Pickett Scovil Memorial Fund says goodbye to secretary-treasurer
Ruth Gorlick is 84, and she figures it's time, after 19 years, to give up the title of secretary-treasurer of the Pickett Scovil Memorial Fund.
“I was an ACW member and I think somebody just twisted my arm,” she said of her recruitment to the position.
"It’s been a real blessing to me to be able to serve in this way. I hope the next secretary-treasurer will be as blessed as I was.”
Ruth retired in June, and Jill Stewart takes her place.
The fund, administered by the ACW, exists to assist clergy and their spouses, active and retired, in times of illness. It was created in 1909 by Lucy Vail Pickett.
“She had a real vision,” Ruth said of Lucy. “She was concerned about clergy and she set it up.”
The fund stood at $170 as of Dec. 31, 1910. Today it’s worth $424,359. Some of that increase is due to wise investing, and some is due to the generosity of one donor, the Rev. Royden Ferris.
“He was helped out once by the fund, and when he died, he left $80,000 to the fund,” said Ruth.
With the advent of medicare, the fund is used more and more for items like hearing aids and dental bills. Last year the fund approved 26 grants with a total value of $15,848.40.
The secretary-treasurer meets with the committee of two others each quarter and reviews the applications. Most of the applicants are retired clergy, spouses and widows, since active clergy have an extended health plan as part of their benefits. The grants cover up to 70 per cent of the cost of the item or procedure.
“It’s a wonderful gift to retired clergy,” said Ruth. “It’s there for you. You’re entitled to it.”
Applications and information are available on the diocesan website: anglican.nb.ca
6 Comments
Thank you Ruth for your many years of service to the Diocese of Fredericton. You were a wonderful lady with whom I had the privilege to work with. Enjoy your well earned rest. May God continue to bless you.
Congratulations to Ruth on a job well done. While her contribution to our common life will be missed, let's be thankful for many years of faithful attention.
I so enjoyed my term as Mothers Link to the ACW. One of the nicest memories I have is of you and your concern for the clergy and their families. I knew they were well looked after. You have such a good heart for this type of ministry and you will be missed. However, the Pickett Scovil Memorial Fund will always be well taken care of by our Diocese of Fredericton ACW.
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Thank you Giselle for the article on my retirement from the Pickett Scovil Fund. I was surprised to open up the computer and see my face !! It has been a privilege for me to have served in this way and to see how this Fund has blessed so many. God bless you in your continued work as Editor of the NB Anglican.
Ruth Gorlick