legalized gambling or lottery. Pictured above: Back row (L to R): Rev. Dan Eckart, Rev. John Wolf, Rev. Richard Hamilton; Front row (L to R): Peggy Trimmer, Carolyn Wolf, Nancy Scott and Terry Trimmer; Not Pictured: Walter Schulz and Anna Lee Hamilton.

Milestones

Centenary UMC in New Albany will celebrate 200 years of United Methodism in Indiana and 160 years of worship at Centenary Nov. 4. The celebration will begin with a 9:30 a.m. worship service, which will be followed by a pitch-in luncheon. Memorabilia collected over the past year will be featured at the worship service.

First UMC of Alexandria celebrated its 100th anniversary Oct. 28. The congregation marked the event with a special morning service by the Rev. Ray "Bud" Probasco, followed by a potluck.

Long's Chapel UMC in Sullivan celebrated its 110th anniversary in October. Parishioners built the sanctuary for about $100 in 1891, during Benjamin Harrison's term as president. The church was named for its first minister, Ed. E. Long.

Yorktown UMC celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special service in October. Rev. James D. Jones, executive assistant to Indiana Bishop Woodie W. White, spoke at the service. Honored during the anniversary was Marybelle Spangler, who has attended the church for 81 years.

Industry UMC in Muncie celebrated its 150th anniversary in September with a homecoming service, special singing and visits from former pastors and members.

Members of Russiaville UMC broke ground for their new church in September to replace the building that was destroyed in a Christmas morning fire last year. Rebuilding is nothing new for the church; it was damaged by fires damaged it in 1902 and 1942 and by a tornado that swept through the town on Palm Sunday in 1965.

Frederic "Fritz" Gingrich retired Oct. 14 after 43 years of church service, 34 years of which were spent as organist of Crescent Avenue UMC in Fort Wayne. The church honored Mr. Gingrich with the title Organist Emeritus. In January 2000, the church commissioned an anthem in his honor based on his favorite psalm, Psalm 139, "Lord, You Have Searched Me."

United Methodist-related University of Indianapolis last month completed three buildings: the Richard E. Stierwalt Alumni House, Central Hall and the renovated and expanded Schwitzer Student Center. The university invested about $17.5 million in the construction and renovation.

Spencer UMC in Owen County has begun work on a new sanctuary. The present sanctuary seats 70 and is not handicap-accessible. The new structure will seat 170 and will have a covered carport for easy access.

Mt. Gilboa UMC celbrated its 150 anniversary with a hog roast and bazaar Sept. 15 and a homecoming on Oct. 4. On Oct. 14, District Superintendent Michelle Cobb spoke at morning worship, which was followed by a carry-in dinner. Music was provided by "Resurrection."

Armstrong Chapel - 175 years and going strong

On Sept. 30, Armstrong Chapel celebrated its 175th anniversary. It is reputed to be the oldest religious organization in Indiana north of the Wabash River. Families arrived in vintage clothing carrying their picnic baskets. Members sang to the music of an old pump organ. The Rev. Michelle Cobb, superintendent of the Lafayette District, preached at the worship service. Past ministers spoke at the afternoon service.

Much work was done in the cemetery where generations of families are buried. Stones were straightened and reset and the original threshold of the log cabin where Holy Communion was celebrated in 1826 was found. The present church replaced the original log cabin in 1851. The church has seen many changes over the years: women and men no longer enter on opposite sides of the church, they are no longer separated by a partition, and you won't find a horse and buggy, although you can still see the cable outside that the horses were tied to.

Names in the News

Milestones

Armstrong Chapel - 175 years and going strong