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Rev. Kenneth Chalker Reflects on 32 Years in Cleveland

Rev. Kenneth Chalker has been one of Cleveland’s most prominent and innovative religious leaders for more than three decades. At First United Methodist Church on East 30th Street and Euclid Avenue, he used advertising to rebuild a dwindling congregation. First United later merged with another congregation to become the University Circle United Methodist Church – the famed “oil can church” on Chester Avenue -- with Chalker serving as senior pastor. Last month he delivered his last sermon, but he still intends to minister to the city he has called home since 1986. ideastream's Rick Jackson spoke with Chalker about his sometimes controversial career, his views on LGBT parishioners, and what he would do if he wasn't a man of the cloth.

Rev. Kenneth Chalker, University Circle United Methodist Church