Miss Maude Beheler, the daughter of Jese and Mary Bennett Cox Beheler, was born January 19, 1894. The family home was in Pleasant Hill section of Franklin County, where the family was loved and respected by their friends and neighbors. It was a large family of ten children of whom only three are now living: Rufus, Ruth and Clara. Ruth was a teacher for many years in public schools of the county.
Miss Maude, as she was known by her many friends, was educated in the public schools of the county, later attending college, summer schools, taking correspondence and extension courses qualifying her as a teacher. She taught four years in the public schools, the first year in Bonbrook District 1914-15, Rocky Mount district 1915-16 and in the Burnt Chimney School 1916-18. She became interested in mission work through her association with Miss Ora Harrison around 1920, and went with her as a teacher in the St. John's Mission School near Endicott. She remained in this position for about thirty years before leaving when the school was closed. She taught a variety of crafts, including weaving, to the mountain children of the area. She engaged in Sunday school work at the mission, visited in the homes and ministered to the needs of children and adults. After leaving St. John's, she worked for several years at the Lynchburg Colony. Later living in Rocky Mount, she continued to do craft work at her home and much of her work was on display at St. John's and other churches in the county. Because of failing health, she spent her last days in a nursing home in Martinsville and passed away Jan. 19, 1978.
Miss Maude was a lady of much culture and refinement and of a quiet and retiring nature. Visitors at the school or in the home always received a gracious welcome and were treated to refreshments or a sumptuous meal. Her Christian character was reflected whatever the occasion.
The following is taken from the memoirs of Miss Maude Beheler which were written in her later days, and it is typical of herself and Miss Ora Harrison:
"Some of the events in my life that have made me what I am are
Humility, obedience, holiness, love for my fellow man, sacrifice,
devotion, kindness, suffering, and simplicity. The present state of
my inner life at times is peace, joy, happiness; at other times, turmoil
emotionally upsets, undecided about the best course to service.
People who have made the greatest influence on my life: Mother,
Father, Dr. Franc, C. Morrell, and Bishop Robert G. Jett."
To assess her impact on her community, it is only necessary to visit in the homes in the vicinity of Endicott, and see the love and devotion for her, and the fine young people she assisted in getting an education and establishing themselves as worthy Christian members of the community and the county. She will be long remembered in this county for the unusual and outstanding work she did with people. The people who had the privilege of being associated with her constitute the final and lasting tribute to her.
Miss Beheler, along with Miss Ora Harrison, became in fact the guiding spirit of St. John's Mission, Miss Ora, the founder and titular head, and Miss Maude the teacher of arts and crafts and the everyday manager of the household chores. From the early 1920's the county school board cooperated by furnishing and paying the salary of two teachers for the elementary grades' students. Un unwritten agreement existed whereby the church Diocese (Bishop) would recommend the teachers to be employed but with the provision that they would not be members of the Episcopal Church. This policy was followed to insure that there was no use of public funds for the teaching of any particular doctrine. This arrangement with the county was terminated in 1937 when the county build a four room elementary school nearby.
The teaching program at St. John's was enriched by mission workers who had specialized in health, music, home care, community activities and other fields. Miss Maude, being a native of the county and trusted by the people of the community, was the liaison person for these "foreigners" who were strangers and not always accepted readily.
After the public school was discontinued Miss Beheler and Miss Harrison continued their mission work until 1954 when the mission was permanently closed. Afterward, Miss Maude went to the Lynchburg Training School, teaching crafts for a number of years. After her retirement from this school, she did some work privately in her home. During the time spent in nursing homes prior to her death, it was always a privilege for her friends to visit her and enjoy her cheerful manner and the great faith she exhibited at all times.
Miss Maude, as she was known by her many friends, was educated in the public schools of the county, later attending college, summer schools, taking correspondence and extension courses qualifying her as a teacher. She taught four years in the public schools, the first year in Bonbrook District 1914-15, Rocky Mount district 1915-16 and in the Burnt Chimney School 1916-18. She became interested in mission work through her association with Miss Ora Harrison around 1920, and went with her as a teacher in the St. John's Mission School near Endicott. She remained in this position for about thirty years before leaving when the school was closed. She taught a variety of crafts, including weaving, to the mountain children of the area. She engaged in Sunday school work at the mission, visited in the homes and ministered to the needs of children and adults. After leaving St. John's, she worked for several years at the Lynchburg Colony. Later living in Rocky Mount, she continued to do craft work at her home and much of her work was on display at St. John's and other churches in the county. Because of failing health, she spent her last days in a nursing home in Martinsville and passed away Jan. 19, 1978.
Miss Maude was a lady of much culture and refinement and of a quiet and retiring nature. Visitors at the school or in the home always received a gracious welcome and were treated to refreshments or a sumptuous meal. Her Christian character was reflected whatever the occasion.
The following is taken from the memoirs of Miss Maude Beheler which were written in her later days, and it is typical of herself and Miss Ora Harrison:
"Some of the events in my life that have made me what I am are
Humility, obedience, holiness, love for my fellow man, sacrifice,
devotion, kindness, suffering, and simplicity. The present state of
my inner life at times is peace, joy, happiness; at other times, turmoil
emotionally upsets, undecided about the best course to service.
People who have made the greatest influence on my life: Mother,
Father, Dr. Franc, C. Morrell, and Bishop Robert G. Jett."
To assess her impact on her community, it is only necessary to visit in the homes in the vicinity of Endicott, and see the love and devotion for her, and the fine young people she assisted in getting an education and establishing themselves as worthy Christian members of the community and the county. She will be long remembered in this county for the unusual and outstanding work she did with people. The people who had the privilege of being associated with her constitute the final and lasting tribute to her.
Miss Beheler, along with Miss Ora Harrison, became in fact the guiding spirit of St. John's Mission, Miss Ora, the founder and titular head, and Miss Maude the teacher of arts and crafts and the everyday manager of the household chores. From the early 1920's the county school board cooperated by furnishing and paying the salary of two teachers for the elementary grades' students. Un unwritten agreement existed whereby the church Diocese (Bishop) would recommend the teachers to be employed but with the provision that they would not be members of the Episcopal Church. This policy was followed to insure that there was no use of public funds for the teaching of any particular doctrine. This arrangement with the county was terminated in 1937 when the county build a four room elementary school nearby.
The teaching program at St. John's was enriched by mission workers who had specialized in health, music, home care, community activities and other fields. Miss Maude, being a native of the county and trusted by the people of the community, was the liaison person for these "foreigners" who were strangers and not always accepted readily.
After the public school was discontinued Miss Beheler and Miss Harrison continued their mission work until 1954 when the mission was permanently closed. Afterward, Miss Maude went to the Lynchburg Training School, teaching crafts for a number of years. After her retirement from this school, she did some work privately in her home. During the time spent in nursing homes prior to her death, it was always a privilege for her friends to visit her and enjoy her cheerful manner and the great faith she exhibited at all times.
Miss Maude Beheler, the daughter of Jese and Mary Bennett Cox Beheler, was born January 19, 1894. The family home was in Pleasant Hill section of Franklin County, where the family was loved and respected by their friends and neighbors. It was a large family of ten children of whom only three are now living: Rufus, Ruth and Clara. Ruth was a teacher for many years in public schools of the county.
Miss Maude, as she was known by her many friends, was educated in the public schools of the county, later attending college, summer schools, taking correspondence and extension courses qualifying her as a teacher. She taught four years in the public schools, the first year in Bonbrook District 1914-15, Rocky Mount district 1915-16 and in the Burnt Chimney School 1916-18. She became interested in mission work through her association with Miss Ora Harrison around 1920, and went with her as a teacher in the St. John's Mission School near Endicott. She remained in this position for about thirty years before leaving when the school was closed. She taught a variety of crafts, including weaving, to the mountain children of the area. She engaged in Sunday school work at the mission, visited in the homes and ministered to the needs of children and adults. After leaving St. John's, she worked for several years at the Lynchburg Colony. Later living in Rocky Mount, she continued to do craft work at her home and much of her work was on display at St. John's and other churches in the county. Because of failing health, she spent her last days in a nursing home in Martinsville and passed away Jan. 19, 1978.
Miss Maude was a lady of much culture and refinement and of a quiet and retiring nature. Visitors at the school or in the home always received a gracious welcome and were treated to refreshments or a sumptuous meal. Her Christian character was reflected whatever the occasion.
The following is taken from the memoirs of Miss Maude Beheler which were written in her later days, and it is typical of herself and Miss Ora Harrison:
"Some of the events in my life that have made me what I am are
Humility, obedience, holiness, love for my fellow man, sacrifice,
devotion, kindness, suffering, and simplicity. The present state of
my inner life at times is peace, joy, happiness; at other times, turmoil
emotionally upsets, undecided about the best course to service.
People who have made the greatest influence on my life: Mother,
Father, Dr. Franc, C. Morrell, and Bishop Robert G. Jett."
To assess her impact on her community, it is only necessary to visit in the homes in the vicinity of Endicott, and see the love and devotion for her, and the fine young people she assisted in getting an education and establishing themselves as worthy Christian members of the community and the county. She will be long remembered in this county for the unusual and outstanding work she did with people. The people who had the privilege of being associated with her constitute the final and lasting tribute to her.
Miss Beheler, along with Miss Ora Harrison, became in fact the guiding spirit of St. John's Mission, Miss Ora, the founder and titular head, and Miss Maude the teacher of arts and crafts and the everyday manager of the household chores. From the early 1920's the county school board cooperated by furnishing and paying the salary of two teachers for the elementary grades' students. Un unwritten agreement existed whereby the church Diocese (Bishop) would recommend the teachers to be employed but with the provision that they would not be members of the Episcopal Church. This policy was followed to insure that there was no use of public funds for the teaching of any particular doctrine. This arrangement with the county was terminated in 1937 when the county build a four room elementary school nearby.
The teaching program at St. John's was enriched by mission workers who had specialized in health, music, home care, community activities and other fields. Miss Maude, being a native of the county and trusted by the people of the community, was the liaison person for these "foreigners" who were strangers and not always accepted readily.
After the public school was discontinued Miss Beheler and Miss Harrison continued their mission work until 1954 when the mission was permanently closed. Afterward, Miss Maude went to the Lynchburg Training School, teaching crafts for a number of years. After her retirement from this school, she did some work privately in her home. During the time spent in nursing homes prior to her death, it was always a privilege for her friends to visit her and enjoy her cheerful manner and the great faith she exhibited at all times.
Miss Maude, as she was known by her many friends, was educated in the public schools of the county, later attending college, summer schools, taking correspondence and extension courses qualifying her as a teacher. She taught four years in the public schools, the first year in Bonbrook District 1914-15, Rocky Mount district 1915-16 and in the Burnt Chimney School 1916-18. She became interested in mission work through her association with Miss Ora Harrison around 1920, and went with her as a teacher in the St. John's Mission School near Endicott. She remained in this position for about thirty years before leaving when the school was closed. She taught a variety of crafts, including weaving, to the mountain children of the area. She engaged in Sunday school work at the mission, visited in the homes and ministered to the needs of children and adults. After leaving St. John's, she worked for several years at the Lynchburg Colony. Later living in Rocky Mount, she continued to do craft work at her home and much of her work was on display at St. John's and other churches in the county. Because of failing health, she spent her last days in a nursing home in Martinsville and passed away Jan. 19, 1978.
Miss Maude was a lady of much culture and refinement and of a quiet and retiring nature. Visitors at the school or in the home always received a gracious welcome and were treated to refreshments or a sumptuous meal. Her Christian character was reflected whatever the occasion.
The following is taken from the memoirs of Miss Maude Beheler which were written in her later days, and it is typical of herself and Miss Ora Harrison:
"Some of the events in my life that have made me what I am are
Humility, obedience, holiness, love for my fellow man, sacrifice,
devotion, kindness, suffering, and simplicity. The present state of
my inner life at times is peace, joy, happiness; at other times, turmoil
emotionally upsets, undecided about the best course to service.
People who have made the greatest influence on my life: Mother,
Father, Dr. Franc, C. Morrell, and Bishop Robert G. Jett."
To assess her impact on her community, it is only necessary to visit in the homes in the vicinity of Endicott, and see the love and devotion for her, and the fine young people she assisted in getting an education and establishing themselves as worthy Christian members of the community and the county. She will be long remembered in this county for the unusual and outstanding work she did with people. The people who had the privilege of being associated with her constitute the final and lasting tribute to her.
Miss Beheler, along with Miss Ora Harrison, became in fact the guiding spirit of St. John's Mission, Miss Ora, the founder and titular head, and Miss Maude the teacher of arts and crafts and the everyday manager of the household chores. From the early 1920's the county school board cooperated by furnishing and paying the salary of two teachers for the elementary grades' students. Un unwritten agreement existed whereby the church Diocese (Bishop) would recommend the teachers to be employed but with the provision that they would not be members of the Episcopal Church. This policy was followed to insure that there was no use of public funds for the teaching of any particular doctrine. This arrangement with the county was terminated in 1937 when the county build a four room elementary school nearby.
The teaching program at St. John's was enriched by mission workers who had specialized in health, music, home care, community activities and other fields. Miss Maude, being a native of the county and trusted by the people of the community, was the liaison person for these "foreigners" who were strangers and not always accepted readily.
After the public school was discontinued Miss Beheler and Miss Harrison continued their mission work until 1954 when the mission was permanently closed. Afterward, Miss Maude went to the Lynchburg Training School, teaching crafts for a number of years. After her retirement from this school, she did some work privately in her home. During the time spent in nursing homes prior to her death, it was always a privilege for her friends to visit her and enjoy her cheerful manner and the great faith she exhibited at all times.
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She is not dead, but sleepeth.
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