Class Notes

Rev. Natalie Kerns McWilliams writes, “It seems a strange thing to write about yourself!” Known to her classmates as “Bug” Kerns, Natalie’s path has led her to amazing and wonderful places. She says that a very naive girl of 17 arrived in Fredericksburg to begin a life of adventure that fall of 1941. During those four years, the world changed greatly and so did she!

She is grateful to MWC for lessons learned which prepared her for the years ahead, which held a wonderful marriage plus three children. Jay was a small college basketball and tennis coach whose work took them to VMI, Alfred University in New York State, and Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Retirement came in Hudson, Ohio, and it was then her turn to continue their adventure.

Both Jay and Natalie were blessed with membership in many churches as they moved. The church was always drawing her closer. Like other bewildered parents of children of the 50s and 60s, they found refuge, companionship, and amazing strength to weather the storm of many changes. Therefore, in 1978, Natalie entered seminary with the blessing of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

“A wonderful new life for all of us,” she writes. Years of blessing followed in Ashland, Ohio, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with interims in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Sullivan’s Island, and Hana, Maui. Travels to Egypt, Jordon, Israel, Greece, Italy, England, France, and Germany blessed the years. Life at Breckenridge Village in Willoughby, Ohio, continues to challenge mind and body—not to forget spirit! Natalie will always miss Jay, yet the three children are close by.

From Natalie: “Each day brings new gifts of love, opportunities to use all I have learned, and grace to support my 92 years. Most of my close classmates are gone, but for the years at MWC, thankfulness abounds. Grace to you and peace.”