My life in Granville before I made my way to Newark-Granville Road- here is a reflection on a special friend I made in 1986.
Beth Jenkins- Granville Saint of Hospitality I have such
fond memories of Beth Jenkins, my wonderful Adopted Grandmother. Lucky for me Shirley Hale – the housemother
of my sorority noticed I attended church in the spring of my freshman year and
knew I sang in the concert choir. Therefore this qualified me to be introduced
to Beth to be her Adopted Denison Granddaughter. Our relationship grew over my next three years at
Denison as Beth offered me gracious hospitality. We started with tea at her house and meeting on Sundays to attend
church. Often we’d begin with
toast and coffee at the Aladdin.
Our friendships grew to include parties with her very special friends. I recall listening to her articulate
detailed plans and then see the beautiful execution. She took her hospitality
very seriously.
Beth set beautiful
tables and presented delicious and attractive menus. Beth was a very giving person and always sent “take home”
containers. Many times while on
campus I’d receive a call to let me know a take home container was waiting-
soup and cookies were my favorite.
Beth would treat me to special outings- the Cats’ Meow in Zanesville and
picnics at Dawes Arboretum. One
picnic included an introduction to the adopted Denison granddaughter that preceded
me- Heather. What a treat to make a new friend that afternoon. I made many
friends with Beth’s peers- we bonded around the table- Beth’s and others. I remember fondly tea and time with Bob
and Coleen Pitt. Our friendships
continued after my graduation when I would return for visits to Denison.
Staying in Beth’s home was delightful- coffee would be delivered in bed- she’d sit
and we’d talk- a perfect start the day. Of course I wasn’t the only one to
receive these beautiful gifts from Beth.
Here at FPC-she was known for her
hospitality within Parish Care.
She would take tea parties to those who were shut in and always leave
extra for the next few days. She
made extensive plans when hosting coffee hour in Heritage Hall. Her
presentations and her cookies for these events and many others were legendary. It was a treat to help Beth with her
Christmas deliveries- she would make packages of baked goods and fresh fruit
and I would drive her from home to home.
Beth was beloved by the Granville community and Granville loved Beth. The gifts Beth gave lived beyond her-when
we moved to Granville the welcome we received from friends I made through Beth
were extraordinary. Certainly I
knew some Denison folks but I arrived in town knowing gentile generation. Shirley Hale and I grew closer through
Beth so a natural role was for her to serve as my children’s Granville Grandma.
The strong foundation I have at FPC that has been key to my spiritual growth as
an adult is thanks to Beth. When I
sit down to tea- with new friendships made here I know Beth smiles.
We all benefit as Beth left our
church a beautiful bequest in her estate plans- the elevator. She always felt for those that would
remain in the chapel- our current coat closet because they couldn’t traverse
the steps. Beth the woman who
became a saint did not have children; never married- she was devoted to her
work in industry as a librarian. She
was a life long learner who shared the lessons of travel, family, friends and
work. Jack Buriss and I met as he
helped her preserve her memories. Her faith was simple- she loved Jesus and
showed that love in her actions.
She was raised a Quaker and had a loving family. She spent her days here on earth and
beyond making her friends and those in need lives more beautiful. She connected
us to one another and to Christ.
Beth is indeed a Saint of FPC and I’m grateful for her life.
No comments:
Post a Comment