The 2009 Ecumenical Service Award

Presented to:     Dr. Michael Spath    

                        The Ecumenical Service Award was first given in 1982 to honor a leader in the ecumenical movement in Fort Wayne.  It was established to honor an individual, church, or agency that best exemplified the ecumenical spirit of Jesus Christ as found in John 17.  It is given to that entity that consistently shows the ecumenical spirit of loving God and loving their neighbor that year or over a lifetime of their faith being active in love.

     A committee of former presidents of the Associated Churches Board of Directors come together once a year to choose that year's recipient.  The pastors, lay leaders, board members, and community leaders are asked to submit name for consideration.  Each year there is a list of 8-10 names submitted or carried over from the year before.  As you examine the list of previously chosen recipients, it is truly a list of distinguished leaders, churches, and Christian agencies.

Past Ecumenical Service Award Recipients:

• 1982 - Elaine Wareham
• 1983 - Rev. Vernon Graham
• 1984 - Rev. Bill Moody/West Central Ministries
• 1985 - Dr. Clyde Adams
• 1986 - Lena Shearer
• 1987 - Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren
• 1988 - Father Tom O'Connor
• 1989 - Miss Virginia
• 1990 - Ed Elkins/East Wayne Street Center
• 1991 - Rev. Gus Parris/Fort Wayne Rescue Mission
• 1992 - Eve Bratton/ Matthew 25 Health Clinic
• 1993 - Maxine Bandemer
• 1994 - Rev. Dr. James Bledsoe
• 1995 - John and Lois McNaughton
• 1996 - Rev. Michael Nickleson
• 1997 - Habitat for Humanity
• 1998 - Rev. Richard Frazier
• 1999 - Charlie and Teresa Hatten
• 2000 - Mel McFall
• 2001 - Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
• 2002 - Rev. Bob Yawbert
• 2003 - The Allen County Jail Chaplaincy
• 2004 - Rev. William Hoerger
• 2005 - First Presbyterian Church
• 2006 - Thomas Szymczak
• 2007 - Rev. Phil and Fran Mortenson
• 2008 - Rev. Alyn Biddle
• 2009 - Dr. Michael Spath