Centenary United Methodist Church

George A. Purnell was born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana. In 1971, George graduated from DePauw University. George went on to complete graduate work in public administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning the degree of Master of Public Administration in 1973.

George worked for the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs for 12 years. While working at IU in Indianapolis, George attended Christian Theological Seminary, graduating in 1986 with the Master of Divinity.

In 1987, George was ordained a United Methodist Deacon, and in 1989 he was ordained a United Methodist Elder.

George served three congregations between 1987 and 2011: the Pittsboro UMC, Evansville Aldersgate UMC, and Bloomington First UMC. From 2011 to his retirement June 30th 2016, George served as the Superintendent of the Southwest District in the Indiana Annual Conference.

George was awarded honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees from the University of Indianapolis in May 2005 and from DePauw University in May 2008. He was the commencement speaker at the University of Indianapolis in 2005.

George has four adult children, two sons and two daughters. He lives in Evansville with his wife, Joyce.

Ben is long-time member of Centenary and has been in this position since 2016. Ben takes care of the facilities during the week. This includes property maintenance and rental activities in our Family Life Center.  In addition, Ben is involved in our weekly worship by heading up the sound system and ushering when needed.  

If you are interested in renting the facilities, you can call the church office or Ben directly.  If you drive by and see him around the property, honk and wave.  

Julie Huebner has been a life long member of Centenary.  She has held many positions within the church but has settled into the music ministry for the last several years.  Julie plays the piano during worship in addition to directing the choir.  She also plays in the bell choir. Outside of church, Julie teaches math at North High School.  

If you are interested in participating in any music at Centenary, please contact Julie through the church office.  Choir practices are held on Wednesday evenings September through May at 7:00 pm in the church sanctuary.  In the summer, Julie encourages people to share their musical talents during worship while the choir takes a break.  No try outs are required for any participation.  It's a very casual relaxed atmosphere.  

Tiffany is the newest member of the Centenary Team. We are all so excited to have her on the team. Tiffany holds undergraduate degrees in geology and nursing, and a graduate degree in geosciences. She previously worked as Youth Director for two churches in Terre Haute. Tiffany worked in a similar capacity for Centenary UMC in Terre Haute, from 2013-2015. Tiffany and her family have been faithful and loyal members here, at Centenary UMC, since 2016.

Tiffany and her husband, Ryan, grew up in the Evansville area. She is a mother to two beautiful girls, Hannah and Bethany. She has a passion for childhood education, gardening, and community  engagement.