Rockford Urban Ministries celebrates 50 years with free program May 24

Online Staff Report

Rockford Urban Ministries (RUM) will celebrate its 50th anniversary at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 24, at JustGoods Fair Trade Store, 201 Seventh St., Rockford.

The program, which features former RUM Council president the Rev. John Allen Boryk, is free and open to the public.

The Rev. Boryk will reflect upon his tenure as RUM Council president from 1991 to 1996.

A dedication of an outdoor sculpture celebrating 50 years of RUM will also be held, as well as the presentation of the Bob Holland Award.

Founded in 1962, RUM was the outreach of 16 United Methodist churches. RUM worked on desegregation, integration of the schools, community development, youth advocacy, and peace and justice.

In its 50 years, RUM has had four clergy directors. During the last 26 years, lay director Stanley Campbell has directed 19 United Methodists churches as well as five congregations of other denominations. They are presently housed at the nonprofit fair trade store, JustGoods, where the first program will take place.

Posted May 9, 2012