Two Cedar Rapids United Methodist pastors killed in crash

CEDAR RAPIDS — Two United Methodist pastors in the Cedar Rapids circuit were killed in a car crash Sunday after attending a joint worship service hosted at the Veterans Memorial Building that morning.

Rev. Charles Layton, 65, and Rev. Carol Mart, 77, carpooled to the event Sunday and went out to lunch together after the service. At about 1 p.m., they were driving on Blaine’s Crossing Road in Bertram when they crossed Highway 13 and crashed into a car on the highway.

Recommended Reading

2 dead in collision on Highway 13 in Linn County

Layton and Mart were killed in the crash.

“Both pastors were wonderful people with big hearts,” said Scott Meador, pastor at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church and the leader of the Cedar Rapids United Methodist circuit.

  Buy Photo

“You could tell that they loved their people, and their people really loved them back. That was a strong characteristic of both of them, that they loved their congregations.”

Layton was the pastor at Asbury and Kenwood Park United Methodist churches, and Mart was pastor at Buffalo United Methodist Church. Mart had previously been a member of the Asbury congregation before she entered the ministry, and Layton had served as a mentor for her, according to Chuck Johnson, a member of the leadership team for the Asbury congregation.

Johnson said Layton drew from his childhood experiences in his sermons and liked to joke around.

“He was a minister with a love of music and singing. He was part of the choir as much as possible. He loved, like all Methodists do maybe, he loved potlucks,” Johnson said. “He gave wonderful, beautiful sermons … He was very down to earth in his sermons. ”

Johnson said the crash has been difficult for many members of the congregation to accept, especially since many not only knew Layton but were friends with Mart when she was part of Asbury.

“Those two had a lot of lunches and camaraderie. It was very shocking for everybody that has heard,” Johnson said.

  Buy Photo

Bob Marrs, a member of the Buffalo congregation who worked with Mart on newsletters and other communication, said that she often pulled on personal and family experiences in her teaching as well. She spoke regularly about her grandchild and always seemed in tune with the needs of the congregation.

“She was very personable and really seemed to care. Pastors are paid to care, but I think she was someone where that was her fundamental personality,” Marrs said. “She worked very hard with thinking of ways to bring people into the church and make them feel comfortable.”

According to Meador, other pastors in the Cedar Rapids circuit are planning to meet later this week to discuss how best to support the two pastors’ congregations while they adjust to the sudden losses.

“For us as colleagues, we’re just trying to be available,” Meador said. “I think any of us are ready to go as needed. There are still things to be determined, but we’re open to doing what we can.”

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com