Celebrating Grace

Grace LaVerne Sherwood Monroe, 1903 - 1994

My grandmother, Grace Sherwood Monroe, was a life-long Methodist. From the time she and her husband moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, they were active members of the First United Methodist Church. Cecil served as the superintendent of the Sunday School, but it was Grace who ran the place. There were fall festivals, Christmas pageants, summer picnics, Easter programs, and even a yearly Victory Through Christ scripture contest. Grace knew every family and every child – and there were hundreds of them. She did all this in addition to being a member of PTA, leading two Bible studies, and raising a family of seven children.

In April of 2018, I had the opportunity to return to Aberdeen, South Dakota, along with my father and my youngest son. Ren was working on a family history project for school, and he wanted to see the place where his grandfather and great-grandparents grew up.  My dad insisted we visit the United Methodist Church. The interior has been updated over the decades, but on the outside it looks much the same, still standing in the center of Aberdeen. As we approached the entrance, my father regaled us with stories of growing up in the church. What fun they had had, and all of it due to his mother, Grace.

We were lucky enough to find the church open and the head secretary led us through the modern sanctuary to the “archives room.” Like the Centennial Room at Peoples Church, the archives room at the Aberdeen UMC was a celebration of the past, going back to the founding of the church in the 1880s. There were old photographs on the walls, and plaques bearing the names of important people in the church’s history. It was amazing to see photos from the last century, but there was not one photo or mention of Grace Sherwood Monroe.

My father was puzzled. His mother had devoted 34 years of her life to running the Sunday school programs, but there was no sign of her presence. On the other hand, there were prominent photos of the two families who had contributed the most money to the church in the 30s and 40s, the Holgates and the Lamonts. My father was crestfallen. This church had been the center of his childhood, the place where his parents had spent countless hours in devoted service. Yet they did not merit a mention.

As we walked back to the car, my dad was quiet. My son Ren asked him if he was ok. Dad said, “I guess only the rich get remembered.” I stopped and said, “Wait a minute. Take a look at this place.” We stood looking at the church, taking in the well-tended gardens, the Easter banners and signs advertising up-coming events.  I said, “This church is here not just because someone paid for the building. This church is here because someone spent three decades creating a fabulous program for children and families. Your mother and father built this church and it is still a testament to their faithfulness.”  Dad smiled and said, “I guess you’re right. And mom didn’t do it for the recognition. She did it because she loved it.”

That’s true, I thought. But she really did it because she loved Jesus…and unlike Aberdeen United Methodist, Jesus does not forget those who devote their lives to His service!  “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27