Elders and Deacons

Photos

https://lgbtran.org/Exhibits/Stoles/photos/original/Photo79.jpg
https://lgbtran.org/Exhibits/Stoles/photos/original/Photo80.jpg

Stole Text

ELDERS AND DEACONS

THIRD CHURCH

ROCHESTER NY

Contribution Story

We received about a dozen stoles from members of Third Church over the years.  The first five are identical designs with a name and personal symbol added to each.  This one honors a significant number of LGBT elders and deacons who have served Third Church in the past.

Third Church prides itself on having been in the vanguard of movement and change throughout its history.  In 1953, Lilian Alexander brought to the session of Third Church a proposal to ordain women as clergy in the Presbyterian Church.  Her overture passed through the session to the local presbytery and on to the General Assembly, where it was adopted, opening the way for the first woman, Margaret Towner, to be ordained in 1956.  Third has a long history of peace and justice activism throughout the world.  They are a More Light congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the life and leadership of the church.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006

Archival Record

Stole Number: 165
Honoree(s): Elders and Deacons
Donor(s): Third Presbyterian Church
Geography: Rochester, New York (USA)
Faith Tradition: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Donation Date: 1996

Citation

“Elders and Deacons,” LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed April 19, 2024, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/492.