Nearly 100 guests gathered in our parish hall following last Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service, to greet Ed Williams in a surprise celebration of his 100th birthday. Joining Ed were his sister Helen, who traveled from Ann Arbor, MI for the event; several other family members; neighbors past and present (coming from as far as Charlotte, NC); caregivers and a multitude of friends–a testament to this fine caring, generous-of-spirit, much-beloved gentle man.
Music has always played an enormous role in Ed’s life (he met his beautiful wife Martha as church organist at an Episcopal church where her father served as rector). It was particularly appropriate that several members of the 103-year-old Highland Glee Club, a male chorus in Newton where Ed participated as first tenor for many years and for whom he composed a piece that the group has performed many times, were on hand to serenade him. Also, we are thankful to Anayis Wright for her special cello offering.
Many of the guests volunteered at the event and found our church family friendly and welcoming. It was a proud day, on many counts, for St. Mary’s. We owe special thanks to Carol Young, Ed’s longtime caregiver and companion, and to Mary Green for their efforts in arranging this lovely event. I know I left with an enormous feeling of gratitude for Ed’s friendship and for what St. Mary’s stands.
–Tim Green