FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 15, 2026
GCAH honors three recipients for preserving, interpreting and shaping United Methodist history
MADISON, N.J. — The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) honored three recipients during its 2026 annual board meeting, recognizing contributions that span decades of archival service, Methodist scholarship and historic advocacy within The United Methodist Church.
Mark Shenise, longtime GCAH archivist, and the Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner, executive vice dean of Duke Divinity School, each received the Distinguished Service Award. The Queer Delegate Caucus, whose organizing helped shape the historic actions of the 2024 General Conference, received the Contemporary History Trailblazer Award.
The awards recognize those who preserve and interpret the denomination's history as well as those whose leadership helps shape its future.
"History is not simply something that we inherit," said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, GCAH’s president. "It's something that we carefully preserve and that we critically interpret and faithfully pass on."
Mark Shenise, Distinguished Service Award recipient
For 40 years, Mark Shenise has helped preserve the documentary record of The United Methodist Church, working with collections that capture the denomination's ministries, institutions and pivotal decisions.
As an archivist with GCAH, Shenise has processed records from general agencies, cared for historic artifacts and collections, and assisted countless researchers seeking to understand Methodist history.
His work has included preserving records related to global mission, social justice ministries, women's leadership and historically Black colleges and universities, among many other collections.
"Much of an archivist's finest work happens quietly," said Dr. Ashley Boggan, GCAH general secretary, during the presentation.
“For four decades, Mark has done this work with precision, generosity, humor, and an inviting love for the United Methodist Church,” she added. “The Distinguished Service Award recognizes not simply his remarkable longevity and service to the commission, but the immeasurable contribution he has made to GCAH and to the Ministry of Memory of the United Methodist Church.”
In accepting the award, Shenise reflected on an unlikely career path that began with studies in electronic engineering and ministry before leading him to a student job at the United Methodist Archives on the campus of Drew University in 1983.
That position eventually spanned four decades in archival preservation, during which he witnessed the transformation of archival work from typewritten finding aids to computerized databases and digital preservation.
"It's an honor to receive this year's Distinguished Service Award and join the pantheon of past winners," Shenise said, reflecting on the colleagues, collections and experiences that shaped his career.
The Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner, Distinguished Service Award recipient
The Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner was honored for her contributions to Methodist historical scholarship, theological education and denominational leadership.
An ordained United Methodist elder and professor of evangelism and Methodist studies at Duke Divinity School, Warner has devoted more than two decades to helping clergy and lay leaders understand the relationship between Methodist history, theology, evangelism and contemporary ministry.
Her scholarship has brought renewed attention to voices often overlooked in traditional Methodist histories, particularly women evangelists and their theological contributions.
Warner’s publications include” Saving Women, The Method of Our Mission” and “Knowing Who We Are,” books that explore evangelism, Methodist identity and the continuing relevance of Wesleyan traditions.
Boggan described Warner's scholarship as an example of historical study that serves the church's present and future.
"Her work has preserved important stories, expanded voices who are heard, and equipped the church today to carry its identity into this ever-changing world," Boggan said.
Accepting the award, Warner acknowledged the teachers, colleagues, students and family members who have shaped her vocation.
"It's a privilege to tell the stories of women and to encourage our United Methodist identity of all," Warner said.
She also expressed appreciation for GCAH’s work in preserving the denomination's historical record.
"Your sacred work continues to make our memories whole," she said. "And that is a work of discipline and wisdom and is one not to be taken for granted."
Queer Delegate Caucus, Contemporary History Trailblazer Award recipient
The Contemporary History Trailblazer Award recognizes United Methodists whose actions change the direction of the denomination's history. GCAH presented its 2026 Contemporary History Trailblazer Award to the Queer Delegate Caucus, recognizing its historic organizing and leadership leading up to the 2024 General Conference.
The caucus brought together approximately 58 people, including 26 voting delegates to General Conference. Through the caucus, LGBTQ+ delegates, reserve delegates and jurisdictional delegates participated directly in the denomination's legislative and decision-making processes.
In a denomination that had debated the lives and ministries of LGBTQ+ people for more than five decades, the caucus created an organized body through which queer United Methodists could develop legislative strategies, support one another and speak for themselves.
Accepting on behalf of the caucus, the Rev. Effie McAvoy described the years of relationship-building, prayer and strategic organizing that brought the group together.
McAvoy credited the late Helen Ryde with envisioning the caucus and helping create a community of LGBTQ+ delegates across the denomination.
The extended period between the election of delegates in 2019 and the postponed 2024 General Conference gave members additional time to organize, develop relationships and prepare for the legislative gathering.
McAvoy emphasized that Ryde's leadership extended beyond the United States, fostering relationships and conversations with United Methodists around the world.
The caucus dedicated the award to Ryde's memory and plans to present the physical award to Ryde's surviving spouse, Kate Schiappa.
"We are shocked and we are honored and we are blessed to receive this honor," McAvoy said, expressing gratitude for Ryde's vision and leadership.
McAvoy pledged that the caucus would continue working toward transformative change and renewed hope within The United Methodist Church.
Together, the three recipients reflect GCAH’s commitment to preserving, protecting and promoting the history of The United Methodist Church.
"There are people that do more than participate in history,” Bishop Harvey said during the awards presentations. “They actually make history, and they change the direction of our history.”
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