Plymouth_Brochure-DIGITAL (1) - Flipbook - Page 47
There’s a cherished story that’s been passed
down about how Emma Whisenand’s generosity
saved Plymouth Church.
According to the story, during the Great Depression’s darkest
days, Plymouth faced a huge debt load on the building. The
creditors eventually called a meeting with church officials,
signaling the start of a process that would ultimately lead to
the church losing the building. The situation looked hopeless,
as the leadership had attempted multiple times to raise more
funds from the congregation, but with decreasing success.
Just before the creditors’ meeting, a letter showed up from a
California attorney. A woman named Emma Whisenand, a
former member of Plymouth, had passed away in Los Angeles
with no children and had left the church as a residual beneficiary
in her will. The pastor brought the letter to the creditors’ meeting,
and with the prospect of additional funds on the horizon, they
agreed to put off taking action against the church.
It took several months for the will to be carried out and the
details to come to light. In the meantime, things had improved
slightly, and Plymouth started making interest payments on the
debt. When the check for the bequest finally arrived, it was for
$200. But by then, the crisis had passed, and the promise of the
widow’s small donation had helped save the day.
Emma Whisenand’s gift is honored with a 1952 stained-glass
window — the same year the mortgage was paid off. Ultimately,
this window symbolizes what Plymouth can achieve when we
come together and give generously.
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF
EMMA W. WHISENAND,
WHOSE GENEROUS BEQUEST
ASSISTED IN CLEARING PLYMOUTH’S MORTGAGE.
