Bishop King Dedicates Circuit Rider Statue

In his last official act as the Episcopal leader of the Kentucky Annual Conference, Bishop James R. King, Jr. dedicated a statue of a circuit rider in honor of all clergy who have served in the past, who are currently serving, and who will serve in the conference.  Mr. Robert Holloway, a layperson in the Middletown United Methodist Church, made the statue possible through his generous donations for the project.

The statue was a dream of Bishop King for several years.  He wanted a way to honor all clergy of the conference: past, present, and future.  It depicts a lone rider on a horse, reading his Bible, while traveling his circuit.  The statue serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of the early circuit riders who served in Kentucky, setting the foundation for The United Methodist Church in Kentucky.

It is located at the conference offices at 7400 Floydsburg Road, Crestwood, Kentucky in a park-like setting that encourages visitors to contemplate the sacrifices of the clergy of the conference.  In addition to the statue, the setting has a sitting wall and landscaping that enhances the beauty of the conference property.

Michael Watts

The dedication of the statue was held August 28 at 10:00 a.m.  In addition to Bishop King, Rev. Rebecca Curry, Assistant to the Bishop; Rev. Michael Gibbons, Dean of the Cabinet; and Rev. Owen Dolin, Chair of the Conference Board of Trustees, participated in the service.

The following litany of dedication was read at the service.

Bishop King: Dear friends, we gather here to dedicate this statue and park for the glory of God. As a reminder of the faithfulness of the early circuit riders who served in Kentucky,
People: We dedicate this statue to the glory of God.
Bishop King: As a reminder that we are to be like circuit riders in today’s world,
People: We dedicate this statue to the glory of God.
Bishop King: As a reminder to all who come after us to boldly proclaim the gospel,
People: We dedicate this statue to the glory of God.

See photos of the installation and dedication of the statue.