Vigo County Historical Society

A pulpit, part of our local heritage and a fine example of the art of wood carving, is used in the Hulman Meeting Room on the lower level of the museum.

A plaque on the pulpit reads, "Hand carved eagle pulpit made by A.D. Thompson of wood from the First Terre Haute Methodist Church built in 1895--presented by Trinity United Methodist Church, November, 1971."

A small metal plate embedded in the base of the pulpit reads, "Alfred D. Thompson."

Thompson, an Englishman, was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He is first listed in the Terre Haute City Directory in 1912 and his address is listed as 1442 Third Ave. until 1956. After that date, he does not appear in local listings.

The Terre Haute First M.E. Church, which was built in 1895, was at Seventh and Poplar Streets. Trinity Methodist Church, is at 1201 N. 19th St.

The Vigo County Historical Society has no further information about the pulpit or how it came to belong to the Trinity United Methodist Church. It now stands at the front of the museum’s meeting room, has been used by speakers and inquiries are often made about its origin. Any information from readers would be welcome.