Harry Lionel Meredith, Jr., 1905-1990

Harry Lionel Meredith, Jr. was born May 2, 1905, in Hagerstown, Maryland, the son of Harry L. Meredith and Marie Maisch Meredith.

At the age of 55, Harry was ordained deacon by Bishop Paul Neff Garber at the 1960 session of the Virginia Annual Conference in Fredericksburg. In his prior civilian life Harry served first the U.S. Army and afterwards was engaged in automotive and real estate businesses.

Active in the "No Silent Pulpits" program and as part-time local pastor, Harry served 17 years in the following churches in the Alexandria and Arlington districts from 1957 to 1974: Vale, Accotink, St. Luke's, Bethel and Silverbrook. The love and appreciation between Harry and these congregations was manifestly evidenced by the warmth and spirit of the large number of laity in attendance at Harry's funeral at Dulin Church in Falls Church on September 9, 1990.

At Harry's funeral, Arlington District Superintendent Robinson H. McAden spoke the following in his words of tribute: "Harry Meredith was a man who truly loved God, his family, and his church. Each time I visited with Harry the conversation centered on these three. Though he had already retired when I first met him, he was always anxious to find a place to serve. Whether it was teaching a Sunday school class, preaching in a retirement home, or filling in for a pastor in the local church, Harry was quick to say 'yes,' and always prepared to share his faith. He was grateful for what God had done in his own life, and wanted others to experience that walk with God."

It was bypass surgery in 1972 that consequently led to Harry's semi-retirement in 1974. However, as the Rev. McAden said, even afterwards and almost up to his death, September 6, 1990, Harry always readily responded to calls and opportunities for service.

Harry is survived by his wife, Frances Edwards Meredith; a son, Carlisle -- both of Falls Church -- a sister, a brother, and two granddaughters.

Harry enjoyed a love for sports. He was an avid reader, always interested in education, as indicated by his 1956 and 1971-72 study at American University. By nature he was a quiet man, and genuinely valued close friends. As much as life itself, Harry loved his wife and family, and his Lord.

-J. Courtney Sheffield