New Methodist Pastor To Preach Here Tomorrow
New Methodist Pastor To Preach Here Tomorrow
Will Address Communion Services With Sermon On ‘Sufficient Religion’
Dr. James Brett Kenna, new pastor of the First Methodist church, will appear in the pulpit of the church for the first time during the two World Wide Communion services at 8:30 and 10:40 tomorrow morning.
He will be introduced to the congregation by Thomas C. Trueblood, professor-emeritus of public speaking at the University, and will give the meditation, “Sufficient Religion.”
Other ministers who will participate are, Revs. H. Addis Leeson, Paul Weurfel, Ralph G. Dunlop and Mrs. Florence Schleicher Teed.
Born and reared on a cotton farm in south Mississippi, Dr. Kenna was a Methodist circuit rider between the ages of 19 and 23. He received his B.A. degree in 1918 from the University of Chatenooga, his B.D. in 1920 from the Garret Biblical Institute, and his M.A. in 1921 from Northwestern University.
He then studied for a year at the Student Union and Columbia University in New York City. Dr. Kenna was awarded an honorary D.D. degree in 1929 from the University of Chattanooga and another in 1935 from Iowa Wesleyan.
Among his ministerial posts were Grace Methodist church in New York City, Centenary church, Newark, N. J.; First Methodist church, Wichita, Kas.; First Meth-odist church, Des Moines, Ia., and the University Methodist temple in Seattle, Wash., from which he came to Ann Arbor.
A special voice student for many years, Dr. Kenna delivered concert lectures on “The Negro in Song and Story” many times throughout the country. He has written numerous articles for Church Management, The Expositor, The Christian Advocates of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an article, “Minister or Business Executive,” which appeared in Harper’s magazine.
He is a member of the Rotary club, Masonic lodge, and was named president of the Seattle Ministers Fellowship of the Council of Churches and a member of the mayor’s civic unity committee.
To Be Welcomed
Dr. James Brett Kenna (above), new pastor of the First Methodist church, will be officially welcomed at services tomorrow morning at the church. He came to Ann Arbor from Seattle, Wash.