WINTER
2001 September 9, 2001
This summer has been a most remarkable one, a summer like none other in my memory. The usual events occurred: the grass was mowed, grave markers trimmed, window panes replaced, branches sawed, debris raked. The Trustees are most gratful for the Mullica Hill First-day School class, under the leadership of Sue Price-Redfern, her husband, and others, which took on the responsibility of mowing the grass at Port Elizabeth. This was done with considerable efficacy, with much benefit to both the Quarter and to them selves. The class found this enterprise both fun and meaningful. They have our deep appreciation.
This was a summer for dealing with the infamous Post Hole Beetle that has done considerable damage to the interior of the Meetinghouse. Our fellow trustee, Woody Gross, accepted the task of contacting and contracting a firm to eradicate this destructive pest, along with any accompanying termites. The contract gives us a two-year guarantee and will cost about $1,200. For $250 annually they will inspect for insect damage yearly and treat same.
When the meetinghouse has been cleared of deleterious bugs, we will then address the matter of repairing the damage. We have in our employ a carpenter, Earl Urion, and a plasterer, Allen Sloan, who specializes in historic buildings. Additionally, we plan for several work days for volunteers from both the local and the Quaker communities to work on the Meetinghouse and the Old Burial Ground. The First-day School of Mullica Hill has already agreed to help.
Other incredible events happened. Last spring I received a letter from an attorney announcing the death of Martha Mathis, whose estate left Salem Quarterly Meeting a sum of $1,000. A recent phone call from the attorney informed me that a document requiring my signature is all that is needed to receive this money.
Later, during the summer, I received a letter from Harold Powell, who grew up in the Hancocks Bridge area, a member of the Society of Friends, who now resides in Ocean City. He and I talked previously about the Alloway Creek Meeting and burial ground. His letter, to my amazement, contained a check for $50,000. The check was forwarded immediately to Dianne Sloane, our treasurer. Subsequently my family and I had the pleasure of having lunch with the Powells, including John Lewis Powell and his wife, after which we took them on an intensive tour of Alloway Creek Meetinghouse, the Harmersville Burial Grounds, and the Old Alloway Creek Burial Grounds. The visit was a happy and meaningful one, and the Powells furnished us with much information about the history of the Meeting gleaned from their early years living in the area.
Perhaps the most moving part of our tour was the visit to the Old Cemetery, the original one belonging to the Alloway Creek Meeting. It now lies on the Robinson farm along the Alloway Creek. I stated the obvious, that it had seen years of neglect, but that in recent years efforts had been made to refurbish it with the help of local citizens and the Quaker community. It was a beautiful day as we stood along the bank of the Alloway Creek, scanning a graveyard in which lay members of our religious community who had lived and died the the 1700s. Names on the grave markers reflected many families still with us today: the Waddingtons, the Carylls, the Ridgways, and so on. As we were to leave, John Lewis Powell, nephew to Harold Powell, pulled out his checkbook and wrote a check for $5,000 for the refurbishing of this burial ground. Thus, with thanks to three generous people, to whom our property, with all of its historic and present value, we are $56,000 richer, funds which may go far in helping to vitalize the treasure that we have.
Respectfully submitted,
George A. Crispin
Trustees, ClerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM
