Name/Title
AU Harris, James Lowell - 1951-02-10 letter to Our Friends EverywhereEntry/Object ID
1990.1.432Context
A VALENTINE LETTER
February 10, 1951
TO OUR FRIENDS EVERYWHERE;
This was supposed to be our Annual New Year's letter, but now it is in time to wish you and your family Valentine greetings!
We as a family have had an unusually busy year in 1950. When our good friend, the Rev. Harry B. Taylor was called to the Covenant Church in Cleveland, Ohio, our Daddy found himself carrying the administration of First Church, and shouldering duties from preaching and pastoral duties to the direction of choirs and general church program. It was a fruitful year of growth for us in our Master's service. The congregation, including the church staff, responded in a magnificent way. Another seminary classmate of Daddy's is now here---the Rev. William H. McConaghy and already we are sharing a fine ministry together.
Let us introduce you to our sweethearts in this valentines First, we'll begin with Jimmy II. He is 1 1/2 now and what a husky happy little fellow! His head is a mass of blonde curls. His broad smile and his attempts at talking are of great joy and amusement to his big sisters. (They're jealous because he has all the curls!) Jimmy enjoys church school at First Church with the Toddlers Department each Sunday. He loves his books and is quite an architect when it comes to building towers with blocks. He is an affectionate little fellow and plays a very important part in our household schedule.
Then there's Mary Suzanne who was 5 in September. How she loves Kindergarten each day at school! The same can be said for her devotion to Church School. She keeps busy singing, playing records, dressing dolls, helping mother, or playing with her little brother. She will no doubt, become the singer in the family.
Carol Diane is now a young miss of 13. She is in the eighth grade at the Lincoln School where she plays cello in the orchestra, sings in the school chorus and keeps a very high average in her grades. She is also in the Chapel Choir at the church and president of her Junior High Westminster Fellowship. She recently appeared at a party in her first formal gown and we could hardly believe she was so grown up! She is also making good progress in her piano lessons.
What about Mother? Well, we all think she is sweeter than ever, even though she has had a very heavy year in church responsibilities. Besides running the household, she has entertained some church groups in our home and seems to shine as a hostess. She is chairman of the reorganization plan for our Women's Association. She also finds time to sew for herself and the three children. (P.S. Her pies are still delicious!)
Daddy has just returned from Chicago where he directed the music for 1200 Presbyterian men from nearly every state. His choirs, his preaching and pastoral work as well as community duties keep him very busy, but he loves it.
Last November, toward the close of the year of interim, the church gave us a delightful dinner party. The church hall overflowed with good friends of the congregation. Dean Noble of Syracuse University was master of ceremonies. The men of the church presented Daddy with a beautiful console model television set. So now we are somewhat television-minded---Suzie being the most ardent fan.
Since last September we had Miss Joyce Carter, a Senior in Purdue University as the occupant of our spare room. Last week she went back to graduate in June. An Indiana girl, she gave a collegiate atmosphere to our home.
We all hope that 1951 is proving to be a happy year for you and your family. In these days of uncertainty and fear we need the family spirit toward each other, as individuals as well as nations. And above all, may we sense anew the love of God who loves us as a Father loves--who created this human family and has brought us into being for a purpose. The centuries--the ages have been in His hands. Why should we be afraid? He is still in control despite the shortsightedness of men. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" say the suffering Korean Christians.
In the words of Longfellow: "Look not mournfully to the past--it comes not back again; wisely improve the present--it is thine: go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear, and with a manly heart!"
It was good to hear from so many of you at Christmas time.
With all good wishes from all our family to all of your family,
Caroline R. and James Lowell Harris
Carol Diane
Mary Susanne
James Lowell II
104 Lincoln Park Drive
Syracuse, 3, New York
