Arkansas Conference -

UM Museum of Arkansas reopens in new home

02-03-2012

UM Museum of Arkansas reopens in new home

The United Methodist Museum of Arkansas on Jan. 14 celebrated its grand reopening in its new location, First UMC Little Rock.

Among the United Methodist Museum of Arkansas’ artifacts is the pulpit suit at right, worn by Dr. Virgil Morris, who served as a Methodist minister in the Arkansas and Louisiana Conferences and as secretary of the South Central Jurisdiction.

Among the United Methodist Museum of Arkansas’ artifacts is the pulpit suit at right, worn by Dr. Virgil Morris, who served as a Methodist minister in the Arkansas and Louisiana Conferences and as secretary of the South Central Jurisdiction.

“This museum joins a number of other like-minded opportunities around here in historic Little Rock, to remind Arkansans and out-of-state visitors of the rich heritage of the people within our borders, and show that we have much on which to build our future,” said Tyler Thompson, chair of the Conference Commission on Archives and History, in his opening remarks.

“This particular museum shows just how important Methodism has been in the spiritual growth of the people, and the potential and promise that it has for us, now and tomorrow.”

A number of volunteers were present to witness their work come to fruition. Among them were two members of First UMC Little Rock: Linda Baker, volunteer curator, who unpacked and prepared items for display and wrote text for the signage; and Keith Martin, a museum exhibit specialist for Arkansas State Parks, who designed the display panels that educate the museum’s visitors.

The Rev. Don Nolley, left, a member of the team that worked to secure a new home for the United Methodist Museum of Arkansas, visits with Bishop Charles Crutchfield at the museum’s re-opening celebration. AUM PHOTOS BY AMY FORBUS

The Rev. Don Nolley, left, a member of the team that worked to secure a new home for the United Methodist Museum of Arkansas, visits with Bishop Charles Crutchfield at the museum’s re-opening celebration. AUM PHOTOS BY AMY FORBUS

The Rev. Ed Matthews, chair of the museum board, read from Psalm 145: “One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” He then presented the museum to Bishop Charles Crutchfield, who led a litany of dedication.

“Museums hold for us both the good and the bad, and from that we can learn,” said Crutchfield, noting that the history of Arkansas Methodism includes darker times, such as the Civil War and racial segregation.

“This museum and the archives of all the preceding Conferences in Arkansas capture the movement of our personal and corporate history as people of God.”

To share with the museum artifacts of historical value, or to serve as a volunteer tour guide, contact Martha Sowell at 501-224-9333 or mars75@sbcglobal.net. Local churches wishing to invite a speaker to present a program on the museum and the history of Methodism in Arkansas should contact Sowell, as well.

The Revs. Michael Mattox of First UMC Little Rock and Jimmy Mosby of Umsted Memorial and Emory Chapel UMCs pause in front of a collection of commemorative plates from churches across Arkansas.

The Revs. Michael Mattox of First UMC Little Rock and Jimmy Mosby of Umsted Memorial and Emory Chapel UMCs pause in front of a collection of commemorative plates from churches across Arkansas.

To schedule a tour visit for a confirmation class or other study group, contact the Arkansas Conference office at 501-324-8000 or toll-free 877-646-1816.