In gratitude for the life of Hugh Banninga
by Jean Martin
In 1964 the Reverend Hugh E. Banninga was named rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church. It was here that he and Lynn raised their family.
Over the course of the next 50 years Hugh served as educator, counselor, volunteer, committee member, board member and de facto Pastor-At-Large to the whole St. Johns community.
Hugh has left our midst, but in many ways he lives on in the community.
Hugh joined Jeanne Rand and other former Board members during an anniversary celebration for Relief After Violent Encounter (RAVE).
If you have ever ridden on the CRV blue bus, spent a pleasant hour or so at the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum, eaten lunch at the Senior Center, you can thank Hugh Banninga. If you or someone you know ever needed a warm meal for the homebound, extra educational services, intervention for a domestic crisis — or local help in any crisis for that matter, then you need to remember that Hugh was somewhere behind the scenes making sure that it happened.
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?”
Well done, good and faithful servant.
