Ralph Carter

We received about a dozen stoles from members of Third Church over the years.  The first five are identical designs with a name and personal symbol added to each.  Elder Ralph Carter has been active in the Welcoming movement for many years, serving on the local and national boards of More Light Presbyterians, and as MLP's Resources coordinator.  He is a past recipient of the Inclusive Church Award for his tireless commitment to MLP at every level.

Third Church prides itself on having been in the vanguard of movement and change throughout its history.  In 1953, Lilian Alexander brought to the session of Third Church a proposal to ordain women as clergy in the Presbyterian Church.  Her overture passed through the session to the local presbytery and on to the General Assembly, where it was adopted, opening the way for the first woman, Margaret Towner, to be ordained in 1956.  Third has a long history of peace and justice activism throughout the world.  They are a More Light congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the life and leadership of the church.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006