“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-2
Miss Maggie Fraser
February 22, 1872 - September 24, 1954
by Shannon Pederson
Sixty years ago this month, Miss Maggie Fraser was called home to our Lord. She spent almost 66 years serving her Holy Father, a very rewarding life for Miss Maggie. Her heavenly inheritance must have been great because the gifts she gave on earth in the Lord’s service were so significant.
In the early 1880’s church services and Sunday school were held in the train depot. There was no pulpit, no organ or piano, and no pews, but Miss Maggie made sure there was Sunday school for herself and other children. She was very pleased when a Union chapel was built a couple years later for churches of all denominations to share. For a while the new chapel also served as the location for the first public school in Slayton.
In 1882 the Presbyterian Church was organized and Maggie’s parents were charter members. The congregation began building their own church in 1891. They held their first services on January 3, 1892. Miss Maggie was already teaching Sunday school; she moved her class from the community chapel to the new church.
Miss Maggie was interviewed by the local newspaper in 1951. At that time she was beginning her 63rd year as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. She was giving thought to retiring from the superintendent position but couldn’t imagine giving up her teaching duties.
Through three generations, she devoted her time and talents to the children of the church. Among her prized possessions were the books she used to keep track of Sunday school attendance. The first date in the first book was May 19, 1889.
At one time Miss Maggie thought her life was ruined. Her mother was ill and she had to quit school to care for her and her two smaller brothers and a sister. She was 11 years old at the time. She spent the next 18 years, until her mother’s death, providing maternal care. She then took care of her father.
She had missed getting an education, which at the time meant everything to her. However, she continued with her church work and found something that was worthwhile and fulfilling. She thought she’d leave Slayton after her father’s death and do missionary work. But she couldn’t bring herself to leave the town and church that she loved and that loved her back.
In her own way, Miss Maggie helped lay the foundation for the success of our town and church through the ideals she instilled in all her Sunday school children. From her they learned something about the dignity of labor, the giving of talents, and the feeling of pride and self-sufficiency, all without ostentation or arrogance.
Her legacy lives on in the wonderful contributions of the men and women of our church. She left huge shoes to fill but we’ll all keep trying in her honor and as cheerful givers to our Lord.
Miss Maggie Fraser
February 22, 1872 - September 24, 1954
by Shannon Pederson
Sixty years ago this month, Miss Maggie Fraser was called home to our Lord. She spent almost 66 years serving her Holy Father, a very rewarding life for Miss Maggie. Her heavenly inheritance must have been great because the gifts she gave on earth in the Lord’s service were so significant.
In the early 1880’s church services and Sunday school were held in the train depot. There was no pulpit, no organ or piano, and no pews, but Miss Maggie made sure there was Sunday school for herself and other children. She was very pleased when a Union chapel was built a couple years later for churches of all denominations to share. For a while the new chapel also served as the location for the first public school in Slayton.
In 1882 the Presbyterian Church was organized and Maggie’s parents were charter members. The congregation began building their own church in 1891. They held their first services on January 3, 1892. Miss Maggie was already teaching Sunday school; she moved her class from the community chapel to the new church.
Miss Maggie was interviewed by the local newspaper in 1951. At that time she was beginning her 63rd year as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. She was giving thought to retiring from the superintendent position but couldn’t imagine giving up her teaching duties.
Through three generations, she devoted her time and talents to the children of the church. Among her prized possessions were the books she used to keep track of Sunday school attendance. The first date in the first book was May 19, 1889.
At one time Miss Maggie thought her life was ruined. Her mother was ill and she had to quit school to care for her and her two smaller brothers and a sister. She was 11 years old at the time. She spent the next 18 years, until her mother’s death, providing maternal care. She then took care of her father.
She had missed getting an education, which at the time meant everything to her. However, she continued with her church work and found something that was worthwhile and fulfilling. She thought she’d leave Slayton after her father’s death and do missionary work. But she couldn’t bring herself to leave the town and church that she loved and that loved her back.
In her own way, Miss Maggie helped lay the foundation for the success of our town and church through the ideals she instilled in all her Sunday school children. From her they learned something about the dignity of labor, the giving of talents, and the feeling of pride and self-sufficiency, all without ostentation or arrogance.
Her legacy lives on in the wonderful contributions of the men and women of our church. She left huge shoes to fill but we’ll all keep trying in her honor and as cheerful givers to our Lord.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7