1870
This composite portrait united the only five Methodist Episcopal bishops living in 1872 with eight new bishops elected that year to create the full complement of thirteen. The image of unity belies the controversies stirred by one of the bishops, Gilbert Haven (1821–1880), whose portrait appears at lower right as number twelve. Haven’s outspoken and uncompromising push for progressive reforms sparked frequent conflict with the leaders of his denomination, including several shown here. Committed to human rights and a truly integrated society, Haven supported interracial churches, schools, denominational conferences, and marriages. He chose Atlanta, Georgia, as his episcopal residence and introduced desegregated ecclesiastical practices to Southern churches.
