Background
Witt, Jesse R. De was born on December 5, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Son of Jesse A. and Bessie G. (Mainzinger) DeWitt.
Witt, Jesse R. De was born on December 5, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Son of Jesse A. and Bessie G. (Mainzinger) DeWitt.
Bachelor of Arts, Wayne State University, 1948; Bachelor of Divinity, Garrett Theological Seminary, 1948; Doctor of Divinity, Adrian College, 1965; Doctor of Divinity, Northland College, 1976; Doctor of Divinity, Wiley College, 1981; Doctor of Humanities (honorary), North Central College, 1977.
Ordained deacon, received in full membership, Methodist Church (Detroit conference), 1945;
ordained elder, Methodist Church (Detroit conference), 1948;
student pastor, 1944-1946;
minister, Aldersgate Church, Detroit, 1946;
minister, Faith Church, Oak Park, Michigan, 1952-1958;
executive secretary, Detroit Conference Board Missions, 1958-1967;
district superintendent, Detroit Conference Board Missions (West district), 1967-1970;
assistant general secretary section church extension, National Board Missions, 1970-1972;
bishop, United Methodist Church
resident bishop, United Methodist Church (Wisconsin area), 1972-1980;
bishop, United Methodist Church (Chicago area), 1980-1989. Delegate general conference Methodist Church, 1964, 66, 68, 70, 72, 76. Past epis. representative Commision on Status and Role Women.
Epis. representative Consultation on Church Union, Board Church and Society (other committees and task forces). President national division Board Global Ministries, 1976-1980, president, since 1980. Past president North Central jurisdiction College Bishops.
Chairman pastoral concerns committee CouncilBishops, United Methodist Church.
Trustee North Central College, Naperville, Illinois, Garrett Evangelical Seminary. Board directors Northern Illinois Conference, Methodist Youth Services, Marcy-Newberry Association, United Methodist Homes and Services, Lake Bluff-Chicago Homes for Children.
Married Annamary Horner, April 19, 1941. Children: Donna Lee (Mistress William Wegryn), Darla Jean (Mistress William Inman).