|
Alma Rainey Copeland - 1st African American, LLC, 1985
 The first African-American woman
to be ordained by The American Lutheran Church was Maria-Alma Rainey
Copeland. Prior to ordination, Pastor Copeland had extensive experience
with ministry in the military context, having developed a mission parish
in Russellsheim, Germany, as a lay chaplain. Following her ordination,
she served Fellowship Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Florida and Good
Shepherd, Cleveland. From 1989-1991, she served as Assistant to the
Bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod. She returned to parish ministry
at Mizpah, St. Louis from 1991-1999, before her retirement in 2001. She
is shown here at her June 30, 1985 ordination service.
|
