Glenn Memorial UMC Hosts Memorial Service of First Lady Rosalynn Carter

By Sybil Davidson

Glenn Memorial UMC on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta had the great honor of serving as the location of the service of tribute to former First Lady of the United States Rosalynn Carter on November 28, 2023. 

Mrs. Carter died on November 19 in Plains, Georgia. 

"Our continued prayers surround the Carter family as they grieve and celebrate the remarkable life of Mrs. Rosalynn Carter," shared Glenn Memorial in a communication to members today. "We were honored to partner with Emory University and The Carter Center to host yesterday's tribute service and we share our appreciation for the many, many staff and volunteers from all over Emory University, The Carter Center, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, all the government officials and local law enforcement agencies, plus vendors and contractors who helped make the day run safely and smoothly."

The service was carried out according to Mrs. Carter's wishes and included the Carter family, dear friends, her pastor the Rev. Tony Lowden, and the Rev. Mark Westmoreland, pastor of Glenn Memorial UMC. Her husband, President Jimmy Carter, sat in the first row of the sanctuary. 

Read the program and order of worship.

Guests included every living First Lady as well as President Joe Biden and President Bill Clinton. Vice President Kamala Harris and the Second Gentleman. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Georgia's U.S. Senators were among those in attendance. 

Rev. Westmoreland welcomed the family and guests to Glenn Memorial UMC and to the Emory University campus and offered the invocation.

"We step away from the demands of the day to give thanks for the life of your child Rosalynn Carter," he prayed, noting that her family and friends rejoice in memories that are now treasures.

"Renew our spirits by your Holy Spirit, that we might do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you," he said. 

The service was limited to invited guests who filled the sanctuary to capacity, but was live-streamed by most major news outlets and covered by national media. (Read Atlanta Journal-Constitution Coverage here.)

Glenn Memorial UMC was a gracious host, closing the church and Glenn School for Young Children on Monday and Tuesday to allow the full building to be used for preparation and welcome. Preschool classrooms were reset to welcome the President, White House Staff, First Ladies, and the Governor on Tuesday. Associate pastors Rev. Susan Pinson and Rev. Jennifer Hansen were on hand with Emory University staff to greet dignitaries.

The Carters had a strong relationship with United Methodists over the years. They were married at Plains United Methodist Church in 1946. United Methodist Bishop William R. Cannon gave the inaugural prayer for Jimmy Carter's presidential inauguration (read about it on page 139 of an exhibition curated by Brandon Wason of Pitts Theological Library). Later, Jimmy Carter participated in the groundbreaking of the William R. Cannon Chapel at Emory University. 

Many United Methodists worked alongside the Carters on Habitat for Humanity projects, and joined in their efforts in public health, mental health, and education. 

The Carter family returned to Plains on November 29 for a final funeral and burial service. 

Thanks to Brandon Wason, Glenn Memorial UMC, and Ask The UMC for contributing to this story.