The War Hero and the Centenarian

Rev. Marion Kline – The phrase “You’ve come a long way baby” might have been created especially for Rev. Marion Kline.

Hers was a pioneering career for women in the United Methodist church system. In 1956 when the United Methodist Board voted to admit women as pastors, she was among the first group of 27 women nationwide to be accepted. She enjoys staying in touch with the only other surviving pastor of that group.

Kline graduated from the University of Washington in 1933 where she received a scholarship to a Baptist seminary. She received a Master’s Degree in Christian Education in 1945 and a Master’s of Divinity degree while pastoring.

She was recommended for youth group service to a country church in Wisconsin where she built a thriving youth group in a rural area of about 800 people. The pastor believed she should have her own church, but the district bishop at that time was not about to allow women pastors. Youth groups were one thing, pastors another. Despite church opposition and reluctance from her first congregation in Wisconsin, Kline stayed. She said, “After three years, they almost forgave me for being a woman.”

At another church, the congregation gave her a corsage every Sunday for four years. When she was scheduled to be transferred, they fought to keep her – and won.

After a trip to Tokyo, she knew she wanted to serve overseas and petitioned the Board of Global Ministers for a post. She was 50 years old at the time. They immediately sent her to the Philippines where she lived for the next 15 years, training pastors and teaching in the theological seminary there.

At 65, Kline moved to Olympia, WA, where she helped her brother and continued working for another 10 years. She retired at 75 and moved to Wesley Homes Des Moines in 1988. For nine years, she arranged twice-a-week entertainment programs and has held offices on the resident council the Current Events discussion group at Wesley Homes in Des Moines.

“It never occurred to me that I would live so long,” Kline said. “I simply never thought about it. I was too busy. I enjoyed life, and my 90s were very good to me.” Highlights of her 90s include a trip to Toronto to see five plays in one week and seeing the century mark change to 2000.

Two hundred and fifty people attended Marion Kline’s 100th birthday party in 2011. Dressed in a red dress she made just for the party, Kline enjoyed every minute of the fellowship and sincere regard she received from family, friends, former co-workers and colleagues.

T.J. Johnston – On a sunny Saturday, Theodore J. Johnston (T.J.) was honored by the French government for his heroic deeds 65 years ago during World War II. T.J. received the Chevalier Légion d’Honneur – Medal of Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor – during ceremonies held in The Gardens at Wesley Homes in Des Moines on July 28, 2012. He is one of only 12 United States citizens to have received this honor, which is equivalent to a U.S Medal of Honor or a British Knighthood.

T.J. flew 30 missions as lead pilot, flying B17s for the United States Air Force heavy bomber group during the war. He retired as a major after earning a reputation for courage and steadfastness under fire. “His heroic actions contributed to the liberation and freedom of France, and France will never forget,” said Washington State’s Consul Honoraire de France Jack A. Cowan. The French consul presented the award to T.J. on behalf of the French government.

Johnston replied, “Merci beaucoup,” and brought a round of smiles and applause from a packed house audience. He also said, in characteristic fashion, that he felt humbled and honored to receive the award.