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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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July/August 2004 |
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary honors Blaising as Distinguished Alum
Seminary acknowledges Hoosier's effective service
By David Heetland
EVANSTON, Ill., - Annually, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston presents a distinguished alum award to two alums that have rendered extraordinary service in their ministries. The 2004 Distinguished Alum Award for those who graduated more than 25 years ago was received by Dr. Marcus J. Blaising
Originally of Goshen, Ind., Blaising met Nona Louise Cochran from Port Angeles, Wash., in the seminary's library. They were married within the year and this year celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. In 1955, he received the B.D. degree from Garrett Biblical Institute.
From 1952 to 1986, Blaising served Indiana churches at Milford, Fort Wayne and Elkhart. Under his leadership, these congregations grew in membership, stewardship and missional support. His ministry included several building programs. From 1969-75, he served as superintendent of the New Castle District. He served as executive assistant to Bishops Leroy Hodapp and Woodie W. White from 1986 until his retirement in 1994.
Blaising served on the United Methodist General Council of Finance and Administration and the General Board of Pensions and was a delegate to three General Conferences and four Jurisdictional Conferences. In 1992 he was an episcopal candidate.
Blaising led more than 244 finance campaigns raising $45 million and participated in preaching missions to Mexico and Chile. He led in the development of Operation Classroom, which builds schools in Liberia and Sierra Leone. He participated in tours to China and Russia and has traveled in 31 countries. For several years, he has taught classes in church finance at the United Methodist-related Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
His service to the community includes board memberships of Ball State Wesley Foundation, Bashor Children's Home, Wesley Manor, Franklin Community Methodist Home, Elkhart General Hospital, Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, and the Samaritan Center.
Blaising received a B.A. degree from Albion (Mich.) College in 1952. Honorary doctor of divinity degrees were bestowed on him by DePauw University in Greencastle and the University of Indianapolis. In honor of his distinguished ministry, a scholarship was established at Garrett-Evangelical in 1987 by his friends and colleagues.
Having retired from full-time ministry, Blaising and his wife live in Sarasota, Fla., and Indianapolis, where they both continue to serve meals at homeless shelters and to support the Oaks Academy, an inner city Christian school in Indianapolis. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
Last updated on July 09, 2004