Signature Stole
Stole Text
"Sisters of Sophia"
Alton, IL
Mary Diboll
Joan Marshall
Doris Michel
Elizabeth O'Neill
Jody Robbins
Emily Wigger
and other signatures
Contribution Story
(Note: A signature stole is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization. These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".)
This is one of the first signature stole to become a part of the Shower of Stoles collection. Made by my good friend Cynthia Ogletree, it contains signatures from LGBT friends and allies gathered prior to the 1996 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The "Sisters of Sophia" was a small group of Presbyterian feminists in Alton, IL, near St. Louis, who were strong allies in our efforts to create a more welcoming church.
Cynthia Ogletree made the pattern for this stole by reproducing the construction of what is believed to be the oldest stole in the collection, one given by David Hostetter in honor of his daughter (#40).
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
Archival Record
Stole Number: 311
Honoree(s): Signature Stole
Donor(s): Cynthia Ogletree
Geography: Independence, Missouri (USA)
Faith Tradition: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Donation Date: 1996