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BY LINDA WORTHINGTON
UMCONNECTION STAFF

The Lovely Lane Museum has expanded to better tell the story of Methodism's past to the public and researchers. The new space adjoining the museum on St. Paul's Street in Baltimore, is known as the Asbury Room.

The Rev. Robert Williams, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, cut the ribbon for the official opening of the Asbury Room following the annual meeting of the conference Historical Society and Commission on Archives and History (UMHS/CAH).

The Asbury Room was given to the Historical Society by the Lovely Lane UMC trustees. The addition concentrates the museum artifacts and displays into more useable space, and releases space in the original museum area for research and administrative functions.

"It's easier to see and understand (our history) with everything in one space," said Wanda Hall, assistant director of archives.

The room is named for Bishop Francis Asbury and includes a number of exhibits related to him including his ordination certificate from 1784; the Asbury pulpit from Stone Chapel in Reisterstown; and a "lost" portrait of him that was rescued from the 1904 Baltimore fire.

The new museum display center also features a rotating display of documents with signatures of well known leaders from Methodism's past, such as Thomas Coke, John Evans and a letter from Susanna Wesley; a bust of Frances Willard, in recognition of the role Methodism played in the founding of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.; a replica of Strawbridge House; a more recent exhibit about chaplains during wartime, covering World War I to the Vietnam War; and a recently donated altar rail where E. Stanley Jones often prayed.

"The museum addition will enhance what the Historical Society does - to share and keep record of our Conference's past and celebrate what has evolved from our rich heritage of being the oldest conference of The United Methodist Church," said the Rev. Tom Connar, president UMHS/CAH.

The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome but it's better to call first (410-889-4458) since the museum is undergoing extensive renovations and "it's a mess," Hall said. For groups to schedule tours at any time, call the church at 410-889-1512. Also visit the museum's Web site, http://www.lovelylanemuseum.com/.