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The Founders

The founding Families of the Institutes

After Dr. Walter Leibrecht’s leadership of the Ecumenical Institute,  in 1963 the Church Federation hired Joseph Mathews as the Executive Director. Six additional men from the Austin Faith and Life Community.were paid one dollar a year each; their wives were assigned to find Chicago jobs to support their families.  The founding leadership team of the Ecumenical Institute that emerged was made up of: Fred and Sarah Buss, Bob and Judy Fishel, Charles and Doris Hahn, Aimee and Frank Hilliard, Gene and Ruth Marshall, Joseph and Lyn Mathews, David and Donna McCleskey, Joe and Carol Pierce, David and Pat Scott, and Ann and Joseph Slicker.  Joe and Lyn Mathews were the first-among-equals of this team.

Remembering John Mathews, son of Lyn and Joe:

Completed Life of John Donaldson Mathews

 

 

Remembering Bishop Jim Mathews, Brother of Joe:

Bishop Mathews Death, Brother of Joe and Colleague of Institutes, United Methodist Reporter, October 2010

Transforming the Legacy:  Honoring Joseph and James Mathews with Stories of Impact, the Singing and Followup, December 2009

Click on JWM Talks to see all of his talks.

Remembering Joe Mathews:

JWM Archives Rationale, Betty Pesek

Mathews Photos, November 13, 2000

Remembering JWM in the ICA GreenRise Landmark Application

10th Anniversary Celebration of Joseph Mathews, Washington DC House, October 1987

Bishop Jim Reflects on His Brother, Joe, October 16, 1977

Mathews Family Dinner, October 20, 1977

The Time Joe Mathews Died, 1977

Remembering Joseph Mathews, Gene Marshall, 1977

Completed Life of Joseph Mathews, October 16,1977

Communications to the Order About Joseph Mathews Illness, August 31, 1977

Father Earth: Between the No Longer and Not Yet, Thelma Lipscomb, 1950’s remembrance