MARTIN, Sumner - Putnam

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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.  
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