Monroe and Julia Hawley, 70th Anniversary
The couple fell in love while attending Harding University. Monroe was the editor of the Harding Bison, and Julia was the business manager. They formed a publishing partnership that would serve them the rest of their lives.
Monroe and Julia were married in Ruleville, Miss., in the home of Julia’s uncle. Monroe’s parents could not make the journey, so they provided 10 dozen gladiolas from their farm in Michigan. The couple then moved to Davenport, Iowa, where Monroe began preaching for the Church of Christ there. During this time they also helped establish a congregation in East Moline, Ill.
A few years later they moved to St. Louis where Monroe received his master’s degree from Washington University. While there, they worked with the Maplewood congregation in Cahokia, Ill. During this time their first child, Wayne, was born.
Monroe and Julia moved to Milwaukee in 1951 where they have remained ever since. Three more children were born in Milwaukee: Dale, Glynda and Glenn. The Hawleys were instrumental in establishing the Southside congregation in 1958, where Monroe preached until a few years ago. About that time they also helped found the Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp and have been among its greatest supporters.
Late in the 1950s, Monroe wrote the first of four Bible correspondence courses that would become the backbone for Hawley Publications. Over the years, Monroe and Julia sent millions of copies of their correspondence courses to churches and ministries around the world.
Monroe also wrote a number of books over the years, beginning with “Redigging the Wells,” a call back to the restoration ideal within our brotherhood of churches. His irenic spirit and level of scholarship placed him at the forefront of efforts to bring unity among brothers and sisters of Christ.
It is hard to overestimate the influence Monroe and Julia have had in the lives of Christians in Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin, and across the north central states. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are happy to celebrate this wonderful day with them.
Cards and well wishes can be sent to the Hawleys at 5626 S Lorene Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53221.
