Central United Methodist Church 23 E. Adams * Detroit, Michigan 313-965-5422

THE  PASTORS  (CON'T)

The Laird Years

Dr. James H. Laird, senior pastor from 1958-67, was even hung in effigy by those who disagreed with his courageous stand against the Vietnam War. Through the years he and several other pastors and members of the congregation have been arrested because of their peace and justice witness.

The Large Years

Called to care for all of God's creations, in 1969 Dr. Dwight Large (1967-71) orchestrated a demonstration of the need for a returnable bottle law by filling its sanctuary with empty bottles for a service focused on protecting the earth, a year before the first 'Earth Day'. Large spoke eloquently of the spiritual power of art forms to move us to social action.

The Devor Years

Dr. Richard Devor's sermons troubled the waters of behalf of the faith. Under his leadership (1971-1981) Central produced a white paper on busing for the Detroit Annual Conference and added contemporary celebrations, college courses and an intentional core-community of Centralites who lived together at the parsonage.

The Kidd Years

Rev. David Kidd (1981-1991) led Central in its bold move to house the Downtown Detroit Seniors' Center and the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). The latter primarily served the gay and lesbian community. Like the Chinese church so many years before it, MCC moved into its own building as well. Kidd also inspired the establishment of Co-Creators, an intergenerational Sunday School to explore earthy, creative approaches to spirituality.

The Strong Years

Rev. David Strong (1991-1994) emphasized concerns of the community as the centerpiece of worship and installed a sand trough with vigil candles to help make visual the congregational prayers for peace during the Gulf War.

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