The
Richard John
Neuhaus “Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. . . . Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” — Matthew 13:5–8
S
o the parable reads. The difference between the two plants does not present itself right away; indeed, the seeds on rocky ground immediately sprang up. What these seeds lacked was not immediately apparent. It was below the surface: good soil and deep roots. Richard John Neuhaus cultivated FIRST THINGS in good soil. Many promising organizations spring up, but few survive the scorching sun. Not so with FIRST THINGS. Father Neuhaus bequeathed an inestimable intellectual legacy to FIRST THINGS, a harvest that we continue to reap today. Yet his legacy also lives on through the profoundly generous material bequest he left.
FIRST THINGS continues to honor the legacy of Father Neuhaus through the Richard John Neuhaus Society, which in turn recognizes those who
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FIRST THINGS
Society include FIRST THINGS in their will or estate plans. Estate gifts are a vital component of good organizational soil: They facilitate long-term strategic planning and make possible effective growth and expansion into new program areas. It was Father Neuhaus’s vision that enabled FIRST THINGS to thrive beyond his years; yours can make possible our continued growth and influence for many more. If you have already included FIRST THINGS in your will or estate plans, please notify Carter Skeel, director of development, at cskeel@firstthings.com or 212627-1985. With your permission, we would be pleased to recognize you as a member of the Richard John Neuhaus Society. If you are considering a bequest or other planned gift to FIRST THINGS, please reach out to Carter to discuss your options, some of which are outlined on the following page.
