North Central Jurisdiction elects three to be bishop.

The North Central Jurisdiction, meeting today in Peoria, IL, filled three of their four episcopal openings today.

The Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone

The Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference was elected on the 6th ballot. Smith Malone is currently serving as the District Superintendent of the Chicago Southern District as well as the Dean of the Cabinet. A graduate of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and the United Theological Seminary, Smith Malone in various churches and appointments since her ordination in 1993.

The Rev. Dr. Frank Beard

The Rev. Dr. Frank Beard of the Indiana Annual Conference was elected on 6th ballot as well. A graduate of the Asbury Theological Seminary and the Christian Theological Seminary, Beard was ordained to full membership in 1985 and currently serves as the pastor of the Castleton United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN. Beard has served as a member of several United Methodist boards and agencies throughout his career.

The Rev. Dr. David Bard

The Rev. Dr. David Bard of the Minnesota Annual Conference was elected on ballot 10 late in the evening. Bard currently serves as the Lead Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Duluth, MN. A graduate of United Theological Seminary and Southern Methodist University, Bard has served in churches and as a district superintendent since being ordained as an elder in 1986.

The North Central Jurisdiction will continue voting tomorrow to fill one additional episcopal vacancy.

Click on the names of the new bishops-elect to see their full biographical statement.