HOUSE

Article & Photos by Britne Hammons

“A godsend” are the words that Cristi Tray and Katy Gowen used to describe Potter House, a mission of First Presbyterian Church of Tyler. When Margie Chalker was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, her family began looking for places to live while she underwent treatment for cancer “It was a godsend It really felt that way,” stated Gowen “It was a home away from home ” ose of the Potter inistry of FPC Tyler is e low-cost temporary o cancer patients and mediate families, who vel to Tyler for nt treatment, and to of NICU patients who vel from out of town to heir children.

“We wanted her close to us and able to get her to the emergency room fast if she needed,” stated Cristi and Katy, daughters of Margie Chalker alker was previously at erson in Houston treatment, but a keep her close to d area hospitals was mpted the search for ouse.

Words from the wise, at FPC Tyler, state that a church member used a similar facility like Potter House when they were undergoing treatment in Houston. They brought the idea of Potter House back. The duplex was bought and restored in 2007 The Potter House Board was established in 2009 with bylaws and guidelines for occupancy The patient had to be receiving cancer treatment When the NICU opened at CHRISTUS, Potter House was open for parents of NICU babies. According to records, the average stay is about eight weeks

One of the goals of the Potter House committee was to provide a place that people could use to help them through a tough time in their life

“I think what makes Potter House stand out is that it felt like home Mom had stayed at at another facility here in Tyler, and that seemed like an old hotel,” stated Cristi “We were so grateful to stay there, but Mom said it felt cold Potter House became like a home to all of us

Continued on Page 6 finally accumulate on March 26, during an Open House of the newly restored property Potter House has been repainted and completely gutted and updated with brand new appliances, windows, new kitchens, bathrooms and more The outside property also received a facelift, with a new gazebo, landscaping and railings.

Grandchildren, family and loved ones were frequent visitors to Potter House during Mrs Chalker’s stay as well as congregational members

“Mom started going to Bible Study and met a lot of friends there They prayed for her and that gave her a lot of comfort Those

On page 5- The top photo is of Potter House after painting and repairs were completed in early February. Middle, a view on the old color of Potter House versus painting in progress with a blue color. Bottom, an old photo of Potter House.

Michael

Cheryl

Mike

Not Pictured:

Jim

Estelle Carter

Elizabeth Carter

Emily Carter

Linda Holtkamp

The steeple on Presbyterian Ch received a facelift few weeks, with painting and other carried out.

According to a newspaper article from the 1950s, church has a spire that reaches approximately 130 feet above the ground.

The total approximate cost of completing the church was $650,000.

The article states," Dr. Robert Hill, pastor emeritus, who was pastor for 30 years, will turn the first spade of dirt with Dr. E. C Scott, state clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States was the special guest speaker." (sic)

The brief groundbreaking ceremonies were broadcast over a public address system, as reported by Rev. John Anderson, pastor.

At right and above right, the 2022 Vacation Bible School was a big success drawing almost 30 children to the three-day event.

Trees