MARTIN, Sumner
Source: Franklin Indiana Daily
Journal Tues 4 Jan 1972 p 5
Dr. Sumner L. Martin, first
superintendent of the Franklin Methodist Home will speak at 6:30 tonight on the
subject, “A Dream Come True.” The talk
is part of a program entitled, “Anniversary Prelude,” which will officially
open the Methodist Home’s observance of its 15th year of service
ministry to older citizens. Dr. and Mrs. Homer Achor will sing. The ten residents who entered the Home when
the first wing was opened in 1957 will be recognizes, as well as the 40 new
members who entered as resident in 1971.
Dr. Guy D. Carpenter, chaplain, will preside. The public is invited. Dr. Martin, a Franklin
minister who officially retired in 1959 became widely known when he
participated in the Saddlebags East program of the Bicentennial of Methodism in
1966. At 78-years-old, he rode his popular Palomino horse, Maude, from
Greencastle, Indiana to Baltimore, Maryland, scene of the Bicentennial, a trip
taking more than three months. Representing Methodist of Indiana, Ohio and West
Virginia for the trek, he wore circuit rider garb of 1820 vintage, complete
with saddlebags, and preached along the way. On eof 12 such riders, one riding
to Baltimore from as far west as Omaha, Nebraks, Dr. Martin helped the Indiana
State Teachers Association found its retirement home at Greenwood and was the
home’s first superintendent until 1963. Experience as a cavalry officer with
the 37th Division in France during WWI was his only qualification as
a horseman. With agility surprising for a man his age, he rode so as to belie
the fact he was by far the oldest of the 12 circuit riders in 1966.