Franklin Marshall Speaks Of Louden Nelson’s Life of Giving
UMC Santa Cruz

For More Information:

Reverend Michael Love – 831.429.6800; revmichaellove@umcsantacruz.org

Jim Lucas – 831.464.1359; worldchamp1@hotmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Santa Cruz, Calif. – Franklin Marshall, founder and director of the Children’s Learning Museum in Santa Cruz, will be speaking on the life history of Louden Nelson Sunday, February 29 at First Church, the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz, located at 250 California Street during service commencing at 10:30am.

Louden Nelson, a freed slave from North Carolina, willed on his death bed in 1860 all of his possessions to the Santa Cruz school district to keep the town’s only public school afloat. The school had closed in 1857 due to lack of funds. Nelson, who had bought a home on land near the school and set up shop as a blacksmith, farmer and shoemaker in the early 1850s, was determined to get the school reopened. With his will, the school once again opened its doors and the children of Santa Cruz had a public school in which to learn. That school was transformed into a community center that now bears his name.

Nelson, one of only two blacks in that small 1860 town of Santa Cruz numbering 800 residents was befriended by the pastor at the United Methodist Church. It seems only fitting that Franklin Marshall deliver his history of Louden Nelson in a parish that embraced the philanthropist.

Marshall, a former musician and publisher, is founder and director of the Children’s Learning Museum and has published a life history of Louden Nelson titled, “ Louden Nelson: From Slavery to Philanthropy”. The Santa Cruz Children's Learning Museum (CLM) was established in May 2001 with the goal of creating a hands-on museum to give children an opportunity to explore, create, and discover in a safe and nurturing environment.

Founded in 1848, the New United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz is dedicated to trusting in God's life-changing power, embracing all people compassionately, educate and prepare all people to serve faithfully, and offer open minds, open hearts, and an open door. Located at 250 California Avenue, Santa Cruz, the church Pastor is Reverend Michael Love. Nursery child care and Sunday School are available every Sunday from 9am until Church conclusion. Services start at 10:30am. www.umcsantacruz.org

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