CAROLINE ANN WINDER HUGHES

1860 – 1955

by Charles Hall Ashford, Jr., MD, Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern, NC, 2016

Caroline Ann Winder Hughes

Caroline Ann Winder Hughes was born in Raleigh in 1860, the daughter of Maj. John Cox Winder and Octavia Maria Bryan. Her father was a civil engineer and Vice President of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. Her mother was born in the James Bryan house on Pollock Street in New Bern.

Caroline’s grandfather Bryan purchased pew No. 26 in Christ Church New Bern for $250 in 1825 to help fund the building of the “new Episcopal Church.” He practiced law and was a trustee of the University for 45 years. In 1838 he moved his family to Raleigh to have better access to education for his twelve children. Her other grandfather, Gen. John Henry Winder, was a graduate of West Point and his father was Gen. William Henry Winder who became a prominent lawyer in Baltimore.

Caroline married Francis Wade Hughes, MD in Christ Church, Raleigh, in 1883 and moved to New Bern. He graduated from Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine. His father, Isaac Wayne Hughes, MD (1804-1881), graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania and moved from Pennsylvania to New Bern in 1825. After his father’s death, Hughes joined his uncle (James Bettner Hughes, MD) in their medical practice in New Bern.

Caroline Hughes was a faithful member of Christ Church. Her home was the Judge Donnell house (1819) on Craven Street from which she could walk her children and grandchildren to church. She sat on the left side of the center aisle a few pews from the front. Her pew had individual kneelers and a wired earphone to aid the hard of hearing. She also taught Sunday school to the children of the Long Wharf section of New Bern in All Saints Chapel on Pollock Street and was responsible for many baptisms.

The Hugheses greatly enlarged the Donnell house to the rear adding a large dining room, kitchen, pantry and laundry room. Also added were commodious bedrooms and porches on the first level and several large apartments on the second. At any one time, multiple children with family would be accommodated for extended periods and all join for midday dinner. (The dining table had five leaves!) Caroline was the true matriarch, especially during the Depression years.

When Caroline Hughes died in 1955 she was 95 years old and her mind was clear to the end. She was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery. As members of Christ Church the Hugheses were buried in Cedar Grove, which had been opened by Christ Church in 1800 when the churchyard had been overfilled with graves.

Caroline was a bright, involved, happy and fun great grandmother and was known to her family and friends as Carrie.

COLLEEN IVEY HARTSOE

b. May 19, 1926

by Audrey Congdon Harris, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, High Point 2017

Colleen Ivey Hartsoe

Active church members Colleen and Charlie Hartsoe raised their children at St. Mary’s where she is a member of ECW, St. Cecilia’s chapter, and served as President in 1975. Colleen participated in ECW Diocesan Convocations, Annual Meetings and was instrumental in the establishment of the Lex Matthews Scholarship Fund. Her famous ‘Cosmic Women’ skit was enjoyed by many. Always advocating for children, she organized and recruited teachers for the nursery, preschool, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School, and taught children’s Sunday School for many years. When asked why she didn’t bring donuts like another teacher replied, “he feeds their stomachs, I feed their souls.”

Following her stint in children’s ministry, she led the Adult Forum and initiated the first Women’s Bible Study. A groundbreaker, she was also the first woman chalice bearer at St. Mary’s, an early female member of the Vestry, frequent delegate to conventions, and in our original EFM class.

Talented writer, poet, and artist, Colleen is known for her illustrated Christmas cards. Interested in women’s issues, and as the St. Mary’s ‘Premier Historian’, Colleen authored books including: Dear Daughter, Letters from Eve and Other Women in the Bible, The Church Women—A Woman’s Guide to Church Membership, and A History of a Church. As church newsletter editor for three decades, parishioners looked forward to her weekly synopses of Scriptures to be read in church, for which she studied and prepared thoroughly. ‘Did you knows?’, tidbits of ecumenical knowledge and information, highlights of our own parish and the diocese were reported with flair. Her kids’ quotes, gleaned from outside sources and her Sunday School Classes, were hilarious. One definition of the Columbarium: “Sure, you know, it’s that place when people die, they call ‘em and bury ‘em!”

From parishioners: “She has given so much to our church, willing to challenge and question things she not necessarily understands or agrees with”, “A sleuth of the Episcopal Church, researching it’s history and purpose, a voice for the role of women in the Church.” Also: “A smart, gracious, inspirational, welcoming woman”, “Great teacher and scholar”, and: “Her wisdom and knowledge comes into play every time she meets with us, discussing different angles – thought provoking.” She told one parishioner that she never marched or demonstrated for women’s rights and issues, and that her calling was to simply write about them.

In the community, Colleen was involved in the inception of the Developmental Day Care Center and kept their books for a time. An active member of Church Women United, she once served as President. A long term member of her book club, Colleen provoked stimulating dialogues. She and husband Charlie have been faithful Mobile Meals delivery volunteers for about 20 years.

This collection of memories & recollections is gathered from friends and church family at St. Mary’s, and written with LOVE, about a significant woman who always dedicated her work to God and those who inspired her.

MAUDE ELIZABETH GRAHAM BOST

January 10, 1903 – April 24, 1991

by Barbara Sue Oglesby Nicholl, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Erwin, NC, 2016

Maude Elizabeth Graham Bost

The life of Maude Graham Bost is inextricably intertwined with the history of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. St. Stephen’s was built in 1905 under the leadership of W. A. Erwin, on land he contributed. Mr. Erwin, the founder of Erwin Cotton Mills Company, is still a benefactor of St. Stephen’s through a legacy in his will. The wooden church burned on New Year’s Day in 1922. Senior Warden Edwin Heathman Bost led the church in the construction of a brick structure, consecrated by Bishop Cheshire on October 14, 1923. This building is still in use as a living historic church of the diocese.

Edwin H. Bost was the plant manager of Erwin Mills from 1919 to 1955. His first wife, Grace Coley Bost, is memorialized in the stained glass window above the altar of St. Stephen’s. Grace and Edwin had three sons, Henry Bost, James “Buck” Bost, and Edwin McLeod Bost. After Grace’s death, Mr. Bost married Maude Elizabeth Graham in 1940, and the couple had two sons, Robert Bost and Samuel Fraley Bost. Edwin H. Bost died in 1956, and Maude continued rearing their family in the church.

Maude quietly, yet purposefully, thoughtfully, and capably, devoted her entire life to her family, the Town of Erwin, and St. Stephen’s. The St. Stephen’s Church Directory, published in 1991, contained this tribute in memory of Maude. The author is Martha Smith.

The parishioners of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church lovingly dedicate this directory to the memory of Maude Elizabeth (Graham) Bost, who for five decades epitomized for the people of St. Stephen’s and the citizens of Harnett County the love of God demonstrated in service to others.

Residents of Erwin and Harnett County – especially those whom she taught to read – honor Maude, Erwin’s first “Woman of the Year,” for her service to the Harnett County Literacy Council, the Erwin School Board, the Good Hope Hospital, and the Red Cross.

Her fellow parishioners knew the strong leadership that she offered the vestry, the Episcopal Women of the Church, the Episcopal Young Churchmen, and the women of the convocation, whom she served as treasurer.

All fondly recall her wit, the depth of her friendship, and the courage, commitment, and good humor with which she enriched all our lives.

Maude was born in Jonesville, Virginia, and taught school for many years, prior to her marriage. Her interest in education led to her being the first woman ever elected Chairman of the Erwin School Board. She helped pilot the Erwin Friendship Club for senior citizens retired from the mill. Maude was a genuine friend and always welcomed newcomers by visiting in their homes.

Maude’s husband was instrumental in founding St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and served on its vestry for many years, but it is because of Maude’s service throughout the years and her wonderful and gracious wit that she is fondly remembered today by older church members. Fittingly, tower chimes given in her memory ring out every Sunday from St. Stephen’s as a call to worship.

HENRIETTA (HENRI) DIBRELL BROWN

b. March 7, 1955

by Mary Louise Burress, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, NC, 2016

Henrietta (Henri) Dibrell Brown

Fifteen years ago, three women – Becky Clingman, Trudy Winstead, and Susan Uphoff, with help from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – started the Winston-Salem Augustine Project with six tutors and students at one school. They believed, as we still do, that volunteer tutors could train and truly help struggling readers who could not afford private tutors or special schools. The seeds that this initial group planted have sprouted, bloomed, and reseeded many times since 2001. Along the way, the determined and generous efforts of so many people have nurtured the project’s growth. This school year, more than 165 students have Augustine tutors in over 35 locations across our community.

In 2002 Henri Brown joined these women as a tutor. In 2008 she became Executive Director of the Winston-Salem Augustine Project and still holds this position.

In 2015, READWS sprouted from those first seeds. Our expanded mission reflects a belief that all children deserve to learn to read, no matter what school they attend. All children also deserve a teacher who has a deep understanding of the structure of our language and how to teach it. The 30 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools educators who trained with Ron Yoshimoto last summer are multiplying our impact with every student they teach. Thirty more educators will train this summer. This program has been a huge success.

St. Paul’s is extremely proud to be a part of this amazing project. We are hugely proud of these women – and Henri Brown, what a commitment you have made to our community. Fifteen years and hundreds of dedicated individuals! Alleluia!

THE RALPH FAMILY

SARAH DIANE RALPH LANIER, b. June 26, 1937

SANDRA FAULKNER RALPH JOSEPH, b. November 7, 1942

SARAH PAULETTE LANIER WELLS, b. March 5, 1969

ALLISON ANN JOSEPH CRUMPLER, b. April 16, 1972

by Barbara Sue Oglesby Nicholl, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Erwin, 2016

Left to Right: Sandra Ralph Joseph, Allison Joseph Crumpler, Sarah Lanier Wells & Diane Ralph Lanier

In 2005, at the time of the 100th Anniversary of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Erwin, NC, women in three generations of one family were actively serving in leadership positions. Pauline Ralph was on the 100th Anniversary committee; her daughter, Diane Lanier, was president of the ECW; a second daughter, Sandra Joseph, was Altar Guild chairman; a granddaughter, Sarah Wells, was clerk of the vestry; and another granddaughter, Allison Crumpler, was UTO chairman. Part of the strength of St. Stephen’s lies in the way families in this small-town church work together and remain active in church activities.

Diane is married to Bill Lanier, a pharmacist, who for many years owned Lanier Drug in Erwin. Right around the corner was Joseph’s Department store owned by Sandra’s husband, Louis. Diane’s husband, Bill, served many years as senior warden and as church treasurer. Sandra’s husband, Louis, was also a revered member of the community, holding the position of Fire Chief for many years until his death in 2006. Louis was a member of the Catholic Church, but Sandra and Louis reared their children as Episcopalians. Diane and Bill have had their cross to carry, having lost their youngest son, Ralph, at the age of 15. They understand grief and have helped others on many occasions.

For the past 60 years Sandra and Diane have been part of the lifeblood of St. Stephen’s. As Elizabeth Barrett Browning said, “Let me count the ways.” We can start with the altar. Sandra has served 40 years as Altar Guild Chairman. For the past 16 years, both Diane and Sandra, along with Lucy Adair, have been co-chairmen of the memorial committee, recording memorials, sending acknowledgements, and purchasing items from memorial funds. Diane has been ECW president and bazaar chairman; Sandra, secretary and also treasurer of the ECW.  What is often missed is the behind the scenes work of these two ladies. When something needs to be done, they do it. For example, every closet in the church is organized; the plates and other items for church suppers are just where they need to be.

In 1975 Sandra was the first woman elected to serve on the Vestry. Today, 41 years later, she is again a vestry person. Sandra’s daughter, Allison, is raising her children, Kannan and Olivia, in St. Stephen’s. They enjoy being acolytes and playing sports. Allison, a teacher in the public school system, is responsible for Christian education, serving as Superintendent of the Sunday School.

Diane’s daughter, Sarah, has followed in her mother’s tradition of service, with 11 years on the vestry, often as clerk. Each year Sarah organizes the Seder Meal. A schoolteacher, Sarah was honored as Veteran of Foreign Wars “Teacher of the Year”. She preceded Allison as Superintendent of Sunday School and now continues as a teacher. Sarah’s husband, Mike, is a dean at Campbell University and a past senior warden. Mike and Sarah have three children, Jacob, Thomas, and Paul, who, true to their Biblical names, are faithful acolytes at St. Stephen’s.