Member of the Month
October 2005
Bess Robertson
by: Tom Whitener
She walks at least a mile every day, still drives her car
and has the distinction of being the oldest member of our congregation. Bess
Robertson has been selected as our October 2005 Member of the Month.
It was a delight to visit with Bess in her residence at the
South Charleston Unity Apartments. Her home was neat and orderly, decorated with
numerous family photos and keepsakes, many of which she describes as
“antiques”.
Mrs. Robertson turned 93 years old on August 13, 2005 and has attended our church for over 40+ years. “You’d have to ask (Church Secretary) Kay Hundley if you want to know the exact number of years,” Bess reminded me.
Born in Marmet, West Virginia, Bess was the youngest of 11
children. She remembers being saved when she was 25 years old. She heard a
message at Emmanuel Baptist Church that “touched her like never before”. As
she was leaving the church and shaking hands with the pastor, Bess says,
“Tears filled my eyes and I knew I needed to ask how to be saved”.
Mrs. Robertson shared stories about her husband of 63
years, LeeRoy, who passed away in 1991. She recalls his service as a trustee in
our church and how he built the planters that are currently placed at either
side of the pulpit in our auditorium today.
Bess has two children - Wayne, who resides in Hurricane,
and Mary, who lives in Vienna. Bess appreciates that “they call me quite often
to see how I’m doing”. In addition to her children, this dear lady speaks
fondly of her 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren (“Eight girls and one
boy” according to Bess).
Bess explained that many passages in the Bible are precious
to her, but she is especially drawn to Psalm 91. In a soft, sweet voice, Bess
said, “I like the part where it mentions He knows our name (verse 14)”.
There is also no hesitation in her voice as Bess proclaims “Because He
Lives” is her favorite hymn and adds, “I just love it when the choir sings
it”. The best thing about Spring Hill Baptist Church, she believes, is “how
our people are concerned about you and check on you when you’re sick.”
“The best thing about Heaven isn’t the streets of gold,” Bess said with a smile, “It’s going to be seeing my Savior face to face and thanking Him for all the blessings He has given us.”
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