John Wesley Lord facts for kids

John Wesley Lord (born August 23, 1902 – died October 8, 1989) was an important American bishop in the Methodist Church. He was chosen as a bishop in 1948. Bishop Lord was very active in the Civil Rights Movement. He even marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and met with President John F. Kennedy at the White House. He strongly worked to make the Methodist Church more integrated, meaning people of all races could participate equally. He also served as a vice president for the National Council of Churches and was involved with the World Health Organization.

Early Life and Education

John Wesley Lord was born on August 23, 1902, in Paterson, New Jersey. His father, John James Lord, was from Liverpool, and his mother, Catherine Steward (Carmichael) Lord, was from Edinburgh. John Wesley married Margaret Farrington Ratcliffe on April 29, 1931. They had one daughter named Jean Phillips.

John Wesley finished his studies at the Montclair State Normal School in 1922. He then earned his Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania in 1927. He also received a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) degree from Drew Theological Seminary in 1930. He continued his studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland from 1930 to 1931.

A Leader in the Church and Civil Rights

John Wesley Lord began his church career in the Newark Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He became a Deacon in April 1929 and an Elder in March 1931. He served as an Assistant Pastor at Emory Methodist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey from 1927 to 1930. He then led the Union Community Church in Union, New Jersey from 1931 to 1934. Later, he was pastor at First Church, Arlington (1935–37), and First Methodist Church, Westfield (1938–48).

In 1948, John Wesley Lord was elected as a Bishop of the Methodist Church. He was assigned to lead the Boston episcopal area.

Bishop Lord was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. He believed in equal rights for all people. He worked hard to end racial segregation within the Methodist Church. His efforts helped make the church a more welcoming place for everyone.

Later Life and Impact

Bishop Lord retired from his church duties in 1972. He passed away on October 8, 1989. His work had a lasting impact on the Methodist Church and the Civil Rights Movement. He is remembered for his dedication to justice and equality.

See also

• List of bishops of the United Methodist Church