Rev. Dr. E. Merris Brady

On April 22, 2001, First United Methodist Church, Topeka named the Rev. Dr. E. Merris Brady as the first Pastor Emeritus in its long history.  This honor was given in recognition and thanksgiving for his many years of servant ministry at First Church and in the Kansas East Conference.

Dr. Brady was born in Springfield, Illinois, the son of a pastor. He and his brother, Virgil, both followed in their father’s footsteps and were ordained as United Methodist ministers. The Bradys' son Tom continues the family’s service to the church as an Elder in the Kansas East Conference.

A graduate of Baker University and Garrett Biblical Institute, Dr. Brady's pastoral ministry in the Conference spanned thirty-two years from 1955-1987. In 1987, he accepted the position of Assistant General Secretary of the General Board of Pensions of the United Methodist Church where he served for five years until his retirement in 1992.

The Bradys' service at First United Methodist Church was a period of important and positive change. While serving this congregation, Merris led the project for the renovation of the sanctuary, oversaw the installment of a (still much appreciated) elevator, saw the purchase of the apartment houses and land on Topeka Boulevard. More important than these physical accomplishments, however, was Dr. Brady’s personal care of the members of the congregation. Those who experienced his ministry of deep and dedicated caring still speak of the presence of God’s grace that they encountered as he shared God’s love with them.

In addition to his responsibilities as pastor, Dr. Brady served on the Board of Trustees of The United Methodist Home and the Building Committee of Aldersgate Village. He was a member of the Boards of Trustees of the YMCA and the Shawnee County Mental Health Center and served for two terms as Chaplain of the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Baker University in 1974.

Dr. Brady continues to share his vision and wisdom as a leader in our family of faith. Merris and and Barbara's family includes three married children, Beth, Tim and Tom and eight grandchildren.