Epworth United Methodist Church | 5253 N. Kenmore Ave Chicago, IL 60640 | 773-561-6422

History -- Martha Coursey

On August 5, 2004, Pastor Coursey wrote for the Epworth Historian a biography and remembrances. The following is an excerpt for the biographical section:

I was born and raised on the North side of Chicago, near Lincoln, Lawrence and Western. I attended Waters Elementary School and Amundsen High School. After a mid-year graduation, I worked for Field Enterprises Educational Corporation until the fall. I attended Illinois Wesleyan University, graduating with a B.A. in June of 1968. In the Fall I attended Garrett Theological Seminary. I was ordained a Deacon and Probationary Member of the Northern Illinois Conference in June of 1970. I graduated in the Spring of 1971 with a Masters of Divinity. I did a semester of Clinical Pastoral Education at Swedish Covenant Hospital, and worked the first part of the new year. I received my appointment to a two-point charge, Compton-Scarboro in June of 1972. I was appointed to serve at Epworth United Methodist Church in 1976 and served until June 1981. I was then appointed to Holy Covenant United Methodist Church until June 1990. I took a sabbatical for one year and on July 1, 1991 was appointed to serve the First United Methodist Church of Forreston, which I served until September 30 of 1998. I begin serving my current appointment at the United Methodist Church of Worth on October 1, 1998.

Happily I have served on many District and Annual Conference Committees, including The Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, the Annual Conference Committee, Status and Role of Women, Board of Church and Society, Religion and Race, Conference Board of Pensions to name some.

Also, I have been privileged to serve on many community committees and in groups, including Ecumenical Clergy Groups, Cluster groups, Lions, Chambers of Commerce.

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