Parsons Presbyterian Manor
AUGUST 2021
Parsons retiree discovered a passion for woodworking
Dealing with challenges and choices By Allen Teal, chaplain at Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Hugh Charles inherited a table saw from his father, but it didn’t see much action.
Editor’s Note: The following devotion
Hugh worked long hours as a pharmacist, a career he loved and continued in until the age of 76, when he retired from his job at the hospital.
Rolla Presbyterian Manor this
For years, that table saw collected dust in his garage. It was too cold to work in the winter and a hassle to get to, besides — Hugh would have to back the car out to use it. But he was drawn to the machine and its promise. So, after he retired, Hugh built himself a wood shop on his property and outfitted it with the tools he needed for the next chapter in his life.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:39, NIV).
Hugh’s efforts have been rewarded with recognition in Parsons Presbyterian Manor’s annual Art Is Ageless® exhibition and competition. He won a second-place ribbon in the amateur sculpture category this year for his birch “Birdfeeder.” “I don’t know that woodworking keeps me young — nothing will do that — but it certainly keeps me involved,” said Hugh, who is now 86. He’s inspired in part by his wife Jonna, a former editor and publisher of their local newspaper, who stays active in their community. Plus, he says “making things in his shop is much more fun than yard work.” Hugh got started using the sort of woodworking kits that come with precut pieces, but after a couple of those, he figured he could work from scratch. Usually drawn to making furniture, Hugh often finds inspiration in the pages of the magazine Fine Woodworking. He earned his first Art Is Ageless win for a walnut table. It went on to be featured in one of the annual Art Is Ageless calendars — Hugh jokes he was “Mr. October.” “I still have that table and I love it,” he said. It was one of the first times when Hugh’s ambition and his skill aligned closely enough to satisfy him.
Woodworking – continued on page 3
comes from Allen Teal, who is retiring as chaplain at our sister community summer.
A battleship cruised along on a dark, foggy night. In the distance, the lights of a second ship pierced the gloom. As the moments passed, it became evident that the two ships were on a collision course. The battleship captain had a message flashed to the other ship to turn out of his path. Immediately, a reply returned instructing the battleship should be the one to turn. Believing that his vessel held a higher rank, the captain had the message repeated and added that he was a battleship. Once again, the message flashed back instructing the battleship to turn. This message also carried an extra tag telling the captain that the light in the distance was a lighthouse.
Devotion – continued on page 4
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