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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
November 2002 |
Activist, advocate was a 'Distinguished Hoosier':
Michael Anderson, 52, led Bloomington Dist.
The Rev. Michael A. Anderson, Sr., died at home in Bloomington Friday evening, Oct. 18.
Rev. Anderson and his family had been "bathed in prayer" by the 81 congregations in his district, along with many friends and relatives during his long struggle with a series of critical illnesses including a liver transplant and most recently cancer. Rev. Anderson had served as superintendent of the South Indiana Conference's Bloomington District for the past two years.
A Celebration of his Life was held Oct. 23 at first UMC, Bloomington. Indiana Bishop Woodie W. White and First Church Pastor, the Rev. Len Sjogren were co-officiates.
"The death of Michael Anderson is a great loss to the South Indiana Conference," the bishop said. "His love for the Church and considerable gifts had far greater impact than many realize. Through nearly a year's illness, he continued to give leadership as best he could. He faced death with faith and dignity, and in so doing was an outstanding witness to us all."
A native of Indianapolis, Rev. Anderson graduated from Martin University, Christian Theological Seminary, and Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta where he received a Master's of Divinity degree.
His pastoral career began in 1988 leading a parish in Atlanta, then subsequently serving as Associate Pastor of St. Mark's UMC in Chicago. He came to Indiana in 1991 to serve as pastor at Wesley UMC in Jeffersonville for six years. In 1997 he was appointed Associate Council Director of the South Indiana Conference, where he served three years, before being appointed to the bishop's South Conference Cabinet in 2000.
Michael Anderson's passionate commitment to social justice issues was expressed through his extensive community involvement, including the Martin Luther King Holiday Commissions in Bloomington and Jeffersonville, Bloomington Human Rights Commission, and the Safe and Civil City Advisory Board, as well as Black Methodists for Church Renewal.
While serving the church in Jeffersonville, he co-chaired Citizens for Racial Harmony, was a director on the Board of the Clark County Hospital Foundation. He also served as president of the Clark County Ministerial Association. In 1977, Gov. Frank O'Bannon honored Michael as a "Distinguished Hoosier."
Bishop White said of Rev. Anderson's death, "I have lost a dear friend and colleague, but we are all richer for having been touched by his life and ministry."
Memorial gifts may be made to Africa University c/o South Indiana Conference or Hospice of Bloomington Hospital. Cards may be sent to Mrs. Beverly Anderson at 834 Sheridan Dr. Bloomington, Ind. 47401.
Rev. Anderson is survived by his wife Beverly Calender-Anderson, three sons: Michael Anthony Anderson, Jr., Marcus Andrew Anderson and Isadore James Torry, as well as six grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Carolyn Anderson; brother and sister-in-law, Philip and Nanette Anderson; sister and brother-in-law, Candase and James Cornett II; a step-sister, Michelle Anderson - all of Indianapolis. Lynne DeMichele
Last updated on 01/14/2004