John

John

An ardent Presbyterian, "son of the manse," he might have become a minister, but the non-acceptance of his sexuality by family and Presbyterian Church has directed him into another profession and another denomination.

This is one of twelve stoles donated by Merrill Proudfoot in honor of friends and colleagues.  We have no other information about Bill other than what is written on this stole.  However, much can be gleaned from "reading between the lines" of this stole story and from the small bit that Merrill shared with me.  A man of great faith and strong commitment to the Presbyterian Church, he was ready from a young age to follow his father into the Presbyterian ministry.  The hostility he experienced from his family and his denomination, though, led to his alienation from both.  Although he found his way in other directions, the Presbyterian Church lost a great pastor, and a family lost the embrace of a devoted son.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006