Name/Title
AU Harris, Richard Lambert - 1951-08-20 letter to Bertha Elizabeth (Lambert) HarrisEntry/Object ID
1990.1.392Context
Grove City, Ohio
August 20, 1951
(to Mother, with copies to the boys)
Dearest Mother,
Here's hoping you had a nice trip to Syracuse without becoming too tired. I can imagine that you had a good visit all together there. Please pass on a hearty hello-hug-and-kiss for everyone.
So much has happened since returning, -- I went right to work with special rehearsals on Thursday morning, the funeral at 11, saw E. E. Harris in the afternoon, more rehearsal, band program in the evening, etc. We had a successful program, and then a dance on Friday, more lessons, etc.
The funeral was at Schoedingers. I arrived in time to visit a bit. You can guess who was there -- Norma, Ellis, Earl, Mayme, with their families, many friends. The organist played a meditation of hymns, with Nearer My God to Thee and I Know that MY Redeemer Lives (Hymn) opening and closing the service. Scriptural passages and a short memoriam were spoken by the minister (whose name I didn't get). The obituary was beautiful, with many lovely memories of family life, the apple blossom wedding anniversary, and recollections of Aunt Lydia and others. The spirit of old Chesterhill and reunions was there. He closed with Aunt Carrie's poem, written on the occasion of the apple blossom anniversary: "Oh, world; My world; How beautiful you are today!" I was sorry I couldn't go to Chesterhill for the rest of the service.
I kept my appointment with E. E. Harris at 1 P.M. He explained that he is no longer in editorial work, that he has been working for the seminary d[r]ive for about a half million to go toward the new library (already under construction), the chapel, and endowment. He will end his work this week.
He says that the J. H. Harris memorial has been closest to his heart, that he asked to be allowed personally to work on it. The original objective set was a $1000 library window. However, response has been good, and he believes that it will continue to $3000 or $2500. (It stands at about $1800 now.) He says that he is warmly pleased with this financial progress, and believes that Dad's memorial will probably develop to a point unequaled by any other church officer.
The list of contributors is good, including Portsmouth church's gift of over $250, strong gifts from seminary friends and general officers. Fifth Avenue, Hilltonia, and S. E. Ohio Conference and others will respond soon.
He wants to know what we would care to do individually or as a family group. He insists that the amount is unimportant. Any final listing will include names only. We must decide on these points: 1) would we prefer to give separately or as a family (or not at all); 2) he would like to see it a memorial to "Reverend and Mrs. Joseph H. Harris." -- he feels this is only proper, and its will be done in other cases.
Will you please let me know by the first of September how you feel about this, and if possible tell me what you care to give, if we throw together as a group. Otherwise send in your own. Please express yourself clearly on points 1 and 2. The yellow blank is to be used if you send your own direct. I have a white blank for the group memorial. Regards to all! Dick
