Garrett-ETS scholarship honors South Indiana pastor, pastoral counselor

INDIANAPOLIS - A retired United Methodist minister in Indianapolis, whose 49-year career included the past 34 as a prominent pastoral counselor, will soon be honored with a special scholarship named in his honor at United Methodist-related Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.

The Rev. G. Edward Alley received this special tribute on Nov. 11 at North United Methodist Church, 3808 North Meridian. Dr. Philip Amerson, a former Indiana clergyperson who now is president of Garrett-Evangelical, preached at the Sunday worship services and started a campaign to raise $50,000 for the scholarship endowment.

Alley, a 1961 graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, retired this past April. He was involved at the Raines Counseling Center as a counselor, training director and executive director from 1973 to 1987. Later, with his wife Susan, he operated a private pastoral counseling practice for more than 20 years - a practice she still serves.

He began his calling in United Methodist ministry in 1958, serving churches in S. Milford-Wayne, Bourbon First, Logansport Wheatland, Kokomo Grace and Indianapolis North before beginning to specialize in pastoral counseling. Among his early appointments was as minister of education from 1968 to 1971 for North Church congregation, who will honor him on Nov.11.

"Ed and his wife have offered hope and understanding to many individuals and families over the years," said the Rev. Kevin Armstrong, North UMC's senior pastor. "Supporting this scholarship fund is a very appropriate way to repay Ed for the compassionate ministry he has extended to others."

Prospective donors are encouraged to contact Bruce Naylor, a Garrett-Evangelical development associate, for information about how to contribute. He can be reached at 317-750-1001.

A community-wide committee handled arrangements for the Nov. 11 observance.

Last updated on 13 May 2008

Questions or comments: webmaster@inareaumc.org