Echoes
Official Publication of the Baptist Missionary Training School Fall 2015
Dear BMTS Sisters, I hope this issue of Echoes finds you in good health and good spirits. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the republication of Echoes and have heard from many of you about the important role Echoes plays in keeping the bonds formed at the BMTS healthy and strong. We are so grateful for your response to our efforts and are already looking forward to receiving and compiling your information for our spring edition. The BMTS tradition of successfully preparing women for dynamic ministry is a vital part of the Colgate Rochester Crozer legacy. It often amazes me just how progressive the founders and subsequent leaders of the BMTS were when I look at the current – and ongoing – struggle for women in society and particularly in ministry. Your efforts to support our important work here at CRCDS continue that struggle and continue the important work of the BMTS as we prepare and equip a new generation of pastoral, prophetic and learned women leaders. Through you dedicated prayers and generosity to the BMTS Scholarship, BMTS Chair and the Fund for CRCDS, we continue to provide leaders who make this world a better place by serving others, particularly the least among us, and giving voice to and advocating for all those in need. For your support in making this possible, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.
May God continue to bless you and your loved ones in the upcoming holiday season. Thank you for all you do for CRCDS and the legacy of the BMTS. Sincerely,
Rev. Marvin A. McMickle, Ph.D. President
Inside this Edition News From the Sisters
2
In Memoriam
6
BMTS Professorial Chair
7
BMTS Scholarship Recipients 8
Rev. Marvin A. McMickle, Ph.D. President
Celebrating Birthdays
9
2015 BMTS Reunion
10
Echoes
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News From
the
Sisters
Irene J. Velez Magana (‘41) Irene is now in assisted living. Even though she uses a walker, she tries to keep active. She goes to exercise class every day, takes Tai Chi, and attends Bible Study every Thursday afternoon. She celebrates her 97th birthday this year and concludes her “news” with “God Bless You!” Irene is delighted to have Echoes back! Minnie Beguin (’43) Minnie has been in a Elation was mine, senior living home in On seeing Echoes renewed. Plattsburgh, NY for Fellowship divine. 10 years. One of her new hobbies (since Knew about twelve names, she can only do a Others known in years past. Filled with special joy. little gardening now at 95+) is writing Thanks for revival. Haiku poems. Here Echoes echoing again. is her reaction to Great BMTS! receiving Echoes: Viola Hefta (‘44) Viola was a “key person” for Kansas, Missouri, and Texas and she really enjoyed writing to and remembering former BMTSers on their birthdays, etc. She missed Echoes and is happy that the publication is back. Viola spent four wonderful years at 2969 Vernon Ave. and tried to keep in touch with members of the class of 1944, but has lost touch with each. This October, Viola celebrated her 95th birthday. She is in fair health, but suffering from diabetes. She is gradually losing her eye sight to macular degeneration and has daily visits from arthritis. She is sad that she cannot see well and she will soon have to give up making quilts which have been such a joy to make and then giving away. Viola’s husband died 19 years ago on Father’s day, but she is still able to live alone, thanks to her son who lives across the street from her.
Fall 2015
Elizabeth Snodgrass (‘45) In late summer of 1943, Elizabeth boarded the Santa Fe Railroad to go to BMTS. A minor accident delayed her arrival until dark. No one met her, so she got into a taxi. When she told the driver where to go, he said he didn’t like to go into that section of Chicago. What was she to do? She just sat there. The cab driver decided to take her and they made it safely. When she arrived, there was the Moses statue in the Lobby! Besides classes she engaged in field work in the area where BMTS was located. Elizabeth remembers when her and her classmates went on the street car that was located near Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor, and the night watchman and his guard dog would be so kind to escort them to the School. In the meantime, the BMTS Board of Directors were looking for and found a new location for the school. This was during World War II and the University of Chicago had empty fraternity houses. They rented several houses for the School. The largest one was Manley House; it held most of the students. The lack of privacy in the bathroom took some adjustment. Everyone did adjust and their training continued. Elizabeth was to hard boil some eggs for our senior sneak. She lived in the Manley House at the time and went to another house to find a hot plate. As she left the building, she forgot about the eggs! It was not a total disaster and they were edible. Elizabeth also remembers they were not allowed to return to the 2969 building to witness the Puerto Rican occupants. Elizabeth’s class graduated at the Crozer Theological Seminary Chapel. Over the summer the BMTS moved into 510 Wellington Ave. She thought it was a great location. Elizabeth was in charge of recruiting girls for vacation bible school. Late in the 1950’s, Elizabeth joined the Faculty as Fieldwork Director and she began working toward her Master’s degree. Elizabeth thanks God for giving her so many opportunities to serve Him.
Fall 2015
Echoes
Berneice “Bee” Westerman (’47) Berneice went to Cameroon, West Africa in December 1949 and spent her first three-year term there. Returning to the USA, she kept looking for other opportunities to serve. She chose to return to Africa for a second term of service in February 1954. This choice challenged Bee. She ended up reentering the workforce as Archivist for the Heritage Commission of the NAB Conference. She was “Grandmothered” into the opportunity at 65 upon returning to the USA. In her five terms of service of 40 plus years, Bee visited the primary schools, helping teachers become better teachers. In 1962 Bee opened an all girl’s High School which continues to be “all girls” to this day. She chose 36 girls for the first class out of the 300 who had passed the test. Saker Baptist College, as the school is known, can be found on the Internet. Bee cared for her sister struggling with cancer and memory loss. After her death in 2013, Bee’s brother was her “load lifter,” helping settle her sister’s Estate matters. Now she is able to continue writing her life story. Bee lives in a retirement community “but does not use that word because I plan to continue as one who is recycling until God calls me home. At 91, I want credit for every year God has given me!” Cay Raycroft (‘50) Cay is living in New Hampshire close to her daughter and husband, David, who is living with their daughter. Cay is doing quite well in an assisted living facility in NH. She often reminisces about her BMTS/CRCDS days (and nights)!
Do you want to get in touch with your BMTS Sisters and don’t have their address? Contact Lisa Bors at 585-340-9647 or bmts@crcds.edu.
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Emma Enoch (’51) Emma has traded her car in for a four-wheel walker. The walker was a gift from Alice Simmons Shae (’48) when she visited Alice and her husband, Gam, prior to Alice’s death. Emma’s sister, Evelyn shares an apartment with her and attends their home-town, 199 year-old church, First Baptist Church (New Brunswick, NJ). Ninety-nine percent of the church is Spanish speaking. Rev. Dr. Luciano is the pastor. An English speaking service is at 10:00 a.m. and a Spanish service is at 11:00 a.m. Korean and Ethiopian groups also meet at the church. Emma’s small American Baptist Women group meets to work on their White Cross requests, rolling bandages. This year, their Homeland Mission Box is going to Lake Avenue Baptist Church! Church Women United (CWU) has been active in her area since 1941. After her retirement, Emma became part of CWU and has recently stepped down after being President for many years. Meeting with women and pastors from 18 different congregations has been a great experience. Emma was glad to hear from BMTS through Echoes. She still keeps in touch with Lois Waddington, Lois Fey, Ernestine Taylor, and Ruth Watson. Agnes Kelley Roark (’51) Agnes and her husband, John, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary by dining out with their children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. They also spent time with friends of many years who also were married the same month as them. Agnes and John are disciples in their church in Sunday school, local and global missions. They also minister to the homebound. Throughout the years, Dorothy Stickler Tilden (’51), who lives in Plano, Texas along with Agnes’s friend Shirley get together for lunch to chat. They also keep in touch through phone calls, notes, etc. Agnes is excited about Echoes and learning about her classmates.
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Echoes
Ruth Watson (’51) Ruth re-visited southeastern Ohio in September – the site of her BMTS summer service project where she led several Vacation Bible schools with fellow classmates in Kanagua, Gallopolis, Rio Grande. Their esteemed leader was the late Rev. Dr. Alice Mae Simmons Shea (‘48). Those who were there will remember the back-woods and the hills through which they travelled, the wonderful children, and the homes where they stayed. Today, vast expressways cut through the area; the school in Rio Grande has become a University (Ruth’s class-mate at the University of Virginia was their last president. Their current president is the first woman at the helm.) Ruth had the pleasure of meeting a few people who were children when she was there, though not BMTS “students.” It was an amazing experience with amazing grace. Ruth is still thrilled at those long ago experiences and the Welsh singing (that continues today in at least one school’s Eisteffodd.) Mary Hoyt Griffes (‘52) Mary is enjoying retirement living at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs in Bolens, Texas. Adeline Zimbleman Kopf ’52 Adeline was so happy to get Echoes, and loved reading about Cay Herman. She remembers her so well. Adeline turned 87 on September 23rd. She writes, “Yes, really, I am that old!! So are most of the other alumnae.” Adeline is doing well! She has a brother who turned 97 in May and one who turned 93 in August. Ernie is 88. He is still able to live at home but has a wonder wife, also 88. Her sister is 84 and still lives alone. Adeline’s girls don’t want her to live alone anymore. She has had one stroke, which makes her legs get tired easily. She also uses a walker and rides a tricycle a lot. Adeline’s eyes are bad and she needs cataract surgery in her right eye. She had the left eye done two years ago, and it is not good.
Fall 2015
LaVaun lives in Orange, CA which is why Adeline is in CA. She has lived there for 15 years. Her husband died 16 years ago. Adeline lived with Sandra for one year, but prefers to live alone. Sandra and Dave are buying a house in Phoenix and it will be big enough for her to live with them. They are in New Jersey now. He will continue his job and will work from home on the computer and phone. He is with a company in New Jersey that has cars for rent (like Budget). Sandra works for a school. Adeline’s son is still in Oklahoma City and LaVaun is in Orange. She works at home in her living room with her computer and phone. Her company is based in Seattle. Adeline has seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. They are all in Oklahoma and Kansas, so she doesn’t see them. They are Mark’s children and grandchildren. He was blessed with three grandsons last year. The family spent Memorial Day weekend in Phoenix where Sandra and Dave are renting until their new home is completed (sometime in October). Sandra’s son Mark and his wife Cory who live in San Francisco were also able to join them. Mark works for Stanford University. He has a doctor’s degree in Marine Biology. He comes to visit Adeline once in a while, but has to sell his car because he can’t find a place to park in San Francisco!
Adeline and her children
Fall 2015
Echoes
Adeline reads a lot. She has a Kindle and can read the large print okay. She doesn’t hear that well and wears a hearing aid, but still has trouble talking to people. Men’s voices are so hard for her to hear and understand. It is a family thing, Adeline’s mother was almost completely deaf. Adeline hears from Emma Enoch (‘51) sometimes and has visited her in her home in New Jersey. Katie (Marian K. Prindle) Gerecke (’52) Katie writes that life in Southern California is hot and dry and she keeps wondering what will happen next – too little Sierra Snow Pack to allow her water. They are on water rationing and she is just trying to keep the trees alive. Katie and her husband, Bob, are still very busy with Claremont City Issues and trying to figure out what is happening nationally. She has too much to do and so little time and she sends her love to all. Pat Doolittle Tingley (’52) Pat has had a year of travel “at sea” with her Merchant Seafarer Captain rated daughter. They spent almost a month in New Zealand; weeks through the Panama Canal, and the coast ports of Central America before heading out to Easter Island and ending in Tahiti. This summer she joined the CRCDS study group to IONA and this has been the most deeply moving physical, mental and spiritual journey of her life. As she returned to life at Cherry Ridge Campus of St. Ann’s Community, where she has been adjusting to life as a widow, she has found new ways to express her creativity and recommitment to CRCDS as she moves along her pilgrim journey. Most recently, Pat hooked up with her BMTS roommate, Neena Waldrop Mitchell ‘54, for a brief reunion sharing Flapjack Breakfast Time at First Baptist Church of Penfield, NY. Rev. Dr. Stephanie L. Sauve and Dr. Mark Brummitt during their trip to IONA
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Esther Watson Nichols (’53) Esther is now a resident at Maryville Rehab Center in Beaverton, Oregon, after a brief hospitalization stay and rehab. Her son, Rev. Bob & his wife, Dr. Mary, came in from England. Her daughter, Mary, and her husband, Jon, came up from the other side of the state. Daughter Kathleen and Travis and granddaughter Michelle were up from California earlier this summer. Esther and Bruce were married in Chicago and moved to Beaverton, OR, where all their children were born. Bruce died several years ago. Esther sends greetings to her wonderful classmates! Marilyn Baker Saunders (‘54) Paul Saunders died at his home on October 21, 2015 after a brief bout with liver and colon cancer. His latest achievement was to preside over the christening of his two youngest great grand daughters on September 6, 2015 in their backyard at Cascade, CO. He was a certified lay servant in the Methodist Church. It was also their 62nd wedding anniversary and family reunion that same weekend. Many family members attended. Paul had countless talents. He played tuba in two bands in town for 25 years, started and maintained the low power radio station since 2002, and delighted many children as Santa for over 20 years, not to mention his many jobs in the church. He is missed by his three children, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also missed by many in the community!
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Echoes
Fall 2015
Janet Sedam Roberts (’58) Janet recently observed the seventh anniversary of her move from Bremerton, WA to Plymouth Village in Redlands, CA (the community in which she grew up). She continues to thrive in the ever changing opportunities, marvelous relationships, and beautiful surroundings.
Lisa Bors, BMTS Honorary Alumna ‘07 with Grace Norton Evans ‘52 Doris Farnsworth (‘56) Doris is still actively serving a church in Puerto Rico. Alida Struze (‘57) Alida’s classmates, who called her Grandma Struze, might like to know she could be called that now as she turned 94 in October. At BMTS, the freshman were only the age of 18 and she was 32. She is still busy, except for only weighing 80 lbs. instead of 110, but she is in good health. Friends kept asking her to write a book because they like her Christmas letters. Her book has been published, but needs to be proof read. Alida’s book should be out by the end of the year. It is very simple and personal. It is called “Named My Life, My Letters and My Loves.” The book has a page in which her editor put a link to a short film that Alida was in with a Karen refugee from her church. Her church has 80 Karens! She has been close to one who she named her baby “Alida Moo Thaw”! Alida says that “God has been good to me.”
In June of this year, Janet attended the ABC Mission Summit in Kansas and she is anticipating the ABHMS event, “Space for Grace,” being held in November in Los Angeles where we will seek God’s healing grace on the journey to justice. At Plymouth Village (PV), Janet is now a neighborhood emergency response captain, learning to use a walkie talkie. She rode the PV bus on 10 off-campus adventures including an origami exhibit – geometric shapes, birds, insects, clocks, etc. – and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which traveled from desert to mountain top where they spent several hours. A vast variety of music has nourished Janet’s life throughout the year. Orchestra, band, choral, hand bell, piano, and solo instruments have been enjoyed at PV, at U of R, Bowl and elsewhere. Sunday worship is full of soul stirring music from organ, piano, other instruments, singers, and congregation. As a choir member, Janet is enriched by sharing in rehearsals and singing anthems each Sunday. On December 21st, 2014 they sang the cantata, “I hear the Prophet Callin’” by Pepper Choplin. That music gave Janet a powerful new experience of the wonder of God’s coming to us in Jesus Christ.
In Memoriam March 2015-October 2015 Kathleen Hakanson Blakenship ‘45 Ardis Tiedt Corey ‘45 Isabella Lupton Garris ‘53
Fall 2015
Echoes
Roxie Jester Ash (’59) Roxie and her husband, John, visited Grace Norton Evans (’52) and David Evans during baseball spring training. They are Philadelphia Phillies fans and come to Florida each year. John graduated from Princeton and has been a Pastor in Mays Landing, NY for 30 years. Roxie was a Public School Teacher. Roxie was one of the first women to enroll in CRCDS. She is knowledgeable about the history of the CRCDS Women’s Center.
Alumni/ae Referrals Are Valuable Gifts to CRCDS!
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Meet your BMTS Professorial Chair It is our pleasure to introduce Dr. Mark Brummitt, Associate Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at CRCDS. A native of England, Dr. Brummitt holds a B.A. in Theology (First Class Honors) from King’s College, London, an S.T.M. from Union Theological Seminary, an M.A. from King’s College, London/ Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from the University of Glasgow.
If you would prefer to visit the campus with a prospective student or talk with someone in our admissions office, you may also contact us directly at 585-340-9500 or admissions@crcds.edu.
Dr. Brummitt writes regularly for the Expository Times and the Encyclopedia of Biblical Reception. He is publishing Jeremiah: Reconstructing the Prophet with Oxford University Press and a commentary on Jeremiah for the Fortress Commentary of the Old Testament. Dr. Brummit’s other areas of interest include the Bible and culture, reading theory (structuralism; poststructuralism; gender theory; critical theory), and the literary reception of the Bible. He teaches a range of Biblical courses at CRCDS including: Introduction to the Old Testament; Biblical Hebrew; Stories of Creation and the Old Testament; Ruth, Jonah and Esther: Reading the Biblical Novella; The Book of Jeremiah; Recent Interpretive Approaches to the Old Testament; Warfare in the Old Testament; The Bible and Film; Amos, Hosea, Micah: The 8th Century Minor Prophets; The Prophetic Tradition Then and Now; Preaching the Power and Promise of the Hebrew Scripture; The Art of Creative Preaching.
We appreciate your assistance in encouraging future Christian leaders to enroll at CRCDS!
Dr. Brummit will assume the BMTS Chair in the Spring of 2016.
CRCDS alumni/ae may think of their contributions to the school solely in terms of financial giving. However, alumni/ae referrals provide some of our best leads for identifying promising women and men who have the determination and ability to carry on the divinity school’s legacy of visionary leadership. We are asking that alumni/ae consider investing in future CRCDS by participating in our Prospective Student Referral Program. This program costs you nothing except a few moments of your time to refer promising prospective students to CRCDS. An online referral form is available on the CRCDS website under “Alumni/ ae.” Simply provide the names and contact information of the prospective students you would like to refer to CRCDS and we will personally follow up with each individual.
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Echoes
Introducing Keturah Clark – a BMTS Scholarship Recipient Keturah Clark is a first year Master of Divinity student at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS). She received her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Brockport, majoring in Health Science. Keturah chose CRCDS because she wants a clearer, deeper understanding of her faith and is grateful for the support of the alumnae and friends of the BMTS for making this journey possible. Keturah attends CRCDS full-time while working as a Community Health Specialist at AIDS Care, a program of Trillium Health in Rochester, NY. At Trillium Health, Keturah is responsible for educating the community about sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent HIV/STD prevention and treatment, and AIDS awareness. Keturah says, “I have a passion for community health” and her passion and commitment shows in everything she does both at CRCDS and in the broader community. Keturah was born and raised in Rochester and is the oldest of 5 children. Tragically, last November, her mother passed away, leaving Keturah with the responsibility of raising her three younger brothers who range in age from 15-19 years old. Balancing academics with work is more than enough for any person and the added responsibility of caring for siblings would cause many students to delay or even abandon their studies. Keturah, however, continues to pursue her work and her studies with purpose and dedication, relying constantly on her faith. She grew up in the Baptist tradition and is currently a member of Zion Dominion Global Ministries where she also sings in the choir.
Fall 2015
Keturah is dedicated to helping others, particularly those in need. When asked what motivates her, Keturah says, “My passion is to teach young women to advocate for themselves through education, self-awareness, and building self-esteem.” One of her proudest achievements is the development of an event called “Wrapping for Rochester” that provides economically disadvantaged families in the greater Rochester community an opportunity to go Holiday shopping for loved ones in their households at no cost. One day, Keturah hopes to run her own notfor-profit focused on helping others develop the skills necessary for success. Keturah is so grateful for the BMTS Scholarship. She wants all the alumnae and friends of the BMTS to know what this gift means to her: “Words cannot express my gratitude for your generosity and your support of this scholarship. Your contribution helps students like me who aspire to minister to the community and make a difference in the lives of others. Without your continuing support, I would not be able to afford this exceptional CRCDS education. Thank you again for your support and for making it possible for students like me to follow the calling that God has set upon my life.” Through her studies, active community involvement and advocacy for young women, Keturah is clearly continuing the living legacy of the BMTS. Knowing her giftedness, faith and determination, we are confident that the BMTS legacy is in excellent hands. Along, with Keturah, the BMTS Scholarship funded $13,500 to Laura Bachman and Jessica Glaser. This scholarship makes it possible for female students to follow their call, find their vocations and go out into the world to bring God’s love and grace to all people. They are honored to part of the BMTS legacy. As of 10/1/2015 the balance of the BMTS Scholarship fund is $323,811.
Echoes
Fall 2015
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Celebrating Birthdays October
through
February
October Viola Berry Hefta Alida H. Struze Patricia W. Doolittle Tingley Angeline Tumine Steinke Danalee Ragsdale Nelson Sandra Miller Duke Lovila Sojka Rinaldo Betty J. Erickson Dransfield Nancy Baker Dunbar Barbara Alderman Ruthine Blevins Boddie Shirley Tolbert Jechems Mary J. Logan Honey Norma S. Crader
2 4 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 25 26 30
‘44 ‘57 ‘52 ‘64 ‘52 ‘61 ‘54 ‘48 ‘51 ‘55 ‘62 ‘54 ‘49 ‘49
November Rita C. Fox Landrum Katherine Brownell Kosak Audrey Brown Lightbody Gudrun Engler Busch Christine Adams Johnson Nancee Peterson Iverson Ernestine Comegys Taylor June A. Olsen Brown Esther E. Burger Young Patricia A. Bollinger Campbell Elizabeth A. Snodgrass Janet Bentley La Croix Faith I. Charlot Rohrabaugh Marilyn Morris Markwald
2 4 4 6 10 17 17 9 19 22 23 24 25 26
‘54 ‘49 ‘49 ‘54 ‘45 ‘60 ‘51 ‘48 ‘48 ‘52 ‘45 ‘61 ‘51 ‘49
December Barbara Jacob Parker Ada P. Walker Mary M. Smith Sheets Roxie Jester Ash Barbara Matteson Haines Kathryn Powers Joan E. Kidd Young Elizabeth Roberts Manning Marian (Katie) Prindle Gerecke Ethelmae Walter Joanna P. Payne-Jones Dorothy Stoddard Klyn Sandra McCrory Nye Mary A. Williams Leffert Virginia Wakerman Bishop
1 3 8 16 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 23 23 27 28
‘59 ‘61 ‘49 ‘59 ‘57 ‘51 ‘53 ‘49 ‘52 ‘49 ‘58 ‘53 ‘61 ‘62 ‘49
January Rosa V. Ferguson James Doris Farnsworth Mary E. Hoyt Griffes Florence Allen Jensen Wilma-Jean Evans Lancaster Betsy McKinney Vasquez Swain Grace Thompson Clayton Virginia Schmidt Graham
1 3 7 8 12 17 20 30
‘59 ‘56 ‘52 ‘52 ‘62 ‘61 ‘41 ‘50
February Irene McDowell Conover Ruth Smith Huff Mary Wilson Shrader Elia Robledo Duran
12 14 20 25
‘45 ‘51 ‘54 ‘54
Echoes
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July
Fall 2015
BMTS Reunion, 10,2015 in Naperville, Illinois
Top: Eleanor Wurston Felberg ‘54, BJ Choate Murray ‘53, Kiyoko Kasai Fujiu ‘46, Joyce Parker Farr ‘60 Middle: Olga Sierra Sandman ‘52, Betty Anderson Warren ‘53, Susan Hall Soria ‘58, Ruth Aust Foster ‘60 Bottom: Zenol Moore ‘46, Carol J. Gilliam ‘60, Dorothy Stoddard Klyn ‘53, Joan Devening Criswell ‘51
Echoes
Fall 2015
Remember
days gone by...
and plan ahead to share your memories!
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1100 South Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14620 www.crcds.edu Follow us: @crcds Like us: facebook.com/crcds
Echoes will continue to be published two times per year. The next issue will be March 2016. Submissions for the next edition are due February 1, 2016.
Send your news to: Echoes CRCDS 1100 South Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 340-9646 Or BMTS@crcds.edu