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Intellect sparkles when coupled with vision. The vision of Dr. Elsie Taber, past Bishop Gadsden trustee and Professor Emeritus of Anatomy at MUSC, emerged from her own personal struggles, first, as an aspiring educator; second, as a single woman entering a male-dominated vocation; and third, as a daughter addressing vital quality of life issues when her aging mother needed care. Elsie passed away at Bishop Gadsden in 2000 but her legacy lives on. How did she become sensitive and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate? Her dear friend Bill Trawick relates the following life story: Elsie was born into an educated and privileged family. However, the Depression served to affect even the well-to-do and Elsie’s family was no exception. One of her most compelling childhood memories involved a special Christmas gift she received during that time. Her parents gave her a choice—a new dress or new earrings. She wore her new earrings with pride. When one was lost, she kept the other as a reminder of that special time and their sacrifice. Each year, she placed the one earring front and center on her Christmas tree. It served as a symbol of Elsie’s sensitivity to the needs of others. Education, women, and the elderly became her passions as she continued to develop her estate plan. She opened her home, heart and pocketbook to many students. She knew that single women or those who had been widowed early were often at a great disadvantage. Following her mother’s death, she worked tirelessly to create, through Bishop Gadsden, a retirement community that provides to others what her mother never had. “In no small way, Elsie’s vision and tenacity helped make Bishop Gadsden happen,” remarked Palmer Gaillard, Jr. who served with Elsie as an early trustee. ȁHer sharp and fertile mind focused on ways to improve and even redefine the role of a retirement community.” In the end, she endowed support for her three concerns through a charitable remainder trust. MUSC and USC have scholarships bearing her name. Recently, Bishop Gadsden Trustees added the Bishop Christopher Gadsden Ministry of Financial Assistance to her legacy. Proceeds from her trust have endowed two apartments for those who cannot afford the full cost of entrance fees. “Elsie would be so pleased with their decision,” remarked Bill Trawick. “The beauty of her estate plan is that it reflects the essence of the values she held dear.” Dr. Elsie Taber understood that every vision entails a cost, and that if the cause is worthy, then the cost is worth it. She lived her vision by investing in it. Bishop Gadsden is grateful! If you think you may qualify for one of the currently endowed apartments, please do not hesitate to contact Bill Trawick, Executive Director at Bishop Gadsden at 843/406-6342.
(L to R) Millie Strobel, President of the Advisory Council; Evelyn Glover, Advisory Council retiring treasurer; Trawick; Ann Kline, Chair of the Silent Auction.]
The Rev.Waties Haynsworth: Support
Waties comes from a long line of Citadel graduates. His grandfather was in the class of 1861, his father in 1900, his older brother in 1931, and his younger brother, Bishop Ed, in 1944. Following graduation in 1935, Waties attended seminary at Sewanee and was ordained in his home church in Sumter, S.C., in 1938. He retired in 1978 after 40 years of service. As Bishop Gadsden took shape, Waties became a charter resident, moving in on opening day, Nov. 20, 1987. He served five terms as President of the Bishop Gadsden Residents’ Association. In 1997, he established the first charitable gift annuity at Bishop Gadsden. He said, “I want to set an example. I hope my giving will be an incentive for others to support Bishop Gadsden in this way. A charitable gift annuity benefits Bishop Gadsden and helps me as well.” Recently, after reviewing his estate plan, Waties realized he could give even more. He established a new charitable gift annuity with Bishop Gadsden. “Now that I’m five years older, my new annuity rate is even higher, and my benefits remain the same. A charitable gift annuity is a good place to be if you’re being chased by a bear (market)!” Waties never really retired from the ministry. He continues to be a familiar figure on the Bishop Gadsden campus. Always ready to lend an ear and offer wise counsel, he witnesses to God’s presence in his life. His ministry continues through the spiritual leadership, direction and vision that profoundly affect all who meet him. Truly, he embodies “quietness and confidence” and inspires all of us by his example. We feel blessed to count him as a friend.
Bishop Gadsden Copyright © 2008, VirtualGiving |
Bishop Gadsden Apartment Endowment Ministry Off To A Good Beginning Thanks to Legacy Gift of Elsie Taber
Under the watchful gaze of Bishop Christopher Gadsden, a check for the proceeds from the 2002 Advisory Council Silent Auction is presented to Bishop Gadsden's Executive Director Bill Trawick.
Every age needs visionaries -- people who imagine a better way, a better society and a better world and work to make it so. Visionaries are ordinary people with an extraordinary sense of the future. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” is a promise from Isaiah 30:15, which is embodied in our friend and resident, the Rev. Waties Haynsworth.