Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1904-12-13
IN MEMoRIAM
IN MEMOR1AM.
BETTE HUNTINGTON WILSON.
DIED OCTOBER 9TH. 1904.

DIED OCTOBER 9TH. 1904.
This tablet was received by the pastor,
and Mr.. Colston made very Impressive
speech. He spoke of the nobility of Miss
Wilson's character. and the high esteem
in which she was held by all who knew
her. The pastor presented the tablet to
Mr.. A. D. Barr. who was assisted by Mr..
VIM. H. Whitmore in placing it upon the
face of the new organ Just above the key
board.
Then Mr.. Barr made the following
tender address and sang In the Secret
OF His Presence, which was the last Of
fertory Miss Wilson played.
MR.. BARR's ADDRESS.
Dear Friends:-This is not an unmeaning
ceremonial We have not, this morning,
added to our service this simple ceremony
for the purpose merely of indulging in pass
ing eulogistic remarks upon the character of
our organist who has left us, but, we consid-
er that it is due, not to her alone, but this
congrega ton, that one who possessed such
splendid characteristics should be spoken of
her, and that we should contribute what we
are abe to do to enhance the value of her
memory for those who are present and those
who are to follow after. 1t was my privi-
lege to know Miss Bette Huntington Wilson
from her earliest childhood up to the day
when, in Gods providence, she was so sud
denly called away from us. remember her
as little child. how she was accustomed to
come into the Sunday school, led by her
mother, who for years was teacher in the
school of which | was the superintendent
| remember as the years passed by, how
| Bette grew to be a most charming young
woman. During all these years her life was
as bright and beautiful as any heart could
WISH and she was beloved by everybody.
None named her but to praise her. and those
who knew her best loved her most. Miss
Bette was so very useful in her home
with her widowed mother And not only in
her home, but in the community at large
she was known for her many deeds of kind
ness, charity, sympathy for those who were
in trouble or distress, and was always ready
to alleviate SO far as was in her power. She
was never known to shirk duty nor to fail
when help was needed. Before the close OF
her young sweet life we all know the great
aid and efficient service she gave to this
| church, as has been so well alluded to by the
pastor. Ask Miss Beftie's most intimate
/ friends, ask her loved ones at home; ask any
one who really knew her; and they all will
tell you they have rarely known a sweeter
Bette Wilson. Her life was not the music
of the organ, with its varied stops and ming
| ling harmonies, but rather that of the soft
sweet music of the gentle, ripping brook,
sparkling in the sunlight, singing through
the shadows, whispering notes of gladness
all along its journey. She was a changeless
sincerity. She was never in disguise. She
was as you saw her. Would you know hel
in her happier estate of gentleness, tender.
ness and affection, as daughter and sister, &c
to her home. There her inner life was dis
played without restraint. Modest and retir-
ing, like the lilly of the valley, she was con-
tent to bloom at the feet of others. while al
the same time she exerted an influence quiet
and unassuming which was felt by all who
knew her. | make no claim of perfection
for none is perfect; but While we drop the
sympathetic tear over the sudden departure
of our deceased friend, let charity incline us
to throw veil over her foibles, whatever
they may have been, and not Withhold from
her memory the praise that her virtues
claim. Perfection on earth has never been
attained This beautiful and lovely life
her sudden death, should be studied by all
of us with prayerful hearts. An example
and a warning,
The pastor led in prayer. Mrs. Coe
who presided at the organ, rendered E
beautiful voluntary, and the whole con
gregation joined in singing,
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to PERFORM
and the exercises closed with the dox
ology.
The handsome new organ, for which
Miss Bette Wilson worked so hard ant
in which as church organist she mani
tested such delight, stands most appro
priately as memorial of this most excel
lent young woman. Beautiful flowers
which were sent by her mother, Mrs. N
H. Wilson, who is now in Lynchbure
added much to the attractiveness of III.
service.