Melva Graham England appointed to Galesburg First
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, in consultation with the IGRC Cabinet, has announced the appointment of Illinois River District Superintendent Melva Graham England as pastor of Galesburg First UMC, effective July 1.
England is completing her seventh year as superintendent having been appointed to the Cabinet in July 2002.
“Rev. Melva Graham England has served in the ministry of superintending with grace, humor, skill and creativity,” Palmer said in making the announcement after the announcement was made earlier in the day at Galesburg. “These gifts will enable her to join the people of Galesburg First in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
England, herself, acknowledged the new possibilities and opportunities a return to the local church will bring.
“I have enjoyed my time working with the churches and pastors of the Illinois River District and with the other superintendents and the Bishop in caring for the conference,” England said. “During this season on the Cabinet I have seen new and exciting ministries taking place and have looked forward to the day I would return to the local church and could put them into practice. I am excited about the present ministries at Galesburg First and look forward to partnering with them and in seeking God's leading for the future.”
A native of White Heath, England was active in the White Heath Evangelical United Brethren Church. Following graduation from Mahomet-Seymour High School, she answered her call to ministry and later served White Heath, Centerville, Seymour and Bondville UMC’s as a student pastor.
She is a 1981 graduate of MacMurray College and received her Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1986.
Her previous pastorates have included associate pastor of Geneseo Grace, Mansfield-Galesville, chaplain of Cunningham Children’s Home and Marion First. At the conference level, England served as chair of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
England is married to the Rev. Mark B. England Graham, pastor of Elmwood UMC, and have two grown children, Bryce England Graham and Jacklyn Graham England.
