Wisconsin United Methodist Women presented with the 
Perry Saito Award at the 
WI Annual Conference on June 8, 2013

Rev. Perry Saito lived and taught non-violence and respect for all of life.  Perry entered ordained ministry in the Rock River Conference, where he served at Chicago:  St. Paul’s and Christian Fellowship (Japanese).  After transferring to Wisconsin, he served at Beloit: First, Stevens Point: St. Paul’s- Director of Wesley Foundation, Eau Claire: Lake Street, Supt NC Dist, Wauwautosa:  Wauwautosa Avenue, and Neenah: First.

Perry’s Christian faith, experiences in Japanese internment camps in California during World War II, and his help in founding the Fellowship of Reconciliation brought blessing to the Wisconsin Annual Conference.  Perry was a leading figure in justice and reconciliation ministries regarding peace, poverty, and people’s rights.  Since Perry passed away in 1985, Wisconsin United Methodist Federation for Social Action has been giving the Perry Saito Award in his honor to recognize clergy and laity whose witness and actions continue to reflect the values that Perry taught through word and example.

The 2013 Perry Saito Award was given to the United Methodist Women of Wisconsin for all their remarkable social justice ministries and missions.  Dodie Smith, past Mission Coordinator for Social Action Coordinator, and Ruby Dow, current Mission Coordinator for Social Action accepted the award for the WI United Methodist Women.  The award will be on display at Wisconsin Mission U.  Come and check it out.