"The Other Swedes"
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and The Bethany Home Writers
~ Celebrating Them ~
~ The Smoky Valley Writers ~
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and The Bethany Home Writers
" The Bethany Home Story "
Chapter XI
Page 58
Memories of Bethany Home by Residents and Friends
The Gentle Art of Caring - Poem by Verna Todd, 92
Grateful thanks to Bethany Village for allowing SWEDES to share these words of The Bethany Home Writers
Chapter XI
Page 58
Memories of Bethany Home by Residents and Friends
The Gentle Art of Caring - Poem by Verna Todd, 92
Grateful thanks to Bethany Village for allowing SWEDES to share these words of The Bethany Home Writers
The Gentle Art of Caring
by
Verna Perrill Todd, Age 92
of Pioneer Memorial II
----
Bethany home was born of a thought -
Foreboding, and peculiar desire,
Yearning for loved former ties
That in circumstance could not transpire.
There would be no care of one's family
for those in their waning years!
Might friends together supply it?
And perhaps add to their cheers?
A Home! A Retirement Home!
For those past their active years!
But how could it be provided?
It became a matter for prayers.
As far back as nineteen hundred four
Prayer began for it there.
Such petitions soon brought forth caring
In the minds of those who prayed,
Then blossomed into fruition
And a beginning was made.
Only room for 20? All, that
Seemed fabulous then!
Trusting others would soon desire
They began with one over ten!
The circle of prayer was widened
As more friends saw the need
While those who first envisioned
Continued for it to plead.
Primitive, as their own living
Residents first helped with chores
Gardens and livestock were tended
In homely deeds spent their hours.
.
Unit by unit The Home has grown
As the need became a vision
Changing ever with changing times
Yet always a sacred mission.
Seriously more church units
Considered the growing need
And since there must be expansion
As others for entrance would plead
Changing times brought problems.
With prayer these needs were met
As the caring circle widened.
Indeed, it has not faltered yet!
Sincerity of those who work here
Is sensed by those who reside
A sense of well-being surrounds them
Even when illness betides.
The heart of The Home is the Chapel
where the beautiful window speaks calm.
Tender care from helpers
Saves situations, though bleak.
The dedication of the leaders
Makes the surroundings unique.
This then is Bethany's heritage.
Can she in future years
Preserve the fine art of caring?
Only if accompanied with prayers.
Verna suggests pause here, then:
"More things are wrought by Prayer."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bethany Home Story
was created by
"The Bethany Home Writers"
1986
under the leadership of
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and Administrator Bill Carlson
celebrating the
75th Anniversary of the Home in 1911,
the year when residents first arrived
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bethany Home Story
was created by
"The Bethany Home Writers"
1986
under the leadership of
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson and Administrator Bill Carlson
celebrating the
75th Anniversary of the Home in 1911,
the year when residents first arrived
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|
* * *
Rev. Eugene K. Nelson 1914-2000 Board Member since 1970 Editor of "The Bethany Home Story" 
|
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Mr. Bill Carlson 1930-2018 Lindsborg Bethany Home Administrator 1974 - 1994 
|
> The Bethany Home Residents of 1986 <
Many of whom were "The Bethany Home Writers" for "The Bethany Home Story"
* * *
1907 gave birth to the "idea" of a Home
1911 realized the idea with the Home's "first" residents
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Published 1986, 65 pages
> Courtesy of Bethany Village, 2023 <
Published 1986, 65 pages
> Courtesy of Bethany Village, 2023 <
Grateful thanks to Bethany Home for the gift of this most historical book of 1986, to be used in SWEDES, 2018.
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"Let Us Celebrate Them"
* * *
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* * *
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