Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
May – 100 years ago
The Scranton District got its first district parsonage 100 years ago this month when incoming superintendent Edward Martin “spent two or three days hunting for a suitable place of shelter, but without success.” The district stewards met at Elm Park May 2, 1922, and “after a free and frank discussion” decided a district parsonage was “not only desirable but a necessity.” Just four days later they met again at Elm Park and voted unanimously to purchase 919 Sunset Street for such purposes for $14,600. That remained the district parsonage for 59 years, until 132 Edgewood Drive in Clarks Summit was purchased during the superintendency of James Wert in 1981.
June – 50 years ago
Among the items approved June 3, 1972, by the Wyoming Conference meeting at Elm Park UMC in Scranton was the directive that each minister under appointment submit in writing to the annual charge conference and to the Board of Ministry statements of:
- “his long-term and short-term educational goals.”
- “his plans for a four-week period of intensive continuing education within the quadrennium.”
- “his plans for a week of resident study for continuing course work to be taken in the year ahead.”
The gender-specific language in the Board of Ministry report continued in the details about approved course offerings and available scholarship monies with the statement that “retired men are also eligible for the $50 per-year scholarship for continuing education.” That language was used even though the Conference had at least one female elder, Ruth L. Underwood – who had retired in 1971 after serving 28 years, 16 as a local pastor and 12 as a full member of conference.
