Memorials: Miss Elizabeth B. Lawrence

(Holley Gazette, September, 1997)

Elizabeth Lawrence, “Libbie” to her friends, was born in Royalton, New York October 6, 1864. Her parents were Cyrus and Mary Lawrence. The family moved to Fancher and in 1880 to Holley. After being baptized, February 15, 1885, Elizabeth joined the Church.

A very missionary-minded person, Miss Lawrence was leader of the “Farther Lights” and served on the missionary committee. During the centennial celebration, February 1926, she gave the missionary history of the Church. She also served on committees for supplying the pulpit, arranging for evangelistic services, sat on an ordination council and was a delegate to the Orleans Baptist Association. But she is best remembered for starting the class that bore her name for over eighty years.

Recognizing the need of an additional Sunday school class she took this need to the pastor, Mr. Herrell. He encouraged her to proceed with her plan. July 3, 1906 it was formed and named after her. According to Mrs. Herrell, “…her heart was centered in her church & in this class in particular. She spent much of her time in the study of the Sunday school lessons that she might impart its truths to those present. …This seemed to be her chief concern. This class was on her heart constantly interested in everyone connected with it. …She was clever, witty, undemonstrative and a real friend to those she could minister to….She was a real manager. She did it in a quiet way….”

July 10, 1931, the Lawrence Fellowship Class celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary at the “Holley Inn.” Miss Lawrence was the guest of honor. Six months later she passed away very suddenly, January 13, (1932), at her home at 60 Geddes Street.” She was sixty seven years of age. Again quoting Mrs. Herrell “…the death of Miss Elizabeth Lawrence removes from our midst one of the most widely known citizens of our village. The suddenness of her death came as a shock. …However if we could choose our own way of leaving this world, …many…would choose to go as she did. …to be useful to the last and then go home without pain or lingering illness.” The funeral service was appropriately held in the First Baptist Church. She was buried in the Hillside Cemetery in Holley.

“Tenderly the Lord has spoken To an aged pilgrim friend; Mortal ties for her are broken, She has reached her journeys end.”

Mrs. Herrell then states “1st Her love of and belief in the Scriptures and their Divine Author as final authority…2nd Her trust in Christ alone as her Savior 3rd Her witnessing to Him and His Word…were the three most valuable and abiding qualities of her life….” There is a seven page memorial recorded in the Lawrence Fellowship Class’ minutes and two pages in the Trustee’s eulogizing this lady’s life and service. ?

A project that the Class had been working on for a few years prior to her death, was a new lighting system for the Church. The class decided this would be a fitting memorial to their leader. The work was completed in 1933, at a cost of $91.17 and a dedication ceremony was held January 9, 1934. The following is the presentation made by the president.

“Some few years-ago Miss Elizabeth Lawrence, the founder and teacher of the Lawrence Fellowship Class was convinced that the church was in need of new lights, and so, in her deliberate way she brought it before the class.

She spoke, one most suggestive word, so full of wisdom-and of thought, and every waiting heart was stirred by that great message that she brought. While for the other things, she pled, This was our greatest need, she said ‘New Lights.’

And now since she has gone to dwell, Where saints in endless blessings share, That work for which she planned so well, Demanded from us increasing care, for still we heard from her, that word ‘New Lights.’

One, who when here among us did let her light so shine, among men, as to glorify her Father who is in Heaven.

At this time, as president of the L.F.C. it gives me great pleasure to present to the First Baptist Church of Holley, the new lights, in memory of our long beloved and devoted teacher, Miss Elizabeth Lawrence.”

It is interesting to note that, probably the only remaining lights from that original installation are the two in the prayer room and perhaps the one over the organ keyboard.