Friday February 3, 2023
Roberts hall
Judy Roberts
We all were given a gift on Sunday, Feb. 8th when Rob dedicated the new hall, the connecting building between the church sanctuary and Thaxter Hall. A huge thanks to all who made it happen and especially to Gerry Simpkins and Reggie Baird.This is now a place for outreach and community with others through joyous times and sad times. Both of these times are part of the Christian life as Rob reminded us in a recent sermon.
On February 8th, the hall was dedicated Roberts Hall in memory of my husband, Lew and it was a tear-evoking but joyous occasion. Thank you to the Vestry for this honor. The building is full of light and beauty. Many of you knew Lew due to his love of woodworking and had been given or purchased one of his creations-toaster tongs, salad tongs, puzzles, clocks, and even pen sets made from the old organ’s wood after it was replaced. His olive wood crosses have been cradled by many hands.
Rob asked me if I wanted to speak at the dedication. I prefer to share here with you some information that you might not know. My husband longed for family. His parents divorced when he was very young and he was sent to Episcopal prep schools from first grade on. When he started dating me in the 60’s, he fell in love with my family and became a part of it. Later, when our three children were grown, he and I found another family which we cared about deeply- the St. John’s community. We are blessed to know so many caring and kind folks at this church. Lew was active on the Vestry, was part of the search committee that found Rob, participated in a men’s book club and the church Christmas Fair, led three mission trips after Hurricane Katrina and helped start the free lunch program,Common Table, in 2001. He LOVED raising money at Uncommon Table fundraisers and wowed us with his auctioneer abilities.
Lew died in 2018.”The Elegy” written by K. Siegfried and recited at his memorial service, clearly expresses Lew’s thoughts, “When I die, if you need to weep, cry for someone walking in the streets beside you. And when you need me, put your arms around others and give them what you need to give me. You can love me most by sharing your joys and multiplying your generosity to others. You can love me most by letting me live in your eyes and not just in your mind. Love doesn’t die, people do.So when all that’s left of me is love, give me away.”
*Editors note—Roberts Hall is named in honor of Lew and Judy Roberts