Written by Rev. Angie Gage
In 1931, Edith Martin, who grew up in Harrison, Arkansas was commissioned as a missionary and went to serve in Africa for 36 years in Zaire (Congo). Her journey has been documented by the General Board of Global Ministries here. But the true documentation of her journey as a Missionary during a time when women wouldn’t have traditionally gone to serve in the Congo is in a book about her called “With Her Head Bowed.” We don’t know any place to get a copy of that book except at First United Methodist Church in Harrison, Edith’s home church.
Edith committed her life to one of service. Without a spouse and children to continue her legacy, Harrison FUMC became the place to receive many of her relics and memories. Recently, while working on changes in the church library where Edith’s items were displayed, a great amount of history was discovered packed away on shelves and in filing cabinets. This spurred an idea. Why not have a better way of preserving this history? Thus, the Edith Martin Historical Display/Museum was introduced and approved by the Trustees and Administrative Board.
The church has a classroom that was currently not in use. It was already called “The Edith Martin Fellowship Classroom,” making it the perfect place to relocate the memorabilia, relics, photos, letters, and more. As the church begins the process of sorting and displaying, the excitement grows. They are looking forward to the day that it opens for anyone to come and see the life of a woman in missions in the 1930s and beyond.
The church hopes to have this completed by the end of summer. However, it will depend on the volunteer hours that people are able to donate. They are willing to receive volunteers from across the Arkansas connection and beyond. They are also receiving donations to help fund the items needed to purchase for display that will not be covered by grants they are seeking. Anyone who would like to help are welcome to do so. The church is also selling books about Edith Martin. You can call the church at (870) 741-2351 or email them at fumcharrison@gmamil.com to order a book or to volunteer.